The next morning or rather noon when I open my eyes, only Joseph is around, carving some weird figures out of a piece of wood. It looks somewhat like a rabbit…maybe? Practice makes perfect, for his sake. Darcy is nowhere to be seen. In her place, I see three wolf carcasses and two dead rabbits. I guess she was out hunting, after all, that’s her job and likely why she came into the forest in the first place.

“She’ll be back soon, an hour more maybe.” Joseph addresses me without looking up. “There’s some leftovers from yesterday if you’re hungry.”

That’s way more words than I got out of him before. Is he sick? Anyway, I won't say no to free food, but to eat that chewy unseasoned meat cold…

I reignite the remnants of the fire and reheat the leftovers, pulling water from a nearby puddle, discarding anything that isn’t water and taking big, refreshing gulps. I’m using magic a bit more freely now. Why is that? First I have people with me now, people well beyond my power who can protect me if need be. I wouldn’t be able to do anything against them if they acted against me anyway so I just go with the flow. Second, fuck the old man, I’m sure as hell not spending another night out here, I’d much rather be scolded than eaten. And third…

Name: Elyssia

Age: 9

Mana: 368/380

+57/hour

I can work with that. With nothing to do I eat the remaining wolf skewers and go through my remaining belongings. Two changes of clothes, zero food, no bedroll, no waterskin, another pair of shoes a~nd that’s it. Everything’s dirty and torn so no wonder these two instantly believed I’m an orphan, even if we overlook my appearance right now. Next to the bag, there’s a bundle of light green fluff. The fox’s pelt, washed but uncured, for now.

***

Joseph’s estimate was surprisingly accurate as about an hour later Darcy shows up. “Oh, sweetheart, you're up. Did you sleep well? I see you’ve already eaten, just a few minutes and we can be on our way towards Granhall.” As cheery as ever, even while waving towards me with a dead rabbit in hand. Ok maybe part cheery part loony, an acceptable mix.

Soon we’re back on the dirt road leading through the forest on the path towards Granhall, to my new home for the next few years. “What’s the city like?” I ask to combat my boredom.

“As the name suggests it’s a big city, home to tens of thousands of people. Enormous walls protect the residents, towering over the houses and blotting out the sun. The streets are bustling with life, merchants and travelers alike all conducting their business. The place is important both as a trade hub and military fortress so close to the border with Turan. The city is famous for its incredible pastries and leatherwork, but its most unique feature is the Fortress of Krieg. A massive stronghold built here in ancient times, providing home to one of the biggest mercenary companies in Eborden and serving as a strategic base. It stood there before the city was founded if the rumors are to be believed.” Darcy gushes proudly about her city. “There’s also the slums on the southern side, the commerce and culinary district and the namesake of the city, the giant governmental palace on the small hill in the central district.”

Why did I even ask? She just won’t stop talking now. I can’t tell what’s worse, walking in silence and being bored or… this.

During the next hour-long walk I learned not only about the city and its specialities. Now I know who lives next to the Golden Crow tavern and when the barmaid Yolana’s husband died. I know when half of the bakeries open and close and I know where to buy the best towels and many many more tidbits. I need to sort this out for actual, useful information.

At last, we can finally see the top of the walls, the mighty walls of Granhall.

Ok, I kinda underestimated her description when she said enormous. I can't even see anything inside from here because of the walls, well anything except the top of the governmental palace. I slow down considerably and gawk at the imposing sight.

“Yeah, I had a similar expression when I first arrived here.” Darcy says with a satisfied smirk and Joseph just nods, whatever that means.

We continue walking towards the also monstrous gates leading inside the city, with a likewise monstrous line waiting to get inside.

Yeah, far less cool. It's a merchant city so I don't know what I expected.

We join the line as is proper and wait, and wait. One of my least favorite activities.

While playing with my new pelt in boredom I hear some merchants talking. “The swarms at the Line should be pushed back by now and I also got news about the battalion of the Fist approaching the border. You better have the funds prepared for when the beast parts roll in. I smell great opportunities.”

Profit as always. I know what they mean though. The legends of the brave defenders of Turan holding back the horrors of the Elder forest is a common children’s tale. One of heroic bravery for all of humanity and many glorious battles. I might partake in that sometime in the future it seems like.

I eavesdrop on some other conversation. “Did you hear? The Republic and Agrait launched fleets to the east. They’re sailing towards Korellia, an expedition. After centuries of pleas and requests, is an effort being made?”

“Yes, I heard that our Emperor, may he rule long, is currently discussing with his advisors the next best move. Since he’s a staunch supporter of the status quo on the continent he’ll probably join the new colonial wave to keep things in check.”

Now that is some juicy news. The magical land of Korellia with sky-piercing mountains and dancing forests. I really wish to visit it once. In the far, far future. The nations once powerful all fled the continent a thousand years ago or so I’ve learned. There’s no civilization there so I’ll just wait till a few cities pop up.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Some more interesting tidbits are discussed during our two-hour-long wait but at long last it's our turn.

“Documents!” The guard declares or asks? I can’t decide.

Joseph and Darcy hand over a badge with a deer trophy engraved into it. Hunter’s badge probably.

“And the girl?”

Yep, I always wondered how I’d get through here.

“Just look at her, what do you think? A kid her level and age found in the forest towards the city… The Fist, as usual.” Darcy answers with a hint of pity and anger in her voice.

Do I look that miserable? I really wanna wash myself right now. This just made me, even more, self-conscious about how lacking hygiene is in the forest and how much I love the city. I hope the forests burn down.

“Another one, eh? Where did you find her?”

