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Levente

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Chapter 8
A Hollow City

A large, maple red Dhow, gently floated down the Saltin river. Its large three masts held the cleanest, milk-white sheets that one can see. It's polished desks and gleaming cannons, along with the tanned eleven sailors made the ship appear as if it was from a dream. The ship, named Isabella after the captain's wife, was a long sixty foot ship known to the pride of the Saltin River, and of Dras'Vorgin. Such sights can be seen delay, on the river between Dras'Vorgin and Telemont, but the ship was moving away from the large stone city. Dras'Vorgin was known to be one of the cleanest cities in the world, with it's incredible heat, the citizens knew it was only time before a disease ripped through the stone marvels ending the beauty and the life. So the ancient citizens, built large aqueducts that ran for hundreds of miles, under a shaded cloth that ran with the water keeping it cool and fresh. Sewers were made and remade, many times to keep the city clean. Such wonders was only a myth, and only in a few cities did the myth come alive.
The river Saltin was also a large wonder in the Bathr Desert. Once a lifeless, and wasteland that stretched for hundreds of leagues in every directions, a unknown river flowed through the desert hundreds of years ago producing life and a city. The name Saltin, was given by the people of Dras'Vorgin after their God, knowing that with the river there would be no life. Dras'Vorgin was founded upon three separate cities, spanning miles from each other until they connected producing one big city. It's white marble, buildings rose high into the heavens with large luxurious gardens sprouting from the homes and business. Stores, and business would be at the bottom of buildings, opened to the welcomed visitors, while apartments and homes would be on top.

04-Dec-2009 00:29:51 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:37:51 by Levente

Levente

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Pests and litter was not a problem in the city, and the city was clean and happy. Many citizens of Dras'Vorgin lived on the eastern banks of the Sultin, for that was the holy side of the desert, though some lived on the western not many joined them.
Out on the western banks of the river, lived an old ferryman. He and his family have attended to the needs of people, who wished to cross the Saltin for many many years. His family's ancestors were known to follow this trade for decades, and for that they were respected. Though the old ferryman lived in a small two story villa at the edge of the river, along with his ferryboat and it's dock, he felt fulfilled in life. Standing on the banks of the river, his hard stern face seemed to scan the river's edge. Finally his warm green eyes fell upon the Dhow that was leaving the harbor of Dras'Vorgin, and returning back to Telemont. “Another one .. gone.” he muttered under his breath.
“Father! Father!”
The old ferryman turned around and faced his daughter who was a twenty year old beauty. Many wealthy merchants made offers to wed her, but one by one she had refused, telling them of finding her true love. She was as strong as marble, thought the old ferryman. Her loose long brown hair waved in the wind, as she pointed to a small sandy hill near their home. There, three small specks were seen staring down on them, and barely, just barely the old ferryman saw a color of pink waving back with the wind.
~ ~ ~
The horses stopped at the edge of the sand dune, allowing their riders to stare down at the steep edge. Nathan urged Badger forward and saw that the hill was nearly vertical. Grinning, Nathan turned to Neiko and Star. “I wouldn't try it Nathan.” warned Neiko, singing. Nathan urged his horse again, and they were sliding down the sandy slope. Nathan whistled loudly as the hot air and sand few past him, then suddenly Badger slipped on his left sending his rider to the ground.

04-Dec-2009 00:29:56 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:38:29 by Levente

