Kissing dust

Chapter 2

Several days passed has we traveled across forests, fields and rivers. Before we reached the endless wall which shadow loomed over us. Blood red flags hanged from it's sides, a slightly darker red claw mark was embroidered onto the windswept flags.

We stopped for a moment has guards clad in chainmail and capes, similar to the flags, investigated our cart. A short comment about "papers" was made. Mute quickly responded by pulling out a document from his bag. Within a moment the gates slowly creaked open and we were let inside.

Dumpsters were thrown across the streets, rottenness reeking everywhere. People shut their doors has we came and some guards passed an alley where you can clearly see the silhouette of a woman being mugged.

Eventually we reached a second wall, not quite has tall has the first. Yet its flags looked like they were newly made, especially with the shine from the golden rods they were hanging on.
After getting passed the guards once more, my eyes were meet with busy streets. Roads wide enough to fit two carriages, or perhaps one carriage and all the long silk dresses being dragged behind the ladies.

A castle was now before us, it's thick stone walls covered with soldiers making it look more like a fort. Our cart was stopped, yet bumped more due to their violent searchings. I managed to take a step outside before they began throwing the seats pillows.

"It's clear sir!" Was finally spoken out has they exited the cart.

Instead of going back into the ravaged area I plucked myself next to Mute. He glared at me, I smirked at him. Then the carriage started moving and he ignored me all the way to the stables.
Has we stopped a boy quickly ran to us, swiftly taking the reins and began moving our cart.

Me and Mute took graceful steps towards a grand door made in iron, that worked has an entrance to this castle. Two guards stood posted outside it, their spears glinted dangerously. That was where I walked in, Mute followed closely behind me. Giving the guards a nod they removed their spears has I made my way inside.

We came into a room so high we could barely see the ceiling. Pillars reached for that ceiling while chandeliers reached for the ground. The flickering lights made the pillars throw their dark shadows over the walls. A red carpet stretched across the room, leading to yet another overly sized double door.

After making my way to that door I threw it open. My throat was meet with spears in response.

"Leave her." A brooding voice exclaimed firmly. I gasped in relief has the spears left my throat.

My gaze left the red carpet, the lights from two glass windows hit me has I looked towards the stone throne. In the glass you could see red stains that formed pictures of swords, war and the likes. On the throne was a man.

His red hair spewed out like fire, only the golden ornaments in it kept it in check. Muscles were all that his body was made of, enough to make the horse wide throne seem small. He was tall has well, but still needed the throne to be above Mute. A red cape was draped over his stern shoulders and his even sterner brown eyes glared down at me.

"Did you accomplish your mission?" The lord asked.

"No, I just came here to enjoy the warm welcome!" Sarcasm dripped from my words. My action gave me an elbow in the side from the tall man behind me.

Mute walked up to the lord, handing over the dust. The lord accepted it and looked down to Mutes hands that begun making signs. While I could not comprehend those gestures, it was not hard to read the smile on Mutes face.

"Prepare the army." The lord commanded a guard while simultaneously returning Mutes gestures. Mutes smile faded slightly.

"You may leave." Came from the lord, still in a commanding tone. I did not move a muscle.