Read Online The Jongurian Mission by Greg Strandberg - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Greg Strandberg
Ads: Link
number of people in the city was overwhelming to Bryn. Some wore rich velvets and silks of every color imaginable, servants trailing behind them with goods purchased that day in the markets. Men decked out in armor carrying hauberks and wearing breastplates with the insignia of Tillatia, a plow on a golden field, roamed amongst the citizens, looking for any breaking of the peace and keeping order simply by their presence. Men and women sporting leather armor and swords at their belts moved with confidence and ease through the streets, their heads held high. Workers hustled about everywhere, many carrying large crates of goods to and fro in their arms, their vision obscured more than not by the bulk in their arms. The well-dressed and tattered eagerly jumped out of their way upon sight of them. Beggars scurried and limped among all, small wooden and tin bowls held out before them as they smiled their toothless smiles at the crowds.
“First things first, Bryn,” Halam said. “We’ll head to the trade office so I can hear the news from Culdovia and meet with my associate Rodden.”
“Sounds fine to me, Uncle Halam,” Bryn replied.
They made their way around the busy marketplace and headed down one of the narrow, tree-lined avenues leading further into the city. Buildings rose two- and three-storeys high on either side of them, most containing shops on the ground floor. They sold foodstuffs, household items, and artisan’s crafts, with living spaces for the owners and other citizens on the upper floors.
Halam led Juniper through the winding streets, making turns here and there without any clear idea of where he was going, as far as Bryn could tell, the streets becoming narrower as they progressed. As they rounded another corner, Bryn certain that they had gone in at least three circles already, a wide square opened before them. Tall buildings, some with domes, rose around the area. This square was completely different from the one they saw at the gate. There were no vendors yelling from stands set up, and fewer people moved about. Something else was different which Bryn couldn’t quite put his foot on, and then it hit him: this part of the city was actually quiet, something not encountered since they’d come through the gate.
Halam headed toward one of the smaller buildings to the side of an immense domed structure.
“This is the government district,” he said as he dismounted, helping Bryn down as well.
“It sure is quiet here,” Bryn observed.
“Yes, most business here is conducted during the day, when the government officials are in their offices. At night all quiets down in this area of the city.”
Well-dressed couples walked through the square, their shadows flickering in the lamplight. It seemed like an oasis in the middle of the city, a great place to get away from the constant barrage of noise and activity.
Halam watched Bryn looking around. “The city watch discourages unsavory characters from frequenting the government district at night,” he said. “That’s why you see so few people. Only those who look respectable,” he gestured at a passing couple, “are allowed to stroll through this area after dark.”
“If the government offices are all closed, then what are we doing here?” Bryn asked.
“Well, the offices may be closed, but that does n’t mean that people aren’t still at work,” Halam said, pointing to the many windows with lights shining brightly inside. “I’ve a mind that my colleague Rodden is one of those people.”
Halam tied Juniper to a post and began to walk toward the building. They made their way around to a small alley toward the back where a wooden staircase led to a large oak door set into the stone of the second floor. Halam pulled a ring of keys from his breast pocket, fitting one into the keyhole, and with an audible ‘click,’ pushed the door open.
Inside was what looked to be a large library room. Shelves of books lined the walls, with binders full
“First things first, Bryn,” Halam said. “We’ll head to the trade office so I can hear the news from Culdovia and meet with my associate Rodden.”
“Sounds fine to me, Uncle Halam,” Bryn replied.
They made their way around the busy marketplace and headed down one of the narrow, tree-lined avenues leading further into the city. Buildings rose two- and three-storeys high on either side of them, most containing shops on the ground floor. They sold foodstuffs, household items, and artisan’s crafts, with living spaces for the owners and other citizens on the upper floors.
Halam led Juniper through the winding streets, making turns here and there without any clear idea of where he was going, as far as Bryn could tell, the streets becoming narrower as they progressed. As they rounded another corner, Bryn certain that they had gone in at least three circles already, a wide square opened before them. Tall buildings, some with domes, rose around the area. This square was completely different from the one they saw at the gate. There were no vendors yelling from stands set up, and fewer people moved about. Something else was different which Bryn couldn’t quite put his foot on, and then it hit him: this part of the city was actually quiet, something not encountered since they’d come through the gate.
Halam headed toward one of the smaller buildings to the side of an immense domed structure.
“This is the government district,” he said as he dismounted, helping Bryn down as well.
“It sure is quiet here,” Bryn observed.
“Yes, most business here is conducted during the day, when the government officials are in their offices. At night all quiets down in this area of the city.”
Well-dressed couples walked through the square, their shadows flickering in the lamplight. It seemed like an oasis in the middle of the city, a great place to get away from the constant barrage of noise and activity.
Halam watched Bryn looking around. “The city watch discourages unsavory characters from frequenting the government district at night,” he said. “That’s why you see so few people. Only those who look respectable,” he gestured at a passing couple, “are allowed to stroll through this area after dark.”
“If the government offices are all closed, then what are we doing here?” Bryn asked.
“Well, the offices may be closed, but that does n’t mean that people aren’t still at work,” Halam said, pointing to the many windows with lights shining brightly inside. “I’ve a mind that my colleague Rodden is one of those people.”
Halam tied Juniper to a post and began to walk toward the building. They made their way around to a small alley toward the back where a wooden staircase led to a large oak door set into the stone of the second floor. Halam pulled a ring of keys from his breast pocket, fitting one into the keyhole, and with an audible ‘click,’ pushed the door open.
Inside was what looked to be a large library room. Shelves of books lined the walls, with binders full
Similar Books
