Lykaon

Chapter 7: Blood

POV: Dakoda

We reached Planao three days after we had departed from Genisios. After escaping Erebus forest we had run into no further opposition and had been able to move swiftly. There hadn't been much conversation between the three of us since the previous night when my dreams had haunted me. Jai was so intertwined with the land around us, he almost seemed lost in the world. I could tell that he was in his element when he was out here. I felt bad that I had to send him home after he had acquainted me with the city. Calypso seemed distant and had hardly said a word since I had told her vaguely of my power. I often glanced over to see if she was alright but she constantly seemed consumed by her thoughts.

I had already violated the rules outlined by the ones who sent me and I couldn't afford to further break the deal. Luckily they had no way of knowing; at least I didn't think they did. This place was slowly changing me and I could feel it. Maybe it wasn't so much the place as it was the people. So far I had only been shown kindness by the people I had met but I knew Sheol was a far darker place. Erebus forest was my first taste of the evil which was within and what was to come would be far worse; I could feel it.

Planao was far more overcrowded than I had expected. The cobblestone streets were flooded with villagers and people carelessly bumped into one another. The overall quality of the homes were nicer than the ones of Genisios and they were stacked many stories on top of each other. Many suspicious glances were cast our way but no one said anything to the three of us. I could imagine that they would be wary of any weapon wielding travelers. This was a massive city but somehow it had something to do with my mission. Perhaps one of my targets was here; only time would tell.

"So where to first? The temple? The castle? The square? There's so many places I can show you here!" Jai exclaimed ecstatically.

Calypso broke her silence to respond, "We should probably find some place to stay while we're here. Then we can discuss what our next course of action will be."

I nodded, "I agree with Calypso. Aimlessly wandering the streets isn't the best idea. Do you know of any good inns, Jai?" I asked as we continued to push our way through the streets.

"Hm.. Yeah, there's this place that my uncle and I always stay when we come here. I think he gave me just enough money to afford a room for a few days." Jai began quickly moving through the bustling crowd, "C'mon, it's this way!"

We followed Jai several blocks into the city and nearly lost him a few times. I noticed several soldiers as we walked but they paid us no mind. It struck me as odd that they didn't question us because of the weapons Calypso and Jai carried. Maybe they just didn't care. I tried to look further into the city but the surrounding homes and stores blocked my view. It would be more difficult to find clues in Planao than I had expected.

I spoke to Calypso as we walked quickly down the street, "I have no idea how we're supposed to find anything here. I can barely even keep track of Jai in this crowd."

I could see a smile form on her lips, "Well we both know that he's a little more rambunctious than most people. We'll find somewhere to start." She stood on her tippy toes trying to see forward as we continued to walk, "Jai slow down!"

He came to a halt and spun around. Calypso and I edged our way next to him, "Well too late now! This is it." He pointed toward the structure to our left.

We were standing in front of a somewhat nice looking building with many windows. Above us hung a sign that read 'White Rain Inn.' The place was four stories in height and seemed well worn yet still functional. "Well let's hope there's a room."

We followed Jai inside and were immediately hit by a warm blast of air from a large fireplace on the far wall. It was refreshing to feel warmth after being in the cold for a long period of time. Many different animal pelts were nailed to the walls and the floors were made of dark brown wood. There was a desk near the entrance and behind it sat what I assumed must have been the innkeeper. He was a large man who was balding and seemed to have been a manual worker once in his life. His hands reflected my thoughts for they were calloused and rough. He said nothing but instead greeted us with a warm smile.