Tyril was far beyond what Patrick could even have begun to imagine. Even after trying to manage his expectations, he still found his mouth open as they approached the capital city. Initially from a distance, he thought the city was merely near the bottom of a mountain. It spread out and around the base of the mountain until it reached the shores of a giant lake, however as they approached closer it became evident that he was wrong. The disappointment he felt following the conversation he had overheard the night before was forgotten as he struggled to take in the view ahead of him. The sheer scale of Tyril was difficult for Patrick to comprehend.
Tyril wasn’t based around the mountain. It was the mountain. A large section of the face of the mountain was hollowed out, with a city constructed from polished white stone built up and into it. Beautiful, curved roads spiraled up through, and into it. Gigantic arches and pillars framed the different levels of the city. As they drew even closer, the top of the mountain was revealed to have been replaced by a pristine white building in the shape of a cone.
The light from the sun caused the city to shine in the morning light, reflecting its image onto the lake at its base. Boats filled a harbour in the lake where activity even from this height was visible, as crowds of people were working to unload the ships. The airships that had been accompanying them broke off and headed towards a section halfway up the mountain that had a large platform jutting out for airships to land.
He was broken out of his stupor by someone elbowing him in the side, as he turned to see Ava beside him grinning.
“What do you think?”
Patrick didn’t even know how to begin to respond as he struggled to find the words.
“It’s... it’s incredible. The city is built into a mountain. It’s incredible.”
“I don’t want to blow your mind any further, but this isn’t even the whole city. The rest of it is inside and under the mountain.”
She laughed at his reaction before continuing.
“It’s an old Dwarven city. It fell to the Demons about 6000 years ago before it was reclaimed by a crusade by Raghan Tyril, who became its first [King]. The Dwarves of this land pledged allegiance to him, and they live in their original part of the city in the mountain.”
“There’s a city IN the mountain?”
“And underneath, best keep up Patrick, you’ll see many more things today that you would never have imagined.”
Instead of following the other airships to the skydock, the airship circled over the lake, as the crowd at the dock underneath grew. Details of the crowd were difficult to make out, but there were thousands of people gathering at the dock. As the ship continued to circle, the crowd continued to swell, with streams of people continuing to move towards it.
A sharp squawk made everyone flinch, before a huge purple feathered bird over the ship causing Patrick to duck to everyone’s laughter. The bird was easily twice the size of Grunt, and Patrick had no doubts that it would have been able to carry him off in its talons if it so wished. The beats alone from its wings reverberated through the air like thunder, as the feathers on its wings crackled with lightning. Patrick saw as it rose up into the air, its feathers seemed to emit a burst of light, before it shot at a speed far greater than any plane Patrick had ever seen, leaving a faint smell of ozone in its wake.
Ava placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Relax, Patrick. That’s Vinti. It’s one of the Guardians of Tyril.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a Herald Roc my fellow.” volunteered Ulman. “It’s the largest of its kind, and incredibly intelligent creatures. Vinti here, is the one of the four Guardians of Tyril, and answers only to the [King]. It is quite an honour for him to acknowledge us like that.
“I have so many questions I don’t even know where to start. What are the other Guardians?”
“Who, not what, Patrick. The Guardians are all intelligent beings, some of whom take disrespect quite seriously. Vinti, who we have had the pleasure of greeting us is the Guardian of Air. Kraxus, is a Kraken who guards the waterways. You will often see or hear sailors talk about their tithes to him. Graaton is a Domitus Stalker who guards the land. I know that face. Please imagine a wolf five to six times of a normal wolf but can go invisible and shadow walk.”
“What about the fourth Guardian?”
“Bastion. Potentially one of the oldest Earth Elementals in existence. Simply put, Bastion is both a Guardian, but in a metaphorical sense is the mountain. Highly revered by the Dwarves, but extraordinarily rare to see or hear.”
Before Patrick could ask any more questions, fireworks began below.
“Ah, I believe this is our queue to land.”
----------------------------------------
The airship touched down on the water to the thunderous cheers of the crowd, the rocking motion causing Patrick to grab a hold of the handrail to steady himself. Ava was fussing around everyone fixing their clothes and hair.
“Alright everyone. Present yourselves the best way you can. There’ll be stories in the papers tomorrow about this, and I’m sure plenty of arcane images will be taken. Don’t disclose specifics of the Dungeon, don’t let anyone unethical [Journalist] or [Bard] get you alone for questioning, and for the love of the [King], Patrick please close your mouth.”
The crowds cheering reached a new crescendo.
“Is the [King] going to be here?” asked Patrick sweating slightly.
Marius coughed. “No, highly unlikely. It’s a long story, but to be brief, while the [King] may physically be here, he is often elsewhere.”
