Gewey couldn’t help but be excited as they approached the gates of Althetas. From more than a mile away, he could see the buildings rising above the city wall. Some looked to be over five stories tall.
“Is the whole city like that?” Gewey asked.
Lee laughed lightheartedly. “A good portion of it. Althetas is the largest city on the Western Abyss. All the cities and towns for hundreds of miles come here for trade.”
“How far are we from the Abyss?”
“Not far,” Lee replied. “Less than thirty miles, I should say.”
“Why not build it on the shore? Wouldn’t it be easier for shipping?”
“Long ago, Althetas was on the shore,” Lee explained. “But a great storm nearly destroyed it, so they moved it here. Most towns along the shore now are small ports and fishing villages. The storms of the Western Abyss are enormous. They don’t hit often, but when they do, everything is destroyed.”
Gewey nodded, wondering what it would be like to see such a storm up close.
The walls of the city were twenty feet high and ten feet thick, made from gigantic blocks of black granite. As they approached, the guards waved them to a halt.
“State your business,” called the guard, seemingly bored.
“Trade,” Lee replied.
“How long will you be staying?”
“Three days.”
The guard gave their party a quick once over. “If your stay lasts longer than one week, you’ll have to register at the clerk’s office. Welcome to Althetas.” He waved them on without enthusiasm, and then went back to his post, where a chair and a jug of ale awaited him.
As they passed the gates, Gewey stared at the sights of the city, unable to believe his eyes. The streets were jammed shoulder to shoulder with people-some selling wares, other trading, and even some who stood on boxes shouting scripture at the crowds. Most of the taller buildings had balconies on each floor, where people ate and drank far above the hustle and bustle. Gewey stared, wishing he could see the city from their vantage point.
Lee noticed Gewey staring at the balconies. “Impressive, isn’t it? Millet loves Althetas. He and I once stayed here for six months. There used to be a great sword master that lived here, and his home was in one of the taller buildings. While we’re here, I’ll see if I can arrange for us to visit one. On the north end of the city there used to be some taverns on the top floors; I’m sure some of them are still there.”
Gewey beamed with excitement. “Do you think Lord Ganflin’s house is anything like this?”
Lee laughed. “Certainly not. From the directions he gave me, his manor is in the southern garden district, where they prefer traditional, two-floor houses. The aristocrats consider the rest of the city to be somewhat tacky.”
Gewey looked at Lee in amazement. He couldn't imagine thinking such wondrous buildings to be tacky. “The lords here must be a bunch of idiots.”
“I’ll tell Ganflin you said so,” Lee teased. “I’m sure he’ll agree.”
“Maybe that’s not such a good idea,” Gewey said with a smile. “Considering we’re staying at his house.”
Just then, Gewey noticed something he didn’t expect: an elf. He was standing in front of the door to an inn, talking to a short human. Kaylia noticed too.
“I know they told us that elves walked freely in the city,” said Kaylia, “but to actually see it…”
“You should remove your hood,” Gewey suggested.
Kaylia paused for a moment, and then did just that. Her auburn hair flowed free, and she closed her eyes, letting the sun shine on her face. Gewey thought she looked beautiful, her bronze skin glowing the in sunlight. He scanned the crowd to see if anyone had noticed. A few people cast a quick glance in their direction, but for the most part, they were ignored.
“How does it feel?” he asked.
“Strange,” she replied. “But good. I hate hiding.”
“You shouldn’t have to hide,” Dina said. “None of us should.”
Kaylia nodded in agreement. “Maybe one day we won’t have to.”
Lee led them through the crowded streets to the southern garden district. Just as Lee had said, the houses in the area were single- and two-story dwellings, their brick walls covered in ivy and protected by wrought iron gates. The streets were clean and far less crowded than the rest of the city. Fine coaches navigated the wide avenues, driven by haughty men in red and gold jackets, and pulled by horses nearly as well adorned as the drivers. Lords and ladies in elegant attire strolled down the broad sidewalks.
