The rest of the journey was done in painful silence. He'd craved for silence since could remember and now he was dreading every moment of it. They'd been on the road for two and a half days, but it felt a lot longer. When the green began fading into yellowing grass, stretching before them, he raised his eyes to look in the distance, as hills and valleys spread before them with nothing but sandstone. Orians thrived, somehow in the gilted wasteland.
" We should reach Caral before sundown," She nodded at his words as they slowly left behind the calming green and stepped into nobody's land.
And after that nothing but the clip-clop sound of hooves hitting the sandstone was to fill the immersive silence. Anymore and he would drive himself mad.
When the sun shone its last few rays over Oros, Caral spread before them in all its sumptuous glory. Tall leafy trees shadowed the city, harbouring its denizens. The oases were a spectacular painting of sandstone houses, with green splotches everywhere, fountains sprinkling water, and brightly coloured attires on sun-kissed skin were sight for sore eyes. The city was teeming with life and joy. The celebration was yet to start, but everyone was prepared for it.
Iris sucked a breath when two guards standing by the main gate, pointed their lances at them, fiercely glaring.
" We are here to meet with the king," Iris cleared her throat and jumped off the horse, and the guards pushed forward, as she did.
" I'm an envoy for the Mythrian Queen and Hessia," She continued speaking, not troubled in the least by the fact that the guard's lances were a breath away from her chest.
" His Highness is expecting us. I'm sure you have been informed," Iris didn't budge, nor did the guards.
After a brief consultation between them," Wait here," One of them said," No one enters the city during the celebrations," The other one added, a little more amenable as he lowered the lance and brought it to his side. Iris nodded, acknowledging his words but remained composed. A side of her he wasn't quite familiar with, and they waited until the only source of light around them was the torches affixed on the pillars by the gate.
And when the moon rose, the other guard appeared, walking along another man. His attire was different from the ones that the guards wore. A deep purple robe, girdled with golden fabric and precious stones was an indication that he was among the higher-ranking caste.
" Welcome to Caral," He began as he stepped between the guards and approached Iris, smiling.
" Thank you for granting us access to your wonderful home," Iris greeted back as he jumped off the horse and his presence was met with some displeasure. He stood out like a sore thumb.
" I'm Corvin," He squared his shoulders to make himself even more intimidating than he already was, and stared down the man before her. After a quick assessing glance the man nodded and waved at the guards as they moved out of the way flanking them.
" The King will see you tomorrow. He has already retreated to his chambers," The man glanced over his shoulder," Should you need anything, please ask L'atil," He waved his right hand, and the robe slipped down, showing his inked skin. Second cast, K'ereni. Scholars caste. Most likely, he occupied an advisory position in the court.
" We are grateful for your generosity. You humble us," Iris replied as the palace loomed in front of them, with its high sculpted columns, illuminated by torches, and guards posted at the entrance, unmoving very much like statues.
A boy appeared before them, as the man waved towards the horse and they were taken from them, leading them to the back, on a paved path. Corvin craned his neck to see where the boy was taking the horses. He stifled a grunt at the unease crawling under his skin. They walked straight into the monster's mouth, and now all they had to do was wait for the damn thing to swallow them whole.
They followed the man along the corridors until they were so deep within the palace that he'd almost forgotten how many turns he had to take to find his way back.
" I believe you'll find all that you need inside your chambers," He waved his hand at an ebony double door," This is where you will reside for the duration of your visit," The man said to Iris who nodded and gave him a glance before laying her hand on the door.
" As for you," The man cleared his throat to gain his attention," Follow me," He turned on his heels and began walking while he and Iris stared at each other for a brief moment. She would relish the time apart from him, no doubt. Time to perk up those ears. He said to himself as he gave Iris a curt nod and trailed after the man, rather unreluctantly. And Iris said that he had no manners. The man hadn't even bothered giving his name.
After a few more turns, he found himself at the end of a dark corridor, as the man slowed his pace and pushed a door open. He wasn't sure what it was but it was rather small and humbly decorated. He'd assumed that he must be Iris's servant.
" I will inform your master of your whereabouts, should she find herself in need of your services," He said his parting words, not lingering any longer in his presence. He wouldn't be missed.
" Thank you," He said as the man curtly bowed and took his leave closing the door behind him. As promised food awaited on the table, along with attires for him to wear. Not that they would fit him. A quick glance around the room to study his exit points, and any vulnerabilities that he would have to address before laying his head down. Alone, he sighed and made his way to the small lanai through the open doors.
The city was alight with laughter, music and life. He took a deep breath and returned to the room to eat and then wash off three days worth of sweat and grime off his sore body.
Caral sat before him as he sunk in the warm waters of the tub within his chamber, rather cramped. Closing his eyes, he leaned back listening to the people speaking, eating, enjoying themselves. Camaraderie, he missed the North, his people. Dakran had sent a few missives asking him to return to the motherland, but he hadn't been ready. Now, he was, more than ever before. Only if they'd survive Oros. A guard had been posted outside the door, right after the man that showed him inside. One most definitely would be posted by Iris's door as well. The outskirts of the garden were patrolled by four guards, crossing paths at equal intervals.
After the door was blocked, and the windows were tied with string to his foot, he lay his head down, ready to get some shut-eye. The journey had been tiresome. Usually, a three-day journey didn't make a dent but this time around he felt absolutely drained. Sleep claimed its right, shortly after his head hit the pillow.