Levente

Posts: 4,675 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Nathan fell right now his back with a groan, while Badger walked off from his owner. The hot sun, beat down on Nathan as he felt his head starting to beat heavily. Soon enough, Neiko arrived with a large mocking smile on her face and she stared down from his horse at him. “How was the ride?” Neiko asked, getting off the horse. Star giggled. Neiko lending her hand, helped Nathan up on his feet.
“Maybe next time, I will have a smoother ride.” he replied.
They walked together towards the small villa at the edge of the river, Neiko held the reins while Star rode on the horse. Badger ran off, towards a small old stranger that seemed to greet them near the villa. “Welcome back to Dras'Vorgin, my friend..” the old man smiled. He wore a long white robe, with a matching cap that hung around his neck exposing only his face to the sun. He wore a piece of robe around his waist, securing his clothing. “Philious, how's my favorite ferryman?” replied Neiko, as she hugged the old ferryman. “It has been too long.” Philious, had a round stomach that hung over with a round tanned face. He had large green eyes, and short black hair that was beginning to bald. His hard stern face made him look ancient, but he was only in his late sixties.
“Please, please my friend come inside. Let us get out of this burning heat, and tell me who is this young gentleman and the child?”
“This is Nathan Corway, and that is Star. I am taking them to visit Kenta in the city.” replied Neiko. Star smiled at the old ferry, who returned the smile and then shook hands with Nathan. “May I offer my hospitality to you, Nathan. Oh, and this is my daughter Heidi.” Philious introduced. The girl was a tall, thin beauty that seemed to float rather than walk. Her steady pace and her hair blowing in the wind, seemed to allow her to appear mystical rather than human. Her waist-long black hair, and light green eyes made her appear to be a princess rather than a ferry man's daughter.

04-Dec-2009 00:30:01 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:31:52 by Levente

Levente

Posts: 4,675 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The girl approached them and gave a small nod, with a nice smile. “I am sorry, my friend but she does not speak English very well.” responded Philious.
“It is fine, Philious, but we are in a hurry. Is it possible for you to begin your trade earlier than you normally do?” asked Neiko.
“Bright and early, is my normal tone. Time does past, making it harder and harder for me, but for you Neiko we shall start when you wish.” replied Philious, with a great smile.
~ ~ ~
'The River's Sapphire,' one of the few ships left in dock was a normal scene with it's dark fading brown color and light colored sails. It's small fifteen foot structure was easy for one man to control and use, even if the person was a old man. The ship had only one mast that stood at the center of the Dhow, with a second story on the top and bottom storage where cattle could be placed allowed travelers to cross the Saltin. Philious stood in front of the large helm directing the movement of the boat carefully like a skilled artist into the dock. This Dhow was specially built with no structure or cabins on board other than a small storage where coal was stored to power the engine below the first story, but since there was high winds the engine was not needed that much. The ship was constructed with three stories, one where the coal and engine was, the first floor where most of the passengers or cattle were and the small second story where the helm was.
The heat seemed to quench the ship, making the people on board to feel as if the ride was endless. Neiko sat near the helm with her legs stretched out, as Philious steered the ship. Nathan and Star were below watching the city of Dras'Vorgin appear bigger and bigger, as they approached it. Philious was silent, except for a few questions of Neiko's health and fortune which she replied in a positive attitude and told everything that had happened since they last saw each other, vividly.

04-Dec-2009 00:30:06 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:38:41 by Levente

Levente

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As they entered the harbor, the boat's atmosphere changed with that passengers as they saw the horrible change of the city. Dras'Vorgin was known to be a white, clean and lovely city but what they saw was completely the opposite. There were no longer large crowds of cheerful people dressed in beautiful garments but instead there were few people dozen people at the dock dressed in rags and filth. The stalls long deserted remain empty and unattended. The city, itself, seemed to be dying from a plague for the walls were dirtied and unwashed. The vast gardens remained with nothing but large vines and skeletons of trees, and not it's luscious colors. Few ships were docked at the ports and those that were, were in disrepair and could not leave the docks. Neiko, sat up and watched in awe at the troubling sight.
“Sad, is it not?” asked Philious. He shock his head before continuing. “For the last two years, I have watched my homeland become what it is now, and the troubles are still getting worst. Such sorrow has never lived within these walls before.”
“What has happened?” Neiko asked.
*Corruption and threats. The Shadow Seekers have been seen in the desert many a times. Large winged creatures, as well as men with swords and bows walk the lands of my people now destroying our way of life. The king does not wish to do anything since his mystic warned him of an assassin. So the king does not allow any outsiders to come in the walls.”So the king does not allow any outsiders to come in the walls.”
“Why does he allow you?”
“I am not an outsider, my family has served the kingdom for many centuries but when I drop you at the docks you will have trouble from the guards. Such sorrow is to be seen here … ” said Philious, with a sad face. “I sometimes, think that I should send my daughter down to Telemont but it isn't much better than here.”

