Shards of Old

One thing I can give it to people living here - they are crafty. When I was thinking about the capital, I always imagined large stone buildings, maybe even brick ones, a castle with walls, something like that. What I was greeted by was completely different, although by now I should've seen that coming.

First, there were no walls whatsoever. The main road suddenly expanded to the size it was supposed to be, with a range of trees spreading like a forest within a forest. Yes, trees, not buildings. Those trees were pretty much as thick as the one I burned down not too long ago. Unlike that one however, they all had entrances and some even carved out windows, with the green membrane replacing glass. They came with different shapes and sizes, which made some look like they were either squashed by something or stretched weirdly.

From where we were entering I could see a couple that were connected by their treetops, with some walkways made from branches connected by a rope of some kind. Further in I could see even more and more, creating basically another layer of city that was above everyone's heads. The road on the other hand was made out of regular stones embedded in the ground.

As we were entering the city, I noticed that from the woods, somewhere on the side, there was some kind of canal, few meters deep, that was coming into the city and going somewhere towards the center, passing between "treehouses", or maybe rather “housetrees”, and crossing the road, with small bridges created out of what looked like tree roots. It was similar to the road, made out similarly out of random rocks. At first I thought it was just another street, since it was completely dry, but I realized my mistake after seeing literal piers with small rafts tied to them.

The city itself was quite lively. The deeper we went in, the more people we started seeing. What struck me as weird though, was that most of the people we saw were wearing green. Be it a robe, similar to our guides, a skirt or some linen pants, everyone was wearing green. Even guards, or at least I think that they were guards, while wearing leather armor, kind of like one Bert had, had some green accent to it. Mostly it was just a belt or an armband, but there was one that had had their armor dyed completely green, even though it was still leather as far as I could tell. That was the one that approached our group.

-Halt. Who are you and what is your purpose here?

One of our guides spoke up.

-We are a part of the Blue Mages group that were requested to aid this city. I thought the guard was informed about us.

-I was not asking you. Who are you? - he was addressing the other part of the group, the tattered and obviously not in the blue robes.

-Refugees that we met on the way. They were heading…

-For the last time - the guard turned, visibly annoyed - I am not speaking to you. I think they can speak for themselves.

-I was leading a caravan from Kruro to the capital. On our way here we got attacked twice. First, just after we left, second, near here, where we met these people - explained Bert, pointing towards the monks. - They were kind enough to guide us back here.

-I see. But you still did not give me your names.

-I am Bert, and this is Caleb Moi, believe it or not. These two - he pointed at me and the kid - are what remains of people I was escorting here, Mor and Felix, if you care enough.

-Moi? Yeah right, and I am King Axelrod. You are telling me that this poor excuse of a man is The Golden Knight? Come on, think of something better next time. Now get the…

Before he managed to finish the sentence, another voice spoke up.

-What is going on here?

Another guard, in similar armor, approached him from behind. He was at least one meter taller and man, he was ripped. He had a small goatee and black hair, tied in a short ponytail. On his belt he had two short swords that in his hands would most likely look like a pair of daggers.

-Sir! - the other guard saluted him instantly when he heard his voice. - I was just chasing off this band of vagabonds. They have the nerve to impersonate The Golden Knight, of all people!

-Golden… - he finally looked at our company. - What the… Sergeant. Please stand down. I will take it from here.

-There is no need, I can…

-That was an order. You are now dismissed.

-Yes sir! He promptly saluted and left, seeing that his superior was very serious about it. That also did not give me much hope in the situation, even our guides looked slightly scared. Strangely, Bert and Goldie did not share our worries apparently, because when the other man left, they both sighed with relief.

-Man, it is good to see you. - said Goldie, making me think I was hearing things.

-I can't say that it's likewise. What happened to you people? - he asked, looking genuinely worried.

-First, can we leave the streets for a bit? We kinda attract attention. - said Bert, looking around.

True, now when he mentioned it, I noticed that several people were already stopped and were gawking at our group. I can't blame them, we were definitely looking out of place, with tattered, dirty, and in some cases slightly burned clothes, with a group of monks in blue robes to boot.

-Right. You - he pointed to the monks. - You are also dismissed. I will take over from here.

-Yes, of course. Our mission was completed anyway, we were just going to escort them towards the nearest inn.

-Good. Leave then.

They all bowed and left towards the center of the city.

