For once, after what seemed an eternity, Karn was finally relaxed as the sight of Brancourt City emerged before them. The galley cut through the ocean waves with ease rocking them all slowly as they neared the white walled city.
Beside him stood his two best friends, their faces reflecting the relief he felt. He slowly took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the rich sea air. There was no more threat of a mad king or deranged cultist looming over them. Instead, all they could see was an endless expanse of blue skies, promising a brighter future lifting their spirits. Karn couldn’t help but grin at his newfound sense of adventure and hope.
With the Book of the Known securely pressed against his back, Karn knew that his family's mission had developed far beyond his initial expectations. No longer was he solely focused on destroying the book; his purpose now extended to safeguarding the lives and spirits trapped within its ancient pages. Karn's heart swelled with determination. He will find the key to unlocking their freedom and returning the magic to the world.
As Karn's mind lingered on the land within the book, images flickered of the man who he found sitting on the grand throne. The sight of his father, though filled with undeniable joy at the reunion, also uncovered the weight he carried upon his shoulders. The lines of exhaustion etched upon his face spoke volumes of the burdens he bore to protect the inhabitants of that magical universe.
The image of his father's tired eyes echoed in Karn's head, like a constant reminder of the responsibility they shared. He knew that he had inherited more than just his father's bloodline; he had inherited a legacy, a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those trapped within the confines of the book's world.
With a deep breath, Karn turned his attention back to the towering city of Brancourt before him.
As their gaze fixed upon the magnificent city of Brancourt, its towering white curved walls captivating their imagination, Lady Amber stood among them and cleared her throat.
"Okay, we don’t really know what we will find within the city," Lady Amber said, her voice tinged with caution. "With the King's hold now completely vanished, there may be a struggle for power."
Karn furrowed his brow, in concern. "More fighting? I thought after the King was dead, all the people would be overjoyed?"
Lady Amber shook her head, sighing wearily. "The fighting within the city wouldn't be with swords and shields but with words and quills."
"Oh," Karn mumbled, his optimism dampened as he cast a wary glance toward the city.
"There will be various factions vying for political control of the city," Lady Amber continued.
"Any crazy royals we have to worry about?" Charles interrupted.
Lady Amber shook her head. "The King's children died long before I was even born, and that bloodline has long since vanished."
"What about other bloodlines? Those not directly from the King but still connected by blood to the older rulers?" Karn inquired.
Lady Amber sighed, her expression sombre. "It's rumoured that even those bloodlines disappeared long ago."
Karn nodded solemnly, recalling the words his father had told him. Their family’s purpose was to aid and protect the people, not seize control. Any mention of his heritage could incite fear and unrest, potentially leading the city down a dangerous path.
"How will you decide who should lead the city, then?" Ellie asked.
Lady Amber looked momentarily at a loss for words, her gaze shifting to her husband, who was currently conversing with the helmsman of the ship. "Ideally, force won't be necessary. I imagine a General would be a capable leader for our people," she pondered aloud.
Ellie shook her head, her eyes brimming with confidence as she met Lady Amber's gaze. "Wouldn't it be better for you to assume that role?"
"What role?" Lady Amber asked, confused.
Ellie smiled. "If your husband oversees the army and protects the city, he may not have the time or expertise to attend to the people's needs in other areas. You, on the other hand, from what I have heard would be well-suited to that role."
Karn nodded in agreement. "She has a point."
Lady Amber sighed, a mixture of contemplation and scepticism in her eyes. "I don't think it would be that simple."
"True, true," Karn conceded with a shrug.
"In any case, I need to enlighten you three," Lady Amber said, her tone becoming more focused.
At that moment, both Hope and Ralina emerged from under the deck, their presence catching Lady Amber's attention. Her gaze fell upon a suspicious barrel of water beside them, but she pushed the thought aside for the moment. "I mean, however many of you there are, I need to explain the intricacies of the city."
"I'm all ears," Charles chimed in, his curiosity piqued, while Karn and Ellie mirrored his sentiment.
"Okay, imagine the city's border as a giant circle, divided into sections like slices of burknof," Lady Amber explained, hoping to paint a clear picture. Ralina and Hope nodded their understanding, then shared a look filled with similarity.
Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!
"Burknof?" Karn interrupted, his brow furrowing.
Charles's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, it's like a mix between a pizza and a cake,” he explained.
Karn shot him a perplexed look. “A what now?”
“It’s a fine meal,” said Ralina.
Hope nodded in agreement then added, “I’ve not had one in a long time.”
"Rose made us one back in Sorina on the first night we arrived," Charles continued, a nostalgic moan escaping his lips. “You gotta try one.”
"Um, okay, so the city is like slices of pizza?" Karn sought clarification.
Charles and Ellie shrugged, while Lady Amber wore a bemused expression, slightly puzzled by their culinary comparison.
"Well, anyway," she continued, moving past the metaphor, "the city is divided into different sectors, each belonging to different families with distinct emblems and colours. Our house, the House of Amber, proudly bears the earthen sash. Some sectors are larger and more affluent than others."
"Sounds complicated," Karn commented, struggling to grasp the intricate social structure.
Lady Amber nodded sympathetically. "The whole system is indeed confusing and complex. But for now, I will provide you with the essential information. Each sector controls its own local civil protection. Be cautious about which sector you tread, as some may not be hospitable. Furthermore, some sectors used the slave tonic for servants long before the King's madness."
