"No! You are joking Don!"
"I'm sorry, but this is a serious matter and there is not a chance of me missing the send-off…"
Don and Phloria began talking to each other after stepping into the home. Elijah had walked right past their conversation that had just started and began to pack his goods before waiting until the kitchen was clear.
"Was that what the letter was about yesterday?" Phloria asked with teary eyes.
"No. Richter just thought he should refill on potions so he sent a letter…"
Elijah began to overhear the conversation and was baffled by the idea of Richter and Don only finding out their friend had perished on the battlefield the morning of – an hour before they met. The body was burned and slashed in so many places that it no longer looked like a body anymore, but just pounds of flesh and bone. Richter would be joining the group for the send off as he would be the transporter of the body.
…
The morning was full of chirping birds, rustling of the leaves, and the slightly moist ground that had not been fully evaporated by the sun. One fact Elijah had noticed while pulling himself onto the familiar open carriage was how humidity was not much of a problem here, as if their altitude was more than two or three thousand feet above sea level. There was not an inkling of dew after a rainstorm when combined with the radiant sun, even during the month of planting which came directly after the snow season.
Brown and tan blankets were evenly spread through the carriage four large leather bags sat in the center. According to Don, the trip was sure to be a little less than three hours, which made Elijah think this Kingdom was far larger than he assumed.
After Don had explained the situation and living arrangements for the next week – A noble household where Don's old friend resided as well as a send off in the Grand Park on the third day of visiting – Elijah began to feel a strong desire for exploration and asked a question that had been on his mind.
"Father, what is so dangerous outside the walls?" While he knew the answer to this question, maybe there was something more.
"Beasts who want to do nothing but kill. Whatever you do with your life, understand that going outside the wall will likely end up with you forever leaving us…"
"What about the other kingdoms outside the wall? How do they survive?"
"What? Elijah, there is no such thing as another kingdom. Life does not exist outside these walls besides the beasts who only want to kill." Don responded with an expression of confusion that made him question where his son got such a lofty idea.
"Has anyone seen outside the walls besides the hunters?" Elijah kept pushing for more information.
"No! Every single person in this kingdom is in full agreement that there is no life outside the walls, but only beasts! Don't ask any more questions related to this or else people will think you are crazy…"
Suspicion instantly entered the mind of Elijah. In an unknown world where one has been trapped from their oppressors, what are the chances of more life existing outside these walls if an attempt to find life has never been made?
From a passing by carriage while slowly riding the main west road, a man no older than the age of 20 was laughing at his comrades for being scared of the beasts.
In a moment of mystery which had brought a single question into his mind, Elijah yelled at the top of his lungs causing everyone within the vicinity to stare into his black eyes. "I want to explore outside the walls!"
The carriages carrying supplies came to a halt as many men and women looked at me with disgust. However, between these people, was a white hair blue-eyed young male that looks like his balls just dropped with a small white goatee growing on his chin.
The man had a devious grin on his face as if he had just found his blood brother.
"I have no idea why you are saying that kid, we risk our lives every day for something that isn't even necessary . There is no merit in what we do…" A black haired woman with light gray eyes responded with dismay.
"My name is Amaris, and I respect you!" The icy man yelled at the top of his lungs as he passed by our carriage. Moments later, he received a slap to the back of the head.
"If you do that again, you will be locked in your room for a fortnight Elijah…" His father's tone sent a shiver down his spine.
"Welcome to the Inner West, Can I see your family crest?" The guard started the conversation the moment we neared the tunnel gate.
Elijah was confused at the sight of a pentagram shaped emblem being shown. Without being able to see the front of it, It definitely had something to do with magic.
A faint glow radiated from the crest, and moments later the guard signaled for the gate to open. But before the carriage passed through, Don handed the guard 25 silver coins, which is equal to a quarter of a gold coin.
The dark stone tunnel was dimly lit with torches hanging on the walls. The three gates that lined the tunnel receded into the ceiling as we passed through. The reason for three gates was simply more security, but also as a defense measure to trap beasts between two metal walls as hunters threw spells inside an enclosed space.
Elijah's eyes widened in disbelief when he heard his fathers explanation. How insidious!
White light covered the entrance to the inner city, and once the group exited the tunnel, a long and slowly descending road was in view that focused their attention on the castle that towered above everything – drawing attention like a magnet of epic proportions.
Floral stone and wood buildings were tightly packed together in a uniform manner. What people thought was their city, truly was a crater from a meteor as the entire city slowly descended to the center.
As the Veran family rode down the wide stone road, they noticed that the streets to the left and right were bustling with people. Expertly made buildings and stone paths were built all the way up on the side of the mountain that gave an amazing view of the entire inner city. However, from Elijah's idea about this kingdom, these sections were the "poorest", or densely populated regions as there was not an inkling of empty space seen within.
"So that is where the whirlpool is?" Elijah was pointing towards the castle with his small hands.
"Yes, although you can't see it right now, the whirlpool is beneath Centerpool, which is where we will be sending off the body of an old friend."
Elijah was able to feel the dejection with every word that came out of his mouth. The only option was to play the card of a child considering he was one…
After a two hour ride, the Veran family arrived at a large iron gate that slowly swung open. A burly man wearing a black flared suit and tie greeted the guests.
"Greetings, you must be the Veran family. Please come inside, the maids will take care of your bags."
The small amount of steps to the front door caught Elijah's gaze. Finely shaven, and precisely placed. Nothing like the stone paths in my neck of the woods.
Moments after walking inside Elijah looked up and noticed a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the third floor. The golden ends curved up and held dimly lit candles that looked like they had been burning for ages. A double sided staircase met in the middle of the second floor and split to reach the third floor. This truly was a fantastical mansion!
Suddenly, loud footsteps of a tough shoe made its way around the corner. A brown hair brown eyed man stepped forward and bowed to greet its guest. How come a simple looking man can look so good in a finely woven blue suit?
"It is good to see you again, Don and Phloria. And oh my, your children are to die for! I'm absolutely sure your children won't be bored while staying here!"
With a smile, Don replied, "Thank you for your kind greeting George. I'm sure they will have a good time. Now, where can we privately talk about business."
"I see… Follow me. Wilbur, do you mind showing the guests to their rooms?" With pep in his step George led Don to the third floor.
"Yes sir. If you would, please follow me to the second floor."
Elijah and his family got settled into their room. Both he and Julian had their private rooms and a shared washroom. While looking outside the window, Elijah noticed a brick wall with windows scattered about.
"Not much of a view huh?"
Knock Knock
Suddenly, while Elijah was laying on his fine bed, a knock was heard at his door. "Who is it?"
A high pitched voice similar to mine came from the other side of the door. "My name is Novius, son of George Weltor. I wanted to say hello."
Elijah slowly opened the door with a calm expression on his face. "Hello, my name is Elijah, how old are you?"
"Almost five."
Elijah responded with the same answer, and almost immediately the two were drawn to each other like friends destined to meet. Julian walked out of his room and joined in the conversation, and after a couple of minutes, Novius led them on a tour of the magnificent estate.