Patrick nodded. “My grandfather was like that before he passed. I get it.”
“No, not like that Patrick. The [King] is not senile. He is one of the highest leveled individuals in the world. He is often in conference with others of his level sharing knowledge of the Nexus in preparation for Ascension, or preventing unsavory individuals claiming Domains. This will all be explained in your Wanderer 101 class in the Adventurers Guild over the coming weeks.”
The memory of the conversation he had overheard last night came back, and he bit back a response before just nodding his head.
The airship moved up beside the dock, as the crowd of people reached as far as Patrick could see. Tens of thousands now seemed to be gathered and cheering. A ramp was moved up to the side of the airship, as a small entourage waited on the dock to board. The leader of this entourage was an elderly woman, extremely short in stature, probably only three feet tall wearing finely made silver robes. She had grey hair that was braided and tied into a bun. Her face had soft delicate features, that were marred only by a scar across her lower jaw.
Patrick ruled out Dwarf in his head, and guessed from his limited fantasy knowledge that she was either a Gnome or a Halfling.
She moved up the ramp and paused at the top to turn to the crowd and wave to their applause. Ava leaned into Patrick as this was happening. “Kanita Lat. [Royal Advisor]. She essentially runs the Kingdom when the [King] cannot. Universally loved by the people, and universally feared by those that actually know her.”
Kanita boarded the ship and turned to face the group. She eyed them with a serious expression on her face, with her gaze lingering on Patrick for a pause longer than everyone else. Patrick felt something in her gaze as it felt like pressure washed over him. Her grey eyes seemed to pierce right through him, as the pressure heightened, before disappearing as suddenly as it appeared as she looked back to the group.
The serious expression vanished and was replaced with a smile.
“The Kingdom of Tyril welcomes its heroes home. I wish I could say the Guardians bless you, but it appears Vinti has stolen my thunder.”
Everyone bowed as she spoke, with Patrick a split second behind, having not expected it.
“Please, please. The heroes of Tyril need not bow. We shall spare no expense to celebrate your deeds, and ensure your names go down in the annals of history. Names of which I know the most of, yet one I do not. The initial reports indicated you are a Wanderer. The reports did mention your name, yet I wish to ask you personally.”
Marius bowed again. “Your kind words are graciously heard, Lady Lat. This is-“
“Unless he is mute, he may introduce himself Lord Kent.” Kanita spoke over Marius. Her voice never raised, however it seemed to cut across the deck. Marius chastised, only bowed his head in response.
The grey eyes of Kanita turned back towards Patrick. The pressure he had felt previously did not return, however a shiver went up his spine at the predatorial look he saw in her eyes. He coughed to clear his throat as his mind ran at the options of how he would respond.
“Thank you Lady Lat.” he started after considering how Marius had responded to her. “The reports are correct that I am a Wanderer, only a few days in this world. It is my understanding that there is a lot to unravel from that, but I am grateful that it was this group who found me and supported me since. The generosity of Tyril honours me, and I hope to be able to return it in time.”
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
He had hoped that the manner in which he would have spoken to a judge back on earth would suit here and was happy to see the flattery worked as the corner of her lips lifted in a brief smile.
“I have no doubt that you will be a boon to Tyril, and whilst we understand this is not your home, you are welcomed to it as if it were.” Kanita turned back to the group. “Now then, there will be a procession through the lower city. There will be no detours, as you will head straight to the Adventurers Guild building just beyond the first gate.” Kanita paused for a moment before she looked at Ava.
“I believe you have notes that you should be delivering to the Bard Guild prior to tonight?”
Patrick could have sworn he saw a bead of sweat run-down Ava’s face as she bowed and hurried off the ship. The crowd’s cheer rose, before falling as they realized she was not part of the adventuring party.
“Now then, from there you will pose for a moment for arcane images, and we have hand selected some junior adventurers and children to meet with you for the arcane images, following which one of the cable carriages will take you directly to the middle gate. You will proceed to the Adventurers Academy for further arcane images, before finally a second cable carriage will take you to the top gate. You are invited to a feast at the palace tonight, and you shall have the remaining time to freshen up prior to this. New clothes shall be waiting in your rooms. Any questions?”
Patrick had many, many questions, however he took his queue from everyone else as they shook their heads.
“Excellent. Please proceed to the carriage below.”
Kanita stood to the side and gestured for the party to disembark. Patrick fell in behind Svenja as they got ready to leave. They reached the top of the ramp and the roar of the crowd almost forced Patrick back a step. The collective cheering of tens of thousands of people almost deafened him, as his legs wobbled at the size of the crowd. The five of them stood atop the ramp in front of the excited crowd, before a guard at the bottom gestured towards a waiting carriage.
