The Lonely City

Underneath the Gleam of Nimtras

After Thilhan helped all the women and children out of the passage they continued on foot towards where Allethan had pointed before. They left the passage at around 11:00 in the morning, but it wasn't until about 7:00 in the evening till they arrived at the Gleam of Nimtras. That was the name given to the constant glow that surrounded the city. The sight of the Gleam spurred on the company, quickening their pace. Most of what the company knew of the city was learned by listening to tales of travellers who had stopped at the inn after passing the city. But it had to be said, the descriptions over time had built up an incredible likeness to the real thing. The city was a circular shape, with many towers of rock that stretched high above the rest of the buildings. Inside there was a market with a huge lake situated in the centre. Around the city were green fields, teeming with different animals. There were cows mixing with deer, and deer mixing with many types of bird. It was as if this city was holding back the advance of the Dark Forest. Beyond the city there was the sea, dotted along the horizon were small boats fishing, or possibly returning from the east. The elves must have noticed them approaching, for the gates began to open, and out marched a group of elves in unison. They met at bout the edge of the fields. Allethan stepped forward, as did one of the elves, who was dressed in what appeared an officers uniform. 

"Isoriand, lord of this realm, would like to wish you welcome to Nimtras", he said.

"Then why the soldiers", Allethan asked, pointing at the thirty-odd elves behind the officer.

"We were not sure whether the what attacked Sodemview would follow those that escaped", he replied, signalling for the elves to lower their weapons.

"Well I'm flattered by your concern for our safety", Allethan said, "but I really need to see Isoriand".

"Of course", the officer said, before turning and signalling for the elves to return to the city. After being led through the fields the refugees were sent through the a large, golden gate and into a small marketplace with a statue in the centre. Once seated they were given a large meal of meats, potatoes and many other foods, most of which the refugees had never heard of and refused to eat. After the meal, and when all the companies stomachs were full, they were sent down to huge storerooms below the city to make themselves a place to stay. It was not cramped, for the storerooms were huge and were able to hold enough food to feed the population at least three times over. 

Once they were all seated the despair set in, women and children cried together for the loss of the fathers and brothers who had been called to arms. This sadness caused Allethan to remember about Nembor and Yilia's journey to Nimtras. He ran over to Thilhan, who was comforting a crying family. "Thilhan! Yilia!", he shouted running over to him. Thilhan gestured to the family that he had to go before standing up and making his way over towards him. 

"I forgot! Where could they be?!", he replied, looking around for any sign of their presence.

"They must be upstairs", Allethan suggested looking over towards the large flight of stairs that led up into the sunlight. They pushed through the crowd as they ran towards it, being greeted by many 'mind where you walking', and 'watch out!'. As they ran into the sunlight Allethan ran over towards an elf working in one of the nearby stalls. "Excuse me, do you happen to know if there's an inn around?", he asked.

"Umm, yes, there's one down this path, to the right", she replied, pointing down the path and towards a long row of houses.

"Thank you", Allethan said before racing off in the direction the elf had shown.

After a long sprint they arrived at what they first believed to be another house, but the style of this building was very different to the others. Instead of the curved building materials used on the elven houses, this one had a very square feel to it. This was because it had been made by men, the only group of men residing in the city. They walked up to the door and pushed it, it was heavy but not unmanageable. Inside the smell of ale hung in the air, and the sound of the ale sloshing in barrels echoed around the large room. The two walked over to the bar, getting the barman's attention immediately.