“Out in the forest an hour's walk from here. She was about to get eaten by a wolf, so she’s one of the lucky few.” Wait? Lucky one?

The guard shakes his head and sighs. “In you go! Could you two guide her to the Fort? We don’t want any more beggars in here so make sure she goes where she belongs.” He waves us through and is already talking to the next in line.

Professional and lifeless attitude for a boring yet necessary task. Repeating the same phrases and schedules countless times a day can't be a lot of fun.

“That’s it? Just how many kids my age travel here for the same thing?” I’m bamboozled.

I was wracking my brain for hours to come up with a believable story or trade my fox pelt for entry but… that’s it huh?

“Oh you wouldn't believe it- There are usually two kids a day arriving here with the same motives. Half of them don’t make the journey and the other half are turned away by the Fist after a few questions for being deemed unfit for the job. It’s a real hope-grinder. And even if you get accepted, the chances of properly finishing training to become a full-fledged member are only around thirty percent. Hahaha.” She quickly stops realizing who she’s talking with and halts the laughter. “Not that I’m saying your chances are bad. No, you’ll do great. Go and demolish them but if you were to get rejected find us at the local Hunter’s Guild we’ll help all we can, right Joseph?”

“Do well Elyssia.” He nods in agreement.

I’d be really depressed by what Darcy said just now if it weren’t for the old bastard basically kidnapping me to force me into their ranks. The only thing I’m slightly nervous about is the scolding I’m about to get for coming early. Other than that I’m dying to find a bath somewhere and a proper place to eat.

Our walk through the crowded streets gets us to the place I want to visit the least right now.

Why must the Gods torment me like this? Why do we have to walk through the dining district to get there? There are eight different zones and it had to be this exact one… The Fist better be giving out some generous pay because I’ll be trying all these places sooner or later. Mark my words, dining district, I'm coming for you.

The city is kinda like Darcy described it; tall buildings all around, well at max four stories tall but that’s tall in my book. The main material used for their construction is unsurprisingly stone or bricks while some wooden pillars and decorations are also present. The streets are paved and kept clean, bustling with people. I can hear businesses made and deals struck all around, money changing hands without missing a beat.

This place must be at least four times the size of Meliorport both in size and population, fascinating how seamlessly so many people go about their day. The city's skyline is dominated by four buildings, two of course are the grand hall itself and the fort of The Fist. The others look like a huge tower and a massive building with at least six stories.

“What are those two large places?” I ask my guides.

“The imposing tower is the Mage Guild’s local headquarters and ducal library in one. The other is Merchants’ Emporium, a colossal marketplace for businesses. Both of them are worth visiting if you have the time and money.” Darcy’s eyes are basically shining as she looks at the edifice. Sure, once I have the money later, much later.

We pass by many bakeries, stalls and way too many banks. Even without the presence of the Fist the city looks nigh impenetrable so it's no surprise people choose to conduct business here. The residential areas are further out, or right at the center for the nobility and the super-rich. There are no inner walls in the city, probably to save on space, so I can see the mighty stronghold as we get ever closer, soon standing in its shadow.

The imposing sight is made out of gray stone, the style is rather plain but defensive structures don’t need to be pretty. The windows cut into the walls are bigger than it would seem logical, after all, windows beak easier than stone. Duh. Said walls are already many stories tall, however the bastions go even further, their square shape reaching a good four meters above the walls. The emblem of the mercenary corps, the fist of the God of War striking two clashing swords, is plastered everywhere. Everything shouts order and wealth even the two guards in their corps’ colours of gray and red standing at the main gate.

“This is as far as we go, we have no business here.” Darcy ruffles my hair. “Good luck Elyssia, we hope you find here what you’re hoping for. If they reject you, search for us, we might be able to help you out.” She gives me one last hug.

“See you little one.” Says the gentle giant before waving goodbye.

They walk away, looking back sometimes to smile at me as they disappear into the crowd.

I got lucky with them. Good people, the rare kind. Even I would’ve taken at least the pelt as a reward for the help.

I turn towards the entrance gate, take a deep breath and march up to the guards. “Hello, I came to…”

“If you want to join then I advise you to turn back, kid. This isn’t a place for someone your age. I know you must’ve had a hard life, I’ve heard it a thousand times already and looking at you tells a million stories, but search elsewhere for your fortune.” Warns one of the guards out of pity.

First, rude. Second, he must be lying, everyone told me kids my age come here by the day. I can decide for myself, thank you very much. I’m already nine.

“Look, I could wait here all day until somebody else comes around and lets me in anyways or just get this over with.” I put my hands on my hip like mom always did. “I know I’m not the only one coming and maybe not even the first today. So could you just stop blocking me or at least call Captain Bennett?”

The guards grip their weapons a little tighter and narrow their eyes. “Girl, that is not a name you can mention so casually. Explain yourself!”

I-I just can’t. I refuse to bother with this.

I plop down where I stand. “Are you always this difficult when an orphan comes around? The old fuck told me to come here… although I was supposed to arrive tomorrow.” I tap my chin. They still don’t look any more convinced. “I’m not telling lies. His hair and beard are grayish and his classes are light, metal and… something else, I didn’t see him use it-

“Enough!” One of them shuts me up. “Wait here!” And hurriedly walks past the gates.

Finally. I was prepared to tell everything I knew about him and if even that didn’t work then being stubborn was the only remaining option.

Is he gonna be pissed?

About a minute later the guard returns with Bennet in tow, no longer in his cloak and armor but comfy-looking casual clothes. And yes, he does look pissed.

“You weren’t supposed to arrive today.” He greets me with a frown.

“Good to see you too. Yes, I survived.” I respond in kind.