A Kindling Flame

Chapter 13

Espen and Scarlet had to walk the rest of the way to Keldra, seeing as now that their only horse was injured. It took longer to walk, but it was for the best. They reached the city late the next morning, which was a relief, as Espen didn't think he could take another step.

The walls to Keldra towered above them, and looked to be in much better condition then the wall that surrounded Lentor. As soon as they stepped inside, a guardsmen, most likely assigned to overwatch the entrance by the governor, trotted up to them.

"On behalf of Governor Quinn Wilson, we welcome you to Keldra." The guard swept low into a bow, and nearly fell flat onto his face when Gyda ruffly nudged his shoulder.

Espen sniffled back a laugh as the guard rightened himself, tugging at his uniform and sending a nasty glare towards Gyda.

"Where can we find the nearest inn?" Scarlet asked, looking a tad bit cross with the fumbling guard.

"Ah. An inn? Well, I suggest that you head to Frankies! It's the best inn in town! And she's got great prices." He grinned. "Come on! I'll show you!" He whirled around on his heel, and sauntered down the street, a carefree swagger to his steps.

Scarlet rolled her eyes, but she followed, leading Gyda as they followed the striding guardsman down the street. Espen hurried to follow, looking around the unfamiliar city with awe.

Keldra was the first city founded after Rayvan, back when Antora was colonized. It, much like Lentor, was foggy and gloomy, although there were many more people that dwelled in the streets. Children played with flimsy dolls and wooden toys in front of houses, and boys who couldn't be older than 15 stood on the end of each street, desperately trying to sell the stacks of newspaper that sat at their feet. Horse drawn carriages clattered past, and soon the streets were full with carriages, leaving hardly enough room for Scarlet, Espen, Gyda, and the guardsman, who looked to be leading them into the heart of the city. Lentor was a ghost town compared to Keldra's bustling streets.

"You'll really like Frankies, I think. Nice rooms there. Good food, and good company." The guard told them, glancing over his shoulder.

"All we need is a good night of sleep." Scarlet said with a grumble, keeping her gaze turned downward.

"And good food. I'm craving a hot meal." Espen added, jumping aside to avoid a carriage wheel.

The guard grinned back at them. "Oh, they have great food at Frankies! She makes fresh stuff every morning. She's got the best potato soup on this side of Antora! Ah, here we are!"

The guard stopped in front of what Espen directed as the loudest inn in all of Antora. Music and chatter bursted through the closed door, leaking through the wood paneling. Espen grimaced as the sound became louder the moment the guardsmen opened the door. Scarlet didn't look too pleased, but she approached the open door nonetheless.

"Stay out here with Gyda." She instructed, handing the reins of the horse to Espen. "I'll go get us some lodging, and a vet to look at him." Then she strode into the inn, without even giving a thank you to the guardsmen.

"Is she normally that rude?" The guard looked over at Espen, his eyes narrowed.

"Yeah, she is. You get used to it." Espen said with a shrug.

"Ah. Well, enjoy your stay in Keldra." The guard bowed low once more, this time making sure to stay away from Gyda.

"Thanks." Espen smiled very slimly, and the guard flaunted back down the street, off to return to his post, which he probably wasn't supposed to leave in the first place.

Espen sighed, gripping Gyda's reins tight in his bandaged hands. After the attack from the day before, Scarlet had helped him bandage his palms, and although they had stopped bleeding, Scarlet had insisted that he wear the bandages.