Realm of Ash Series: Soul Bond (Book 1)

CHAPTER 3 - TRAVON

Twelve winters snowed and thawed over Blackwall, like ever, the morning broke to an icy dawn with the morning sun rising to blanket Blackwall in a warm golden glow. Its beckoning rays penetrated the low hanging clouds nested above the horizon, igniting the peaks of many brickwork chimneys puffing rich clouds of soot and smoke into the crisp, snowy air. Crackling of rough-cut kindling snapped and popped within the tavern's fireplace below. Chilly patrons sought warmth within the various inns scattered across the settlement. Its colonizers sharing a joyous atmosphere watching their children play outside on the glistening, freshly landed snow; their tiny footsteps crunching on the soft powder underfoot.

Blackwall, was a settlement perched on the edge of land burrowed within the western Silvercrest mountains aptly named for their silver-glowing peaks on bright days like this. Despite the silver-gilded surroundings, Blackwall was known for its renowned smell of damp, trodden hay in stables, muddy farms, and fish markets, and freshly prepared vegetable pies, smoked meats, and oaky brews.

This plethora of aromas and acquired atmosphere engulfed what was known to most as, The Slums. Despite its nickname for Blackwall, it was an endearing delight to these inhabitants who called it home, especially on glistening mornings like this, it gifted the Slums with a rare, revered glow.

To some, home was on the streets beneath the looming, overhung rooftops of crudely constructed market stalls and distinctive brickwork dwellings, sheltering those from the fickle rain and snow. Haggling shouts of hawking goods echoed down these narrow, spindling, cobbled streets, offering mostly the same of what each of these men and women could fish and net from the Jade Lake.

A vast, open body of water just east of this humble settlement. Jade in colour and bustling with fisherman scooping up the abundance of life beneath the surface. Water so deep, it almost seemed infinite. Frosty mountain streams trickled down the surrounding mountain summits, through the densely rich, virgin valley tree lines and onto the marshy, sodden banks surrounding the mouth of the Jade Lake and beyond the Amber Cliffs.

The amber coloured rock formations lining the horizon opposite to the lake where the morning sun currently sat.

A destination beyond the villager's interest and rarely ventured further. Blackwall, remained a self-sustaining settlement at the central base of this mountain valley. Surrounding its border were the aggressive rapids of the treacherous, roaring Snowtail River, a flow of aggressively rapid water, sourced from the melting mountain peaks, it formed a large, violent motte around the settlement and settled into The Jade Lake itself. The snaking body of water skirted the border of Blackwall, colliding against the settlements steep protective banks surrounding the humble collection of crudely built bricked houses and wooden shacks at its centre.

Access to Blackwall was achieved via a sturdy oak bridge, reinforced by large, heavy boulders at its base. A long and wide, man-made bridge consisting of oak and flint; hand built by the villagers long ago when the river was calmer and the snowy mountain peaks stood greater.

The Snowtail Bridge is constantly used to transport food and supplies between the settlement and the Jade Lake Harbour. Accommodating a modest waterfront to dock, sail and transport fish and supplies to and from the Lake and Blackwall. Located on the other end of the steadfast bridge, beyond formidable cast iron gates, leading out of Blackwall and beyond the harsh river. The harbour stairs descended the valley from Blackwall and towards the Jade Lake, hugging the face of a northern surrounding cliff-face. Fortunately sheltering the harbour from the unyielding winds atop the cliff.

For most travellers, Blackwall presented a deceptively safe location and granted the settlers a comfortable stay, enough to coast through their lives devoid of struggles.