The capital is just as I'd imagined it, except it’s ten times better. The first thing that surprises me is the lighting in the streets, which almost makes it feel like daytime. This effect seems to come from the lighthouses at each cardinal gate, and from the little fireflies flitting through the streets. Thanks to this illumination, I can take in every building and passerby with a clear view.

I'm amazed at how many people are out and about despite the late hour. I'm reassured to see that their faces aren't so different from mine, but that doesn't stop me from being noticed. I must look ridiculous, marvelling at every building, but I can’t help it. They are nothing like old Tak’s wooden hut. Here, each house has at least two storeys, is built of brick, and seems strong enough to withstand any cataclysm. The ramparts are particularly impressive, standing fifty meters high and about five meters thick.

∼ Where did they find all those stones?

I also take great pleasure in staring at every person I come accross as if they were new exotic creatures, an interest that seems to be shared. It's almost comical how I consistently provoke the same reaction: first, a phase of surprise, where one of their eyebrows is about to fly off, followed by a phase of disgust, where they glare at me as if to make sure I'm not carrying any contagious disease. Then, finally, a more calculating phase where they pretend they haven't seen me and frown as they ponder the trajectory that maximizes the distance between us. They must not be used to travellers, and my long, unkempt hair and torn clothes pale in comparison to the neat appearance of city dwellers. The only advantage of my outfit is that it allowed me to get into town quite easily. The guards at the great cardinal gates seem to have been instructed to let in all travellers.

Some people catch my attention. They all have red noses and seem to have trouble putting one foot in front of the other. Some are laughing stupidly, while others are crying their eyes out. I decide to ignore them. After all the weirdness I've seen today, I don't have the energy to think about it. One of these strange beings suddenly comes out of a busy-looking place. A soft, pleasant light emanates from it, along with smells that tickle my hypersensitive nostrils and activate my digestive system. The place is so noisy that I heard it as soon as I entered the city, and unconsciously approached it, guided by my ears.

∼ I can probably find some useful information there.

I enter.

Although I was gradually getting used to the presence of other humans, seeing so many of them gathered in one place pinches my heart. Everywhere I look, there are smiles, and my sensitive ears are filled with resounding laughter, while my nostrils follow the dance of young women carrying silver trays.

– Welcome!

A burly man in his forties stands behind the bar, calling out to me. He's well over a head taller than me and twice as wide. His muscular body shows through a tight black T-shirt. I wonder why this man, probably capable of knocking out a grizzlion with one hand, is behind a bar serving drinks. He seems a little overqualified for the job.

– A traveller? That's pretty rare. I bet you don’t have a coin.

– Does it really show that much?

– I've seen many different faces here. Over time, I've learned to recognize the types of people. Those who come into a bar without having enough money to buy decent clothes aren't usually very good customers, he says with a laugh.

I don't know what to answer, so I just give a slightly embarrassed smile.

– You can call me Karim. Here, take this to cool you down, he says, handing me a drink that I look at warily.

The liquid has a brownish tinge and a bitter smell.

– Drink it without hesitation, it's on the house.

After the crazy day I've had, I could empty a lake. I grab the earthenware glass and thank the tavern-keeper with a nod.

– In that case, I'll be happy to drink!

∼ Bitter!

∼ Holy stary magpie! This is awful! And what’s this burning sensation like my throat’s being torn apart?

I remember old Tak warning me about a drink they sell in the capital that poison people. Instinctively, I pull out my knife and point it at the tavern-keeper.

– What have you made me drink, you bastard? As you said, my pockets are empty!

The lively chatter that filled the room a moment ago has now turned into the deepest silence. Nothing moves or breathes, and I can feel all eyes in the room on me as time stands still. Being the center of attention has a strange effect on me: my face warms up and I feel a few drops of transpiration beading from my armpits. Finally, a voice in the audience breaks the silence.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

– Hey Karim! What are you giving this kid? That’s a drink for tough guys!

Everyone burst out laughing and the din picks up from where it had left off. Even Karim can't help smiling.

– That's a very funny reaction right there. You don't need to be so on your guard, you know. Nobody here means you any harm, he says in a reassuring voice while sweeping the room with a wave of his hand.

I suddenly feel terribly stupid. Just looking at the smiles on everyone’s faces, it's obvious that I'm safe. My heart pinches again.

∼ I'm safe here!

– Maybe that was just a bit strong for you. Sorry about that. Here, take this instead!

He now hands me a glass of water and gulps down the one I hadn't finished. I look at the new liquid, making sure it's clear, then gulp it down with the same vigor, before apologizing in an embarrassed voice.

