Inlander

Timocracy

The journey had been long and arduous. Five days on horseback had left Jim and Jill sore, their bodies aching from the relentless travel. They had crossed treacherous mountain slopes, the fastest route from Byre to the easternmost town of Eastend—the last settlement on the borders of Gatelain’s territory.

Eastend Town is the last town east of the territory of the Gatelain nation. To get to Eastend Town you have to go through a mountain slope. because it's the fastest route from the city of Byre

Before the formation of the United of Regia, Gatelain was a country formed from an association of several small cities. it happened 500 years ago. Formerly the Gatelain leaders were elected from several tribal chiefs. they fought each other in search of the strongest. Who is the strongest, he is the one who leads

But that was then, about 100 years ago, the elected leader of the Gatelain nation was the Chieftain of Byre. his name was Bernev Edou, in the reign of Bernev, he made the Gatelain guard force unit and appointed the chieftains as captains of each town. He made Byre Town the capital of the Gatelain Nation. and he holds the title himself general of the Gatelain Nation. indeed Bernev deserves to be called by the Gatelain Nation people as Bernev 'the great general'. He made a rule that whoever led the Gatelain Nation was subsequently selected from among the strongest captains. and that rule is still in effect today. you could say, now the Gatelain Nation adheres to a timocratic government system

it's now 725, The current leader of the Gatelain Nation is General Hoderven Edou, he used to be the Captain of Byre Town and also the grandson of Bernev. Since the formation of the United of Regia, all the leaders and families of each nation who joined now live in Centrical City.

As they descended the final stretch of the rugged path, the golden light of the setting sun bathed the town in a soft, amber glow. The sky had begun to shift into shades of crimson and violet, and birds soared overhead, returning to their nests before nightfall.

From a distance, Eastend Town came into full view. It was smaller than Byre but teeming with life. Merchants from all over had set up stalls, their colourful banners swaying in the evening breeze. The streets bustled with travellers, traders, and townsfolk, making it a crucial stop for those venturing into or out of Gatelain.

Jim, weary yet relieved, let out a small chuckle as he looked upon the familiar sight. His voice carried over to Jill.

"Slow down your horse, Jill. We're nearly there."

Jill eased her grip on the reins, her steed slowing to a gentle trot beside Jim’s. She, too, took in the sight of Eastend Town, eyes tracing the skyline.

Jim muttered under his breath, his tone nostalgic. "It's been years since I was last here… The trees still stand the same way they did back then."

The town gates loomed ahead, a sturdy wooden structure reinforced with iron. People lined up at the entrance, some entering while others made their way out. However, the traffic into the town was far heavier than those leaving.

Since the Neiter Nation’s assault on Gorgon Harbour, border towns like Eastend had tightened their security. No longer were these gates a mere formality; now, they stood as the first line of defence. Rumours were no longer just whispers. Word had spread—of war, of death, and of the battle that took place in Byre.

Jim and Jill dismounted their horses, leading them by the reins as they joined the queue. As they neared the inspection post, a gatekeeper in full Gatelain Guard uniform took notice of Jim. His stern expression softened, a glimmer of recognition lighting his eyes.

Crossing his right hand over his chest, he bowed slightly in respect.

"Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to Eastend Town. May I ask for your identity and your purpose?"

Jim mirrored the gesture, his voice steady. "Jim Slavn, and this is my sister, Jill Slavn. We’re travelling to Centrical City."

At the mention of his name, the gatekeeper’s eyes widened in shock. He hesitated for a moment before asking cautiously, "Jim Slavn? From Gorgon Harbour?"

Jim raised a brow, slightly surprised. "That’s right."

The guard seemed to take a sharp breath before leaning in slightly, his tone dropping to a whisper. "Then… is it true? Did Byre’s forces truly repel the Neiter Nation’s attack?"

Jim met the man’s gaze, nodding. "Yes. We held our ground and drove them back."

At those words, something changed in the guard’s expression—an almost childlike awe. He straightened suddenly, his voice no longer quiet but brimming with excitement.

"OYE, EVERYONE! COME HERE!"

Jim barely had time to react before the guard pointed directly at him, his voice booming.

"THIS MAN IS JIM SLAVN! THE MONSTER SLAYER OF BYRE!"

A ripple of energy surged through the crowd. People turned, their eyes filled with curiosity, admiration, and disbelief. Within seconds, the entire gate was in an uproar.

"Is that really him?"

"The hero of Byre?"

"The one who slew the flying beasts?"

"Tell us! How did you do it?"

Jim found himself surrounded, dozens of voices clamouring for his attention. Some were whispering in awe, others cheering. A few even tried to reach out, as if touching him would confirm the truth of the stories they had heard.

Jill, startled, stepped closer to her brother as the swarm grew denser. Jim himself was caught off guard, unsure how to respond.

Then, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the chaos.

"CALM DOWN, ALL OF YOU!"

The crowd fell silent almost instantly. Heads turned towards the source of the voice.

A woman strode forward with measured confidence, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore the distinct uniform of a Gatelain Officer, her presence demanding authority. The people instinctively stepped aside, parting to clear her path.

Jim’s eyes narrowed slightly as she approached. There was something familiar about her.

Without hesitation, she reached out and grabbed Jim’s wrist, dragging him away from the crowd. Startled, Jim instinctively caught Jill’s hand and pulled her along as well.

The murmurs of the townsfolk faded as the three of them moved away, finding refuge in a quieter alleyway near the town’s main square.

An awkward silence hung in the air for a moment. Jim studied the woman, his mind racing.

"I know that face…" he thought. "But from where?"

The woman folded her arms, an amused smirk playing on her lips.

"Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already, Jim?"

At the sound of her voice, Jim’s eyes widened in realisation. His posture relaxed, and he let out a small chuckle.

"That voice… Of course. You’re Gristie, aren’t you?"

Gristie Eldeniess.

A familiar name from his training days. She had always stood out—not just for her sharp wit but for her small yet powerful voice. Anyone who met her once never forgot it.

She was still just as striking as he remembered. Her dark brown hair framed her face perfectly, and though she was only a year older than Jim, she carried herself with the presence of a seasoned warrior.

Gristie huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Took you long enough. I had to speak before you even remembered me!"

Jim grinned. "I’d say that’s just like you, but you’ve always been impatient."

Gristie rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her expression. Then, her gaze shifted to Jill.

"And who’s this? Your girlfriend?"

Jill let out an amused laugh before shaking her head. "I’m his sister, Jill Slavn." She extended her hand.

Gristie flushed slightly, quickly shaking Jill’s hand. "Oh! Sorry about that. I should’ve known. My name’s Gristie Eldeniess—an old comrade of Jim’s from our training days."

After the introductions, Jim cleared his throat. "Listen, Gristie. Jill and I need a place to stay for the night. Also, we could use a good meal."

Gristie nodded. "Say no more. I know just the place. Follow me."

And with that, the three of them set off through the bustling streets of Eastend Town, the weight of the journey momentarily lifted as old friends reunited under the evening sky.