Lee stopped in front of an immense manor and dismounted. The double-gated wall was at least ten feet high. A man in a gold silk suit and waistcoat stood at the gateway.
“Is Harlondo in?” Lee asked politely.
“He is,” the gate keeper responded. “Might I tell him who calls?”
Lee pulled the letter Lord Ganflin had given him from his pocket. “I have a message from Lord Ganflin.”
“I see. Please wait here.” The man passed through the gate and disappeared inside the manor.
Gewey was amazed by the size of the estate; it was bigger than most temples. The entire structure was made from polished white granite, and sat upon at least three acres of land. The vestibule was lined with stone columns supporting a veranda that spanned the length of the front of the house. The driveway was almost as wide as the avenue, and the well-manicured lawn and gardens held plants and flowers of so many different kinds, it would take someone an entire spring just to name them all. He recognized flowers such as roses and tulips from back home, but others looked as though they belonged in a fairytale. Low lying lavender blooms sprinkled with deep yellow swirls followed a stone path leading to a white, ivy-wrapped gazebo.
At the center of the yard was a marble fountain in the likeness of Althetas Mol, the Goddess of Wisdom and Compassion, the patron goddess and namesake of the city. Beautiful carved wooden benches faced the fountain at six foot intervals, and a small table had been placed beside each of them.
When the gatekeeper returned, he was accompanied by a short man in a gray buttoned shirt and trousers with a thin black jacket. His hair was jet black and slicked back with oils. He wore silver reading glasses and was carrying a leather binder under his arm.
“You have a message from Lord Ganflin,” Harlondo said by way of greeting. His voice was high and almost feminine.
Lee handed him the letter and waited as he broke the seal and read.
“I see,” said Harlondo, putting the letter in his pocket. “Greetings my lords and ladies. Welcome to the house of Lord Ganflin. I have instructions to treat you as I would Lord Ganflin himself. Clearly he holds you in high regard.” He gave a loud whistle and four young boys ran from the house. “Your horses will be well-tended and your belongings brought to your rooms. Will you be sleeping separately, or shall I have couple’s suites prepared?”
“Individually will be fine,” Lee answered.
Harlondo raised an eyebrow. “Excellent. Please, come with me.”
“You didn’t want a couple’s suite did you?” Lee whispered to Gewey, trying to hide a smile. Gewey clenched his jaw and shot him a dirty look.
The inside of the manor was even more impressive than the outside. On either side of the large foyer sat marble basins filled with perfumed water that filled the air with the scent of lavender. Beyond the foyer, an alabaster staircase led upward before splitting into two spirals that led to opposite sides of the house. The polished marble walls were covered with elaborate tapestries and fine oil paintings depicting members of the Ganflin family in various heroic acts. To the far left were large double doors that led to the formal dining room, and in the corner was a smaller wooden door that provided access to the rear chambers. On the right side of the room were three separate doors leading to the studies and offices. Directly behind the stairs, a huge archway opened up to a ballroom where an exquisite crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. Though the room was currently unused, it was well-lit, and the lights beamed and reflected from around the steps to sparkle against the pink marble floor.
“We have hot showers in each room,” Harlondo informed them. “However, a bath can be prepared if you prefer.”
“A shower?” Gewey asked. “What-”
“Showers will be fine,” Lee said, cutting him off.
“Martin will show you to your rooms,” Harlondo continued, motioning to a tall, silver-haired man in a straight cut, blood red suit and jacket. “I have business to attend to, but I’ll be joining you for dinner this evening. I can see you’ve traveled light, so a change of clothing will be brought up directly.”
“Thank you, Harlondo,” Lee said graciously. “That would be much appreciated.”
Harlondo bowed and took his leave. Gewey smiled, thinking Lee was right at home in this environment.
Martin led them upstairs and to the left. At the end of the hall, they turned right and were shown to their rooms in turn. Gewey couldn’t believe his eyes when he entered his own suite; it was as big as the common room of most inns. An oak feather bed-large enough for three grown men-sat flush against the right wall, and to its left was a glass dressing table and mirror. In the far right corner was a small, round breakfast table with two chairs, and beyond that stood a tall, carved mahogany wardrobe with polished brass handles.