04-Dec-2009 00:30:10 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:39:23 by Levente

Levente

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Guards with large spears began to form at the dock where the Dhow was meant to make port. Their gleaming swords could be seen shining in the sunlight, as they made a double line around the entrance. Nathan rushed upstairs, with Star trailing behind. “What is happening?” he demanded. Still dumbstruck of the site, Neiko did not reply but merely stared at the guards in front of them. Philious, moved from the helm, and grabbed a large rope tossing it to a soldier on the dock, who tied it.
“Come down, and place your business!” demanded a solder at the head of the port. *Disarm yourselves if you wish to pass in peace.”
Slowly the three traveler stepped off the Dhow and onto the dock. Nathan slowly, reached for his crozier and placed it on the ground, stepping away from it. Neiko, however withdrew his bow and furiously threw it at the armed guard. More soldiers appeared and approached them, taking Nathan's bags while other soldiers aboard the Dhow checking for other passengers. One soldier stepped in front of Neiko, smirking wickedly. “You know, I do have to check you .. for any weapons,” teased the guard.
Neiko did not look at the soldier but appeared to be growing in anger. Star pushed herself, more firmly onto Nathan's leg in fear. “I would not do that, sir,” warned Nathan. But his warning was taken without notice.
The guard reached for Neiko in a meaningful way but before his hand could touch his desire, Neiko grabbed the soldier's wrist and twisted it hard. She then pressed the wrist down, breaking it and then pushed the soldier into the water. The guards around them, quickly reacted and reached for their scimitars.
“Fire's of Hell, what is going on here?” boomed a voice further down the dock. An over sized man stomped his way towards them. His arms, twice the size of Nathan's calves, were bare and muscular. The giant was roughly seven feet tall, with a gigantic chest and arms. He wore a robe around his waist with no shirt on.

04-Dec-2009 00:30:15 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:33:50 by Levente

Levente

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Large leather straps were rapped around his torso holding a two edged battle-ax on the giants back. The man's face was of a warriors, who enjoyed the thrill and violence, had a hanging black beard that extended down to his upper chest. Soldiers followed the giant but they followed a good number of feet behind him.
Nathan knowing that they were going to be thrown into the stockades, felt like crying out in anger against Neiko's stubbornness. What happened cause Nathan to be confused rather than angry. Neiko squealed out in joy, “Blafor!” The giant grinned widely and knelt down to hug the overjoyed Neiko. The soldiers, as well as Nathan and Star, stared in dead amazement and confusion.
“How are you, my lovely girl?” roared Blafor in great happiness. He released Neiko and stood up to his true height, which towered above Neiko's own.
“Amazed. We have much to talk, Blafor, and you are looking great as ever,” Neiko replied, looking at him puckishly.
“I am still existing. I see that you are up to no good, as always.” Blafor said, peering at the man in the water who was nursing a broken wrist. “But do not mind that, please come.” Blafor began to walk away, but Neiko did not follow until she signed for Nathan and Star to follow. Nathan grabbed his baggage, strapping it to his back and held Star's hand, following Neiko.
Blafor led them past the armed guards who were surprised to see their own captain so cheery at a time like this, and into the city. Crates and wagons were overturned and spread all over the courtyard which seemed to be a large market square, but it had seen better days. The square quickly changed into a encampment, as they turned a corner and infantry men were seen everywhere. Most of them sat down and tried to avoid the sun as much as possible, but the heat still drenched them in their own sweat. A large light blue tent was past the carts and men, with large poles supporting it.

04-Dec-2009 00:30:20 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:34:43 by Levente

