Mages of the North: The Adventure Begins

Chapter 22

As the ship neared its destination, Floris could already see a dramatic change from the previous settlement. There were far more ships than there were previously, the docks were drastically larger, and he could already see spiring buildings that were far taller than anything from Swamp Watch. He could tell Mist City was going to be a much larger settlement, which meant there were more mysteries waiting for him and Alvis once they stepped off the ship. He had previously spoken with the Captain of the vessel they were on for directions to the Mages Guild, and the Captain was kind enough to draw him a map.

Floris studied the map like he was studying the recipe for a very dangerous poison. He memorized every detail about the path they were supposed to take from the docks. From the landmarks to the names of the streets, he memorized it all. However, as he studied the map he saw that Mist City was not just the home to a Mages Guild guildhall, it was also a military town. The town was surrounded by an enormous wall the sailers told him were well fortified with multiple floors and mysterious objects called "cannons" lined up by the hundreds for each floor. Thousands of soldiers patrolled the city streets, making Mist City one of the safest places in all of Fiorra.

Floris folded the map and put it in his backpack, then approached the front of the ship where Alvis was still tied up over the water. He crossed his arms and stared at the land ahead of him, mentally preparing for what was soon to be the "first day of the rest of his life". Once he and Alvis stepped off the ship they were on, they would officially be leaving their old lives behind and starting anew. He then looked down at Alvis, who was staring at him with begging eyes, telling him he was wanting to be untied. Floris took his knife and cut the rope, then pulled Alvis back up onto the deck of the ship.

"So, did you have a good time?" Floris asked jokingly as he stood over Alvis, who was in the process of pulling the rope off.

"Sure. I was nearly eaten alive only three times, I'm starving, soaking wet, freezing cold, and I've lost all feeling through most of my body...but I was never bored the entire time. Thanks for asking." Alvis said sarcastically.

Floris rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Mist City, "Well, you brought it upon yourself. Maybe next time you'll behave yourself."

"I was behaving myself! It's not like she had to have them just sticking out there, almost like she wanted them to be grabbed!" Alvis exclaimed.

Floris only shook his head in response, not knowing how to respond to what Alvis said.

Alvis finished untying himself from the rope, then threw it overboard into the water, then exhaled loudly, "Man, I'm starving. I haven't eaten for a few days now, thanks to you."

Floris looked down at Alvis for a brief moment, then returned his attention to the shore, "You're lucky I got to you first. After discussing it with the Captain and the sailers, I learned you committed a crime, which means you could have been locked up in a dungeon back in Swamp Watch. The Captain said if I kept you down there he wouldn't notify the guards of what happened when we reach port."

"A dungeon? What's that?" Alvis asked.

"It's a small room you'd be sharing with numerous other men who committed other crimes. You couldn't leave until you served your time, which for what you did...could have been years." Said Floris.

Alvis stared blankly at Floris, then looked down at the ships' deck without saying a word. He didn't know what to say. As cruel and unforgiving as Floris' punishment was, it ultimately saved his neck.

"Anyway, that's behind us now. Just don't do something like that again, okay?" Floris asked.

Alvis only nodded in silence.

"Good." Floris reached into his bag and handed Alvis some bread, "You'll need your strength for traveling these streets. This town is far larger than Swamp Watch was, so eat up."

Alvis nodded and starting eating the bread Floris gave him.