-Come with me.

He led us towards one of the side alleys, to the left of the main road. First thing I noticed was that the path here was a lot more overgrown. It wasn't completely wild, like outside the city, but still, gras was poking through everywhere it was physically possible. Trees, I mean houses here were overgrown by moss and sometimes even some mushrooms. They were also pretty tall, considering that we were walking just on the edge of the city. On our left, all of the canopies were connected, with ropes hanging down, forming a long balcony that was spanning across the whole visible border between the wilderness. On our right, homes were a bit smaller and had a lot more variation to them. There were also a lot less people here. Even then, still people were staring at us, just to notice the massive man in the lead and stare even harder.

We stopped by one of the house-trees without any windows that was overgrown even more than others and almost looked like it was abandoned, if a tree can even look like that. He opened the door and rushed us in. Bert and Goldie didn't hesitate even for a second, so me and the kid followed suit. The large man entered last and closed the door.

Inside looked a lot more pleasant than you would expect, although again, everything was still made of wood. The room was circular. Even without windows, it was bright, a sizable glowing crystal was standing on a large rectangular table in the middle of the room, accompanied by six chairs. On the far side there was a row of shelves along with something that looked like a spice rack. A little bit further to the left there was another door, closed shut and a small bed, covered with something green. It was not exactly cloth, but from afar I couldn't really tell what material was that. At least it was not wood, but, with this place, I could not be all that sure. The rest of the walls were covered with cabinets of different sizes and one small desk with another chair, directly next to the bed.

-Make yourself at home.

Even before he said that, Goldie was already sitting. We all sat on whichever chair was closer.

-First things first - said our host, sitting next to his bed and turning towards the middle of the room, with his chin on a backrest. - Who are you two?

Before I was able to say anything, Bert already started talking.

-As I said, those are the remains of my caravan. We had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting a sentient plant and a bunch of mutant leeches.

-The what? What happened to your guard force? And his armor.

On a mention of his armor, Goldie sighed and it looked like he was about to start crying.

-Calm down, I told you, I am gonna send someone to get it back - stated Bert, visibly annoyed.

-It won't be the same. I will have to get it reforged, by now it is already either stolen or completely ruined. - he moaned tearfully.

-Damn, this is really serious.

With that, he explained most of our journey, including fights and his "kidnapping", but he avoided mentioning my fire magic.

-Man, I don't think you can be any more unlucky. Two, scratch that, three attacks in such a short span of time, debts and you even ran into him. Hah, I can't believe it!

-And my gear!

-Yes, and your gear - he waved his hand dismissively. - You want me to find you a group that is willing to get it for you?

-Actually, I was gonna send him - he pointed at me. - Besides us he is the only person that knows how to find it.

-Glad to be finally noticed - I said, slightly annoyed. - Don't you all think I need a bit of explanation?

-What do you mean?

-Ah, right. He is a wanderer, and has no idea who you are.

-Oh! I am sorry - The large man stood up and extended his hand. - Odar Erf, High General of Arbo Guard Force. We know each other quite well - he gestured towards the two.

I shook his hand, surprised to hear that some random caravaneer has friends as high as this.

-Hello. I am Mor, a wanderer and now looks like a mercenary - I gazed towards Bert.

-Look, I am sorry, I didn't have much of a choice, and considering... - he stopped suddenly.

-What?

-Nothing. Odar, do you have a place where we could rest for a day or two? We need to rest before we head out.

-We are heading out again? - groaned Goldie.

-Stop complaining. It's to get your armor back.

-Oh! OH. Nevermind then.

-Well, there is an inn deeper in the city…

-Do you have anything close to here? I kinda don't want to get him seen in a state like this - said Bert gesturing towards Goldie.

-You are annoying, damn you. FINE. There is another inn, a few streets further. It's not like those closer to the center, a bit shitty if you ask me, but barely anyone visits it and definitely no one that would know you.

-Works for me.

Bert looked at me, then at Goldie then back at me, like he was considering something. He apparently made up his mind, because he said:

-Caleb, can you go and check if they have rooms for us? I don't want to run into another overzealous guard, and if we get booted out…

-So what, you want just ME to get booted out?

-Exactly. And then come back and tell us. Out of all of us, you are the best for that.

-And if someone notices me?

-Relax, you will be fine. Here.

Odar tossed him a long cloak, no idea where he pulled that from, that might as well have been a large green curtain.

