A street, more than ten carriages wide, stretched out before them until it arched out to surround a grand fountain. Several stone figures in dancing poses poured jugs of water towards the center, where it flowed upwards to support a giant harrier bird. The city's national animal.
Across the fountain, the street returned to its original form and led up to a second wall that separated the outer ring from the inner city. It was where the royal family and higher-ranked aristocrats of Astresh lived. Far removed from those they deemed beneath them.
Lidea couldn't keep herself from marveling at the sight. There was no doubt, that the city deserved its reputation of being the most beautiful of Asmeon. Still, Warchief's words lingered in her mind and gave her wonder an edge of bitterness. Just, how many people had suffered to create such a feat?
Crystal didn't seem to share her reservations, as she openly gawked while bounding forward. Plunging her horse into the crowd that crisscrossed before them without a care in the world.
"We should keep up. Even on a horse, she is small enough to lose."
A smirk hinted at Warchief's lips, and Lidea silently nodded in agreement before following him closely.
The mass of people unnerved her. Although born in Lynoës, she had spent more time on the road in the sole company of her men. The only times she had experienced such a bustle were when she had been led to her execution, and when the fire had broken out during the Midsummer Festival. And even at those times, there had been fewer people than now.
A sudden touch on her knee, made her realize that her internal panic had caused her to freeze. Looking up, she made eye contact with Warchief. His warm brown eyes filled with concern, as he waited for her to return to her senses.
"All fine?"
Embarrassed by how she had let herself be overtaken by her emotions, she put on her most callous smile and nodded.
"Of course."
He raised an eyebrow as if to make Lidea aware that her bravado didn't fool him, but didn't say anything.
Riding closely beside her, they continued for a while before the healer turned into one of the many side streets which had slightly fewer people. Making it easier for her to breathe and allowing her to pay attention to the market stalls they were passing. Crystal had been right that they were teeming with magic tools, most of which Lidea had never seen before.
They stopped at a Journeyman's stable, letting Warchief handle the transaction alone so their horses would be taken care of for the next two days. None of them wanted to chance being turned away again, despite Crystal's conviction that it would be fine while they were in Arcadia.
After a month in the saddle, it almost felt strange to leave the horse behind. Though her body was glad for the short respite it had been given.
"Don't worry, we will get them back soon."
Crystal pointed out with a wide grin. Finding merit in teasing Lidea with her dislike of riding.
"Only for another month."
She retorted, causing the healer's grin to disappear and be replaced by a frown.
"True. After that, we will be freezing to death in those mountains."
Crystal hadn't warmed up to the idea of crossing the Godly Range, and it worried Lidea. The healer was by far the most experienced of their trio, and seeing her so scared made Lidea wonder just how bad climbing a mountain would be.
"It is rich how the one to complain the most, is the one who will be the least affected."
Warchief's voice came up behind them, causing Lidea to look over her shoulder.
YOU ARE READING
Tipping the Scale
FantasyIn a country, where magic and knowledge is limited to the elite. The underclass have finally had enough. A revolution has tipped the scale of power, and the powerless have become in charge. All that was a symbol of magic has been destroyed, its hist...
