In the morning we approached the Northern capital. We passed several villages along the way; the dwellings were surrounded by thick forest. At last, we came to a big hill and stood still in admiration.

We saw a huge castle before us. It was so big that I could hardly catch my breath. Its huge grey walls stretched for miles. It was surrounded by small wooden houses. Although the buildings were actually quite large, they seemed tiny compared to the castle. The castle was protected by several rows of walls. The outer wall was made of thick logs, it stood about ten feet high.

Large red buildings stood at the foot of the hill; thick black smoke was coming out from their windows. A thick white mist hung above the castle, covering its roof.

The marvelous sight of the castle distracted me from my thoughts. I realized that I wouldn’t be able to form a squad of loyal soldiers. They would have refused to carry out my commands.

Triya kept attempting to live without water. She got out of the barrel and tried to walk in the cart, or rather crawl. I dressed the mermaid in one of Oulsast’s longest jackets in order not to confuse the soldiers. She looked like she was wearing a gown.

“Freeze!” ordered the guard by the first gate. “Where are you going? Are you a gang?”

He was very well dressed and looked like a knight. Other guards stood beside him, armed with halberds and dressed in simple and shabby clothes.

“Sergeant Michael Greystle, Black Guard. We are going to the Gladiator Academy on the order of his Excellency Baron Riny Hickent Strong Fist.”

“Well,” the man frowned reading the MESSAGE about me, and sighed. “Sorry, mate. No offence. You are strangers here. There are a lot of wandering guards now... If you are with the Baron’s guards, you don’t need to pay the toll.”

“Thank you,” I nodded. “How do we get to the Academy?"

“You go through the second gate,” the guard pointed behind his back, “you’d better settle in the barracks near the castle. The tournament starts in a month. All the ins are overcrowded. The rents are very high.”

“Thanks, when we settle here, I’ll try to find you and buy you a drink.”

“Nice to meet you, buddy.” The Guard smiled for the first time, and revealed a mouth full of half-rotten teeth. He was clearly a drunk. I didn’t need to read the MESSAGE about him to understand that.

When we passed the first gate, we came upon crowds of people milling through the streets. Vasilisa had to constantly stop the war-hog, because it kept trying to eat someone’s hat or grab an apple from a cart. We met people dressed in outlandish clothes, other races and weird animals that looked like riding birds. We were surrounded by thousands of screaming merchants praising their goods. There were so many people that we could barely move.

Vasilisa was astonished, and so was I. Triya cautiously looked out, hiding her face under the hood. Only Lysandra acted like she was used to going to the capital every weekend, as if she had seen all these weird things many times and wasn’t interested at all. Finally, we saw something that struck even Lyska. Stone houses! They were taller than two-story buildings! One, two, three... I counted on my fingers, FIVE floors! The strangest thing was the fact that the castle was even taller! The inner walls seemed to scratch the sky.

“Hey, buddy, watch out, something might fly into that mouth of yours,” one of the guards shouted mockingly. He was wearing a black uniform and an expensive looking armor, which was gleaming in the sun. He was carrying a sword, a light club and a gun. Other guards we met were dressed the same.

Apparently, they were well heeled. I shut up. The guards laughed, but I didn’t care. For the first time in my life I saw such majestic beauty. The smell of sewage spoiled the impression. It flowed right through the ditches along the buildings. But not even this smell could overshadow the splendor of the Northern capital.

“Your honor,” the approaching guard greeted me. He was quite tall with a short black mustache. His gallant gait, perfect posture, well-fitting form, sword and gun confused me. The guard had a satchel on his back, white smoke was coming out of it.

“I’m glad to welcome the soldiers from the Barony of the border lands. What can I do for you?” He was perfectly polite. I decided to learn more about him.

Bengun Grod

Captain of the city guards; half-dwarf, 105 years old

Charges are hidden

“Your honor,” I nodded back. I hope this form of address is appropriate. “My name is Michael Greystle. I’ve arrived at the direct order of his Excellency Baron Riny Hickent Strong Fist to participate in arena battles,” I repeated the same phrase that I’d uttered at the first gates.

“Why did you decide to come here?” Bengun Grod asked mockingly.

“Well,” I stammered, “the guards at the lower gate recommended us to move into the barracks at the Palace and then go to the arena.”

“Damned jokers!” Bengun Grod sighed wearily, he obviously didn’t like this prank.

“There are some barracks within the fortress. They are intended for officers and nobles only. You’d better find an inn. But I’m afraid that won’t be possible, since there are fifty of you. You’d better go back beyond the walls and set up camp there. You look like barbarians from the elven suburbs. You are strangers in the capital.” The captain spoke quietly, without smirks and rudeness, but with clear scorn. An unknown guard wants to go inside. What nonsense!

Intelligence Check

Base

2

Bonus

-2(provocation)

Dice Roll

2

Requirement

3

Failure

I was so angry. I didn’t like this attitude, although I knew that we were simple provincial residents. There are so many people in this city. Can’t we stay here?

“Excuse me, Your Honor. I’d like to buy a house big enough for my entire squad.”

“There are such houses,” the Guard grinned, “but they cost as much as a whole village. I’m afraid you can’t afford them.”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business. But thank you for your concern. Could you tell me where I can find a salesman?”

“Are you serious?” Bengun Grod frowned. “Byorn! Come here!”

A young grey-skinned guard ran up to him immediately. He seemed to be a half-dwarf.

“How can I help you, Your Honor?” he asked.

“Take this guy to…” Bengun Grod hesitated for a moment, “Stay here. I’ll show Mr. Sergeant how decent people live in the fortress.”