Chapter I
The Arrival
They say all roads lead to Hydlaa. Proudly bathing in the rays of the Azure Sun, this city, not without reason, deemed itself to be the pinnacle of Yliakum's wealth and civilization. Richly assembled by members of all neighbouring agglomerations, walls of Hydlaa provided shelter and understanding for men of various customs and ties of blood. Those who made it their home, prospered in fame. Those who passed the gates never to be seen again, faded in time. But whatever their fate may be, citizens of Hydlaa lived a happy life.
Yliakum wasn't a safe place. With numerous villages threatened by marauding beasts, many a man was forced to learn the way of the sword. Peasant or merchant, regardless of their age or wealth, each could die in a sudden brutal attack. Yliakum called for heroes, people that would defend the crops of the common folk. Some were heeding the call, others, on the contrary, seeked to take advantage of this cruel world. Needless to say, balance achieved by such a state of affairs drowned in blood and mischief.
In all this chaos, Hydlaa remained a relatively serene place. Neither heroes nor villains would make their presence overly known, while majority of the bold adventurers seeked nothing but mere fame and wealth. But in truth, no other fate could find its birth behind these mighty walls, when highly organised sentries maintained a careful watch over the hopeful citizens, keeping the ill-bred culprits at bay. And with thought of this, you may wish to ask: If there were no wrongdoers pouring woe upon the common folk, who then needed the brave heroes? People from all around the Yliakum ventured to the far-famed Hydlaa, hoping that once they had reached it, chance to harness the glamorous possibilities provided by the city would fall into their hands. Not everyone however, would seek to settle their lives there. I for one, wasn't one of those people.
With my rations soon turned to naught and with my legs waning in strength, Hydlaa came along as an alleviating and so eye-soothing sight. Even from the hills yonder, its grandour outshined assets of what other cities I have ever came to see or even live in. Mighty walls and ever so sublime sentry towers, enthralled my heart with great reverence and awe, as did the splendour of the Laanx temple bestow me with humility and meek. Within just one minute, all the past told tales and what I'd believe to be mere myths, envisioned inside my mind, thus flashing out a near to complete scenery of the entire city. I stood there staggered on the road, imaging how grand would life in this city be. Yet I knew, the venture I have undertaken wasn't quite at its end.
With no further hesitation, I moved forth, looking forward to finding the much needed rest and meal for the last chapter of my travel. The entrance-guarding gate grew in might and size as more segments of the paved road disappeared behind me. So glorious they seemed, while I felt so little... Seemingly unimportant Enkidukol, clad in regalia much scathed by the past-came trip. Glimpse of doubt began whipping my mind. How would this glorious city welcome an obscure traveler like me?
Two guards stood afront of the gate, peering cautiously at the whereabouts of their post. One of them was an Ylian, the other - a robust Ynnwn. Both of them wore alike uniforms, supposedly typical for the sentries of this city.
"Halt!" uttered the Ylian, casually setting the end of his spear firm on the ground. At once I gave my heed to the call, though maybe more so due to the shock than actual following of the command. "Forewind you cross this gate," he continued "I beseech you to speak your intentions for our city!"
"My intentions are none," I answered, slowly recovering from the severe confusion. "The road I walk crosses your walls. That is all."
"Is it now?" He leaned on his spear. "Where does this road take you then?"
"Ojaveda." With a slight motion of my head I attempted to show the direction." That's where I'm headed."
"Long way there, lad." The Ynnwn joined the conversation. "The night may befall you long 'till you reach the city. You would do better spending the night behind these walls, lest you fall pray to the marauding culprits."
"Where shall I find some rest then?" I turned back to the Ylian.
"Our taverns stand wide open to those who pass our city." He ceased leaning on the spear and glanced at something past my shoulder. "You shall find all the repose you need in there."
I turned around to see what came to be the object of guard's attention; Apparently a cart-riding merchant nearing the city. I turned back to the sentry. "Taverns sound fine. That's where I'll head."