In the near left corner was by far the most interesting feature: a round curtain hung from the ceiling, above a section of black tile. Gewey pulled back the curtain and saw three copper pipes protruding from the ceiling. The first of the pipes hung about a foot from the eight-foot ceiling. At the end of the pipe was a cone- shaped attachment with tiny holes drilled into the solid facing. The other two pipes ran down to his chest, each with a small brass handle. Attached to each handle was a tray; one held a small bar of soap and the other a square piece of pink coral. He knew what the soap was for, but had he no idea what purpose the coral might serve. Curious, Gewey grabbed one of the handles and turned. Water sprayed down from the pipe and poured on his head. It was hot-scalding hot. He screamed in shock and leapt away. He watched the water spill onto the tile and swirl down a recessed drain in the center.
Gewey heard Lee laughing behind him. “I was just coming to show you how to use that. I guess I’m a bit late.”
“This must be a shower,” he said as water dripped down his face. He wasn’t looking at Lee at all. “What a marvel!”
“I thought you’d like it,” Lee said. “Dina’s showing Kaylia how to use hers now.”
Lee showed Gewey how to adjust the water temperature by manipulating the handles and explained that the coral was used to scrub off dead skin.
“Be careful with it though,” Lee warned. “Scrub too hard and you’ll peel your skin right off.”
Gewey relished his first shower. He had never felt anything like it, and he swore that when he finally returned home, he would build one for himself.
Martin came in during his shower and announced that he had placed Gewey’s belongings next to the wardrobe and laid out fresh clothing on the bed.
“Your friends will join you in the parlor,” Martin told him. “It’s to the left from your room, at the end of the hall.”
When Gewey stepped out of the shower, he felt refreshed-more so than after a good night’s sleep even. The clothing Martin had brought was every bit as fine as the suit Lee had bought for him for his coming of age party, which he’d had to leave behind in Gristol. It was a cream silk shirt with gold buttons and gold stitching, along with a pair of shining black trousers. A short black jacket, soft leather shoes, and a belt with a gold buckle completed the ensemble. Gewey quickly dressed, but as he was about to head to the parlor, there was a knock on his door. Gewey gaped as a young woman in a baby blue housedress stood smiling in the doorway, a small basket propped against her hip.
“Lord Starfinder said that you were in need of grooming,” she said, scrutinizing Gewey. “I can see he was correct. Please sit down.” She motioned towards the chair in front of the dressing table.
Gewey wasn’t sure what to do, so he complied. “How long will this take? My friends are waiting in the parlor for me.”
“Your friends are being tended too as well,” she assured him. “To think of beautiful young women in such a state. Your elf friend-what was her name?”
“Kaylia.”
“Yes, Kaylia,” she continued, brushing the knots from his curls. “Such a lovely girl. Elsa couldn’t wait to get her hands on that one. Elves have such natural beauty. But when Elsa’s finished with her, she’ll be a goddess. The other one too. Celandine. That one is accustomed to less dirt and grime, if you ask me. Such a gorgeous complexion on her. Well tended skin and hair. It’s nice to see women who know how to take care of themselves. Don’t get me wrong, elves take care of themselves too, but it’s just different.” For the next hour, the woman talked and talked as she worked.
Gewey chuckled at the thought of Kaylia being fussed over and made up.
After a while, he found the process wasn’t so bad. The girl shaved him, then rubbed a sweet smelling cream on his face, letting it dry as she trimmed his hair. When she wiped the cream off with a warm towel, his skin felt alive, as if it had never felt the air before. ‘So this is how a lord lives,’ he thought. ‘No wonder they always look so healthy and clean.’
By the time she was done, he almost didn’t recognize himself. He had never spent much effort grooming. He cut his own hair most of the time. Occasionally one of the women of the village would do it instead, but none had ever made him look so…lord-like. Refreshed and filled with a new confidence, he thanked the woman and headed down the hall to the parlor. Lee was already there, sitting in a large cushioned chair and sipping a glass of brandy. He was wearing a navy blue suit and jacket, and an ash walking stick with a silver knob was leaning on the side of his chair.
