With Ethan’s mission and duties completed within the outpost, he set off for the Gnome Capital. He spent a day packing up and saying his goodbyes to Arthur and the others. He was then chartered on a horse and wagon along with the runner. Because the runner had finished his messaging job he also joined Ethan on the way back.

The two of them traveled alone but Ethan served as both passenger and guard. When wandering beasts got too close he scared them away or in some cases killed them if he was hungry. The meat wasn’t too bad and was much better than the travel rations after a few days. They soon came to the Gnome capital. The runner called him out of the back and Ethan was able to see the city with his own eyes.

Closer to the center of the city was elevated and a few stone buildings could be seen. Expanding outwards and towards them were other districts of the city. They all had an outpost-like feel to them except they were larger and grander. Smoke billowed out of some of the buildings and rose into the sky. Beyond the immediate area of the city were large clearings of land for farms and paths like the one they were riding on now.

“It is amazing,” said Ethan as he looked as far as he could and still didn’t see the end of the city. I know that it has been described as a massive outpost with more modern buildings mixed in. I didn’t realize how true that was.”

“It was indeed a group of outposts when our tribes were small,” said the runner. “Notice how each of the districts is marked with different signs as we travel through. Each of the districts was once separate outposts as small as the one we left. The seven tribes built their outposts against the threat from beasts and have used the forest as protection from enemies for centuries. And at its center, there is the collective outpost. For all gnomes and where politics and administration largely resides.”

“I am familiar with some of the reigning gnome families, but I wasn’t very interested in international politics.”

“Do not worry. I will try and inform you until we get to where you are staying. Though the administrators will likely go over some of this information once more. Even though you are a guest in the capital you must respect some of our rules.”

“I am familiar with diplomacy. Especially now.”

“Of course. Of course. Each of the families took up a trade or specialty to benefit us all. These borders are less pronounced than in the early years of our development, but it defines your families. For example, my family is the fourth family. Our focus is on travel and trade. We work with the outpost mainly to keep the people of our nation in communication and need-free. This and so that they feel close to their distant family in the capital.”

Their discussion continued as they entered the city. The runner showed the gate guards a badge and they were let in quickly. Ethan looked around at the shops as they went and kept track of the things that had been mentioned along with watching out for anything of interest.

There were many people who walked up and down the street carrying goods in their hands to sell. Some carried hand-drawn carts as well to carry more. Well-made wooden buildings lined most of the road with beautifully painted signs.

The raised center of the capital was brought back to his attention as they approached it. In front of them was the raised center of the city. It looked like someone had dropped a giant stone pillar into the middle of the city with buildings on it. As they got closer he saw the stone-carved stairs wrapping around it. He also heard the sound of a waterfall and sure enough water was flowing down one side and out towards the direction of the farms beyond.

“This is a magical engineering marvel,” said Ethan. “How long did it take them to make this? I knew that there was a waterfall near the center of the capital, but it is so big.”

“This waterfall is the start of a lake that’s waters are endless. And the person who raised it was Ander the First Architect. They say he spent nine days and nights terraforming it with his magic. It has since become a national holiday. The first is our founding.”

“It is definitely an interesting way to defend some of your city. What is the inside like? Are there any other ways up for most besides the stairs?”

“I don’t know the answers to all of your questions. I expect that the ones in charge can answer more. Officially there is no way up beside the stairway and magical flight and teleportation are banned to a certain point in the city. There are magical barriers to prevent it. Only certain people are allowed to fly to the top and only on magical beasts that don’t feel the effect of the enchantments. Though the waterfall does get dammed up occasionally on random days.”

“Interesting and sorry for enquiring a bit too much. I just am quite excited for this opportunity and there is much for me to learn here.”

Ethan was brought around to the first steps where a gnome man was waiting. Ethan stepped out and greeted him.

“Hello, Ethan. I am glad you have made it,” said the man.

“I am glad to finally see this great city.”

“First time?”

“Yes, it is. I hope I can do my part to protect it well. I wouldn’t want its beauty to be tarnished.”

“Yes, it would be a shame. Now leave your stuff here and we will have people bring it up to where you will be staying.”

“Thank you,” said Ethan. He dropped his bags for the runner and kept only his spatial bag.

The man ushered him up the steps as they talked. “We have had some difficulties finalizing some parts of the defense and we need your expertise.”

“And you have no one else here to help. I know there are some humans here. What about them?”

He scoffed. “Please of the few thousand that are here most of them are civilians with the rest being mercenaries and traveling adventurers. They largely escaped because they were warned by others and ran through the forests to us. Some of them know the defensive magics required to fight against armies but we don’t know how to use them effectively in battle. These magics are foreign to us so exact plans need refining.”

“By me.”

“Yes. And we would hope that you can train those able to in some of the spells you know. Not all of course but enough. They have already been trading spells with one another and mastering the basics. We also have collected some tomes over the years that they and you can learn.”

“Those are good starts. I will need to go over the current plans tomorrow but doing these things is a good start. I look forward to going over the spells books you have.”

“Of course. You must be tired from your journey and will need food soon. I will call for your room and food to be ready when we arrive.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

The man took out a communication crystal and sent the word. The two continued to walk up the stairs for almost an hour. The conversation had lulled, and he had gotten tired. It did not help that Ethan had suffered a harsh would recently so long bouts of exertion were not favorable Seeing the weariness in his eyes the food brought out was quickly served and eaten.

The food was much like what he had eaten at the outpost but often with a dash of an extra something that brought more life to the dishes. Maybe it was a foreign spice or a doubling of a certain ingredient in the recipe. Or it could have just been a sign of how tired he was.

Once the plates were cleared. His gnome tour guide brought him to an older-looking building closer to the edge of the cliff. He was brought inside. Ethan found that it was well furnished and had everything he need but was also in use.

“Are there other people living here now?” inquired Ethan.

“Yes, a few other humans are staying here. They all have business with the groups on the peak, so they are also staying here. I hope you get along with them and make yourself acquainted with them. Some of them will be working alongside you in the future,” he said leaving the rest to mystery. “Good day Mr. Gallagher. You will find your room down the hall on your right. The others out for the day and will be back later after dinner.”

“Good day,” he said in turn.

The gnome closed the door and left. Ethan sighed and left for his room. Sure, enough he found all of his stuff stacked in a corner. He dropped his bag next to the bed and dropped into the bed. It was comfortable and perfect. He fell asleep quickly.