– Don’t worry, it’s nothing. You must be on edge after a long trip outside the walls. Where are your friends?

– I'm travelling alone.

– Aren't you a bit young for a solo traveller? How long have you been traveling like this, kid?

– Next winter will be the seventh since I left home.

Hearing this, his eyes try in vain to pop out of his sockets.

∼ Is it really that surprising to survive for several years in the wild? Admittedly, it's quite dangerous at times, but there's everything you need to feed yourself. You have to be good at running, though. It must be hard to imagine for a city-dweller, born and bred within these walls. Perhaps I'd better keep my survival in the wild a secret if I don't want to attract any more attention.

The tavern-keeper is now glaring at me.

– I'm surprised you've survived all this time on your own with such a small weapon. I heard it's crawling with brigands outside the walls. And if only that were the worst of it... But it’s obvious that your muscles don’t come from a few summer walks, he says, although his imposing build would strike fear into any wild beast. Anyway, I suppose you had your reasons for undertaking such a journey.

– Reasons? Hmm, I suppose I just wanted to see the capital I've heard so much about.

I can see from his face that this answer doesn't satisfy him. Actually, the way he looks at me makes me feel like he knows more about me than it seems.

– Don't worry about it. It's not my style to stir up people's past. Beside that, you must be hungry and tired after such a long journey.

– You’re not wrong.

– Then you can sleep here until you find somewhere better. I can't offer you a room, but you can stay in the stable. It's not as comfortable as a bed, but it should be enough for an adventurer like you.

– Really? I don't know how to thank you. To be honnest, I was planing to spend the night outside on a patch of grass.

My remark makes him laugh again. I don't know if it's because of the relief, but my stomach suddenly emits the most vile of grumbles. With all the events of the day, I completely forgot to eat.

– Here, treat yourself, he says, handing me a large plate with all kinds of food, none of which I recognize.

– I can't accept, it's too much!

– Don't worry, it's leftovers from the kitchen. Just come and buy me a proper meal when you can afford it.

– In that case, I'll gladly accept, and I promise to come back as soon as I have some money.

I pounce on the plate of food like a starving animal, triggering once again the tavern-keeper's laughter which echoes around the room. As I eat, I listen to the conversations around me. All the voices blending into a confusing jumble of words, I panic at first, thinking that all these people are speaking a language unfamiliar to me, until two particularly loud men with red noses catch my attention.

– Did you see the last Geika tournament?

– Nope. My parents needed help on the farm. I would have loved to see that.

– This year's was particularly impressive. Especially the final battle opposing the Jiskar and the Hivar Geika. I hold my breath until the end.

I can’t make sense of their conversation, so I turn to Karim for clarification.

– What's all this about a tournament?

– It's an annual event here, where several Geikas face off in an arena. The winners not only earn a substantial sum of money but also gain higher status and a position in the consulate. Every year, the city gets really crowded during tournament time, but it's good for business, he admits while rubbing his hands, a spark in the eyes.

– That sounds interesting. What exactly is a Geika?

Karim suddenly spits out the liquid he'd just put in his mouth.

– This is my forest man right here. But what kind of hole have you been living in?

∼ Given his reaction earlier, it's probably best not to mention my memory loss or the fact that I spent three years living in a wooden hut in the forest.

I dodge the question and simply apologize for my lack of knowledge.

– In simple terms, Geikas are groups that train to master ancient, secret techniques. These are mostly combat techniques, but some Geikas also specialize in espionage, medicine, or other fields. There are of all kinds. They also represent the country's armed force in the event of an attack from a neighbouring country.

– If I understand correctly, these are groups of people with extraordinary skills, right?

My sudden enthusiasm seems to catch him off guard, prompting him to raise an eyebrow.

– That's one way to put it, he replies while raising an eyebrow, surprised by my sudden enthusiasm.

– And how can I join one?

– Each Geika has its own set of very specific criteria. Honestly, I have no idea what’s in these people head. I'm sorry, but your best bet is to approach them directly and ask.

– I see, thank you for everything.

– Are you leaving already?

– I don’t want to keep you any longer, and I’m exhausted from the long day.

∼ Honestly, I’m just eager for tomorrow to speak with these... Geikas. Perhaps I’ll finally find a master! It was definitely worth coming all the way to the capital!

– I understand. The stable is just outside to the right. If the noise bothers you, just put some hay in your ears.

– I’ll make sure to pay you back one day, I promise!

– No need for that! Oh… he’s already gone.

Despite the strong scent of animals and the noise drifting from the tavern, I fell asleep quickly, resting comfortably on a bed of straw.