Enslaved

Chapter 9: Caelum

The very next day they continued on the road again. Twice they slept along the roads making camp, following their routine of Thane making camp and Nera making the food. Each night they slept beside each other, never touching but close enough to feel the others heat. 

As they neared Caelum, Thane took the lead, setting a pace that was as fast as they could reasonably push their horses to. The dirt path they followed changed to cobblestones and it was less desolate as they passed by several merchants with their goods in tow. In fact, upon closer inspection they weren’t just merchants but actual travelers. 

Thane let’s a low grumble when he realized why. “I forgot about the fair.” 

“The fair?” Nera asked, her interest piqued. 

“It’s a grand celebration in Caelum. It will be full with people.” He explained, already anticipating how hard it would be to navigate through the city.

Nera who hardly leaves Evordon and it’s provincial living has never experienced such a thing as a ‘fair’. “I’ve never been. Have you?”

He nodded, face tight. “When I was much younger.” 

Nera didn’t push, noting the mood Thane was in. He is rarely in a bad mood and she’s known him during his worst. 

Soon, Nera could see the white turrets beyond the trees. From where they were she could already hear the loud merry music playing and the sounds of celebration. She was torn between excitement and seriousness. Excitement for the fair and seriousness to find the woman who was reported to be seeking an audience with the king. 

Thane continued his foul mood of not speaking or looking up as they passed the thick stone walls of the great city of Caelum. Although Nera has seen the city quite a few times, she still cannot get over the grandeur and beauty of it. An architectural triumph for the ages, the numerous white turrets and white stone buildings shoot up high in the sky. Enormous statues of lions, the Royals crest and symbol, littered every corner. 

It’s said that every royal is supposed to have the head of a lion branded into their skin the moment they’re born. Each royal having it in a specific spot and recorded in books that are kept deep within the castle’s walls. 

The pair cross a wide majestic stone bridge which stretches across a deep moat. Nera looked down to see countless of fishes swimming happily in the crystal clear waters. The bridge itself is lined with a multitude of statues of past kings and as predicted: lions. 

She can always count for Caelum to be bright and sunny, allowing a good view of its magnificence. It’s a capital city which is the central hub for trade and commerce, a melting pot of cultures of every kind. They pass another set of large gates heavily guarded by fierce looking knights in shiny steel armor with sharp long spears and thick heavy shields. 

As they progressed, the brighter it seemed to be but also the increase of traffic. It’s busier inside with both horse and foot congestion. Everywhere Nera looked there were two story stores and four story inns with crowds of people. Several shops with big glass windows displayed various different merchandise of cheeses, flowers, meats and so many kinds of bread. There were clothes on display too. Clothes Nera hasn’t seen before. On their side, merchants with tiny wooden carts are on the cobblestone streets enthusiastically selling their wares. Food vendors were waving fans above their seared meats and freshly baked confections to attract hungry travelers. There were newly polished weapons and armor gleaming to entice valorous warriors.

Further in, spires of the citadels are better seen now as they enter the central trade district which is bustling with activity. Nera suspected this city never sleeps regardless of the fair. 

A large elegant four tier fountain is right in the middle of the main square, its waters sparkling in the sunlight and cascading down its sides. Lily pads laden with white flowers dotted the bottom pool and between those were bright colored fishes swimming around. 

Benches and rose bushes surrounded the area as several citizens gathered around. Children knelt and played in every corner, chattering women carrying beautiful woven baskets moved in little groups along the walkways and lastly warriors, adventurers and various array of people in chain mail and leathers shopped and pointed at items on the shop windows. 

Banners and flags of the royal family crest and other noble families are proudly placed up above poles for everyone to see. Soon, if Nera’s marriage pushes through, her own family’s crest would be placed there. She didn’t want to think about it... almost dreaded it. 

The fair was already in full swing with colorful tents and vivid tarps decorating the garden area. Bizarre looking people in various states of dress bounded around festively. Nera watched it all with wide eyes and parted lips. The city life truly was different.

Arriving outside a large fancy golden inn, scents of mouthwatering food wafts into their noses. Thane gazed up at it almost bitterly before meeting Nera’s eyes. “I doubt she’s here.” 

Nera nodded, knowing well this inn was only for guests of the king as she and her father stayed there. “I think I know where.” 

They continued on their horse, away from the grandeur. As the smell of rich flavors left, it was replaced by sour scents of a less visited part of the city. 

It was slightly darker here too.

Thane visibly relaxed. “Now this is my part of the city?” 

Nera looked at the state of this lower part of the city. Although it isn’t as bad as the towns she’s seen from the time they were captives, the contrast of the main square to here is plain and obvious. Rodents and other dark creatures scurried around the ground. “Why am I not surprised that the mysterious Erebus prefers it here?” 

“I used to live off that rubbish bin.” Thane pointed at a dark corner where several dark clothed people were huddled. 

To Thane, this was home. 

