Sekali, "The Sister City"

 

                                Chapter 15

 

     As he neared the city gates, Sekali noticed they loomed up in pathetic defiance, as if a half-hearted attack was expected. They seemed weak to him, like a child who, finding his father's sword, comes to the defense of his mother as she is cornered by seasoned ruffians. The sudden impression that this city had more to it than met the eye, sparked a deep curiosity within him.
     Passing beneath a large stone arch, and through the wide open city gates, his first view people from the Living World came into sight. Lining the streets were vendors selling strange vegitables and meats. There was one woman folding up a bolt of red cloth as two women pointed at a blue fabric next to her. Down the wide cobblestone road, a few well-dressed, important looking, men were standing off to the side, chatting and laughing loudly as a few horsemen teathered up their horses to a post in front of a building with a sign that read, The Cellar.
     Sekali took in the hustle and bustle of the strange city for a time, then continued in through the gated archway. No sooner had he passed beyond the gates, than four gate-wardens approached him from the side, calling to him.
     "We would see who we invite into our city, master traveler. We would detain you only for a moment in time." Sekali immediately stepped toward them. He had been prepared for coming into this land to some degree, for he had studied the dialects of four languages other than his own, one of which was Human. Quickly finding the most concealed spot -- which was no shelter at all; but it was the best he could do -- he slowly pulled his hood back, revealing himself. He expected a shout and a ring of steel, questioning and interrogation. But to his surprise, the gate-wardens bowed in casual respect.
     "Good man, we are sorry to detain you. You may be on your way, sir." At that they looked at each other and shook their heads. As Sekali hooded himself and continued into the city, he heard one plainly speak.
     "Listen up, you newcomers . . . the one we're keeping an eye out for is shorter, black hair, brown eyes; not elfin; Human. And . . ." As Sekali wandered toward the center of the city, the guard's voice faded into the drone of the crowd all about him. He looked at all the buildings in amazement. Never before had he set eyes upon architecture such as this. The craftsmanship was astonishing, but a pair of Krill`Shen Goblins could take this city themselves.
     Give one-hundred of my kindred one year and we would show them a city, he mused as he continue on through the crowds of seemigly friendly people. His chief interest was the source of the water beyond. It was ever present in his mind and drove him to it. Past the countless inns and stables he quickly pressed, astonished at the many races which traversed the seemingly endless cobblestone routes of this place. He saw no quarreling, no animosity, no fighting among the many races here. It amazed him greatly that such a diversity of cultures could get along with one another without war erupting. Humans were the dominant race, outnumbering all the other races ten to one. Thoughts and questions swarmed like bees in his mind, and Sekali made mental notes of everything.
     Onward through the streets he walked, now at a slower pace. To the right were a row of fish markets selling their foods. To the left, a line of vegetable and meat wagons; vendors selling their food wares, all in a hustle and bustle of wheeling and dealing. He took express interest in a stout looking dwarf and a boy bartering with a man over a salted pork slab. The dwarf didn't seem to be talking very much; only grunts and comments of, "Good drink to be had at the Golden Feather," and, "We waste our time with food that is pressed upon us daily . . . " and, "Do you sell Kohakk? Then let us go, Shallant!" Taking no more notice of the two, Sekali walked on, marveling at all the unity in this city.
     Sekali came out of his thoughts as the sea came into view. Again, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the breathtaking scene before him. It stretched out into the horizon of a setting sun which seemed to magically set a golden, shimmering, fire to the waters within the reflections of it rays. Sekali walked past men loading and unloading their cargo from great ships harbored up to the massive docks, failing to notice their stares.
     He walked out to the end of an unused dock and sat down at its end, taking in the overwhelming scene before him. Catching his attention was a group of large fish, not five feet below, swimming in circles and jumping. He watched them as the light of day faded and night came on.
     Then, as darkness settled, he became weary, and hungry. Before heading back into the city, he left the dock and came to the water's edge where he filled his flask and capped it. Kneeling down, he cupped water in his hands and drank deeply of its cool liquid -- and choked. It was salted! He blanched and recoiled from the water's edge, spitting and choking on the vile liquid. It was salted!! He drew out his flask and emptied it.
     What manner of water is this? He thought to himself. I was never told of this. Is this some kind of joke my elders have played upon me? It is not humorous. Quickly, Sekali turned and headed back into the city, his thirst continuing to grow on him.
     Deep in thought, he walked back, not paying attention to his direction. He was so consumed by the waste of so much water, that he did not see a man come upon him from behind. The moment he heard the footsteps, it was too late, and he knew he had made a fatal mistake; he was dead.
     "Good sir, good sir! Are you seeking a place of refuge this evening?" Sekali spun around and drew a hidden dagger from his right forearm. A rather overweight man fell back, his arms rising up before him, genuine hospitality instantly replaced with fear and panic. "No, no, I didn't . . . please, don't kill me!" As quickly as the dagger was drawn, it was again sheathed. Sekali, standing in wonder and awe at all the new sights he was experiencing, had let down his guard. He stepped back two paces and bowed.
     "Human, I have traveled the wilds for many days. This makes one quick to . . . I regret startling you. What is your name?" The man, recovering from his shock, stuttered and bumbled for a few seconds and then, taking a deep quavering breath, calmed a bit.
     "My name is Thomias, and I am the host of the Golden Feather; the inn which you see here." Thomias pointed to the large inn to his right and bowed politely. "Good master, we have rooms to spare, if you seek a place to stay for the night."
     Sekali looked over at the inn for a moment in silence, then nodded to the round man before him.
"Lead on, Thomias." The host of the Golden Feather led Sekali to the inn's front door, bowing multiple times, and opened it for his guest.
     As Sekali stepped inside, many things caught his eye. There were paintings, sculptures, and many other decorations which made this inn instantly likable. The craftsmanship within the inn was exquisite, even as he peered through a smokey haze that seemed to hang permanently in the air, like a morning fog released indoors. A great hearth stood at the center of the main common room, a small fire dancing among neatly stacked logs. Around the hearth were tables and chairs, neatly arranged and properly maintained. Taking in the warmth of both the inn and its host, he desiced to stay.

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