Chapter 21:- Property Guild

William's eyes gleamed with a light of contentment and anticipation as he surveyed the cityscape of Emberfall. This was a place he'd heard tales of in hushed whispers and elaborate storytelling, a city that had long tugged at his heartstrings with the promise of tranquility and stability. Its reputation as a haven, free from the chaotic whirlwind of politics, the looming shadow of demons, and the often divisive influence of religious factions, made it an ideal place to live in his eyes.

Emberfall City boasted four grand entrances, each facing a cardinal direction, a testament to its strategic design. The Wyvern Hawk, like a gentle giant, began its descent towards the Southern entrance, its grand wings stirring up dust as it neared the ground.

All the while, William busied himself with counting the gold coins, ensuring the accurate sum for their fare. As soon as the Wyvern Hawk's claws made contact with the earth, he promptly handed the payment to Jack. The action elicited a brief, appreciative nod from the taciturn man.

"Our gratitude for the safe journey," William said, the relief and gratitude evident in his tone. Jack merely nodded once more in acknowledgment, a man of few words to the very end.

With Aimee peacefully snoozing in her arms, Isabella carefully dismounted the Wyvern Hawk. Jack displayed a surprising patience, lingering as William busied himself with unloading their belongings from the Wyvern Hawk's back.

Once everything was unloaded, Jack nudged the Wyvern Hawk and ascended back into the sky, bound for a nearby town. It was there, in his hometown, that he intended to pay his respects to his recently deceased grandmother.

Watching the Wyvern Hawk shrink in the sky, William turned to Isabella. Their gazes met, and they shared a silent moment, nodding in silent agreement. They were ready to embark on their new life here in Emberfall, ready to start anew.

William found himself gazing up in sheer awe at the towering, formidable walls of Emberfall City. The city walls were truly a marvel of architecture and engineering, standing proudly at an impressive height, creating a physical barrier that seemed to ward off any potential threats. Constructed from a unique blend of stone and iron, the walls bore the testament of excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The stones, large and perfectly hewn, were fitted seamlessly together with no discernible gaps or weaknesses. They had an ageless quality to them, weathered by time and the elements, yet sturdy and unyielding. Tinged with hues of charcoal gray and rusted iron, the walls were imposing and unyielding in their silent vigilance.

Where the stone ended, iron reinforcements began, their purpose not merely decorative but to provide an added layer of strength and durability. The ironwork was intricately designed, forming geometric patterns that were as aesthetically pleasing as they were functional.

The southern entrance, through which they were about to pass, was a magnificent archway, standing tall and wide. It was framed with ornately decorated iron and stone, masterfully crafted into intricate designs that depicted various scenes of peace, prosperity, and courage. Flanked by twin stone towers, the entrance exuded an aura of grandeur and solemnity.

As for the guards, there were several stationed at the entrance, their vigilant eyes scrutinizing each person waiting in line to enter the city. They wore armor that glimmered in the sunlight, their weapons held ready but not threatening, professional and alert. High up on the ramparts, more soldiers were perched, each armed with a longbow and a quiver full of arrows. They watched with eagle eyes, ready to protect their city at a moment's notice.

Adding to the city's defenses were large cannons mounted at strategic intervals along the wall. These hulking machines of war were silent and still, yet the threat they posed was corporeal. They served as a silent reminder that Emberfall City was a peaceful place, but not one to be trifled with.

The wait in line had felt long, but now it was finally their turn. The guards, disciplined and diligent, paused momentarily when their eyes landed on Isabella. A murmur of admiration spread among them as they took in her striking beauty, but professionalism quickly regained its foothold. The soldiers, although momentarily swayed, were quick to regain their focus and continue with their duties. Their faces reddened slightly, and they coughed to clear their throats before resuming their official demeanor.

"What's your name, sir?" the head guard queried, pen poised over a parchment.

"William Lane," he answered crisply, striving to keep the nervousness out of his voice.

"And them?" The guard gestured towards Isabella and Aimee.

"This little one is my daughter, Aimee Lane. And the lady accompanying us is Isabella, Aimee's caregiver and an esteemed member of our family." He found himself stumbling slightly as he spoke Isabella's name, struck by the sudden realization that he didn't know her last name. A pang of regret stirred in him for this oversight, but he quickly pushed it aside.

The guard jotted their names down with swift, efficient strokes of his pen. He then looked up, eyeing them once more, his expression serious. "What brings you to Emberfall City?"

"We hail from the Flaming Dominion Empire," William responded. "I intend to establish my business here and make this city our new home." There was a flicker of surprise in the guards' eyes. It was no small feat to travel from the Flaming Dominion Empire, a journey fraught with many perils and difficulties. Yet, here stood a family of three who had undertaken that journey to start a new life.