Levente

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Two guards stood to each side of the entrance and rose their hands to their chests when Blafor past them.
Inside the tent was a nice mellow room, with a relaxing atmosphere. A large rug lay on the floor, with tiny crystal mirrors on the sides with cabinets attached to them. An aura of essence could be smelled by Nathan, with a hint of lily flowers that used to haunt the edge of Glamis. Blafor sat down on some large cushions that littered the rug, and Neiko joined him. They sat around in a large circle, with Star close to Nathan and Nathan opposite from Neiko. Blafor got a large bowl of water from a table and drank it down quickly, letting some of the water to spill on the floor. Nathan did not mutter a word on this savageness. Nathan was raised proper by Alden not matter if they were thieves or not.
*Now then, what brings you here to the hot world of Dras'Vorgin?” asked Blafor. He placed the bowl aside from him and placed his hands in his lap.
“We are here, for mostly business but I am personally here to see an old friend. He is supposed to help me on a short history puzzle that I have been working on for a while now.* Neiko replied, cause Nathan to look at her direction, however she did not return the look.
“History? You don't look like that boring type of person, Neiko,” Blafor laughed, hardly. “Wasting time stuffed on mold covered scrolls and texts, no wonder those people live a poor life. I am sure, you are here to see Kenta though. Am I right? Poor rat .. the man had lost everything in such a short time I do not even think he realizes it. He stays at his manor now, never comes out even for food. Usually some friendly neighbor or friend that known him before this gives him something to eat and drink but that is far from it. Some say, he stays at his house to guard whatever he has left from thieves but we all know he truly doesn't have anything left .. except that bird of his.”

04-Dec-2009 00:30:25 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:35:01 by Levente

Levente

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The room became quiet, but from the wind that below sadly and lonely outside. Nathan looked from one face to another, Neiko's first and then Blafor and saw how sad they were. Dras'Vorgin must have been a beautiful place thought Nathan. “What has happened here?” asked Nathan feeling it was his time to speak.
Blafor looked up, and appeared as if he saw Nathan and Star for the first time. “Well it started about two years ago .. Some say it differently but personally I find this to be the start of it. There was a jousting and sword tournament that was being held for the prince, who was turning seventeen. The days were long and full of excitement and thrill, of becoming the next champion. The festivals lasted for nearly a week and at the end of it, people were beginning to leave the city and return to the local villages around the desert. One quiet night, I retreated myself to my favorite tavern where I spoke to a bartender about the day. We spoke for sometime, before shouting was heard from a table. I turned around and saw one man strike another one and then trot off. Before he left I saw his face, as he looked at me and I must say .. those eyes the man had were pale and cold.” Blafor looked at everyone in the tent with small fear in his voice and eyes. “Later I was awaken one early morning by an apartment leaser, telling me her tenant was killed. So I followed her to his apartment building and she lead me up to the apartment where the person was killed. It was a woman, probably killed two days ago but what really scared the owner was 'The Mark' that was burned onto her chest.”
“'The Mark'?” asked Nathan.
“Yes, the mark of a servant of the Shadow Seekers. The girls murder was quite puzzling to me, but then I saw that the killer left his cloak there out of depression or fear, I don't know but I knew right away who it was. The same person who I saw earlier at the tavern strike the man, wore the same cloak.

04-Dec-2009 00:30:29 - Last edited on 04-Dec-2009 00:39:55 by Levente

Levente

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It was a fine bear fur one, with a neat white edging at the top and you do not see that a lot here in the desert. I returned to the same tavern and to my surprise the man was there. We looked at each other and somehow he knew so he drew his sword. My men slowly corned him and upon that he lost his sword in the fight. Drawing his dagger, he tried to continue the fight but he lost in vain .. as well as his arm.” Blafor pointed, about two inches from his wrist. “He spoke a word after and then I could not see for sometime. Even now my eyes are worst, thanks to the damn light. Most likely he fled the city, but about a month later he returned with an onslaught of men. They fought themselves towards the palace and the prince unaware of it was in the gardens. They found themselves to the prince and spoke to him in private. I or my men could not get to him for they barricaded themselves at the garden hedges. Then they left .. in the prince's protection.
“And then what happened?” asked Neiko.
“Afterwards, all the travelers and merchants that wished to come into the city weren't allowed. The prince ordered the city to be closed and guarded with no one to enter the city. Since then, everyone has been leaving the city, or left here to starve. This city is going to hell at this rate … ”
“Look Blafor, we must talk to Kenta and it is with or without your help. This puzzle of mine, is far to important to be merely forgot about.” replied Neiko, with a firm voice.
Blafor did not reply immediately for a man stepped into the tent. The man was a short citizen, dressed in a deep purple robe that hung down to his feet. He held a high and proud face, but upon seeing Nathan, Star and Neiko, his face began to match the color of his robe. “Blafor, are you mad?! No one must enter the city! Get them out at once, or I'll report you.” Blafor reared up from his cushion and stared down at the tiny man in front of him.

04-Dec-2009 00:35:54

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