Calytrix's Journey

Chapter XX: Reyaeth kingdom I

Rheya's capital stood out from the other towns on my journey. After Ann guided me, I stood transfixed in the street, gazing at my surroundings. Smooth, gray stones neatly paved the street. Flowers in vibrant colors blossomed along the street sides. A gentle breeze carried a faint, happy scent from the flowers. The streets were clean and free of mud. There wasn't a speck of dirt in sight. The cleanliness was appealing, yet it felt oddly artificial.

Buildings reached great heights, as if aspiring to touch the sky. I had never seen anything quite like it before.

I glimpsed the fire spirit; it showed no reaction to the capital or anything else, so I kept looking around. High-quality attire and dignified bearing were common among those present. I was curious about the fabric's cost. If it wasn't too expensive, I could buy some of it and sent it home. With the right buyer, my parents could create beautiful clothing and generate significant profit. Without my witchcraft, I would be the heir to the family business. Maybe I'd become a tailor, traveling the world in search of exquisite fabrics. Although fabrics weren't my source of income, I still admired beautiful ones.

Apart from the stylishly dressed crowd, people in red coats patrolled the streets. They were unarmed and didn't look like royal guards. I'll be alright, provided I avoid anything unusual that might attract attention.

"Rheya will be giving her speech shortly. You should go listen to it," an older woman dressed in a red coat said in a strict tone. She had a tall and slender figure. She styled her short grey hair in neat curls. 

"That's why I'm here for," I said.

The woman nodded in approval, and I proceeded straight ahead.

"You're going the wrong way, girl!" She called out to me.

"My mistake. Thank you for telling me," I said and went to an alley on my right.

This time, a young man in a red coat obstructed my path. His hair was very short, and his expression was severe. Oddly, he resembled a royal guard.

"What are you doing here? Rheya's speech will be in a minute," he said.

"I believe I've made a wrong turn. I thought I was going to the right place," I said with an awkward laugh.

My plan was to explore the town and stumble upon Rheya's speech location, but the redcoats insisted I leave immediately.

The man walked in front of me and said: "Follow me."

Although I wanted to say no, the numerous individuals in red coats staring at me prevented me. To leave now would attract unwanted attention. Playing along to see what happens would be the best course of action. I really hope Rheya hasn't put a wanted criminal label on me. If I were something like that, I would have probably been arrested by now. My disagreement with her plans and perspectives likely made me her enemy, since I never explicitly voiced my support.

I followed the man to a town square. A crowd had assembled, with figures in black forming a protective cordon around a central water source. The water from the ground was crystal clear. Its transparency was like glass, allowing for a clear view through it. The water didn't seem to come from a natural source. The lack of magic made me wonder about its upward release.

Despite its strangeness, its sight and sound were relaxing. Rheya wasn't here. I'd feel her magic if she were present. Could she have been delayed? I hid amongst a large group of people to prevent her from seeing me. If she shows up, she won't be able to make eye contact and I'll safely hear her crazy speech.

Several magical bolts of lightning struck the water. It was Rheya's magic, but she wasn't present. The spell she cast came from far away. Those around me cheered with joy, clasping each other in excitement. Magic did not impress me, but that was because I was a witch.