Paladin's Quest

Chapter 2: The Stranger

             As the morning dawned, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, casting a vibrant orange hue across the sky. Its bright red disk illuminated the world below, turning the clouds into a shimmering golden canvas. In the lively forest, the air was filled with the cheerful melodies of chirping birds, while animals scurried about in their daily routines. Meanwhile, the members of the party awoke from their slumber and began preparing for the day ahead. They were on the verge of reaching their destination, the bustling city of Lunborn, situated in the northern part of the kingdom. This city held great significance for merchants, serving as a prime trading hub and the first major stop along the road from the capital. Gareth had heard rumors about the city's wealth and the influential mayor who held power, even rivaling that of the king himself.

"Does the Mayor know of our quest?" Gareth asked Sir Rolland.

"He does not. Perhaps it is better this way" Sir Rolland replied. "The fewer people know about it the better." he proclaimed.

"I agree." Branwyne stepped in the conversation.

"If they cause us trouble they'll get a taste of my arrows" Frolkir said taking one out and putting his finger on the pointy end, checking its sharpness.

 Branwyne couldn't help but burst into laughter, finding the situation amusing. However, she wisely chose to remain silent, knowing that any words spoken would only provoke Frolkir further. The intensity of his glare sent shivers down her spine, but she maintained her composure, refusing to let his anger affect her.

 Gareth let out a weary sigh, realizing that if he didn't intervene, the argument between Branwyne and Frolkir would continue indefinitely. He glanced ahead, noticing the trees in Farthaway Forest becoming sparser, indicating their proximity to the bustling city. As he rode alongside Adelaide, he couldn't help but be captivated by her elegance. Her flowing hair danced in the wind, and her ethereal white dress seemed straight out of a fairytale. Despite the distractions, Gareth reminded himself to stay focused on their mission. He gently patted his loyal horse, a symbol of their shared experiences on the battlefield and the challenges they would face together in the future.

As they emerged from the dense foliage of the forest and stepped onto the wide thoroughfare that led to the bustling city, Gareth's gaze fixated on the sprawling metropolis in the distance. The cityscape loomed larger with each passing moment, captivating his attention. Amidst the anticipation, his eyes caught sight of an impressive queue of individuals, stretching as far as the eye could see, eagerly awaiting their turn to enter the vibrant city.

          As they gazed upon the city, a breathtaking sight unfolded before their eyes. The towering white walls encircled the city, exuding an air of grandeur and strength. Standing tall amidst the walls were imposing towers, equipped with murder holes, where vigilant soldiers and skilled archers kept a watchful eye. During the day, the massive iron doors welcomed the public, but as night fell, they would close, safeguarding the city's inhabitants. Two colossal flags proudly fluttered in the wind, leaving no room for doubt that this city was an integral part of the kingdom. Behind the protective walls, sprawling houses dotted the landscape, while majestic temple structures dedicated to the Creator reached towards the heavens. The vibrant sounds of life emanated from within, offering a glimpse into the bustling activity of the city's residents.The road leading into the city was a bustling thoroughfare, teeming with people and carts. Frustration filled the air as everyone hurriedly tried to enter the city, seeking respite from the scorching heat of the sun. Amidst the chaos, two cart drivers engaged in a heated altercation, their voices raised in anger as they exchanged blows on the ground. It took the intervention of the vigilant guards to separate them and restore order. Outside the protective walls, beggars could be seen scattered about, their desperate eyes pleading for alms from the wealthy travelers passing by. Unfortunately, these parts of town were not immune to the darker side of human nature, as theft and murder occasionally stained the streets.