The Endless City was a towering and colossal piece of human and divine ingenuity. It's mighty structures and impressive heights were only rivaled by the sheer size of it. Around the city stood a huge wall, hundreds of feet across and a mile high that demanded submission and awe from any foe that dared come up to it. It was more like a building than a wall though; its architects had created it also to house and support the massive defense engines, army quarters, and commercial and residential structures. The wall was a part of the city like the siding to a house is, the outside was sheer and impossible to climb. Tall and immense structures filled the city itself; keeps, halls, markets, and palaces filled the city to the brim. What little available land that was actually exposed to the soil was filled with gardens and parks, but mostly, the city was one large structure onto itself, interconnected and welded together. It supported millions of inhabitants and in Kami’s light it shone with brilliance and majesty. The people who lived there worked and moved in the anonymity of the masses, each performing their own small part, contributing to the whole, all of which was for the glory of Kami.

Beneath the city though, far below in the old and decayed remnants of an even older city, Ashton was struggling for survival. Drake had been severely wounded by the guard’s vicious attack and was unconscious, bleeding badly. The guards beat Ashton lightly as well, as though it was a matter of principle rather than a need for it. As Ashton carried Drake he wasn’t able to wipe his eyes when the blood from the wound on his forehead slipped into them. The blood only added to his problems. The guards were escorting Drake and Ashton to some other terrible place through what looked like to Ashton long, interconnecting tunnels forming a Labyrinth. Weak and bloody himself, Ashton stumbled many times during the long walk as it continued, each step threatening to give out under him as he carried the weight of Drake on his back. Additionally, now that Ashton could understand the language of the guards thanks to Gatal’s spells he could also hear every cruel word they said. Ashton decided liked it better before he was bilingual.

In these tunnels no lanterns were permanently places in on the walls; the guards carried one with them and it barely lit the path before them. It was dark and dreadful and only dark and dreadful thoughts occupied Ashton’s mind.

Ashton was truly thankful when they reached their destination, only because he wouldn’t have to carry Drake much farther. They reached a large space that had three doors and a path clear through, like a waiting room outside of three offices. One of the gourds pounded on a door and a slot opened. “I have two irregulars here,” the guard said. “The priest indoctrinated them, and they are ready to join the others.”

“Bring them in,” a cool voice on the other side of the door replied. The slot closed sharply and the door open up in its place, a bright pale light emanating from it. Ashton’s vision was getting worse and he couldn’t see the figure clearly at the door. From inside the room though, he heard a loud noise of many men. There was yelling and chaos and Ashton could not make out the nature of it. Ashton imagined a great torture within. With great fear, Ashton was forced into the room with the spears and he braced himself for whatever horror awaited him.

Ashton was ushered into a bright light and after his eyes adjusted he almost cried out in astonishment. The noises he had heard were the was singing and yelling and drinking and eating in the room, as though a great celebration was taking place. It was well lit and thousands of people filled the room, all dressed in similar tunics of varying shades of grey and white, some running and skipping around, others in merry groups of conversation. Ashton looked around and felt like he had stepped into a tale from his childhoods, a story full of strange lands, of fairies, and of unending revelry. Three long tables supported an over abundance of food and it such an assortment as if to satisfy the most capricious diner. It was piled with dishes and dinners and breads and wine, a glorious feast for the noble man. The noise he had heard was the crowd of people inhabiting the room; they were laughing, and moving around with great freedom.

The guards shut the door and at the sound the men close to Ashton turned and saw him and Drake. They also looked amazed, but quickly stepped forward with helpful hands and concerned voices.

“What happened to you?” they all asked. They tried to help take Drake from him but Ashton held on defensively.

“What?” Ashton could only respond, “What’s going on? Do not touch me!”

“My friend!” a man replied next him, “Relax, you are among comrades, we bear you no ill will. Indeed, we wish only for you and your friend’s health!” The man talking was short and almost bald. What hair he had left on his head was bright red and he had an impressive mustache. He was neat and clean. “Let us help you! No doubt you have traveled through terrible perils to reach The Endless City. But now relax and enjoy your destination. We are celebrating this wondrous day. The first day of our new lives serving Kami-sama! Praise Kami!” he cried and everybody near him responded in kind. “Praise Kami!” and they laughed and ate and drank. They were joyful and merry as if they were celebrating life itself.

With reluctance, Ashton let them take Drake off him. They were gentle and caring, inspecting his wounds and preparing a bed. Ashton looked back at the red-haired man. “I don’t understand,” Ashton said simply.

