Finally, after more than a month of miserable rocking back and forth on the sea in that stupid boat, I was finally able to put my feet on actual, solid land. I don't care if people look at me funny for throwing myself on the ground and enjoying the feeling of it right after we finally disembarked from that hellish thing. I just... Please just let me enjoy being on land once again. Dwarves were not made for sailing, of that I am sure.

“Come on, Kardenon, you don't have to exaggerate that much. It wasn't that bad. I am also happy that we are finally on land, but this is a bit ridiculous. People are staring you know? Do you really want the name of Kardenon Therynia to be remembered as 'that guy that buried his face on the ground after disembarking here'?”

Bah, Alexius doesn't understand. Why would he? He stopped puking after the second week, meanwhile, it never stopped for me.

“You don't get it, dwarves are not meant for this kind of thing... I need some good solid ground underneath me...”

Of course, the snarky captain of the ship, who made fun of me a good portion of the way, just had to ruin it.

“Really? I know there are two ships that regularly make this route captained by dwarves. Maybe it's just you? There's no shame in that, there are some gnomes just as bad as you at dealing with the rocking of the boats.”

Bah, those aren't true dwarves, I just know it. I'm not accepting this as just a particular problem of mine. We are a mountain and valley dwelling people! Who the hell would ever consider the sea to be a place a dwarf should be comfortable in?

Ignoring my misery, the rest of the party disembarked.

“Oh! So this is Tarkatore! It really is quite an exotic but beautiful city, just as those books said. It really is different when you see things for yourself, instead of just relying on written and told accounts from other people. The architecture, the clothing of the people, it is all so so different.”

It always strikes me how Massen seems to be able to speak of anything with such pure admiration and curiosity. Whatever, right now I don't care how beautiful Tarkatore is, only that it is on solid land.

“Really, it's like I've stepped into a completely different world. It's like a dream.”

Right now I am not looking at her face, but I can clearly see in my mind the smile that Helena is probably displaying on her face. Good, it's been a while since she was last in a good mood, and things usually go much better when that is the case.

“Come on, the harbor inspector is coming over to greet us, are you really going to keep your head glued to the ground? That's not a very good look.”

Sheesh, fine! You convinced me. Eh, I had already satisfied myself with feeling the earth anyway. It's not like I needed to be told to stand up. A tall, metallic-blue skinned ogre approached us. While he did not wear too much clothing, the vest that he did wear was decorated with two brooches, one of which we had been taught was the royal crest of Tarkatore. The other probably signaled his function. Following behind him was a group of a minotaur, three humans and a gnome. They were probably his assistants.

“Welcome to Tarkatore! Could I please have a manifest of the ship's cargo, as well as the reason of visit for any person who is not a member of this this ship's crew?”

Probably well-accustomed to this, the ship's captain quickly produced a small stack of paper bound by a string. This was probably the cargo manifest.

“Here it is. Now, for those who are staying. It's these four. I trust that you can take them to the House of Passage after you are done checking my cargo? They are all travelers, who have come to Tarkatore in particular because it's the first city in Asren I drop anchor at.”

The ogre perused the papers, quickly but carefully reading each item it seemed. After a while he nodded.

“Of course, its part of my duties to guide any newcomers. It seems that it is the same as always.” He turned back at the five people who came with him. “Get to it! It's the same as always, check it and report to me. Remember, a public servant caught stealing gets the death sentence!” As they started moving to board the ship, he turned to us and showed a smile. “Don't worry, this shouldn't take long. After this I will take you to the House of Passage so you can enter the city proper.”

The ship's captain gave a satisfied smile.

“Always a pleasure working with a fast working man such as you. I appreciate not having to go through extra steps to disembark my shipment.”

At the implied notion that sometimes a bribe might be necessary, the ogre''s face darkened considerably.

“You know bribery is considered stealing, thus carries a death sentence here. If you've ever had to pay any extra gold to an inspector or customs official, tell me the name and I will ask for an investigation to be opened by tonight.”

At that, the captain shook his head.

“Oh, no, no. I am talking about other cities in Asren. I know that Tarkatore has much higher standards than the surrounding region.” He then mumbled the rest. “Also there are some assholes back home...”

At that, the ogre's smile returned.

“Oh, I see. I am glad that you have no problems then.” We then stood around in silence for a little while before his assistants started coming out of the ship. “Oh, I see they are back, any irregularities?” The five assistants shook their heads and each gave a quick report of what they saw inside the ship. “It all seems to be in order, here, present this paper to the customs official and pay the tariff, then you're free to bring your cargo into the city. As for the four of you, follow me.”

The port of Tarkatore was very big, possibly even bigger than Toragan's. It was also completely walled off from the rest of the city, although there were a few establishments, probably to serve the sailors of incoming vessels. The ogre brought us to a considerably large building near one of the wall's gate. He gestured for us to enter, so this is the House of Passage.