He turned his sight back to me. "May I hear your name then?"
"Draklar..." I answered. "Draklar Lashaar."
"Well then, Draklar Lashaar." The guard straightened up. "The walls of Hydlaa welcome your name."
Hearing those words filled my soul with a slight tint of relief. At least for now no trouble would befall me and no risk of having my trip thwarted arised. With a slight nod of my head I gave the guard a sign of my acknowledging his words. I only threw a single glance at the plains about before finally moving onward into the city.
To some extend Hydlaa provided me with a familiar sight. The architecture of all the buildings rendered touch of Ylians, race I happened to spend most of my life among. It would seem only the Laanx temple stood out in this otherwise complete jigsaw puzzle of Ylian culture. While Ylians strived for simplicity, practical shapes that would make the most out of the ground their buildings are set upon, the temple on the contrary: Lashed out with many peculiar shapes, inciting thoughts of awe and wonder in the mind of the beholder.
So did the structure of the roads grant me with understanding of the city. Straight, well defined paths made it easy for me to find myself in those whereabouts, though places where they led remained wonder to my mind. After a shorter while, this slow stroll brought me to the verge of Hydlaa's plaza. It was a calm and quiet place, with its center occupied by a splendid fountain that gave the base for a huge statue of Laanx. Appeased by its atmosphere, I sat down beneath a nearby tree, giving rest to my legs and reaching into my bag for the last of the remaining rations.
Every once and then someone would pass by the plaza, apparently rushing to matters known only by themselves. With my time untroubled by any turmoils or worries, my blithe behaviour much differed from that of theirs. Still, I knew before the sun would turn dark, I had to find a place where I may spend the upcoming night. I took a look around in search for anyone that might grant me with some directions, and just then I noticed the familiar cart riding across the road. I devoured the last piece of my bread and tardily stood up from the ground. I waited until the merchant would get closer. With my forearm I wiped my mouth and approached the, so it would seem, lavishly clad dwarf.
"Excuse me, good sir!" I exclaimed upon walking afront of his cart. "You wouldn't happen to know the whereabouts of the nearest tavern, would you now?"
"What kind o' question be this?" he answered in a stertorous, seemingly displeased voice. "Of course I know! What would it come to, Trokin not knowing the aboots o' Hydlaa's taverns; Straightforward, lad! Ye go straightforward an' take the stairs on the left."
"That will do, thank you." driven by curiousity, I threw a glance at the merchant's wares. "And if I may so inquire, what is it that you transport there?"
"Weapons, lad! Weapons to me very fine shop-o'-stuff." He sniveled. "Should ye look fo' the best, me shop shall put ye at rest."
I approached the cart, casually examining the arms. One in particular, a well polished claymore, drew my attention. Intrigued by the well forged steel, I moved my hand closer in an attempt to touch it with my fingers.
"What in Talad's name do ye think ye be doing?!" Hearing those words, I retracted my hand. "Do ye even realise how expensive this be?" said that, he then continued muttering under his nose. "Filthy Enkidukais thinking 'ey can touch whateve' they want..."
"Perchance I wish to buy it." I replied in a calm manner.
"Ye? Ye, lad?!" He peered over me scornfully. "Not in this life, 'fraid I be. But 'ere, mayhap ye can afford this." He threw me a small object.
I inspected it. "What is this, a mug?"
"Aye, mug." He nodded his head.
"I thought weapons is all that you have here." I looked up to him, arching an eyebrow.
"Well 'ey make for good head-bumpers in them tavern rumbles."
"Wait, is this--" One detail in particular appeared to me highly peculiar upon further investigation. "Are they iron-reinforced?"
"Aye, they be!" he replied with pride.
"Is that even legal?"
"What be this, an interrogation?" He snatched the mug from my hands. "I will let ye know all sold in me shop happens t'be law-fine! Now if ye excuse me, I have some transactions to attend." Seemingly irritated he moved on with his cart.