“Oh, come now. Where have you been? Clearly not to the baths!” the red-haired man joked and they all laughed. “We have already washed, you should as well!” He starting pushing Ashton away, to the far side of the room. The man was laughing joyfully, “Make way! Make Way! Our man here needs a bath!” The crowd parted gleefully, laughing and slapping Ashton on the back as he passed, in good humor.

“Wait,” Ashton pleaded, “My friend…”

“Do not worry,” the man said. “He is in good hands. We are all comrades here, No? Kami has forgiven us of our disobedience and has ushered us into his holy kingdom! Be more cheerful! The future only holds bright things for all of us!”

Ashton saw that they were approaching another door in the side of the room. Men were going in and out of it. “Make way!” the man yelled again. “This man needs a bath!”

They entered the door and inside was a large pool of steaming water. Around the outside of it half naked men were lounging and relaxing with their legs in the water, enjoying the location. Several lanterns lit the place and gave it a wholesome glow. “Now, it is time for you to bathe! Cast off your foreign clothes, they represent the darkness you once clad yourself in, and then jump in and clean yourself. The water of Kami will not only wash away your smell, but also clear away your connection to your past life!”

Ashton was hesitant to do as the man said, he was still confused and in wonder at the circumstances around him. He wanted to stop and clearly ask the man what was going on, but the words of the priest from earlier came back to him. “Be flexible and blend in!” Sensing the expectations around him he stripped and said halfheartedly, “Praise be to Kami!” The others responded alike, with cheers and drinking. He saw his old and dirty clothing get taken away and he felt a moment of lament at the loss.

“What are you waiting for, get in!” the red-haired man said joyfully. He jumped in himself and then stood up in it; the water was only waist high. He beckoned at Ashton and, with only another moment of hesitation, Ashton slipped in as well. The water felt wonderful, warm and clean. Getting this amount of water this hot back at his village required tremendous effort and was a luxury he had not experienced.

Ashton was very filthy though, and it took more than a single dip to clean him. The red-haired man helped him wash, he introduced himself to Ashton as Horebrou. He talked gleefully with Ashton, with a childlike words. “What a pleasure to bath in the waters of Kami again.” He had said. “Of course, I enjoyed it the first time, but after I was clean, the food seduced me away. But I feel as though I could stay in his water all day!” Ashton agreed as well, it was soothing against his large bruises.

“You and your friend are late to the feast,” Horebrou observed. “But the grace of Kami is deep. All those who are earnest in their faith will be let in. We had started nearly two hours ago. Where you not part of our pilgrimage?”

“No,” Ashton responded, understanding little of what was going on, but trying to play along. “My friend and I came upon a different trip. It has been long and difficult. We feared many times that we would not make it, but look how our efforts have rewarded us. We have made it by the grace of Kami.”

“And into the Grace of Kami,” Horebrou added excitedly. He seemed to become very excited at the very mention of Kami, and he was not alone in doing so. Everybody seemed to hold a similar mood. “Kami-sama accepts the lost from all corners of the world. Like lost children, he gathers them under his care and provides then with a home.”

The bathing lasted a half of an hour, but in the end, Ashton was clean as he had never remembered being before. He had been scrubbed and scraped, clipped and dressed. He was provided clean linen to dress himself in and they were grey and green tunics, simple and comfortable. Part of the cleaning process also involved shaving his face of all the access hair as well as cutting his head hair to a respectable length. “What long hair you have,” Horebrou exclaimed. “We must present ourselves proper in this city,” He had said cheerfully, cutting off long locks of hair. Ashton looked at the cut hair mournfully, what hair they left him was like that of a newborn.

The bath revealed to Ashton exactly how famished he was. Horebrou sensed it and brought him quickly to the tables, loaded with all kinds of foods and tastes. The men had been devouring the food for the last two hours, but here was still plenty of food to consume. He wanted to stuff his face in the food, but felt it was better to eat conservatively and slowly. He kept reminding himself, “Blend in, blend in, blend in.” Unabashedly, Horebrou joined his meal as well. All around them men talked and sometimes sang, songs of gibberish more often than not. Ashton had never seen such merry behavior before.

Horebrou never seemed to stop talking and from him Ashton learned much. He talked as if he was simply reciting something in his mind. “My years of living have all led me to this point,” he was saying. “To me, they are simply the darkness of my past. It is not for me to dwell on those thoughts but to instead look to the future and see how I may best serve Kami. This city is a paradise and all who come here with pure intentions will be saved. Outside is darkness and despair, a living death for those who dwell outside the invincible walls of this city. None may enter here without permission; there is no trespass within these walls. Here we are secure from all hardships and troubles. We are the fortunate who have made it here, may I serve Kami-sama as faithfully as he has served me.”

