Arrival in Garanom

After nine days of relentless travel, the carriage lurched to a halt at the border checkpoint of Garanom. The rain had subsided, giving way to an eerie calm that hung in the air like a shroud. The border area was a bustling hub of activity despite the late hour, with soldiers in gleaming armor checking papers and merchants haggling over wares. The scent of damp earth and the distant tang of iron mixed with the aroma of roasting meats wafting from nearby campfires.

The guards at the checkpoint eyed them with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Your business in Garanom?" one of them barked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Aldwyn met his gaze without hesitation. "We're looking for work and information," he replied. "I may also be planning to look for a place to stay and become a citizen of Garanom, but I can't say for sure yet."

The guard scrutinized their travel-worn faces before stamping the papers with a heavy seal. "Very well," he grunted, handing them the documents. "You've got your visitor's visa. Remember, it needs to be renewed every month if you wish to stay longer." He then jerked his thumb towards the city. "Garanom is a place of opportunity, but it's also a place of shadows. Watch your backs and keep your wits about you."

The carriage rumbled forward, the city of Garanom looming closer with every step the horses took. The massive walls surrounding it were a testament to its grandeur, a bastion of civilization amidst the harsh wilderness. The stones were so large that it seemed as if giants had laid them in place, their gray surfaces gleaming wetly in the moonlight. The walls stretched upward, disappearing into the night sky, making the city look like a fortress that could withstand the apocalypse itself.

As they approached the gates, the guards called for them to halt. The rain had let up to a light drizzle, casting a fine mist over the scene. The air was thick with the anticipation of their arrival, the weight of their journey and the secrets they bore pressing down on their shoulders. Lila sat up straight, her eyes alert as she surveyed the scene, while Aldwyn remained relaxed.

The guard called out, "You two, step down from the carriage and follow me." His voice was firm, a command that left no room for argument. They complied, their boots thudding against the cobblestone as they followed him to a nearby central office. The building was nondescript, a square edifice with a single candle flickering in the window. It was here that all newcomers were subjected to a second round of scrutiny.

„They are extremely strict here... But that's to be expected, I've heard that Emperor Valerian, the ruler of Garanom, is very careful and merciless." Aldwyn thought to himself as he followed the orders.

The guard behind the desk was a grizzled veteran, his eyes sharp and knowing. "Where do you hail from?" he inquired, his gaze unwavering.

"Vellaris," Lila replied, her voice steady. "We've come seeking better opportunities in the capital."

The veteran nodded slowly, his eyes scanning their travel-worn attire. "Aye, many do. But Garanom isn't kind to the unprepared. What skills do you possess?"

"I'm a skilled fighter who has experienced a lot," said Aldwyn. "And she," he pointed to Lila, "she's also got a little fighting experience, even if there's still room for improvement."

The veteran looked at them with skepticism. "I understand, but let me be more specific.... Which pathway do you belong to?" He asked in a firm voice.

„They even want to know that..." Aldwyn thought to himself as he sighed.

"I am an assassin," he announced, his voice cold. "Stage one of the Assassin's pathway."

Lila remained quiet for a few seconds before answering. "Warrior Pathway, stage one."

The veteran nodded slightly as he wrote down the details, his quill moving with swift precision over the parchment. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, a silent challenge in his gaze. "Warrior, huh? We'll see about that. Garanom is a city that values strength and skill."

"All right, final question," he announced. "What are you two planning to do here?"

Aldwyn leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. "We seek employment and information," he replied. "I've heard there's work for those who are skilled."

The veteran nodded and wrote down the details. "You are almost done. I'm obligated by law to recite the rules of Garanom to you both. Every citizen and visitor is required to follow them unconditionally, otherwise punishments may be imposed. Depending on the degree, even prison sentences of several years!" He explained as he took out the rule book.

"Rule number one: A strict dress code must be followed. Revealing clothing is only permitted at temperatures above 30° and/or on certain events. Weapons may only be worn openly in exceptional circumstances and faces must always be recognizable.

"Rule number two: Garanom is under a strict curfew from midnight to sunrise. Citizens who break this rule are punished and have to appear before the council of the respective district.

"Rule number three: Every week, on Sunday at twelve noon, a ritual must be held in which the citizens declare their loyalty to Emperor Valerian. This takes place in the great halls of the respective district.

"Rule number four: The use of magic by ordinary citizens will be punished, the punishment depends on the severity of the case. The exception exists if it was for the common good or in self-defense.

"Rule number five: It is forbidden to question information about Emperor Valerian or the city itself. Citizens are encouraged not to spread unauthorized rumours. Only authorized messengers are permitted to spread information.

"That's all, as long as you stick to these rules, there's no problem," he explained as he closed the book again.

„It's a miracle that I can still breathe on my own without asking for permission..." Aldwyn replied sarcastically to himself.

Putting the book down, he looked at both with a serious expression. "Your visitor's visa lasts one month, if you want to stay longer, you have to go to the consulate of the respective district one day before your visa expires."

They nodded in understanding. As they turned to leave, the veteran called out, "One more thing. Take this." He pushed a folded map towards them. "This is a map of Garanom, every visitor gets it to navigate in the best possible way. If you want to learn more about each district, visit the headquarters at the district council building."

They took the map and stepped out of the office, the chilly air a stark contrast to the warmth they had just left behind.

Aldwyn examined the map briefly to get a rough overview.

They were in 'Choucsea', also known as the foreigners' district. It is located in the northern part of the city. Right next to it is the industrial district 'Rerkirby', also in the northern part.

There were also two districts in the eastern part of the city. The first was 'Vantus', the church district, and the second was 'Smithshire', the district where the city's nobles resided.

The southern part also contained two districts. The commercial district 'Cresalpike' and the university district 'Nalisibury'.

The western part had only one district called 'Portplace' which was the financial district of the City.

Last but not least, there was the 'Lyneerth' district, which was the government district. It was in the center of the city and was connected to each of the other districts. There was also the palace of Emperor Valerian, right in the center of the city, allowing him to oversee the entire city.

They went to a modest inn at the edge of Choucsea, where the smell of baked bread and roasting meats wafted through the air. The place was called "The Rusty Nail," and it looked like it had seen better days. The wooden sign creaked in the wind as if it were whispering secrets of the weary travelers who had passed beneath it.

They both paid twenty Lexus for a room. Their intention was to spend the rest of the night in this inn before they could get better organized for tomorrow.

....