The settlement was massive with a stone archway in front stands as a gate, and guards stationed to stop travelers for inspections.
As they got closer the guard raised a hand, signaling the young travelers to stop. Which they did.
"Good day," the guard greeted.
"If I could just see your identifications please." He asked politely.
"Of course," Darius responded taking out his badge and handing it over to the guard.
"Bounty hunters," the guard mumbled while eyeing them suspiciously.
"Are bounty hunters banned here?" Darius asked.
"Not quite, but the city of Austral is not often visited by bounty hunters. Which makes your arrival suspicious." The guard bluntly replied.
"Don't worry we're just passing by."
"Then where are you off to?"
"South, further south." Irritation is starting to appear in Darius's features.
"That's the high mountain, what will you do up there?" the guard pressed on.
"Ah! We're quite new you see, so we only take a simple task." Brennan stepped in, laughing awkwardly as cold sweat started rolling down his nape.
"The task is to find the lily of the valley, it only pays for a few coins but it's worth a try… just to gain experience you know." He added.
"Huh… alright." The guard muttered.
"I have to say, the high mountain is not the safest place. You will need to climb it with precaution." The guard warned, handing back Darius's badge as he stepped away to let them in.
As they got further, Brennan came closer to Darius.
"This bounty hunter set up, can't always work huh." He whispered to the older man.
"Yes, but we can't complain. Witch hunters are even more unwelcomed, it will be more difficult to go around in we say we're wich hunters."
Brennan sighed, "If only witch hunters have a huge organization that's at least recognized by the people so we don't have to identify ourselves as bounty hunters."
"Does it matter if we do have one?" Darius asked with little interest, it all the same anyway.
"Well, of course, we can have a better line of communication and information. We can work more efficiently and we can even gain support."
Darius will not deny that Brennan is right, that does sound better. All this work sneaking around with scarce sources is tiring. But it's not that easy to start an entire organization and pull people in for support.
It will take so much time and effort, which is something he doesn't have.
He needs to prioritize saving his brother above everything else.
The city of Austral is wealthy to put it simply, just by the sight of towering establishments, grandiose stores, and lavish stalls. You could already see how much money the people have in their pockets.
Tiled roof, white painted walls, balconies with hanging gardens, squeaky clean glass windows, elaborate metal works, and carved doors. All of which cost a hefty amount of money, but they are present in each house.
In the center, a massive fountain was located. And within the clean running water, you could see the hundreds upon hundreds of both gold and silver coins.
The people walk left and right, wearing fancy dresses and well-ironed suits. While the child plays and laughs heartily.
Such a peaceful place, that was the first thing that came to Darius while observing the people around him.
After the days of traveling on the dirt road, it almost feel like everything in Austral was a dream.
The young traveler walked inside an inn near the city center, it was a lavish establishment. With beige painted walls, neatly arranged tables with white table cloth- topped with flower vases filled with pink tulips.
As they entered the smell of citrus filled their nostrils – it was from those orange-colored candles no doubt.
Walking in was like marching in shame, because of all the people that started looking their way. Even with those calm faces, it is evident that the young men do not belong in the establishment.
As soon as they reached the counter, the keeper greeted them with an awkward smile.
"Ah! Travelers, I presume?" She asked cheerily, hiding the pack that she doesn't think the young men have enough money to pay for even a meal.
"How may I help young today?" she continued to ask.
"We need rooms…" Brennan started.
The woman cleared her throat subtly, "Listen…" she pursed her lips.
"You might want to try a different establishment, this one will be taking a hefty amount of money." She whispered as lowly as she can, this job will never be easy for her. Just like how living in Austral can never be easy.
"In the southern gate, there are other inns that may be more fitting. I'm so sorry." She said with an apologetic smile.
She knew that young men are visiting Austral for the first time, and that is why she couldn't blame them for not knowing… but soon they will find out the horrible truth about the city.
With another whispered apology, the woman send them away. It's not like they are not welcome… it's just that she knew better. If she accepted their payment then they will have hardly any money left in their pockets.
And of course, there are the cases of high-class snobs that will scoff and throw fits upon seeing them inside the establishment. That is why turning them away is better for both parties.
As the young men reached the southern area, Darius couldn't help but scowl at the view.
As it turned out, Austral is not the picture-perfect city they thought it was.
Because the people are divided into two factions, the rich and the poor. A massive wall stands as a reminder, keeping the poor in their side of the city.
"Going to the ghetto?" the guard asked as they got closer.
Brennan could only nod sadly, a bitter taste lingering in his mouth. Such discrimination was far too familiar.
"Welcome then… come on in." The guard opened the gate for them.
Brennan could feel his heart sink, the houses are nothing but disheveling shacks. Created by rotting flanks and badly cut tree trunks.
There are small makeshift stores, selling bruised fruits and drying vegetables.
The children are running around, are dressed in rug-like clothes stained with who knows what. But while the children seem carefree and happy, Darius couldn't say the same for the elderly. With tired faces, chapped lips etched with frowns, bags under their eyes – almost soulless.
It was no brainer, but the northern part of the city was nothing but a pretty face to hide this depressing place.
"How could they let this happen?" Brennan asked, shaking his head disapprovingly.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Because the ruling class is not affected by the problem. They have money and don't need to worry about the problem of the poor, of course, they will not do anything about it. So they just decided to free themselves of hard work and built the wall. With that, they didn't have to see the truth and continue to live a life of lie."
Brennan know Darius was right, the rich have the privilege to just look away. While the poor have to suffer every single day. Because they don't have the capability to turn their back in this life.
Yet even it was true, he still can't accept that fact.
In the mid-afternoon, both of them ended up finding a place to stay for the night, a run-down two-story building with creaky floorboards and a strong scent of molded wood.
"Good evening, the old man greeted at the counter. How may I help you?" He greeted.
"Well take two rooms and whatever is available for dinner," Darius coldly replies.
"Understood Sir, but we will have to deliver dinner later in your rooms."
"That's alright."
A bloody water-downed vegetable soup and stale bread… was for dinner.
Darius signed as he stared at the half-empty bowl. Now the roasted crane they had a few days ago sounded so much more appetizing.
Finally having enough, Darius put the bowl on the table before leaving his room.
"Oof!" Darius abruptly stopped as he met the old man just outside his door.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." The old man apologized, holding a glass lamp in his hand.
"No. No, it's alright."
"Are you off to somewhere Sir?" The old man asked.
"Just going to get some fresh air."
"Ah, I have to warn you. Some hooligans ran around in this part of Austral, they just jump people stripping them of any belongings. Do be careful." The old man warned.
"Of course, thank you." Darius nodded his head.
"Another thing," the old man shook a crooked finger as if lecturing a child. "There had been a lot of report about missing people – especially in the area near the back gate. Avoid the place if you can." He added.
Darius only nodded his head to let the old man know, that he was listening and he will keep it in mind.
The night was dark, but the atmosphere was darker. It was so thick, so dense, so suffocating that Darius could feel the dread cling to his skin. It was so bad it almost felt like he was back in Ravan's castle.
"Hurry!" A woman's voice hissed lowly. "Hurry home or Black Annis will get you!" she sternly lecture, taking her daughter's arm and started leading her home.
"Black Annis?" Darius knitted his brows, as he watch them walk away.