“How do you know all this?” Ashton asked curiously. He surprises that the men in this room with him were actually the same dead eyed prisoners he had left in the Hall, hours ago. He felt he now understood the meaning of the word, indoctrination, but could hardly believe his eyes at the change. As for Horebrou’s words, the contradictions between the reality and what Horebrou believed fascinated Ashton and he wanted to test it.

“It is what everybody knows, Ashton,” The man said, as if explaining the simplest idea. “Inside of all of us this truth is known from birth. Those who do not accept the will of Kami are condemned already as they are choosing to ignore what is foundational to what it means to be human.” Horebrou eyed Ashton curiously and Ashton quickly decided to not ask any more questions about what “everybody knows”.

Ashton checked up on Drake frequently, but he hadn’t regained consciousness yet. He was getting good treatment from the people here, though. They had been filled with the hearts of compassionate and kind people, comradeship and concern were a few of the many knew traits they all shared. They had taken Drake and bathed and cleaned him with care. He was left on a comfortable looking mattress they had made and his wounds had been bandaged. They looked upon him with worried looks, but they had faith that merciful Kami would save him.

“Thank you for all your help,” Ashton said truthfully, returning once again to Drake’s side.

“We are all one under Kami, we are brothers here,” They said. “To help those less fortunate is an important part of what it means to be a citizen of The Endless City.”

Ashton dismissed them with gratitude and took up care of Drake himself. Ashton still didn’t trust them despite their excellent care and friendliness, but he did not let that show. They left with a bow and rejoined the festivities that didn’t seem to end. For a while he had been caught up in their happiness and joy too. Then he looked down on Drake’s face, hardly recognizable after the beating it received and he remembered the reality they were in.

Horebour came to join them after a while. “How is your friend doing?” he asked, sitting down next to Ashton. He had with him a bowl of fruit and he was eating again.

“I do not think he will die from this, but he hasn’t woken up yet. I fear internal injuries.”

Horebour put his hand and on Ashton’s shoulder to comfort him but Ashton could help but feel repulsed by it. Horebour said, “Have some faith Ashton. Kami-sama will not abandon those who have worked hard to attain his salvation. I am sure your friend will fine. He is missing such a great feast, though!”

Ashton nodded solemnly. He did not believe the ravings of this man, but he did have hope for Drake’s recovery. He had overcome a deadly sickness before, right? He would survive this injury as well. Sensing Ashton’s distress, Horebour condemned the evilness of the enemies and mocked their destructive ways. He assumed that it was this enemy that had waylaid and hurt them on their pilgrimage to the city.

Ashton felt he should act as though he knew everything as well, but he couldn’t refrain from a little more interrogation. “Tell me about these enemies,” he said, “I am afraid Drake and I know little about them.”

“I am surprised you do not know about them already,” he said picking at the fruit and spitting out the seeds carelessly. “They are undoubtedly the people who interfered with your pilgrimage here.” Ashton nodded but still asked for more. Horebour gave it to him, “The enemy has been the bitter foe of Kami-sama for many long years. There was a time of great prosperity for Kami and his territory, but this god was jealous of its goodness. He waged war against Kami out of spite and envy, but now the only emotion he has is hate. He circles the city, ever seeking ways to hurt and destroy the goodness of Kami and ever seeking to waylay or hurt those who make their way to The Endless City. But the walls of The Endless City are impenetrable and Kami-sama retains the upper hand in all the fights. And soon,” he added with a dramatic whisper. “Kami-sama will gather his full strength and place judgment and wrath upon the enemy. That is what we are here for! We all have received the call from our dark and destructive lives and have come to fulfill his will. To be part of Kami’s glorious triumph over the black foe!” He leaned back and smiled as if speaking the very name of Kami was the greatest joy he could ever feel.

Ashton considered what the man said. How much was true, and how much was part of the lie? He watched the people in the room, how could all of these people be the prisoners he remembered from the wagons? The same people who were forced to march with him in the cold and rain, falling and tripping but getting up again as the spell forced them carry on even after their bodies gave out on them? He remembered what the priest had said back in the room, how the enemy circles the city. What was the purpose of these lies told to these men? Despite the joy and revelry of the room, Ashton sat and brooded. He and Drake had promised to survive inside the city. How much would they have to sacrifice to accomplish that?

“How long will the feast last?” Ashton asked Horebour. Unfortunately, he had run out of food again and was heading for the table that very moment.

“The feast of Kami never ends!” he called back. He left and Ashton was alone with Drake again, feeling like an alien and yet the only sane person within the place.

It seemed to Ashton that Horebour’s words were true; the feast did not end anytime soon. Ashton felt exhaustion take hold of him, the stress and labor of the day. Horebour did not return either and Ashton fell asleep in the corner next to his friend, amidst the insane joy and celebration of the indoctrinated beings.