It was surprising to Nera since she’s never been in this part of the city. When she was first shown this place by her father, she couldn’t believe it. How could something as beautiful as Caelum have a place like this? Shouldn’t they better care for their people? All of their people and not just the lords and the knights. 

They stopped in front of a dilapidated inn. Thane dismounts first and looks around cautiously. He might be used to these types of places but Nera surely wasn’t. There are pickpockets here, thieves and other criminals. Already he could feel them staring at her. A woman as beautiful as Nera and dressed so exquisitely grabbed their attention easily. 

He stood close to her, not hiding the sword on his back as a silent threat to any that dared. Together, they entered the inn, eyes scanning the area.

The inn looked much like the one they last slept at, wooden and barely holding itself up by the last nails. A soft blow of wind would no doubt break it down. 

Still, it was jam packed due to the fair. Many other adventures and mercenaries lingered. Keeping to themselves and ordering food, their spirits high despite the area they were in. 

Thane approaches the woman with a large guest book at the front. “Do you have two rooms to spare?”

She laughed mockingly without looking up. She fingered the pages of the book and licked her fingers. “Two? It’s the fair. You’re lucky if you don’t sleep in the streets.”

“Cassandra?” Thane called the woman by name expectantly.

Nera stiffened from behind Thane. He knew this woman? 

The woman with the guest book looked up and gasped, she came around the bar and quickly wrapped Thane in an embrace. Nera’s chest contracted at the sight. 

Thankfully, Thane didn’t return the hug nor did he smile. He merely tipped his head in greeting. 

“You’re back! During the fair too! You should have told me sooner.” She muttered excitedly, giving him one last hug. “I’m so glad to see you.” 

Another nod. “Do you have a room?” 

“Of course I have a room for you.” She winked leaning in close. “But you can share mine.” 

Without thinking, Nera reached for Thane’s arm, making Cassandra notice her for the first time. Cassandra took a moment to assess Nera and her exotic features. 

She frowned, lips pouting. “Oh, you already have company.” 

Thane, who didn’t understand the connotation, takes Nera’s hand in his out of habit. “I do.” 

Nera’s cheeks heated up, having understood what Cassandra meant. 

The other woman sighs dispassionately, dangling the keys to a room. She leaned over the table showing an eye full of cleavage. “If you’re sure.” 

Thane took the keys not noticing her advances. He just wanted to get out of Caelum as much as possible. There were too many memories here. Memories that gave no joy to him. 

“Who was she?” Nera asked as they made their way up the stairs.

Thoughts having been somewhere else, Thane didn’t understand the question. “Who?” 

Thinking Thane was playing dumb, Nera quickly became irritated. “The woman in front.” 

“Cassandra?” He played with the keys on his hands and looked around the hall for their room.

Nera blanched, annoyed of having to explain herself. “Yes Cassandra. Who else was in front?” 

Thane stopped, confused with her sudden anger. “You’re mad.” 

She ignored his obvious observation. “The truth before I lose my patience.”

“I think you already lost it.” He lightly jokes, flicking Nera’s nose with his pointer finger. 

She swatted him away. “Well?” 

Thane leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and giving out a sigh. “We were street rats together.” 

“You pick up on lost and lonely little girls all the time?” Nera all but leered. 

Thane furrowed his eyebrows. He didn’t like how Nera categorized herself with someone like Cassandra. “She’s not you.” 

“Clearly.” She remarked, crossing her own arms on her chest.

What resembled a light bray of an amused donkey escaped from Thane’s lips. “By the gods, you sound like a jealous babe.” He pushed himself off the wall and peered down at Nera, placing both of his hands on her tense shoulders. “I met her while eating rubbish a couple of times a few years ago. We were never close. She only stuck around because I was good at finding food.” 

“Or because she likes you.” She interjects, narrowing her eyes. 

He laughed, shaking Nera a little so she could see how silly she was being. “I could really care less. She isn’t my type.” 

“What’s your type then?” She asks, somewhat appeased.

Thane stared at Nera long and hard, his eyes taking in every inch of her face. He cleared his throat. “Another time.” 

Nera isn’t given the chance to reply as Thane lets go of her and proceeds to open a door.

The room they rented was a tight squeeze with barely any room to walk or lay down on. Fortunately for them, the bed was big enough for two. 

For the first time since they arrived, Thane felt himself shrink back a little. It was different from having their bedrolls side by side and having to sleep on the same bed. Sure when they were younger they even slept with their arms around each other but that was when they were children and they didn’t know any better. It’s different now... if Thane’s unhealthy attraction to Nera said anything about it. 

“Take the left side of the bed. I know you prefer it.” She tells him fluffing the pillow on the right. 

Thane did prefer it. Slowly, he felt himself ease up. He takes Nera’s hand pulling her to him. “Just so you know, I don’t like Cassandra.” 

A soft pink blush forms on Nera’s cheeks and he wonders if it meant something and if it's something which mirrored what he was feeling.