Chapter 18: Dark Corners of the Capital
After leaving the church, filled with the inspiration of the gods and their newfound sense of purpose, Reyn, Liora, and Alistor decided to explore more of the capital. They wandered through bustling streets, admiring vendors' stalls and skilled artisans showcasing their work. The capital was a maze, with narrow alleyways that seemed to branch endlessly, each leading to a new sight or hidden part of the city.
As they ventured further, Reyn noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The streets became dimmer, with fewer families and more shady-looking individuals lurking about. They soon realized they'd unknowingly stumbled into the Black Market District.
The deeper they went, the more they saw things that turned their stomachs. Strange items, dark artifacts, and questionable potions were displayed openly, each stall more ominous than the last. Then, they noticed something even more disturbing—a line of shackled people, their expressions empty, eyes devoid of hope. It dawned on them: they were in the slave market. Seeing people treated like mere possessions left Reyn and his friends horrified. Liora gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, while Alistor looked visibly pale.
Reyn felt a chill run down his spine as he quickly motioned for them to turn back. "We shouldn't be here," he whispered, his voice filled with urgency. The sight of the slaves filled him with an unsettling sense of dread. He had seen oppression and poverty before, but nothing as vile as this.
They hurried back through the winding alleys, each of them tense, glancing around to make sure they weren't being followed. After a few minutes, they found their way out and returned to the safer, busier streets. Reyn let out a sigh of relief once they were out of the district, though the memory of what they'd seen weighed heavily on him.
Back at the inn, they shared their unsettling experience with Garrett, who listened with a serious expression. "You've stumbled into one of the darkest corners of the capital," he said, his voice grave. "It's best to stay away from there. Many powerful people are involved in that business, and you don't want to cross paths with them, not all nobles are as nice as the ones from our dukedom."
Reyn nodded, his mind racing. Witnessing the slave market had ignited a new sense of caution. He knew his skill in crafting could make him a target if he wasn't careful, and he resolved to keep a low profile. The last thing he wanted was for his creations to fall into the wrong hands or be forced to craft weapons that could harm innocents.
As they settled in for the night, the unsettling images lingered in their minds. They had come to the capital for the excitement of the tournament, but now they were beginning to see the darker side of the world beyond Greyhold.
Inside the grand halls of the royal castle, Prince Cailum Althares paced with excitement, his mind fixed on the upcoming tournament. Cailum, the second prince of the Empire of Caelum, was tall and strikingly handsome, with sharp features and an athletic build that spoke to his love for battle. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes mirrored his fierce determination, and today, that determination was focused on one goal: entering the tournament undercover as a common royal knight.
Watching him with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation was his elder brother, Crown Prince Aleron. Where Cailum was bold and impulsive, Aleron was the picture of calm intellect, a strategist with an air of quiet confidence. He shared Cailum good looks but had a softer demeanor, often donning a thoughtful expression that made him appear wise beyond his years.
"You're serious about this, Cailum?" Aleron asked, raising an eyebrow. He crossed his arms, leaning against one of the massive stone columns in the corridor. "You know what Mother will say if she finds out. She'll worry herself to death, and I doubt our little sister would approve, either."
Kaelan grinned, undeterred. "That's why I don't plan on getting caught. Besides, Aleron, you're the one who loves playing by the rules. I just want to feel the thrill of the fight without everyone knowing I'm a prince." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "The title of royalty can be… limiting."
With a resigned sigh, Aleron shook his head. "Well, I suppose there's no talking you out of it, is there? Just don't do anything too reckless. I'll cover for you, but remember, you'll owe me."
Cailum laughed and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "You've always got my back, Aleron. And you know me—I'll be careful." He winked. "Besides, I have Bernard to take my place with disguise magic. With him in my stead, even Mother won't suspect a thing."
Standing nearby, Bernard, Cailum loyal butler and confidant, inclined his head respectfully. He was a sturdy, older man with a no-nonsense demeanor, well-versed in courtly manners and more than capable of fooling anyone in the palace with his composed presence.
"I'll handle everything in your absence, Your Highness," Bernard assured him. "But be cautious, as your brother advised. This is a rare opportunity, but remember: discretion is essential."
Cailum nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He was ready to step out from behind his royal title and experience the tournament as an ordinary knight—a thrilling, secret escape from the royal life. As he left the room, Aleron watched him go with a small smile, muttering under his breath, "Just don't get yourself killed, Cailum."