AFTERLAND and The Cryptic Prophecy

18: The Bald Blacksmith

It took us almost an hour before we reached the Chalcedon Square. We arrived at the place by lunchtime with the help of our horses. Luckily, nothing unusual or dangerous thing happened –so far.

The Chalcedon Square looked like a busy modern city in the mortal world. There were tall gothic buildings and commercial infrastructures. Above our head, many billboards were flashing advertisements of chocolate brand, perfume, and other luxurious items. There were traffic lights ensuring the flow of traffic between carriages and chariots.

We left our horses at Equine Parking Space for the mean time. As we walked in the cobblestones roadway, I saw many Afterlings. Most of them were Remlings because no one seemed unusual, like a creature with half-humanoid body and half monster. Some carried baskets for groceries and some were holding paper bags from shopping. Everyone was busy with their own thing, but most adults were smiling and bowing at us when we passed them, which confused me.

"They honor youths in this world so much," told Harris to me in a hush voice. I didn't know if he possessed an ability to read minds or because my expression was too obvious to read. "The Capitol's Sector of Education states that respect is one of the concept needed to teach the children. That's why the adults value the young ones in this world because it's part of the law."

"How about the watchmen last night?" I asked.

"Well, it's their job to be firm and intimidating," he said. "Besides, we entered the Chalcedon Guild without their permission."

Diordin dropped her mouth near my ears. "And if you forgot, the Capitol disenfranchised us with our Precious Rights."

"Oh, I almost forgot about that."

Different establishments stood in alignment, selling sweets, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and processed foods. Some stores displayed accessories, headdresses, and clothes. There were shops named Eggert Fort Bakery, Juicy Jepster, Lily Clothing, Gull Candy Store and Randy Tooth. Many shops offered food and beverages, but a certain shop caught my attention.

"Daily Apple," I said while staring at the signage hung beside the red roofed shop.

"Aside from sweet products, Chalcedon Region known also as the largest producer of apples," Harris said.

"That explains why Snow White was originated in this region," said Diordin.

"I hope they don't sell the poisonous one." Franco's brow arched.

I noticed the clothing of some Afterlings. They dressed in modernized clothing like humans from the First Domain. Though, some still wore traditional clothes similar to what I had seen in fantasy movies.

"They seemed had adapted our fashion sense from the human world," I said, scanning the whole place.

"I agree. That's maybe the reason no one noticed we're from the other world," said Diordin in a very audible whisper.

"Thanks to Sir Reynan," Harris said, making me look at him. "Your dad brought ideas here about modern clothing from the human world," he explained as we reached the front of the store full of clothes called Vintage Wear. "He is a purely human and obviously, he is not an Afterling. I don't know how he got into this world and how your mom met him, but what I heard from Professor Diogo was that your father did a lot of great things here. There has always been a technology here in Afterland, but it became more developed because of your dad. He also introduced modern clothing and the different language in the mortal world. He's also the one who suggested the Capitol to send Afterlings to the First Domain to observe the humans."