Persepera

The 16th of Thargelion

The Year 4631 in the Era of Mortals

Ship’s Shape, or Ephyra, as Arche now knew it was called, was full of beauty. The city stretched out against the coast, with a huge dock system that extended outward into what the map called the Ionian Sea. There was little wonder as to how the city had come to be called ‘Ship’s Shape,’ as not only did the expanse resemble a classic sailing ship, but the city districts were also named after such a ship’s various parts.

Alone, the city was overwhelming. Buildings sprouted up like trees, casting the streets into shadow, and people were everywhere. A single city block could have more foot traffic at any given time than the entire population of Myriatos. It was suffocating. Most of the buildings held simple designs, made from white stone and dark wood, though the Lyceum was clearly built as a work of art. The architects had carved murals into the walls and columns depicting ancient people of power and skill. The school also stood atop a hill, with the roads around it all sloping up to its doors, something Arche hadn’t noticed when arriving.

Another hill within the city limits caught his eye, almost entirely covered by a single, massive structure, and only recognizable due to the odd shape. Consulting his map, Arche was curious to find that there was practically no information about it. Just a small label that read ‘The Palace.’ He dismissed it from his thoughts, figuring it must be the residence of the city-lord or king or whatever they called themselves. His eyes found the Keel district and he scoured it for the Styx and Stones Inn.

It wasn’t far from the Lyceum, which made sense, but it was farther than it seemed the night before. It would take an hour of walking to get back. Perhaps more, if the crowds stayed thick all the way. Proximity to the Lyceum was apparently in high demand, as much of the open areas were occupied with merchants operating a bazaar the map called ‘The Grand Agora.’

For the first time in a while, Arche had the time and capability to look around. He didn’t have much by way of money, as most of his things were left with the others, but he could at least see more of this section of the city. Men and women of all recognizable races—and several unrecognizable races—wandered around. Most wore robes or togas, though some had long, tunic-style garbs that belted at the middle and ended at the knee. Some wore more exotic attires, outfits made of wrappings that covered the entire body, suits of leather or steel indicating those with battle experience. One man stood head and shoulders above the crowd and swaggered about with a foppish tricorn hat.

There was enough disparity in appearance that, thankfully, no one looked twice at Arche’s own clothing, a simple linen shirt, dark pants, and his cloak, the Emerald Ghost. Being around so many people felt oddly vulnerable without his armor, but he had his sight and the Tridory, disguised though it was. If trouble came, he could meet it head on.

Arche wandered through the stalls, beneath bright fabrics that blocked out what little sun peeked through the buildings. The scent of spiced meats and salted olives filled the air, replaced by fresh fish and baked bread as soon as he passed. Jewelry was in abundance, everything from rich designs of gold and silver to modest crafts made from bone and wood. Some held a gleam that Arche recognized as magical without having to Examine them.

He stopped at a fletcher to examine some arrows on display when he caught sight of a flash of blonde hair through the crowd. It wasn’t a particularly rare sight in the city, but it caught Arche’s eye nonetheless and he left the stall to follow it. He lost sight of it just as quickly, but when he reached where it had been, he found a covered wagon displaying a host of dwarven crafts. Walking around to the other side, he found a three dwarves in conversation with Tess.

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Relief flooded through him at the sight of her, the first glimpse he’d had in over a month. She was in the middle of negotiations. The set of her brow, the slight smile, the cunning glint in her eye. All signs that she was properly fleecing them. The dwarves, for their part, put on a good show of being shrewd businessmen, but even from his vantage a stone’s throw away, Arche could see the hunger on their faces. At last, the dwarves produced a large bag of money and Tess handed over a rucksack. One of the dwarves took the rucksack inside a covered wagon and reemerged about a minute later, handing it back.

Negotiations concluded, Tess turned and spotted Arche immediately. Her face moved from triumph to surprise to joy faster than he knew was possible, and the sight of it made his heart flutter inside his chest. Then she was in front of him, one hand gently touching the skin around his eye.

“I didn’t think you’d be out of the Lyceum yet,” she said. “I’m sorry, I would have stayed if I could.”

“Don’t worry about it. There was quite a bit for me to do after the surgery. I learned a lot, too, but we should talk more privately about that.”

“Did it go well? Is everything working as it should?”

“My vision, yes. My Mana, no. But I have a lead on how to fix it.”

“It’s left quite a striking image, I must say.”

“What do you mean?”

“You haven’t seen?”

“Well, no. What is it?”

“The whites of your eyes have turned red.”

His heart sank.

“Oh. Fuck.”

That sounded like something out of his nightmares.

“It’s not terrible. I’m sure it’ll fade, somewhat, but it does give you a rather piercing stare right now.”

“Great, just what I needed. More things to make people uncomfortable.”

“I never said it made me uncomfortable.” Tess smiled, her eyes bouncing between his, and his knees nearly buckled. “What have you seen so far?”

“The Lyceum and the Grand Agora up close. I saw the docks and the Palace from atop the hill.”

“Excellent.” She looped her arm around his. “Then I can show you the rest of the city. We have hours until we’re set to meet with the others. Helwan wants to take you to see his old boss tomorrow. He thinks you two might hit it off.”

Arche cocked his head.

“What did he say her name was? Rune something?”

Tess swatted his arm.

“Honestly, you think you’d remember more about your friends’ lives. Rune Oyl of Bits and Baubles Enterprises. It’s not a small industry, by any means.”

“I remember things! I remember that it deals in magical artifacts and antiquities. I just didn’t remember her name.”

“You’ll want to. She’s an important person in the city. They say she has a secret magical artifact that keeps her forever young, worth more than all the treasures in the city combined.”

Arche gave a low whistle. “Any of that true?”

“Probably not.” Tess shrugged. “Even if it was, her shop is harder to break into than the palace. More dangerous, too. Last time someone tried to rob her, it took a week to scrub the red off the streets.”

“Well, that’s terrifying.”

“Why? Do you plan to rob her?”

“Not anymore.”

“Smart boy. Now, come with me. I’ll show you the ships down at the docks. I think you’ll like it. There’s water for as far as you can see.”

Her hand slipped into his and she led him into the crowd.