5.12
The first time i travelled to maccsun it took me half the time it shouldve because of my lizard. This time i didnt have my lizard, or food, or anything besides my battleaxe. So it took me a whole 14 hours to get to the large gates of maccsun. They are reinforced with metal bars, but i had never seen them closed. I thought they only were under times of attack but the dectroative carvings stare down at me as i realise i wont be able to get into the city unless i climb the cobble wall.
For aldrs sake.
At first it was easy going, the wall was only a couple meters high but as i climbed higher the stones became more slippery and more treacherous. My hands were scraped and bleeding and my muscles ached from the weight of my body. Despite the pain and fear of falling i couldnt give up. My eyes were fixated on the top of the wall, i needed to know what was on the other side.
Finally, after what felt like hours of climbing i reached the top. I pulled myself to the top over the ledge and collapsed onto the flat top of the wall. While i caught my breath i look down at the city and realise that the streets are completely deserted?
I run to the ladder on the inside portion of the wall and climb down. I run through the streets depreatley searching for any sign of people. Any distant sound of talking, footsteps anywhere in the city, anything, anyone.
I sprint down the main street, a left and a right until im infront of the inn. The cherry blossoms around me blend into one as i pant and heave infront of a shop. With a sign that says 'bakery' and a periwinkle door. I try the brass handle, its locked. I try pushing the door. Its still locked.
"Jean?" i shout. No response. My knees are weak and my palms are sweaty. With a kick the door busts open and the periwinkle flies to the left as i fraintically look around the bakery. Its empty. No pastries, no customers and no jean.
I throw myself around the counter and enter the back room of the bakery and run up the stairs to the small apartment that is above the bakery. I knock on the door. Theres no response. I know the handle doesnt lock so i try it and the door creaks open. I lightly step through the opening and find jean in his kitchenette, backed up against the wall holding a knife. He looks terrified, until i meet his dark eyes. Then he's shocked and upset.
"Jean?" he drops the knife and stares.
"Avdol?" we look at eachother from across the room. Time slows and i study his face, trying to remember the curves and the lines and all his features. Im standing infront of jean when i thought i never could.
"Whats happening jean?"
"I thought you werent coming back!" he screams
"Ill explain later, where is everyone? Why did you have a knife?"
"Newmag attacked the city."
"What?"
"The knights got word that they were approaching and told us all to hide in our homes."
"So they didnt hurt you?"
"Not really."
"So they did?"
"I was out getting berries when a few ambushed me but they took my wallet and left."
"Jean. did they hurt you?" he sighs and shows me his upper right arm. Theres a huge wound. I rush to inspect it and make sure everythings okay.
"Avdol."
"Im sorry jean, i should've been here to protect you."
"Its okay."
