THE DEAD QUEEN
Property of:
Rapid Fire Enterprises
Created By:
David Tyrel Little
Chapter 6: The City and Its Secrets
The orb's light faded as Enixia approached the edge of the bustling city. Towering walls surrounded the massive human castle, their sheer size and intricate carvings a testament to the kingdom's wealth and power. Beyond the gates, the sprawling city hummed with life. Merchants called out to passersby, children darted through the crowds, and the rich aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air. The road ahead, wide and well-worn, beckoned her toward the city's heart.
Enixia pulled her hood low, concealing her pointed ears. The last thing she wanted was to attract attention. Her cloak, though functional, was nondescript enough to help her blend in. She stepped onto the road, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings as she joined the flow of travelers heading toward the gates.
Her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. If conflict arose, could she handle it without drawing suspicion? She glanced at her hands, the faint pulse of energy beneath her skin a constant reminder of her growing power. For a moment, she considered the question Charleiza had posed: What are your limits? The thought lingered, an unsettling mix of curiosity and fear.
As Enixia neared the gates, she slowed her pace. A group of guards stood at the entrance, their polished armor gleaming in the sunlight. They held long spears and watched the approaching travelers with sharp, scrutinizing eyes. The orb of light that had guided her this far flickered once, then vanished, leaving her with an unwelcome sense of vulnerability.
She turned to her two Dema puppets, their blank expressions unreadable. "Stay here," she instructed, her voice low but firm. The idea of leaving them behind unsettled her, but bringing them into the city was too great a risk. The Dema stepped back into the shadows of the treeline, obedient and silent.
Taking a steadying breath, Enixia approached the guards. One of them, a gruff man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward and blocked her path.
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"State your business," he demanded, his tone curt.
Enixia's mind raced. She forced a calm smile and lowered her hood slightly, just enough to reveal her face without exposing her ears. "I'm a scholar," she said smoothly. "I've traveled far to study the library here. I'm researching dragons."
The guard's expression didn't soften, but he nodded slowly. "Dragons, eh? Strange interest for a woman. Stay out of trouble."
He waved her through, and Enixia exhaled in relief as she stepped past the gates and into the city.
The city was a maze of narrow streets and bustling squares, each corner brimming with activity. Merchants peddled colorful fabrics, glittering jewelry, and exotic spices. Musicians played lively tunes, their melodies weaving through the chatter of the crowd. Enixia moved with purpose, her hood still low as she navigated the throng.
Despite the vibrant energy around her, she felt a gnawing discomfort. It wasn't hunger—she realized with a start that she hadn't eaten since her transformation. Yet she didn't feel weak or fatigued. Curious and uneasy, she decided to it might be best to get some nurishment, as this may help calm her nerves.
She ducked into a small tavern, its interior dimly lit and filled with the hum of conversation. Taking a seat near the back, she ordered a plate of roasted meat and a tankard of ale. The drink went down easily enough, but the first bite of food was a struggle. She forced herself to chew and swallow, but her stomach churned in protest.
Moments later, she bolted from the tavern and into a narrow alley. Doubling over, she retched violently, the contents of her stomach spilling onto the cobblestones. She wiped her mouth with a trembling hand, her thoughts racing.
I can't eat. I don't need to eat.
The realization left her shaken. Whatever her father's experiments had done to her, they had altered her body in ways she was only beginning to understand.
Enixia composed herself and returned to the bustling streets, her resolve hardening. The library was her next destination. If she was going to infiltrate the castle, she needed to learn as much as she could about its layout and defenses. The thought of waiting until nightfall filled her with impatience, but she knew better than to act rashly.
The towering spires of the library soon came into view, their intricate carvings visible even from a distance. She quickened her pace, her mind already turning over the possibilities. Whatever secrets the castle held, she would uncover them. And if her newfound abilities were truly limitless, she would find out soon enough.
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