The city of Quinta sat upon a great hill. It looked like a great, marble fortress surrounded by a great wall. Very ancient it seemed to Keirian, and strong. The walls of the buildings seemed to shimmer with a purple and silver glow. All three of them were astonished, looking at this great city, whose tales they have heard about their whole lives. Suddenly the history and legends of Brannock was now before them, a great majestic city on a hill, looking over the lands around it. Northwards behind the city the hills began to rise higher, becoming the highlands of Brannock. The city of Quinta was known as the Gateway to Brannock, for it sat on the edge of the highlands of this land, with the other three cities behind.
Dusk fell as they continued on towards Quinta. They approached from the southwest. The sun set behind the city, and twilight came upon the walls. As they approached the gates, they saw two guards there, one on either side. The guards were wearing shiny, silver armour with silver helmets. Fantastic engravings were made upon them. They both held great spears in their hands. The gates were open.
One of the guards approached them. "What business have you in Quinta?" he questioned.
"We are travelers," Keirian answered, "I come from Kirk, and my companions come from Culilonia and the hidden city of Enza."
"That is a strange threesome," he said inquisitively.
"We have a strange journey," Keirian answered, "And we would like to speak with the lord of the city, if that can be arranged."
"The lord of Quinta is a busy man," the guard said sternly, "He does not visit with everyone who comes to visit his fine city. If you ask to see him, you must declare some valid reason so as not to waste his time."
"The reasons for our visit shall be made to the lord alone," Carson now spoke, "We wish to ask for his blessing upon our journey, and permission to take a companion with us. Someone of his choosing. We beg of you to let him see us."
"The lord of Quinta is not the ruler of Brannock nor of Ionia. And we are a city of free people who may travel beyond our walls whenever they choose. I see no reason why you should need to see him for these reasons."
"Please sir," Carson replied, "We have just survived an attack in the wilderness by a tribe of Gors. We have managed to fight them off and escape them. We have traveled this last day in great haste and anxiousness to avoid any pursuit, since we have managed to slay their leader. If these deeds do not give us honour to meet your lord, then I ask what more must we do."
The guard now looked at them with more respect. "If indeed what you say is true, I will send the request to the lord himself now," he said, "You may wait inside the walls."
The guard led them past the gates. They entered the city. They saw great streets full of people. The guards seemed to be at the gates only for the purpose of holding onto a lost past. The city seemed rather calm, despite the busy streets. It seemed to Keirian that not many problems would occur within these walls, or outside. It seemed very peaceful.
The guard walked up the streets and left the three with another guard inside the gates. After an hour he returned.
"The lord of Quinta is very busy and he will not be able to see you tonight. Yet he is impressed by the story you tell and welcomes you to our city and we will allow you free lodging for the night. There are chambers near the city center where you shall stay. Tomorrow you may explore our fair city and relax from you're journey. The next day the lord shall meet you and discus with you all that you wish."
"Thank you very much," they responded, and bowed.
The guard now led them up the moonlit streets. Sanchen especially looked amazed at the city, and felt quite out of place. He was not used to cities like this, only to his more simple and pastoral home of Enza. They came to a great marble hall which was the chamber of the lord's guests. They could see the top of the great palace behind some other buildings up the hill. They fell asleep with no effort, now feeling safe inside the walls of Quinta.
