"That it is. I'm glad you remember. It's also a merchant kingdom, with one of the largest harbors in Arkendel," Berrodin said, squinting at the sign with bloodshot eyes. "If you can't find any hints about your past in Galeden, then I advise you to go there next."
"I'll keep that in mind," Cyrus said. He climbed back into the carriage as they continued down the road to Galeden.
The clop of hooves echoed through the forest, mixing with the rustling branches. Cyrus frowned, and scanned the empty trees, both high and low. A nest here and there, with hollows in the trees. Yet there were no animals to be found.
"Say, have you seen any animals today?" Cyrus asked, twisting around. The bare branches waved at him, their leaves like beckoning fingers,
Berrodin stiffened. "Now that you mention it, no, I haven't. How odd. These woods are usually filled with wildlife. I've never seen them empty before."
"I think we should hurry," Cyrus said, gripping the wood.
Berrodin's knuckles whitened as he snapped the reins. "You don't need to tell me twice."
The next hour passed in silence, as both Cyrus and Berrodin kept an eye out. Only when the forest of pines fell away to a field of wheat and corn did they relax. Beyond the crops, the high stone walls of Galeden rose, casting a shadow over the clattering carriages and wagons waiting to get in. Three grey mountains encircled the kingdom, with pointed white peaks towering above it all.
"We should part ways here," Berrodin said, pulling the wagon off to a small clearing where the road split.
"What do you mean?" Cyrus asked.
"The gate I must take is on the other side, and it will take a few hours while they check my identity. It will only be longer if you go with me, since you don't have anyone here who knows you," Berrodin said, stretching out his hand. "Here, help me down."
"That seems a bit much, doesn't it?" Cyrus asked, dropping to the ground. "Surely, we can go a bit further together."
"No, it'll be better this way," Berrodin said. He took Cyrus's arm, and slid off his seat, his leg cracking as he landed. With a grimace, he straightened his back, and shook his foot. "There. That's better. I was getting a bit stiff from all the riding anyway."
"Will you be able to make it into the kingdom on your own?"
"You've no need to worry. I'm not so weak that I can't walk on my own," Berrodin said, chuckling. "Now then, you remember what I told you about the redfloor tavern, right?"
Cyrus shouldered his pack. "You mentioned that I could find food and board there."
"That's right. Now then, if you don't mind, would you get two rooms? Once I finish my business, I'll meet you there," Berrodin said. He pulled out a purse of coins, and retrieved a handful of coppers. "This much should cover both rooms, and your supper. If there's anything left, you're welcome to keep it."
"Do you think you'll be back in time for supper?" Cyrus asked, pocketing the coins.
"I certainly hope so," Berrodin said, scratching his stubble. "I'm looking forward to a decent meal, but for now I'll make do with the remaining jerky. It may not be very filling, but I've suffered worse."
Berrodin held out his arm. "In case I'm not able to make it there tonight, I wanted to let you know I enjoyed our journey together."
"As did I," Cyrus said, gripping the old man's arm. "I'll see you tonight, then."
The old man grinned and gave a slight nod. "If you say so."
Letting go, Cyrus flipped his hood up, and waved farewell, before turning to make his way to the gates of Galeden.
The chiseled walls rose higher than the pines, and its towers left Cyrus in awe. A purple banner draped above the iron portcullis, trimmed with gold, and embellished by a black bear emerging from a mountain den. Beneath, a line of citizens and merchants waited to enter as their belongings were checked by a pair of guards.
He spotted the same purple crest on their breastplates as they lazily eyed a wagon of bright red apples before waving it through. The light of the nearby braziers glinted off their armor, while their pikes slumped against their shoulders.
The older of the two frowned as Cyrus approached and straightened his back. With a wave, he gestured Cyrus over.
"Don't think I've seen you before," The guard said. He scratched his chin, his brown eyes flicking between Cyrus's hood and his dirt-stained clothes. "What's your name, and reason for entering?"
"Cyrus, and I'm looking for a place to sleep for a few nights," Cyrus said, straightening his back. "I'll be on my way soon after."
The guard grunted. "As long as I don't catch you sleeping in the alleys, and asking for handouts. By the halls of Osyras, the last thing we need is another bloody beggar. Also, keep your pockets free of anything that's not yours, else you'll be finding your way to the stocks. You understand?"
"Of course," Cyrus said, showing his hands.
The guard curled his lip. "Go on then."
Cyrus gave a slight nod, and slipped through the gate, joining the passage of people. High cobblestone houses lined the street, their sides dotted with shuttered windows, and doors of pine. All around, the streets buzzed with life as children ran through the streets, darting between the feet of the citizens.
As Cyrus made his way through the streets, he passed by a shop, brimming with people. The sweet scent of lavender and honey wafted through its door. A sign painted with colorful vials hung above its doors, which read 'Galeden's Alchemy'. Inside, the people lined up before an oaken counter, clamoring over one another as the man behind it ran back and forth. He had a thick beard, and sweat beaded along his brow as he hurried to pass out different vials and potions.