[13:07] 26 April, in Theora, with Lephin
We arrived at Theora 2 hours ago, and now we are passing by the third gate. Theora is the capital of our Realm, arguably the biggest in Kelea. I've never been outside of Shiva, still I can say confidently that Theora was immense.
It's composed of 6 rings, and Richard told me that more than 390.000 people live here, every ring is as big as the fifth ring in Shiva.
As we passed by I was amazed by the size of the buildings, the biggest houses, restaurants, hotels, and even the public library.
"That's the Arena, it's called The Lotus, you should check it out sometime" Richard was giving me some important information.
"It has a funny name for a giant arena like this" (What a goofy name)
"Hmm…the lotus is said to emerge from the muddy depths of suffering, to bloom above the water's surface. Symbolizing overcoming the challenges, in fact, many poor fighters are able to maintain their family by winning the tournaments. It's a dirty business"
Soon we arrived at another big structure, our next home, the Abbey.
At the entrance we met the Abbot, a flashy man, (more like a pimp) he was wearing a purple fur coat, white leather shoes, and a black tie. Also, he had many pieces of jewelry on him, very weird…
"Are you part of the B2 group by any chance?" The abbot looked at us, his voice was high-pitched, he was talking with confidence but still wasn't easy to take him seriously.
"Yes, we joined recently the cult, it's our first day here," Richard said
"Good, may I know your names? I need to mark my territory" (wtf?)
"I am Richard, and he is Lephin, just a question, are you the head of this abbey?" as Richard finished talking the pimp showed us one of his golden chains, with a church depicted. So I had to say:
"This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen, are you sh*tting us?"
"wOah, pipe down little boy, you are lucky I got an important offer today, I'll let that slide. Now get the f*ck out of my way, you both aren't honored. Waste of my damn time" he pushed his way between us and left.
"Richard, are these people religious?" I was already furious.
"Lephin…this must be a faith test, we need to trust the cult, we should enter now" As we walked into the church a much more professional figure came out. (not from the circus this time)
"Greetings, we were waiting for two news brothers, I think you've already met our abbot" I contained myself, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, and we understand the exam that you've been giving to us"
Richard was already brainwashed because clearly that guy's face showed that he knew nothing about it.
"Uhmm sure, now let me introduce the abbey. It's not the biggest, but it has the most interesting library in the entire Kelea! Books from all over the world, and from every time in the world"
"How is that possible? How old is this abbey" I started digging for information, I was there for a reason after all.
The guy smiled: "The abbey is 650 years old, and also many scribes, they allowed us to import books of excellent rarity in exchange for letting them transcribe books of equal rarity. Our collection right now is extraordinary"
"Oh, I didn't know that at what time can we visit it?" I tried to use some psychological tricks, but nothing worked.
"You must be foreigners. See…here at Theora, everyone knows that the library is a treasure, if everyone was allowed to visit it, the books would have already been damaged. Sorry, only the librarian is allowed to enter, if you need some books ask him"
The guy didn't bring up the library question again, he gave us a tour of the abbey. We spent the rest of our day going from the stables to the church, the hospital, the dormitories, the cloister, and many other boring places.
Also, he explained to us that everyone in the cult has a very strict routine, 1/3 of the day is dedicated to work or the training, 2/3 to the rest and the prayers. (Almost like a prison) In the end, he accompanied us to our rooms. I was lucky to have a single room, while Richard was with another guy.
Finally, alone, I can make a plan
Okay, the abbey is surrounded by high walls, at least 28-30 meters. I've seen some guards, but much more near the library, so in the main structure. I will have very little time available, I need to move quickly and carefully.
I need a safe hiding place, possibly close to the dormitories, however, I think the walls are thin, so I need to double-check it.
Maybe tomorrow between work and lunch, I'll have 30-40 minutes to move freely, but for now, it's best to sleep.