Stepping into the carriage, Patrick was pleased to see that everyone apart from Marius was looking slightly awkward. Even Svenja didn’t have her trademark scowl on her face, as Patrick saw her hands twitching as if wanting to reach for her bow for comfort. As they sat down in the carriage, Patrick had the opportunity to look at the races in the crowd. A number stood out as ones he recognized, and with a number he could make strong guesses as to what they were. He saw short stocky individuals with big beards that he imagined were dwarves, and muscular tall green figures with tusks that he imagined were Orcs.
A number he did not recognize at all. There were individuals that looked human but had animal characteristics. He had to do a double take when he saw a girl with cat ears and a tail. There were others that looked like giant bipedal lizards of differing colours, and others that looked like human shaped birds. There were even humanoid shaped figures that merely seemed to be formed out of solid stone, although they were far and in between.
The carriage started with a jolt, but as he looked around, Patrick couldn’t see what was pulling the carriage. It seemed to be moving of its own volition, and nothing was pulling, or steering it. Resigned to the fact that it was simply magic and that he would get the answers another time, he tried to do his best to emulate what the others were doing and waving out to the crowd.
They moved at a pace slightly faster than a job, with the crowd parting before them to let them by without letting up the cheering. The carriage followed the main road as it entered the city for the first time. The buildings on the outskirts of the city weren’t made from stone like it appeared from the air, but from wood. This appeared to be the lower income area of the city, with the buildings slightly run down, yet still incredibly vibrant and lively. They passed by several businesses that were open and proudly displaying their wares, with individuals hawking their goods outside trying to take advantage of the crowds. There were a number of taverns open that were displaying signs for reduced drink prices, with [Innkeepers] cooking food outside trying to entice the crowd in. The smell of spiced and fried food wafted through the air causing Patrick’s stomach to rumble as he remembered he didn’t have breakfast that morning. Several blacksmiths lined the road, the heavy banging of hammer on metal heard faintly over the cheers of the crowd. [Bards] and [Minstrels] were placed throughout the crowd playing music in an attempt to earn some coins.
“This is Docktown.” yelled Ulman unsuccessfully over the roar of the crowd to Patrick.
“No, I can wait for food.” Patrick yelled back, as Ulman smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
They continued without stopping. The crowd continued to line the streets, and even the windows of all the buildings seemed to be open as people hung out the windows to cheer and wave. Every now and then, someone would get too brave and try get closer to the carriage but were swiftly pushed back by the guards that were accompanying them. At some points, individuals even tried to charge towards the carriage either as a fan, or threat, but were brutally taken down by the guards and dragged off.
As the road began to incline, Patrick realized they were making their way to what Kanita had called the first gate. A giant stone wall appeared in front of them wrapping its way around the mountain, with a large arch made of the same polished white stone that was visible from the air. It was shut by a giant portcullis that slowly began to rise as they approached. The sound of trumpets echoed as they approached and moved through, as the crowd that was following the carriage hung back.
They were greeted by a second crowd, slightly smaller but still filling the streets. These buildings were slightly better kept than the ones in Docktown, with more being made of stone and brick than wood. The citizens seemed slightly better dressed as well, with some flaunting some brighter, vibrant colours.
“Lower District.” yelled Ulman.
“Yes, I only have the one pair.” Patrick yelled back again nodding.
----------------------------------------
The carriage finally began to slow once they reached a large, gated compound. Huge stone walls circled a four-story building made of white stone. The crowd parted to let them through the gates, where they entered a quiet compound. The courtyard was reminiscent of the top deck of the airship, as training dummies were dotted throughout, alongside weapon racks filled with different manners of training weapons. The sound of the crowd faded as the gates closed as the carriage came to a stop in the middle of the courtyard.
Another group was waiting for them in the courtyard of about thirty individuals. They were comprised of older, seasoned looking individuals, young adults, alongside a group of parents holding young infants. Kanita was the first out of the carriage, as she hopped down to walk over to the group and cooed over the children.
“What beautiful children! It reminds me of my own back in the day, I could almost cry. Hello precious!” as she moved over to a pair of bipedal lizard parents. The child they held in Patrick’s opinion was anything but precious, especially when its tongue flicked out to lick its own eye. Kanita had already mingled with everyone by the time the rest of them had disembarked, and they were greeted by an older Orc man at the carriage. He was tall, easily a foot taller than Patrick and far broader at the shoulder. The Orc had a face covered in scars, with two tusks emerging from his lower jaw, one of which was snapped at the tip.
“It is with great pleasure I welcome you back to the Adventurers Guild of Tyril.” his voice rumbled.
“Guild Master Gorruk, we are honoured to be back.” smoothly replied Marius as he bowed his head.
