Chapter 5: The Vision of the Capital
The wind was different here. Riven could feel it as soon as they crested the hill. The gusts were lighter, more temperate than the fierce winds of the forest. The air carried the faint scent of stone, metal, and something else—something alive, something that vibrated with the pulse of a city. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, rustic smells of his village, where the air always carried the scent of wood smoke and fresh earth.
From the top of the hill, Riven's eyes were drawn downward, to the sprawling city in the valley below. The capital. His heart thudded in his chest. The sight of it nearly stole his breath away.
The city was vast, far larger than anything he had ever seen. Towers of stone and wood rose into the sky, their spires piercing the clouds, gleaming with the faint shimmer of metal. Roads crisscrossed between them, bustling with people—men and women from every walk of life, their voices blending into a constant hum. Riven could make out shapes of carts pulled by horses and traders peddling their goods, the whole scene alive with movement.
He could see the grand palace at the center of it all, a massive structure that seemed to rise above everything else. The city sprawled out around it, organized in concentric circles, each ring of buildings larger and more opulent than the last. Beyond the city walls, fields stretched out, giving the place an almost unnatural feeling of order. It was a place of power, of wealth, of history. And it was where his future would unfold.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Eryk's voice broke through his reverie. He stood beside Riven, his gaze just as focused on the city. "The capital is unlike any place in the world. You'll see things you've never imagined. But don't let its beauty fool you. It has a darker side, too."
Riven didn't answer immediately. He couldn't tear his gaze away. The sight of the city, so grand and full of life, both thrilled and terrified him. It was everything he had ever dreamed of, and yet, it felt like a place where someone like him might easily get lost.
"There's so much…" Riven's voice was barely a whisper. "So much that's different. So many people."
Eryk nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, it's easy to feel insignificant when you first arrive. But you'll get used to it. Everyone is just trying to make their way in the world, just like you. The trick is to find your place. The city doesn't care who you were before, only who you are now."
Riven's mind raced as he continued to gaze at the city below. The life he had known, the quiet rhythms of village life, seemed so distant now. He had spent years wondering what it would be like to leave, to go to a place where he could make a name for himself. And now, it was within reach. But what would that name be? What could a person like him—someone with no noble blood, no special talents—really achieve in such a place?
It wasn't just the city that intimidated him; it was the uncertainty of it all. In his village, things were simple. You woke up, worked, ate, slept. There was little to question. But in the capital, everything seemed like a puzzle. It was a place full of ambition, competition, and power. People didn't just live—they thrived, struggled, and fought for their place. Everyone had a role, a purpose. But what was his?
Eryk seemed to sense Riven's unease. "Don't worry," he said, clapping him on the back. "You've made it this far, haven't you? That means you're already one step ahead of many who come here. And with that spirit of yours, you'll find your way."
Riven nodded, but his thoughts were far away. He thought about the future—the life he would build for himself in this vast, unknown city. Would he find a place where he could finally carve out something of his own? Or would he be swallowed up by the noise and the competition, just another face in the crowd?
Nyx, always in tune with Riven's emotions, brushed against his leg, offering silent comfort. He absentmindedly reached down to scratch her behind the ears, grateful for the quiet presence of his companion. At least he wasn't entirely alone in this. Nyx would always be by his side, even in this overwhelming sea of strangers.
"We should head down," Eryk said, breaking the silence. "The city isn't going to wait for us, and I imagine you want to get a closer look at the market."
Riven blinked, suddenly aware of how long they had been standing there. He nodded quickly, eager to move on but still feeling a knot in his stomach. The descent into the city was steep, the road winding downward as they made their way toward the massive gates that guarded the entrance.
As they approached, Riven saw the guards standing on either side of the gates, their armor gleaming even in the fading light of day. The city was always well-guarded, Eryk had told him. Anyone could try to enter, but not everyone could make it through. There were rules, and the guards enforced them strictly.
When they reached the gates, the guards exchanged a look before one of them spoke. "State your business."
Eryk stepped forward with confidence, producing a small token from his bag. The guard inspected it briefly before nodding. "You may pass."
Riven's heart skipped a beat as they passed through the gates and into the heart of the city. The sheer scale of everything overwhelmed him. The roads were wide and cobbled, lined with shops and stalls. There were people everywhere, moving in all directions. Merchants called out, trying to sell their wares, while children dashed between the crowds, playing games. Horses and carts jostled for space on the streets, creating a cacophony of sound.
Riven's eyes were wide, taking in everything. There was so much to see, so much to experience. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating at the same time. He had never seen so many people in one place, so much life. The village felt like a small, quiet corner of the world compared to this.
"This is the market district," Eryk said, his voice barely audible over the noise. "It's where you'll find most of what you need. But be careful—there are as many thieves as there are honest merchants."
Riven nodded, trying to take it all in. They walked through the market, past stalls piled high with fruits, vegetables, and exotic goods from far-off lands. There were weaponsmiths selling blades of all sizes, cloth merchants peddling fine silks, and alchemists offering strange potions and vials of shimmering liquids.
Despite the bustling energy of the market, Riven couldn't shake the sense of being an outsider. He was just another traveler, another unknown face among thousands. There were no familiar faces here, no one who knew him or cared about his past. Everything about this place seemed so new and strange.
But as they continued through the market, Riven felt a stirring within him. This city, for all its dangers and uncertainty, was a place where he could start anew. Here, no one knew him, and no one had expectations of him. He could be whoever he wanted to be.
And for the first time, Riven began to wonder—just who would that be?
End of Chapter 5.