I stood there for a little longer, watching as the merchant would drive away. Soon enough however, I turned around to continue my stroll through the city, this time knowing exactly where to head. As I crossed further parts of Hydlaa, no one really cared about my presence. Members of various races passed next to me without even sending me a single glance, while I in a similar manner only looked forward to finding the promissed tavern and finally leaving this day behind.
I climbed the stairs, as the dwarf had told me and just as he said, there I found the tavern. With no doubt impressive it was, flaunting with a certain sense of majesty and glittering with a firm touch of care. Two Enkidukais clad in Hydlaa's sentry uniform conversed nearby, casually glancing in my direction as I approached the building. I myself did not pay them much attention and went straight to the doors.
Inside, the tavern was peaceful, while its dim environment so soothing for the senses of a troubled traveler. Small candles set upon the tables slightly illuminated the hall, while vigorous flames crackled in the fireplace, throwing shadows of the men sitting afront all the way to the wall. Not many people dwelled about, but in truth, still early was the day. I took a look around in a search for a free table. Most were, it seemed, and my choice turned to one standing away by the opposite wall.
How delighted I were when finally I could sit and simply await coming of the night. Soon the next day would arrive and my travel might find its long-looked end. I leaned back on the chair, with my hands interlaced resting on the back of my neck. My eyes were closed tight and my breath was slow, as if enjoying every bit of the cool ale-tinted air. I was at peace.
Wreathed I were in the all-surrounding sense of shock when in sudden impact dagger pierced into wood. With thunk aloud in same manner piercing my ears, my lids at once moved aside. The blade was stuck in the table as I have seen and for the much ill-bred owner I have looked around. Soon he came to my eyes, just opposite, on table standing proud and there high up flashing a haughty grin on his mug.
He jumped down onto a chair afront and sat down forward leaning himself. He was an Enkidukai clad in black leather covering him from neck and down. He gave me no time to regain from thus bestowed shock, he simply spoke.
"Ha! You should have seen the look on your face!" Not ceasing to grin, he shook his head. "You looked as if you've seen a ghost!"
For a while I only stared at him infuriated, but then I spoke. "And you are?"
"My name's Giladrial! But friends call me Gila." He leaned back on the chair.
"So, Giladrial, pray tell me what in Laanx' grief was that about?"
"Nothing at all!" A grin once more appeared on his face. "I've just seen you sit all alone, so... I decided to drop a hello."
"Well if that is all you wanted, I believe you can now go aw--"
"Hey now!" he interrupted. "Slow down there, buddy!"
"I truly doubt myself and you being buddies." I crossed my arms.
"Very well then, mister grumpy." He arched an eyebrow. "Can you at least tell me your name?"
I winced. "My name is Draklar."
"For friends Drak, right?"
"For friends Clawhand."
"So, Clawh--"
"Draklar." I interrupted.
"Right, Draklar." He nodded. "What brings you to this very fine tavern then?"
"What brings me here is having no other place to go." I turned my sight to the dagger stuck in the table.
Giladrial followed my sight. "Yikes! Sorry about that." He grabbed the dagger and made an attempt at pulling it out. "So it has nothing to do with looking for Kada-El's finest ale?"
"Kada-El?" I tilted my head. "And who would that be?"
"You haven't heard of Kada-El?" He gripped the dagger with both his hands and began pulling it out with twice as much force. "Well, I guess. You only came here just now after all."
"So..?" I inquired.
He stopped struggling with his dagger for a while and glanced back to me. "So what?"
"So who is this Kada-El?" I answered with a slight tint of frustration in my voice.
"Ah." Giladrial leaned his cheek on his palm, while having his elbow set on the table. "She's the owner of this establishment." He poked the dagger. "You should meet her if you stay around long enough."
"I see..." I glanced at the dagger. "You need a hand with that?"