-See? Now go, I don't want to rely on Odar's hospitality for that much.

-It's fine…

-It isn't. Go.

After a short explanation about where to find said inn, he left in a hurry, covered from head to toe with the cape.

As soon as the door closed, Odar asked:

-Ok, what's that about?

-Excuse me? - said Bert, obviously pretending to be confused.

-I don't buy your story. Fire magic from his blade? Yeah, right. Also, you would never send him alone like this. First you say you don't want him to be seen, then you send him alone, instead of your other companions. You want to talk without him listening, don't you? What's going on?

-Well you got me.

-Do you want me to go outside as well? - asked the kid suddenly, silent until now.

-No. This is something I want you to hear as well. Unless Mor has something against it?

-That depends. I don't mind him - I waved my hand towards the kid dismissively, finally understanding what’s going on. - It might be better that he hears it anyway. On the other hand… - I looked at Odar. - I don't know about you.

-Okay, now I am very curious. What have you done this time? - he asked, looking now suspiciously towards me.

-Well, a lot happened. But yes, I trust him with my life.

-That does not reassure me much. I am pretty sure you know why.

Bert wanted to say something, but bit his lip and stayed silent for a while.

-You are right. I don't…

-Can you elaborate a little bit at least? Can't help you if I don't know what is going on. If you are unsure…

Odar stood up and started taking off his shirt.

-What…?

His chest was muscular, with a bunch of scars, some looking like they were made by some wild animal's claws.

-I have not Stained myself even once in my life and I don't intend to. So. I hereby promise that I will keep this conversation secret between us.

-He extended his hand towards me.

-Odar, no!

-This is my decision. I see something is bothering you and I won't just stand by and be oblivoius. Do you agree with those terms, Mr Mor?

-Fucking laws and… Whatever. Fine - I shook his hand. - You better keep the promise.

-Don't insult me! We all have never been Stained, and we will not stand…

I couldn't help but laugh.

-What's so funny? - he looked at me angrily.

-Well, this is something.

-Yeah. Something alright.

He took off his shirt and presented the obvious Stain on his chest. This time, there was only one, the second one was almost gone, but its outline was still there.

-Huh, so that's how it works - I muttered to myself. I guess he did complete our deal, so one of the Stains was erased. - Wait… why one? - I finally picked up on the very interesting detail.

-No… - Odar looked completely broken.- What did you do? - What… How…

-I mean we had a deal that you failed but… - I scratched my head. - Man, I still don’t get how all this works…

-What do you want? - Odar almost barked at me, like some angry dog. Honestly, he started to look scary. To my relief, Bert intervened.

-Calm down. It's not like this - he looked a bit startled. - That is true, this is strange, but as you can see I am out of the immediate danger. That is not what we came to discuss. At least not now. I said that Goldie was using fire magic, right? - he asked, dressing back up.

-Yeah, what of it? His swords are always enchanted with something weird.

-That's the problem - he dropped the pretenses.- It was illusion magic.

He proceeded to explain what actually happened and how Goldie tried making us believe that he saved us.

-But I don't get it. - Now dressed and a lot calmer, Odar was again sitting with us - Why would he do that? Why CAN he even do that? That makes no sense.

-Right? I am confused as well. I trust you with my life, you know that. That is why I am turning to you with this.

-There is still another thing I don't understand. Why is he here? - he pointed to the kid, who was silent all this time, listening intently.

-It might surprise you, but he knows more about Goldie than any of us. He is from the village that he apparently visited multiple times.

-Don't tell me. His "charity"?

-Yeah.

-Oh for fuck sake. I swear, if this continues this way, we will have yet another church to worry about.

-Can’t you just make him talk? It'd be a lot easier.

Bert ignored that remark and instead focused on Felix.

-So listen, kid. - Bert turned his chair towards him. - You traveled with us, now you know most of the story. So now I need you to tell us all you know about him.

-Aren't you overestimating him? - I asked, unsure about all this. - He's told me a bunch of those stories, true, but most of them sounded a bit over-the-top. He's just a kid.

-I… I… am sorry, I don't think I can help you… It's like sir honored Red Mage said.

-Don't call me that. I have a name.

-Right! I am sorry, Mr Mor. What I know are just stories I heard in the village, I don't know much…

-Don't sell yourself short. You know more than we do - said Bert. - Not too long ago I never heard about him visiting your village and leaving you his treasures, and I tried keeping tabs on all places he visited. You have to know something.

