SWNOVELXO Chapter 8: City
AAAAAAAH!
A loud female scream pierced the previously quiet, empty house. She was an ordinary middle-aged woman. Not particularly tall, slightly plump. Her face was unremarkable—soft, slightly full features, brown eyes, dark chestnut hair tied in a bun. She wore a simple black maid's dress. There was nothing more to say about her.
"Thief! Here! Thief!"
Continuing to scream, she grabbed a nearby knife and pointed it at the young man. He, in a stupor, just stared at the gleaming blade. A second passed... another...
Bam!
Snapping out of his daze, the young man slammed the door shut with a deafening bang and ran. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, and his soul was pierced by a cold blade of fear. Reaching the hallway and unable to stop in time, he crashed into the door. He yanked the handle several times, but it didn't turn. The door was locked. With no other choice, he ran towards the nearest open window. He was about to escape when suddenly...
Crash!
A porcelain vase shattered loudly right above his head. Turning, he saw the maid, who had regained her composure, standing in the doorway holding a large axe.
"Stop, you bastard!" she shouted, threatening him.
With a sharp movement, he darted to the right and fled through the nearest open passage. Reaching the main hall and running up the stairs, he dashed to the first window he saw.
The beautiful, ornate arched window shattered into pieces as his body collided with it. Rolling across the roof tiles of the first floor, the young man fell to the ground, nearly breaking his neck. Picking up his aching and glass-scratched body, he ran away. Slightly staggering, he entered the first alley he saw and disappeared into the labyrinth of the morning city.
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"Ha...ha...ha..." — the young man, slowly stepping barefoot on the stone, dirty road, tried to calm his wildly beating heart.
"They say a morning run is good for you, but why do I feel so bad? Ha..." — slowly exhaling, he began to look around. Tall stone buildings stretched into the distance, forming a narrow street that extended for kilometers ahead. Poorly dressed people emerged from their homes. Walking along the dusty road, they formed groups, hurrying to work together. At the curbs, kiosks, shops, and private businesses offering various services opened, taking up pieces of the already limited space. Taking one last look around, the young man continued on his way.
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The number of people kept increasing. The young man, trying to determine the approximate time, looked into the space between the rooftops.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Cutting through the hum of the excited crowd, a thunderous bell rang out. Turning towards the sound, he quickly walked forward. Finally, after pushing through the mass of people and passing through several dark alleys, he found himself in a dark tunnel ending in bright light, revealing an arch adorned with various patterns. Through the passage, which stretched many meters high, golden rays of the morning sun shone, illuminating the shadowed streets.
Passing through the structure that seemed to divide the lower and upper worlds, the young man emerged into a vast square. In its center was an intricate fountain made of white marble. At its peak stood an incredibly detailed statue of a well-built man. His body was wrapped in an elaborate toga, and his head was hidden by a deep hood that covered most of his face, revealing only his mouth. In his outstretched hand, he held a strange, slightly glowing golden orb.
Behind him stood a colossal Gothic cathedral. Its entrance was an enormous tower from which the bell tolls emanated. Behind it, a richly decorated dome rose more than a hundred meters above the ground. In front of the gates, a multitude of parishioners who had heard the thunderous bell gathered.
Admiring the magnificence of Ignis architecture, the young man ducked into the nearest alley, not wanting to stay in such a crowded place.
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"Seventy copper ducats."
A balding man of about forty-five placed a book on the table and looked at the young man.
"I won't give you more for it."
"Is that a lot?"
The young man glanced at the few banknotes lying to the right of the book and then looked back at the trader. The man, slightly surprised, raised an eyebrow and said:
"Quite decent, though you don't have much choice."
"Alright, I'll take the money."
"Good."
Taking the money, the young man quickly left the pawnshop he had found earlier, which was an ordinary two-story building. The shop of the balding man was located on the first floor.
Once outside, the young man slowed his pace and walked forward leisurely, holding a few banknotes in his hand. Evening was gradually approaching, probably around six o'clock. The previously bright sky was covered with leaden clouds. In the distance, several factories spewed an enormous amount of black smoke from their chimneys, further depriving the already cloud-covered city of light. His gaze slid over the old buildings, some of which clearly needed repairs. Their stone walls were covered with light cracks, and metal structures began to rust from constant exposure to the damp air and steam emitted by the nearby factories.
The faces of passersby were gloomy, as if this world had long ceased to offer them anything good. They walked, barely noticing each other, absorbed in their own concerns. Some hurried home, others glanced at shop windows selling various trinkets, while others trudged aimlessly, barely lifting their feet, towards the nearest pub.
The young man reached one of the old buildings he had noticed earlier. A small sign with the name hung by the door.
"Noisy Barkas"
He slowly approached, pushed the door, and stepped inside. The room was brightly lit by gas or kerosene lamps. The air was filled with the smell of hops and fried food. Dozens of men were already sitting at tables, drinking liters of beer and laughing loudly. Several waitresses quickly moved between the tables, taking orders and serving food.
Reaching the counter, the young man looked at the menu board. It featured dozens of names of various unknown dishes. Pointing at random, he addressed the young woman of about twenty-five standing behind the counter:
"Northern Duo"
She quickly glanced at him and monotonously said:
"Thirteen coppers."
"And what's in it?" he asked, taking out a bronze-colored note.
"Sausages, beans, and beer," the girl said indifferently, handing over some coins.
About ten minutes later, his order was served. On a rather large round tray lay several sausages in sauce. To the right of them was a large portion of beans, emitting an incredible aroma of spices, creating a symphony that tantalized the taste buds. As soon as the young man bit into the browned sausage, juice spread through his mouth, bringing a bright taste of meat perfectly complemented by a blend of unknown spices in the dish. Greedily taking a second bite, he moved on to the beans. Their tender flavor wonderfully complemented the brightness of the meat's spices, sending the hungry young man's mind to heaven.
He leaned back in his chair and relaxed, sipping the beer, feeling it quench his thirst and clear his mind with a cold stream. The dull conversations, laughter, and clinking of plates and glasses still echoed in his ears, while a couple of men argued heatedly about some lady in the background.
The sound of the door opening interrupted the semblance of an idyll reigning in the tavern. In the doorway appeared a rather tall man. On his head was a worn black tricorn hat. His face was partially covered by a dirty piece of dark cloth. A once-white shirt was visible under his unbuttoned cloak. At his waist rested an elegant saber adorned with intricate carvings.
Despite the sudden silence, he calmly entered. The click of his high boots' heels pierced the quiet. Reaching the counter, he slowly sat down, placing his hands on the table, and addressed the barmaid, ordering a beer.