Gorruk laughed. “No need for further pleasantries Lord Kent. You have a tight schedule to keep as the missive from Lady Kanita provided. We shall not delay here, but you will visit when you have time, will you not?”
“We would be more than happy to spend time here over the coming days Guild Master.” Marius pulled Patrick up beside him. “We will need to register our friend here, Patrick. He was part of the group, but it’s complicated. He’s a Wanderer that appeared in the Dungeon. He’s unregistered, but I hope an exception can be made for this to go on his record despite the fact he’s unregistered.”
Gorruk frowned and looked Patrick, his tusks protruding further from his lips.
“That is some exception to be made, but one I’m sure we can accommodate if he registers with us as soon as possible. Wanderer, are you planning on registering with us?”
“I mean, I guess so? I was sort of just tol-“
“He’ll register Gorruk, it won’t be a problem.” Marius cut in seeing Gorruk’s frown deepen at the non-committal answer.
“Then it should be fine Lord Kent. Be here tomorrow for registration, and do not forget to register him at the Academy.”
Resentment rose up again in Patrick hearing this.
Why are they making all my decisions for me?
Before his thoughts could go any further, Kanita had circled back.
“Guild Master Gorruk, I apologise but we have a schedule to keep.”
“Of course, Lady Lat, please know the Adventurers Guild is available to any needs you may have.” as he bowed and stepped back.
Katina clicked her fingers, and two identical female half-elves stepped forward holding glowing bright orbs. They began stepping in and position the group, before looking at the angle of the suns in the sky, before repositioning them. They each held up the orbs which flashed brightly causing Patrick to blink, before they examined the orbs.
“He blinked. Again” they spoke in unison.
The twins took more arcane images, before one began rotating in some of the families.
Flash. Flash. Flash.
Patrick found himself holding a child, but before he could protest there were more flashes as arcane images were taken.
Finally, some of the young adventurers were brought in. Most of them seemed extremely nervous and abashed when briefly being introduced to the group, with a young female Orc staring up at Grunt with her mouth open as the twins fixed the position of everyone.
Flash. Flash. Flash.
A large human male was moved between Patrick and Marius. The man was tall but seemed quite young, potentially only late teens. He had short cropped brown hair with a bent nose, wearing polished plate mail with two axes slung across his back. He looked at Patrick and sneered, before looking at Marius and sniffing.
“Cousin.”
“Jax.”
Flash. Flash. Flash.
As soon as the photos were taken, Jax moved immediately back to the group of individuals he had been chatting with previously.
“What a prick.” Patrick heard Marius mutter.
“Your cousin?”
“Unfortunately.”
Katina clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“That’s all the time we have. Thank you to our young Adventurers, and gorgeous future Adventurers for making the time for us, but we shall be back soon! I believe Guild Master Gorruk has graciously organized the cable carriage.”
Gorruk bowed and began moving to the side of the complex where a large, metallic carriage was on the ground connected to a rope line that went further up into the city.
Why didn’t I put it together that they were talking about cable cars?
Katina ushered them in, before sliding the door closed. Marius coughed before speaking. “I say this with all respect Lady Lat, but Jax? Of all people?”
“Your cousin is number one in the dueling circuit for both his age and level range, Marius. A lot has changed since you left to tour the Dungeons. Your family decided it would be beneficial for him to be here. I believe as of this morning, they have requested him to be accepted early into the Academy, commencing at the next intake.”
Marius groaned, which was echoed by the cable carriage as it began moving.
Patrick went to ask why, before considering it may not be wise with Katina in the cable carriage with them.
“Ask the question Patrick. Consider the fact I know what you’re thinking, and it is best to just ask it.” Katina said with a smile.
“Alright, what’s the problem with Jax being in the next intake?”
Silence followed before Katina spoke.
“Marius, tell him considering I know what you want to say, and it’s best you tell him.”
With a sigh, Marius ran his hand through his hair. “Jax is simply a begrudger. He has had everything given to him on a mithril platter, and despises those with achievements above his own. He’s vain, a bully, and incapable of any form of empathy.”
“So, what’s the problem with him being in the intake for the Adventuring Academy?”
“It’s something I’ve been meaning to speak with you about, and I apologise for saying it in front of Gorruk, but you’ll also need to register for the Academy. You have to trust me it’ll be beneficial.”
“Ah, I think I knew that would happen.
“It also means he’ll more than likely be in the same class as you.”
“Ah.”
“And it means more than likely he’ll try make your life difficult.”
“Ah.”
“And intake starts in about a week, which is the same time we might need to head off to the next Dungeon, so we won’t be around to support you directly. I promise we’ll make sure there’s someone keeping an eye out, but we only have a week to get you ready.”
The cable carriage screeched to a halt outside the Adventuring Academy.
Ah. Shit.