Lee smiled as Gewey entered. “Now you look presentable. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey. “It feels different.”
“We still have plenty of daylight,” Lee observed. “I thought we should see if Dina can make contact with her people. I also think we should make contact with Lord Ganflin’s friends at the Frog’s Wishbone.”
“Don’t you two look handsome?” Dina remarked as she walked in. Kaylia followed close behind.
Gewey’s jaw dropped when he saw them. Dina was wearing a dark blue satin dress that hugged her figure lightly. Her hair was lifted away from her face and tied with a silver band, allowing it to fall loosely down her back. Kaylia wore a smooth silver dress with a small diamond cut in the midriff. Her hair was left down but Elsa had added shining gold strands that caught the light when she moved.
“By the Gods…” Gewey gasped.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Dina teased. She did a little twirl, causing the skirt of her dress to swish and spin around her.
Kaylia, on the other hand, looked very displeased. “I refuse to go out in public in this,” she growled. “How am I expected to fight in this if something happens?”
“Don’t worry,” Lee assured her. “You’ll be back in your old clothes before you know it. I admit it’s a bit early for such attire, but they probably assumed we intended to stay in until the evening.”
“Actually, I think we should do just that,” Dina suggested. “My people are hard to find in the daytime, but I know where to find them after dark. We should wait until then.”
“Excellent,” Lee said. “I asked Martin about the Frog’s Wishbone, and he said it’s a very nice establishment. It turns out Lord Ganflin bought it a few years back and completely remodeled the place.”
“He should have changed the name, if you ask me,” Dina said. “It sounds like a low-class tavern.”
“Maybe, but from what I’ve been told, it’s anything but,” Lee replied. “The good news is that we can keep wearing these fine clothes a while longer.”
“Wonderful,” Kaylia grumbled.
Just then, Martin walked in, followed by three men carrying a lute, a harp, and a flute. He served everyone a glass of honeyed wine as the musicians began playing softly. Gewey took a seat and allowed the music take him. The songs were sweet and intricate-much different from the music he had heard at the taverns, or even at the festival of Gerath. When the first song was over, he actually sighed.
“There’s so much left for you to experience,” Lee said to Gewey, noticing the boy’s expression. “When all this is over, I promise to show you as much as you want to see.”
“That would be great. But right now, I wonder if I’ll ever see home again, much less the rest of the world.”
“You’ll see your village again,” Kaylia vowed. She had been listening to the music as well, but now a fire lit her eyes. “That I promise.” Gewey smiled, but he was saddened with thoughts of home.
They talked until dusk, keeping the conversation lighthearted. When Lee noticed the fading daylight, he called for Martin.
“Will you be dining here tonight?” Martin asked.
“No,” Lee answered. “Please inform Harlondo we will be at the Frog’s Wishbone.”
“I shall send for the coach, my lord,” he said, backing out of the room.
“We’ll stop by the tavern first and make certain all is well,” Lee told them. “Then Dina and I will make contact with her people.”
“Shouldn’t we all go?” Kaylia asked.
“I didn’t really want to take Lee,” Dina admitted. “The order is very secretive, and distrustful of outsiders. For me to bring one person may be a problem; if they see me with three others, things could get…complicated.”
“You two will wait for us to return, assuming all is well at the tavern,” Lee instructed. “Then, we’ll come back here to regroup.” They all agreed, though Kaylia still wanted to change her clothes.
Martin returned shortly after, to inform them that the coach awaited them downstairs. They thanked him and left.
Lee told Gewey to make certain he wore his sword. “It’s fashionable here,” Lee said as he dropped by his room to get his own. “As for the ladies…”
“I’m armed,’’ Kaylia assured him. “As is Dina.” Gewey tried not to think about where they had hidden their knives.
“We’re off then,” said Lee, and they all walked down to the waiting coach.