"I'll do just fine on my own, thank you." Once more he gripped the dagger with both his hands and set his foot against the table. "No dagger will resist my... charm..." He began pulling it with all his force.
"I have my doub--"
Suddenly the table released the dagger, but so did it take away Giladrial's balance. With his leg he pushed himself away from the table, while unprepared, his hands released the dagger, which then pierced the air gliding somewhere behind. Together with his chair he fell back and down to the ground. After a while his head peeked up. "Well... this cannot be good..."
"Hey!" Suddenly I heard a loud scream. "Whose dagger is this?!"
"...Not good at all!" Giladrial hid under the table.
I glanced in the direction of the voice and there I noticed a robust Ynnwn, foaming with much fury. "Who is this?" I asked.
"Enraged!" I heard Giladrial's voice from under the table.
"I can see that, you numbskull!" I peeked down. "I am asking for his name."
"Enraged, moron! That's how we call him."
I arched an eyebrow. "How convenient." I glanced back to the Ynnwn. "Oh, that..." I staggered.
"What? What is it?!"
"That is one huge axe..."
"Oh boy, Kada will kill me." He sighed. "Buddy, you better run out of the tavern before that axe gets familiar with your skull."
"Quit calling me that!" I thrust a kick at him. "Besides, I am certain I can convince this--"
"...What a dupe." Suddenly Giladrial jumped out from under the table and upon gripping me by the forearm, he quickly pulled me out of the tavern.
"And just what do you think you are doing?" I asked once we were out.
"Gee, I don't know... Perchance saving your sorry arse?!"
"Well, I really think not--"
"I can tell!" He interrupted me. "Now follow me, unless you fancy losing your head." Said that, he rushed away.
A glance I threw through the doors of the tavern revealed to me the axe-wielding Ynnwn. His appearance seemed barbaric and utmost intimidating. I then glanced to place where the sentries were; No longer there. I took one step behind and before I knew it, I've been running after the much despised Enkidukai. After a short scram, it seemed we were losing the Ynnwn behind. However, as I looked back to Giladrial, I noticed he stopped on the verge of tall platform. "What now?" I panted. "You don't intend to jump, do you?"
"Why not?" He shrugged.
"What?!" My eyes widened in disbelief. "I really hope you are joking."
"You never climbed the rooftops?" He turned his eyes to me.
"I what now?!" I still couldn't believe what I heard.
"Off we go now!" Before I could react, he pushed me off onto a roof afront of the platform. I slipped down the slates and landed with my feet on the gutter.
"City of peace, my ass!" I yelled while pressing myself against the roof.
Giladrial jumped swiftly onto the top of the roof. He reached his hand for my collar and pulled me up all the way to the top. Slowly I stood up and made sure I would keep a perfect balance. I then sighed with relief. "I swear," I said, "If I get out of this alive--"
"You'll thank me later," he replied and pushed my back. "Now go!"
I slipped down the slates once more and again I landed on the gutter, though now on the opposite side of the roof. Suddenly I heard worrisome sound under my feet. I looked down, but before I realised it, the gutter cracked under my weight and I fell all the way down into bushes. After a moment Giladrial jumped down, landing next to me.
"Listen, you goddamn bags of fleas!" I heard the familiar voice from above. "If I ever find you, I'll rip your innards out!"
"Well that's a soothing thought." Giladrial chuckled.
"You have some nerve!" I walked out from the bushes.
"Huh?" He tilted his head after doing as I did.
"If I had an axe, one such as his, you would already be saying good-bye to your stinky tail!"
"Well." Giladrial grinned. "Luckily I'm the only one who has any weaponry around here, right?" He reached for something by his belt, but to his great surprise his fingers gripped nothing at all. He glanced down to his belt and then uncertain turned his sight back to me.
"Well now. If it isn't a pity..." I grinned in return. "Did you lose something back at the tavern?"
He sighed. "That's just my luck..."
I only aimed my fist and launched a punch directly at his mug.
