After the confrontation with Alanus and Valerian, Azoth and I boarded a ship to the Tameryian port city of Hebnopet. After three uneventful days, our ship docked at the port, and we began to disembark from the deck.

“Wow… This city is huge!” I said, seeing people and buildings reaching the horizon.

“Hebnopet is one of the most prosperous trading hubs on the continent, second only to the Tyrian coastal capital. It’s orders of magnitude larger than a mere outpost on The Serpent’s Throat.” Said the old man, scratching his beard as he always seemed to do.

“What is this Serpent’s Throat? And why would this city be much bigger than an outpost there?”

“It’s the island on which The Unfathomable Abyss’s entrances are located. It is not a place capable of supporting any kind of settlement, due to the frequent outpour of monsters there. That’s why only outposts and docks exist there – to support the adventurers who delve into it.” Azoth stepped in to explain.

“Hmm…”

“Now please, follow me. We shouldn’t keep the divine waiting for us. Do you see that large building on the hill to the southeast? That is the Temple of the Gods, and our destination.” The old man said and began to walk.

Shrugging, I began to follow him with Azoth, taking in the sights.

***

As we were walking through the streets, I realized that the hive of activity that was near the docks of The Serpent’s Throat were a mere shadow compared to Hebnopet. The streets were narrow, and yet children were running around and chasing each other, weaving through crowds of people. The roads and the hovels all seemed to be bleached in white. Old housewives were talking to their neighbors from their windows, crowds weaved into each other without a single person colliding with another, markets had plenty of food and items on display.

“Fresh saluna! Fresh saluna! The freshest saluna on the market just for a silver and 4 bronze! Get a tumon for every three saluna you get for free!” one merchant yelled to the street.

“Don’t listen to that knucklehead over there! Come and get the tastiest Crocogator you’ve ever had! Who needs to eat fish when you can eat the king of the river for the same price!” another merchant near him yelled.

“Atef, you little rascal, are you looking for a fight?!” said the first merchant.

“I’ve just about had it with your crap, Hamset! Clench your gods-damned teeth, you greedy, miserable fossil!” yelled the second merchant, throwing a fist at her opponent!

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The crowd began to cheer, and a man ran out from a nearby bar with mugs of ale in hand.

“Come and get your ale from the Scarab’s Abode for 7 bronze a mug! We won’t be able to get more before the fight’s over, first come first serve!”

The crowd’s cheers roared even louder, and many of them started to take bets on who would win the fistfight.

“Seems like this city is very lively.” Chuckled Azoth.

The old man grinned.

“You won’t find a heartier people than ours, frost mage. We strive to live each day to the fullest.”

“Are the two of them going to be alright?” I asked worriedly, as the woman had the old beastman in a headlock.

The old man laughed.

“Don’t you worry, my child. The people here throw around their fists at each other in the day for the most ridiculous reasons but will toast to each other in the night of the same day in an ale. The people here do not bottle their grievances in their hearts, for better or worse.” He said, as the old beastman pulled the woman’s neck and threw her on the ground, to the cheers and groans of the crowd, money changing hands.

“Don’t disrespect your elders you damn pup! Your generation’s got less than a snowball’s chance in the underworld in a fight with mine!” he yelled, to the cheers of the old and the jeers of the young.

“Ugh… This isn’t over you crusty old bastard! I’ll get you next time!” she said, clutching her head and walking back to her shop.

The crowd began to disperse, with many in the crowd going to take a look at the two merchants’ wares.

“Hmm…”

“Something on your mind?” asked Azoth.

“I don’t understand these people at all. When I fight, I fight to kill, whether it is to hunt or to defend myself. I did not feel any kind of tension like that from the confrontation, nor did I see anyone spill blood, let alone die. Strange…”

Azoth was just about to speak, but I then continued the thought.

“I love it!” I said, a wide grin on my face.

“There’s so much that I don’t know, and it’s all new and interesting! I definitely want to learn about this world and all its peoples and creatures!” I said, turning to Azoth.

She closed her mouth, and put a hand on my head, ruffling my illusory hair. Then she smiled warmly at me and spoke.

“Then we’ll make sure you can do that, my dear. I’ll make sure you get a chance to see all that this world has to offer.”

Our trip to the temple carried on from there, as I continued to take in the sights of the city and Azoth watched over me.

***

“We’ve finally arrived at the Temple. Thank you for your patience in this trip. Now that my duty is over, I must bid you farewell. The worshippers in the temple should be able to aid you from this point onwards.” The old man said, bowing his head slightly, then turning to leave.

“Wait, old man! You still didn’t give us your name!”

He smiled at me and responded.

“My name is Khonsu, young child. If I may, it was my pleasure to be your guide. Your bright cheer and boundless curiosity have warmed these old bones. May the Gods bless the path you walk from here onwards.”

He then took his leave.

“Khonsu was a really nice guy! I hope we see him again in the future!” I said to Azoth.

A complicated look crossed Azoth’s face, but soon vanished just as quickly as it showed up.

“I hope you do. Now come, let’s meet with this Goddess of yours.”

Azoth walked into the temple, and I rushed to walk by her side.