Ezal sprinted through the cold streets of Agilegale. Blue-green coloured lights of enchanted lamps were somewhat nostalgic to him, a distant memory of his hometown always popping up in his mind. They were made with a careful craftsmanship, one he remembered to be from long passed away Zeau of Babapara. Among many master blacksmiths of Aenon, he was considered to be one of the best. A pity he died early.
His leather armor was also a work of his. Slight brown on the outside, made by the leather of wild Irik. Creatures of cursed Wildlands that bordered King's mountain. Their red oval eyes, slightly squarish scaly face and gray body covered with fur seemed quite monstrous from outside. It had a style that captivated the hearts of the warriors as an armor, however. Small paddings on its surface was added on later, as to what purpose only he knew.
Agilegale's relatively far away position from capital made it cold just like the northern lands of continent, maybe even colder. So he had to run as fast as he could before his silver fur turned into crystals of ice. He passed through the 2 floored houses and wide commercial buildings. Some of them held caged beasts in front of their houses, grim creatures' snorting heard across the streets. No one complained, however, they were the best guardians for protecting against thievery. Maybe even against arson.
After a few minutes, he reached to the center of the city, hall of governor. A 5 story building made of marble and a strange alloy mixed in. It was durable and strong but Ezal had no idea which kind of steel they were made. Red steel perhaps?
Several guards in front of the estate recognized him and saluted, nothing more. Everyone had their mission nowadays, even the simplest man had to do their job properly. No sentient men and creature liked the taste of blood in their mouth.
His slightly frozen body warmed up the moment he entered the hall. Same lamps at the city's streets, their sizes somewhat larger, were lined up on a big chandelier hanging from the wide ceiling. It was luxurious to say, Ezal didn't complain. He was also just a subordinate, how his master or masters lived didn't matter much unless he could bite a huge fat chunk out of it.
He climbed the elegant stairs with slow movements, taking deep breaths to get rid of fatigue and cold. By the time he reached 4th floor he was good and ready to go. He passed through some maze like hallways and reached to a big door made of fine wood. Material was foreign to him but it seemed like the trees at the west of the city, their names unknown to him as well.
He knocked two times. Sounds seemed non-existent but it was apparent they were heard.
''Come in!'' Said someone. A feminine voice filled with vigor. It gave off a warmth that couldn't be found in these cold lands. 'Alright then. Mind your words, keep your back straight, always smile. One, two, three, lets go!'
Ezal opened the door slightly, only letting out a room enough for him to pass. He directly passed through and closed the doors behind him, then bowed towards the beauty in front of him. Her black fur and long nose was more noble than any women he saw in capital. Fox like ears and a long tail emerging out of her bottom trembled slightly. The slightest of cold air managed to seep inside the room. A hand made yellow dress adorned her slim figure, a snow pattern embroidered on its front. It seemed like a shallow craftsmanship but still shined like a star on its creator's body.
''M'lady, sorry for disturbing your esteemed figure.'' Ezal said with a slight bow. He had respect to a strong woman, especially towards Mirka who managed to govern this wild place for 30 years. Mirka's smile seemed authentic as she waved her hand.
''No need for formalities, Mr. Ezal. I don't have the strength to command one of the finest warriors of western Aenon.'' She said.
''As you wish, M'lady.'' Ezal replied as he raised his head. His smile was bright and he also had confidence in the small green eyes of his. Many praised them as magnificent pieces of work.
''So Mr. Ezal, take a seat before we talk.'' Mirka gestured towards one of the chairs in front of her simple table. There was a pair of end tables, a slightly warm tea pot bubbling still. ''My thanks.'' He said before sitting down on one of the chairs. Mirka poured a warm Leafon tea for him, then for herself.
After receiving the tea cup with a thanks Ezal sipped a bit then put it down, turning towards the gorgeous Mirka.
''So how was your trip, Mr. Ezal?'' She asked.
''Quite rough I must say. I really didn't expect the terrain of Wildlands to be this rough.'' Replied Ezal as he remembered the little bugs called Taresh. Those stinky creatures were a damn headache. Being born from ancient earthworms, they had durable kitin shells. Their sharp needles on their noses and finger sized bodies just made it unbearable for him to travel without casting earth perception. ''It was expected but still shocking.''
''Sorry for the inconvenience but that was still a necessity.'' Mirka replied. ''Beyond the forest of Hecato it should be a safe sail although.''
''Yes, cold was hard to adapt but you know us well.''
''I know, Mr. Ezal. That is why I hired the captain of Griffins.'' Mirka said, her eyes seemingly colder than the air of Agilegale.
''I have a arrangement for you but you should rest first. Upcoming days may be even rougher than your travel, Mr. Ezal.''
''I understand M'lady. Then I will get myself a place in a local inn.'' Ezal said as he stood up.
Although Mirka frowned for a little moment, she still smiled and said ''As you wish Mr. Ezal. I'll get someone to call you when everything is ready.'' Ezal nodded and bid goodbye, then left.
*********
It was a strange encounter, perhaps disgusting. Trying to speak soft words to a man like him was pointless, yet she still tried despite knowing him. Then her attempt at questioning his travel. She tried to search his mouth for something. Something that Ezal didn't know for sure. He was not the captain of the famed group of 17, Griffins, for nothing. No one followed him nor anyone tried to stop him. Yet, there was still something worrying his employer.
'Whatever, just let me finish what crap she has then I'll go back. '
He didn't feel much liking to this woman at first, only some respect for her power. Now? He detested her untrustworthy attitude yet respected more for her mindset.
None of it mattered though.
After finding a inn with decent quality Ezal ate some dried up meat and porridge. He refused the offer of wine from owner. Three times in a row. Then retreated back to his room, delving into thoughts.
His first impression was not decent. Agilegale seemed desolate somehow. People rare. Even the inns were quiet on night. Even at the southern Aenon, where nothing but monsters and simple commoners lived there was still a soul of joy. Some purpose to enjoy every night. To drink wine and get laid down with a fine girl.
Yet this city lacked that.
Quite gloomy mood drifted across the air. There were many drunk, that was for sure, yet none of them seemed happy. Snow was pouring down yet no children were playing. There were seven watchtowers in the city but only three of them faced the King's mountain. The only protection from Wildlands. Other four stood in the city within a star formation, eighth one being built as the top of it.
Their purpose, he could only guess. At a land where only one person ruled, it always seemed oppressive. He was once more reminded of the republics of Exiled Lands. Their history was only two centuries, at most three centuries old yet the prosperity spread out of them was enough to drown the people of Lore kingdom and Aenon. Even Elves at the far east were slowly turning into bodies of multiple headed personas, leaving the whimsical system of monarchy.
Yet, he couldn't see the slightest trace of change in these lands. It was disappointing. Or maybe he was just selfish. The benefits of being in a large Empire was abundant, yet the rights were proportional to the benefits as well.
This was not the first time he thought of this. Every time he visited a city inside the Aenon, he was greeted by the same scenery. Same desolate feeling. Same dissatisfaction… It became a routine almost.
Well, does it matter? That was the only question that destroyed everything. It didn't matter much for Ezal. He still had a group of friends he worked with. He had ample wealth he could spend lavishly. He had power and looks that could tremble any men and women.
'Its...its enough for today.'
He buried his head into the pillow. He had no worries while sleeping. It became a natural instinct to place several trap magics around him. If a thief was out of luck, he might get burnt alive because of them but it was not his concern.
Ezal already fell asleep.