The Crimson Claymore

The Crimson Claymore: Chapter 25

Chapter 25

After three more days of traveling, they passed by two more villages before coming to a towering city. As they approached, they slowed down to gaze upon its beauty. It was the evening of the third day as they approached, and Searon's eyes were wide with the view of the city. Nearly fourteen years had gone by since he had seen the place, and the changes were astounding.

Before, there had been many large stone, brick, and wooden buildings, all finely made. Now there were towering buildings hundreds of paces into the sky, and they were all made of brick and stone. One of the towers was taller than them all and seemed to be hexagonal in shape and gray in color. The entire city was circled in a stone wall that was thirty paces tall. Searon only remembered it being twenty paces in height when he lived there.

They approached the gate and noticed four guards stationed there clad in ring mail armor. Each of them wore a steel helm where their faces weren't visible. Long swords in scabbards were attached at their waists. Two stepped forward holding their hands out clad in metal gauntlets. The other two stayed back with hands on hilts of their swords watching the company.

"What is your business in Legain?" a husky voice demanded.

"We have come to speak with Noraes," Karceoles said up, as Searon was at a loss for words.

"What are your names?"

The sun shone from his metal to blind the eyes of the four of them as they tried to look at him. Xython dismounted and walked over in a few hearty steps. A wide grin was planted on his face.

"Brexhar, is that you?" Xython asked.

The guard shifted his eye to see better. "Xython, what brings you here? And who are your friends?"

"This is Searon, and his friend Karceoles. I have come here with them, with my sister."

"Why are they here to see Noraes?"

"Searon is Noraes's brother."

Brexhar's eyes went wide, and he looked toward Searon and nodded. He turned to another guard, "Go inform Noraes that his brother has come to speak with him."

"Yes, sir." The guard saluted and headed through the small door next to the gate.

Xython and Brexhar shared a conversation for a few minutes before the guard came back. He approached Brexhar and whispered in his ear.

Brexhar nodded and looked to Searon. "You may enter. He is in the barracks on the eastern side of the city. Do you know where that is?"

"If it is the same place it was fourteen years ago."

Brexhar's head tilted. "Yes...but if it's been fourteen years, then a few changes have been made."

"I can already see that."

"Open the gate!" Brexhar called behind him.

The metal drop gate began to rise, and Searon rode in followed by his three companions. People scurried through the streets on their busy tasks without paying notice to Searon and his company as they rode in. A few did stop to stare for a moment at his horse, but other than that everybody's business seemed to be more important. There were hundreds of homes and businesses scattered throughout, if not thousands. It was a gigantic city with a handful of towers and a large castle on the southern side. Most of the houses were brick or stone, as protection against sieges, but there were a few wooden homes and businesses. Yet they were thick and strong with stain to match the rest of the city's rustic appearance.

Warriors patrolled the ground between all the civilians that were traveling from one place to another, either trying to buy food from merchants or visit their friends. Food stands were set up everywhere, and many attempted to get Searon's attention with porridge or fresh fruits, but he didn't stop. The people were beginning to dwindle as the sun set in the west, and they cleared as they passed through the stands and markets.