Dreisterne

CHAPTER 4

A few days later, the party of Dreisterne finally reached Dunsgoil Hill. The city sprawled before them, its impressive buildings casting long shadows in the midday sun. Nathan, Harald, and Keith stood at the edge of the city, their gaze fixed on the bustling streets ahead. The merchant, who had accompanied them for part of their journey, was busy securing his wagon. As he finished his preparations, he turned to the trio with a friendly smile. "Well, this is where we part ways, my friends. I've still got some distance to cover before I reach my own destination."

Nathan stepped forward, extending his hand. "Thank you for your company and assistance along the way. We wish you safe travels and success in your journey."

The merchant shook Nathan's hand warmly. "You too, young man. If you ever find yourselves in need of a ride again, you know where to find me. Take care now."

With their farewells exchanged, the merchant climbed back into his wagon and gave a final wave. The wagon creaked into motion, rolling steadily away from the city's entrance. The trio watched as he disappeared down the road, then turned their attention to the city before them.

As Dreisterne stepped through the main gate of Dunsgoil Hill, they were immediately greeted by the vibrant pulse of the city. The grand entrance opened onto a bustling thoroughfare, with the main roads sprawling outwards in a well-planned grid. These broad avenues intersected in the city centre, forming a cross of wide paths that connected the southern gate to the northern mountain and bridged the eastern and western walls. The roads were flanked by an eclectic mix of buildings of varying shapes and sizes lining the streets and crowded the alleys that crisscrossed between them, giving the city a picturesque yet industrious feel. Above, the northern mountain loomed majestically, its rugged peaks forming a dramatic backdrop to the city's bustling life.

The air was filled with the murmur of conversation, the clatter of horse-drawn carts, and the occasional shout from street vendors. Stalls and shops, each with their own colourful displays, added to the lively atmosphere. Everywhere Dreisterne looked, there was movement and purpose. Traders haggled with customers, children played in the alleys, and travelers like themselves meandered, taking in the sights and sounds of this thriving metropolis. The city of Dunsgoil Hill, alive with its own rhythm, promised both adventure and opportunity to those who ventured within its walls.

As they made their way through the bustling streets, they came upon a peculiar scene. A young girl, clad in a Healer's robe with bobbed black hair, was intently observing a wooden door as if it held the secrets of the universe. Her gaze was fixed, almost trance-like, and she seemed completely unaware of the world around her.

Nathan approached her with a raised eyebrow as he politely asked her. "Excuse me, miss. Is everything alright?"

The girl turned her head slowly, her eyes blinking as if she were waking from a deep slumber. "Oh, no. No worries, all is well. I just found doors interesting, in general."

Nathan's brow furrowed in confusion. "... can you elaborate?"

The strange Healer tilted her head, eyes gleaming with sudden enthusiasm. "A door may seem simple, but have you ever truly marvelled at it? It's more than a slab of wood or metal—it's a gateway, a boundary between where you are and where you could be. Think about it: each door holds possibilities untold. With a turn of the handle, you step from the known into the unknown. Its craftsmanship, the silent swing of its hinges, the firm frame—it guards what is precious and invites what is welcome. And yet... sometimes, a door is just a door. Isn't that a wonder in itself?"

Nathan exchanged a bemused glance with Harald and Keith, and the latter narrowed his eyes while he muttered, "We really should've left this one alone."

Undeterred, Nathan decided to shift the topic. "Right... So anyway, we're looking for Dunsgoil Hall. Do you know the way?"