"To reside in this city, you'll require City Residence Cards," the head guard instructed, setting aside his pen. He gestured to another soldier, a young man named Nathan. "Nathan, please escort them to the registration office."

Nathan, a sturdy man in his late twenties, stepped forward, his face mirroring the dutiful seriousness of his comrades. "Sir, if you would kindly follow me," he said, guiding William, Isabella, and Aimee away from the line.

"Please leave your luggage here for inspection," another guard called out. "It's a mandatory security measure. Rest assured, we'll take the utmost care with your belongings. Once the inspection is completed, your luggage will be delivered to the registration office." William nodded in understanding. Compliance with these rules was crucial, especially for someone like him who was trying to establish a foothold in the city. It was a necessary procedure for maintaining the security and harmony of the city, a protocol that everyone, barring a select few VIPs, had to adhere to.

Their residency cards were processed in a timely manner, with each person receiving a card and three gold coins - one per person. When they were done and emerged from the registration office, William found their luggage waiting outside. As promised, it had been delivered safely, left in the care of a guard stationed nearby.

As they stood, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, a figure approached them. A man dressed in white, his hair cut short and a neat beard framing his face. His bamboo hat, tipped slightly to one side, cast a shadow over his eyes, giving him a mysterious air.

"Sir, you and your family have the look of newcomers," he called out, a friendly grin on his face as he approached them. "Have you a destination in mind? Or perhaps you'd like a tour of our fair city? Trust in me, for I know every nook and cranny, every hidden gem this city has to offer. The only place I'm not allowed to take you is the City Lord's Castle, which, I'm sure you understand, is a restricted area."

He had the confident air of someone who knew his city like the back of his hand, his eyes sparkling with the pride of a true Emberfall citizen. William couldn't help but be reminded of Old Joseph, the carriage driver he had met when he had first stepped out of the Emperor's Castle. How far they had come since then. William looked at the carriage driver with a thoughtful expression, contemplating his proposal.

"I seek a dwelling for the three of us," William declared, his eyes firm with a resolution born of many days on the road. The journey was long and arduous, but they were finally here, and now was not the time for dallying or sightseeing. The urgency of settling down, of creating a new home in Emberfall City, hung heavy in the air between them. He knew they needed to establish roots as swiftly as possible for his daughter's sake and for their peace of mind.

The carriage driver, catching on to William's seriousness, straightened himself up. "Might I suggest the Property Guild, sir?" he offered, his voice hinting at his familiarity with the city's workings.

"Yes, that would be ideal," William agreed, nodding his appreciation for the man's efficiency.

"Very well, make yourselves comfortable in the carriage. I shall have you at the Property Guild in a trice," the driver assured them. He stepped forward to assist William with their considerable luggage, hoisting it up with surprising strength and skill to secure it on the back of the open carriage. The man handled their belongings with care, nodding to himself once everything was stowed securely.

As they all clambered into the vehicle, the carriage driver climbed up to his perch, the reins in his hand. With a flick of his wrist and a command to his horses, they were on their way, rolling smoothly towards the heart of Emberfall City and their new life.

The Property Guild of Emberfall City played a pivotal role in the day-to-day life of its citizens. Serving as a bridge between property owners and those seeking to rent or buy, it ensured that everyone could find a suitable dwelling that catered to their needs and budget.

Firstly, the guild meticulously maintained a comprehensive database of all residential and commercial properties within the city. This included houses, apartments, shops, offices, and even stables or warehouses. Every property was listed with detailed information regarding its location, size, facilities, current condition, rental or selling price, and terms and conditions of the contract.

Secondly, the guild provided consultation services to prospective buyers or tenants. They took into account a person's requirements, from the number of rooms to proximity to amenities, and proposed a list of suitable properties. Potential tenants were also guided regarding the usual practices, legalities, and rental agreements.

The Property Guild was also responsible for conducting inspections and assessments of the properties listed under its jurisdiction. It was their responsibility to ensure that the properties were safe, structurally sound, and met all necessary health and sanitation standards. They were also tasked with resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, offering an impartial platform for negotiation and mediation.

Moreover, the guild offered additional services like help with moving in or out, legal paperwork, property maintenance and renovation advice, and even financing options for those looking to buy properties. They were also known to liaise with other guilds such as the Merchant's Guild and the Craftsman's Guild to help newcomers settle into their new life.

Through its functions, the Property Guild took out the uncertainty and hassle of finding a suitable dwelling. They turned what could be a daunting task into a more streamlined, efficient process, and in doing so, played an integral role in shaping the living environment of Emberfall City.

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