As Rafat shows Warob the castle . Warob is distracted by the way he got here , putting his hand through the tree .
"So this is called the mirror castle , even though it is made of crystal but due to the way it reflects the light people just call it the mirror castle ." Rafat looks back to see Warob taking interest in the tree .
"Is this the first time you used a portal ? aren't they cool , you do notice that it's day now right ? These portals can take you from one place to the other instantaneously ."
Warob looks around . It's morning and the sun is shining brightly , you can hear birds chirping in the distance
"These portals , from what I know , started appearing about 200 years ago , I am surprised you haven't used one . That's how I got to your village , this portal is new though , they might look invisible but they distort the background a bit , at least that's how I notice them ."
They start walking on the path to the castle . As they got closer Warob realized that the castle is a lot bigger than he thought and that the crystals that surrounded it are actually shops and houses . As they got closer he saw crystal beings , people and creatures moving through the town .
"This is the mirror castle town , it is pretty busy most of the time . So , wanna eat?" asks Rafat , " I know a good place nearby and don't worry it's on me , come on let's go."
Before Warob could answer , Rafat moves on , so Warob follows . Through the town they go. through the busy street , around the people . The town is lively and filled with a variety of shops , big and small . They reach an inn , out of all the crystal buildings , this one is just a normal wooden one . They go in . The inn is filled with people , the interior is neat with two chair tables , and some for more people , everyone talking and enjoying their time .
"Hey Rafat ! I will be there in a minute." says the innkeeper while he is busy with another person.
"Hello dad ! ", says Rafat . A table empties as they are looking around . Rafat sprints to the table and sits in one chair, getting there before someone else could sit .
" oh this chair is taken " Rafat says to a Othorn with a smirk , who also approaches the table.
"Well you won this time." says the Othorn.
Warob is a bit confused . He walks to the table and sits down.
" This place is almost always busy . So we have a rule , who sits at the table first gets it and every person who comes in has to accept it . Might not be the best way but it still works ."
So who is this fellow ?" asks Rafat's father , as he suddenly stood at the side of the table.
" He is the new blacksmith for the castle . " Rafat answers .
"Welcome to the inn , sir , so what's your name?" asks Rafat's father , as he lifts his hand for a handshake. Warob shakes his hand and looks at Rafat .
Rafat answers ," oh , His name is Warob , he was working as a black smith in Curvewood , he was very skilled so I asked him if he wants to work for the castle , with a bit... of convincing he came with me but he doesn't seem like he can talk."
" Well Warob , my name is Altaaf , I use to work as a blacksmith for the castle and thanks to my son I am now the owner of this fine establishment , they were looking for a blacksmith for a while now , the work isn't easy so most people quit but i think you will be able to handle it , I forgot to ask , what would you like to eat ." Altaaf hands him a menu which has so many options it is more like a book . Warob goes through the pages and at the end , points his finger at the last blank page .
" Wait, so you want the paper? well there are a lot of different foods people eat here so i guess i should add that too ." says Altaaf .
Warob shakes his head and points at the blank page again.
Rafat understood what he meant , " so you want nothing ?" says Rafat
Warob nods yes.
So how is he able to move then?
Altaaf is about to ask something but gets interrupted by a customer calling his name . He leaves and goes to the customer .
Rafat didn't feel comfortable eating in front of him even though he is hungry . As they sit there , Rafat realizes something.
"It's gonna be noon , we better hurry to the castle , the king will be waiting for us," says Rafat . He gets up so does warob
" bye dad " says Rafat .
" bye rafat and good luck . " says Altaaf and goes back into conversation with a customer. As they are about to leave Rafat's name is called by someone in the kitchen ,
" Rafat !"
" Coming " replies Rafat and runs into the kitchen through a door behind the counter . Warob went outside to wait for him.
" Have you eaten yet ? you didn't ask for anything this time."
" no mom I haven't eaten yet but I will later , in a bit of a hurry right now " says Rafat
"It's better if you eat , since you're in a hurry , take this food with you , I was wondering why you didn't ask for something , and who is that person with you ?" says Rafat's mother . preparing the meals for the customers .
"He is the new black smith , the king is waiting for us so we need to go , bye mom " says rafat as he starts heading for the door .
"bye rafat good luck ."
Rafat comes out from the inn with a bag in his hand .
"Come on, let's go . " says rafat.
They start moving towards the castle , a bit further from the town . They arrive at the gate . The castle is tall and bright , the gates are huge . from his pocket Rafat takes out a crystal . Tapping the gate with it and the gate starts to open , as they opened up two guards stood on each side .