Kid looked very conflicted all of the sudden. That did not sneak past Bert though.

-You are hiding something. Speak.

-No! I would never…

He was not a good liar.

-Calm down. We are good friends here - he said, approaching him and putting a hand on his arm.

He was calm and had a friendly smile on his face. Oddly familiar smile that almost made me shudder. I should've known better, he would never have let him listen to this discussion if he did not have a plan, or at least some interest in him, which was now obvious.

-We only want the best for our friends, such as yourself. But we cannot help if we don't know how. So? Anything more to share?

The threat was obvious. Odar didn't even flinch, like he was expecting this, just observing both me and the kid.

-I might know where he got his blade… - finally exclaimed kid.

-Might?

-When sir Caleb arrived and started sharing his treasure with the village and when I got this - he started, clutching his book to his chest - I heard him talking about some new amazing weapon that he acquired. I didn't know back then, but he must have meant the sword. I have never seen his blade before. He said that it was all together with the treasure he gave us and he found it in some red dragon's lair.

-Ok, that is enough - interrupted Odar, looking very unimpressed. - Dragon. A mythical creature. Who do you think we are, a bunch of kids, so you can talk such bullshit?

-Well - said Bert, still smiling - I am also inclined to not believe this. Say, Mor, in your travels, how many dragons did you see, or even hear of?

-None.

Well, not like I traveled much, but I was not going to tell him that.

-Yes. None. That is because they don't exist. So why won't you stop wasting our time and I might consider completing my deal with your father, because as of right now, I am tempted to break it.

-That's what he said! I don't know anything else about him, I swear!

-We all know it's a lie. You have been a great source of stories about certain two brothers before, and now you forgot all about those?

-I...

-Don't get me wrong, I don't care about most of them. After all, I know a bunch of them first hand. But this blade…

-I already told you…

-Yes, you did. But how can I believe such a story? I am sure you want to cover for your idol and master, but…

He got interrupted by knocking at the door.

-Who's there?

-It's me - we heard Goldie's voice.

Who else would that be with timing like that.

-We will finish that later.

Odar let him in and silence fell on the whole group.

-Sooo…? - Bert finally spoke up. - How's our lodging?

-Yeah, it is available, but…

-But what?

-Come on, spit it out.

-Do we really have to stay in a trash heap like that? - he finally said, broken.

-What, you expected some luxurious apartment?

-Well, it is THE capital…

-And you needed a place to stay that was out of sight. We are at the outskirts, what did you expect? - replied Odar, annoyed.

-It can't be that bad. Come on. Let's go - hurried us Bert. - Felix, we're gonna talk later - he said, while looking at the kid - we have a lot to catch up on, don't you think?

Odar looked at the three of them worryingly.

-Riiight… Want me to escort you?

-Nah. We should be fine. Thanks and see you later.

We left, hurried by Bert. As we were leaving, he pulled the kid towards himself.

-Don't get too far, now. The city is vast and I would hate for you to suddenly get lost.

It did not take a genius to notice that he scared him shitless. He managed to squeak out an answer along the lines of "yes, sir", before we finally lost sight of Odar’s place.

As we were walking, I asked Bert a bit about the city itself. I learned that the whole capital was one big circle. It had three main districts: Outer Circle, Inner Circle and Learned Grounds. First two were self-explanatory, so I asked about the last one. Apparently, in the middle of the city there was a school of magic of some kind, hence the name, and it was an official home of the current ruler.

The place we were gonna stay was in the Outer Circle. It took maybe five minutes for us to reach there. We passed many similar-looking houses and I even started wondering how people even navigate in this place. Goldie led us a bit deeper towards the center, although not far enough that we would lose sight of the last layer of trees that marked the border between the forest and the city.

On the outside, it was similar to all the other tree-buildings that we walked past so far. Only difference was that its tree was one of those that was connected to the upper layer of the city, similarly to Odar’s place, although on the other side of the street. And that it actually had windows. By the main door I noticed there was a glowing crystal hanging down from something like a vine, shining pale green.

Besides that, there was nothing that would've said that this is not just some other random home. Hell, for all I know it might as well be. No signs, no name, no anything.

-Gee, I wonder why isn’t this place more popular… - I muttered to myself, gazing around.