Gewey couldn’t help but be excited as they approached the gates of Althetas. From more than a mile away, he could see the buildings rising above the city wall. Some looked to be over five stories tall.
“Is the whole city like that?” Gewey asked.
Lee laughed lightheartedly. “A good portion of it. Althetas is the largest city on the Western Abyss. All the cities and towns for hundreds of miles come here for trade.”
“How far are we from the Abyss?”
“Not far,” Lee replied. “Less than thirty miles, I should say.”
“Why not build it on the shore? Wouldn’t it be easier for shipping?”
“Long ago, Althetas was on the shore,” Lee explained. “But a great storm nearly destroyed it, so they moved it here. Most towns along the shore now are small ports and fishing villages. The storms of the Western Abyss are enormous. They don’t hit often, but when they do, everything is destroyed.”
Gewey nodded, wondering what it would be like to see such a storm up close.
The walls of the city were twenty feet high and ten feet thick, made from gigantic blocks of black granite. As they approached, the guards waved them to a halt.
“State your business,” called the guard, seemingly bored.
“Trade,” Lee replied.
“How long will you be staying?”
“Three days.”
The guard gave their party a quick once over. “If your stay lasts longer than one week, you’ll have to register at the clerk’s office. Welcome to Althetas.” He waved them on without enthusiasm, and then went back to his post, where a chair and a jug of ale awaited him.
As they passed the gates, Gewey stared at the sights of the city, unable to believe his eyes. The streets were jammed shoulder to shoulder with people-some selling wares, other trading, and even some who stood on boxes shouting scripture at the crowds. Most of the taller buildings had balconies on each floor, where people ate and drank far above the hustle and bustle. Gewey stared, wishing he could see the city from their vantage point.
Lee noticed Gewey staring at the balconies. “Impressive, isn’t it? Millet loves Althetas. He and I once stayed here for six months. There used to be a great sword master that lived here, and his home was in one of the taller buildings. While we’re here, I’ll see if I can arrange for us to visit one. On the north end of the city there used to be some taverns on the top floors; I’m sure some of them are still there.”
Gewey beamed with excitement. “Do you think Lord Ganflin’s house is anything like this?”
Lee laughed. “Certainly not. From the directions he gave me, his manor is in the southern garden district, where they prefer traditional, two-floor houses. The aristocrats consider the rest of the city to be somewhat tacky.”
Gewey looked at Lee in amazement. He couldn't imagine thinking such wondrous buildings to be tacky. “The lords here must be a bunch of idiots.”
“I’ll tell Ganflin you said so,” Lee teased. “I’m sure he’ll agree.”
“Maybe that’s not such a good idea,” Gewey said with a smile. “Considering we’re staying at his house.”
Just then, Gewey noticed something he didn’t expect: an elf. He was standing in front of the door to an inn, talking to a short human. Kaylia noticed too.
“I know they told us that elves walked freely in the city,” said Kaylia, “but to actually see it…”
“You should remove your hood,” Gewey suggested.
Kaylia paused for a moment, and then did just that. Her auburn hair flowed free, and she closed her eyes, letting the sun shine on her face. Gewey thought she looked beautiful, her bronze skin glowing the in sunlight. He scanned the crowd to see if anyone had noticed. A few people cast a quick glance in their direction, but for the most part, they were ignored.
“How does it feel?” he asked.
“Strange,” she replied. “But good. I hate hiding.”
“You shouldn’t have to hide,” Dina said. “None of us should.”
Kaylia nodded in agreement. “Maybe one day we won’t have to.”
Lee led them through the crowded streets to the southern garden district. Just as Lee had said, the houses in the area were single- and two-story dwellings, their brick walls covered in ivy and protected by wrought iron gates. The streets were clean and far less crowded than the rest of the city. Fine coaches navigated the wide avenues, driven by haughty men in red and gold jackets, and pulled by horses nearly as well adorned as the drivers. Lords and ladies in elegant attire strolled down the broad sidewalks.
Lee stopped in front of an immense manor and dismounted. The double-gated wall was at least ten feet high. A man in a gold silk suit and waistcoat stood at the gateway.
“Is Harlondo in?” Lee asked politely.
“He is,” the gate keeper responded. “Might I tell him who calls?”
Lee pulled the letter Lord Ganflin had given him from his pocket. “I have a message from Lord Ganflin.”
“I see. Please wait here.” The man passed through the gate and disappeared inside the manor.
Gewey was amazed by the size of the estate; it was bigger than most temples. The entire structure was made from polished white granite, and sat upon at least three acres of land. The vestibule was lined with stone columns supporting a veranda that spanned the length of the front of the house. The driveway was almost as wide as the avenue, and the well-manicured lawn and gardens held plants and flowers of so many different kinds, it would take someone an entire spring just to name them all. He recognized flowers such as roses and tulips from back home, but others looked as though they belonged in a fairytale. Low lying lavender blooms sprinkled with deep yellow swirls followed a stone path leading to a white, ivy-wrapped gazebo.
At the center of the yard was a marble fountain in the likeness of Althetas Mol, the Goddess of Wisdom and Compassion, the patron goddess and namesake of the city. Beautiful carved wooden benches faced the fountain at six foot intervals, and a small table had been placed beside each of them.
When the gatekeeper returned, he was accompanied by a short man in a gray buttoned shirt and trousers with a thin black jacket. His hair was jet black and slicked back with oils. He wore silver reading glasses and was carrying a leather binder under his arm.
“You have a message from Lord Ganflin,” Harlondo said by way of greeting. His voice was high and almost feminine.
Lee handed him the letter and waited as he broke the seal and read.
“I see,” said Harlondo, putting the letter in his pocket. “Greetings my lords and ladies. Welcome to the house of Lord Ganflin. I have instructions to treat you as I would Lord Ganflin himself. Clearly he holds you in high regard.” He gave a loud whistle and four young boys ran from the house. “Your horses will be well-tended and your belongings brought to your rooms. Will you be sleeping separately, or shall I have couple’s suites prepared?”
“Individually will be fine,” Lee answered.
Harlondo raised an eyebrow. “Excellent. Please, come with me.”
“You didn’t want a couple’s suite did you?” Lee whispered to Gewey, trying to hide a smile. Gewey clenched his jaw and shot him a dirty look.
The inside of the manor was even more impressive than the outside. On either side of the large foyer sat marble basins filled with perfumed water that filled the air with the scent of lavender. Beyond the foyer, an alabaster staircase led upward before splitting into two spirals that led to opposite sides of the house. The polished marble walls were covered with elaborate tapestries and fine oil paintings depicting members of the Ganflin family in various heroic acts. To the far left were large double doors that led to the formal dining room, and in the corner was a smaller wooden door that provided access to the rear chambers. On the right side of the room were three separate doors leading to the studies and offices. Directly behind the stairs, a huge archway opened up to a ballroom where an exquisite crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. Though the room was currently unused, it was well-lit, and the lights beamed and reflected from around the steps to sparkle against the pink marble floor.
“We have hot showers in each room,” Harlondo informed them. “However, a bath can be prepared if you prefer.”
“A shower?” Gewey asked. “What-”
“Showers will be fine,” Lee said, cutting him off.
