The Last Dragon

Chapter 7 - The Big City

The crops and fields on either side of the road were quiet. The occasional worker moved among the plants, tending the orchards or checking the fields of young grain crops. A few spring vegetables were being harvested in distant fields.

"Most of the country's food is grown here." The big knight guided her from a wagon's path with a large hand on her shoulder. "It's partly why Mithlan is the primary trading hub."

There was so much to see, all the crops and fields, drivers in brightly coloured clothing, wagons of all shapes and sizes, and even a farm with horses near the road. Eri moved her to his other side, closer to the road edge.

Wagons came regularly now, from the small private wagons to the massive cargo loads. Some carried fresh vegetables to the city, others carried covered loads away. The noises grew louder, reminding her of the mass of people at the royal balls or public court sessions.

Ilia looked down. The packed dirt gave way to cobblestones. Wagon wheels clattered on the new surface, adding to the noise. How did people stand it, all the yelling and banging and clattering? Was it bad form to cover her ears?

They passed into the city, walking down wide streets with stone buildings on either side. People stayed at the edges while wagons navigated the middle of the streets. Eri tucked her along beside the buildings as the big knight moved ahead to lead them through the congested traffic.

He turned down another wide street. Eri guided Ilia along, around vendors set up at the side of the road, merchants in luxurious clothing calling to the crowds. Her hand tightened on Eri's as she noticed people in little more than rags sitting in shady alleys or tucked in behind the merchants, out of the sun.

She sighed and relaxed her tight muscles as they turned down a quieter side street. Ilia clung to his hand. If she got separated now, she'd never find them again. The noises seemed just a little quieter down this way, away from the worst of the crowds and wagons.

The massive knight stopped at a thick wooden door. He opened it and stepped inside. Eri guided her in. The door closed with a thud and the metal latch clicked in place. Ilia moved closer to Eri and clung to his hand.

Ilia glanced around swiftly as the massive knight marched to the stairs along a side wall. A man sat at a desk near the door, quill on parchment and head down as he wrote. Two women played cards at a small table nearby, both dressed in tunics and trousers like the big knight. She noticed a sword on one woman's belt before they hustled her up the stairs.

She climbed each step as quickly as she could, trying to keep up. They passed a second floor and kept going, stopping on the third and top floor. Ilia gasped for breath as he opened the door and disappeared through it.

"Ready?" Eri smiled.

Ilia took a slow breath and nodded.

Eri opened the door and stepped aside. "Go on in."

Ilia smiled and looked around, strolling across the room. The walls had massive open arches in them, giving her a good view of most of the city. She looked back out over the crops and to the forest beyond them. They were close to the edge of the city.

She glanced around for the big knight. The breeze rustled her hair. She adjusted her headscarf, knowing it was pointless. Her wild, light brown hair did what it pleased. Ilia darted past mirrors hanging on the stone pillars and supports, bowls of water on pedestals, and crystal balls on metal stands.

"Over here." The big knight stood near the far wall, next to a gigantic mirror with a wide gold frame.

Ilia sped over to his side.

A woman appeared beside them. Ilia jumped back, bumping into Eri. He steadied her with his hands on her shoulders.

"Who would you like to contact, Ser?" She raised her hand towards the mirror.