“Humans and their corruptions,” murmured Ralina as she crossed her arms.
Karn ignored her and asked. "I assume those were the sectors that supported the mad King?"
Lady Amber nodded. "For now, we don't know the aftermath of the freed slaves within the city, so we must proceed with caution.”
Hope motioned to touch her face as the clear memory of the ghost eyes were evidently still fairly fresh in her mind.
As Lady Amber delved into the intricate details of the various houses and the areas of the city left in ruins by nefarious families, she couldn't help but pause when it came to discussing her own family. With the King now gone, she acknowledged that a power vacuum could potentially impact the house of Amber as well.
She sighed. "Even within our own house, with the King's demise, there may be a shift in power. The absence of a ruler often breeds ambition."
Ellie's eyes widened. "So, not only do we have to contend with external forces vying for power, but internal struggles as well?"
Lady Amber's gaze shifted. "Indeed, my dear. In times of transition, families can become divided, torn apart by conflicting ambitions and desires. It will be our responsibility to ensure unity and resilience, to guide our house through this uncertain period."
As the ship sailed closer to Brancourt, the towering city walls looming before them, Karn couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and determination.
As the large ship glided gracefully towards the city, an opening appeared in the large walls before them. With Karn’s eyes wide open, he studied the white walls with awe as they passed through the gap, its massive hull cutting through the water with ease.
“Hard to port!” called the general.
Karn grinned as he felt the ship turn towards the break in the walls. Within a few moments, the ship entered a narrow passageway, flanked by towering pale walls on either side, as if the city itself welcomed and guarded its visitors.
“Okay, you know what to do. Sails, and ropes!” he commanded.
The armed men, by command of the general, having rapidly furled the sails, leaned over the sides, and reached out for idle ropes and fastened them either side of the galley’s deck. As soon as the ropes were secured, something pulled them inwards, propelling them forwards down the channelled passageway. The aqueduct corridor acted as an entrance, gradually leading them to an internal dock nestled within the heart of the city.
“Oh wow,” commented Charles, as he eyed the edifices of the inner walls.
As the ship navigated the waterway, the group stood at the edge of the vessel, their eyes fixed on the surrounding architecture. The walls of Brancourt rose high above them, casting long shadows that danced on the water's surface. The air held a hushed silence, broken only by the gentle creaking of the ship and the distant sound of water lapping against the stone.
"Wow, would you look at this place?" Charles said, as he let out a whistle. "It's like stepping into a medieval city straight from a movie set."
Karn nodded, awestruck by the sight, knowing that his words couldn’t quite capture the grandeur and magnificence that lay in front of them.
"I'd say it's a blend of Roman and Renaissance architecture, but on a much larger and more vibrant scale," Charles continued, his voice filled with excitement.
Karn and Ellie shared looks as they knew how much he loved history.
Curiosity sparkled in Hope's eyes as she observed the towering buildings surrounding them. "What's Roman?" she asked, her inquisitiveness getting the better of her.
Karn let out a sigh, anticipating the lengthy explanation that was about to follow. Ellie couldn't help but chuckle softly, while Charles beamed with delight.
"Well, I'm glad you asked," Charles began enthusiastically. "Would you like a detailed account of the thousand-year history of the Roman Empire, from its inception to its downfall? Or perhaps a more intricate description of each emperor and their battle tactics?"
Karn rolled his eyes, fully aware of Charles' tendency to go overboard with his explanations. Meanwhile, Hope shrunk back, overwhelmed by the prospect of a comprehensive history lesson. Ellie playfully smacked Charles on the shoulder and intervened, saying, "Alright, that's enough. You're confusing the poor girl."
Ralina stood forwards with a serious expression. "I'd be interested in hearing about those battle tactics, but maybe not right now," Ralina requested, sensing the impending disembarkation from the ship.
Charles' eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of battle tactics, but Karn swiftly interjected, "We'll have time for that later. Right now, let's focus on getting off the ship."
Once the ship reached the internal docks, the group disembarked, stepping onto solid ground as they made their way onto the city's soil. The docks were bustling with activity, as dockworkers scurried about, unloading cargo and tending to the needs of arriving vessels while the air was filled with the scent of saltwater and the faint echoes of distant conversations.
“We’ve made it,” said Charles. A look of awe etched on his face as he beheld the majesty of the surrounding city.
As Karn stood within the massive city, a mix of awe and unease swept over him. The grandeur of the city's architecture and the bustling streets filled him with a sense of wonder, marvelling at the intricate designs and the vibrant energy that permeated the air. However, an unsettling presence lingered beneath the surface, a foreboding sense that sent shivers down his spine.
Gathering his resolve, Karn reminded himself of the task at hand. He had come here with a purpose, and he couldn't afford to be distracted. Steeling himself, he surveyed the surroundings, taking in every detail with a keen eye.
The city's towering structures reached towards the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling streets below. The sound of footsteps and distant chatter echoed through the air, creating a symphony of urban life. Karn observed the people going about their daily routines, their faces a mix of determination, weariness, and hope.
His gaze shifted towards the city's defences, noting the fortified walls and the guards stationed at various checkpoints. He couldn't help but feel a pinch of caution, understanding that there might be hidden threats lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. The city was not only a place of beauty and life but also a potential battlefield where danger could lurk around every corner.