by James Somers
When their group reached the gates of Gennedy, Daniel was taken by the sheer size of the wall. It reminded him of an impenetrable forest reaching for the sky. A few other travelers stood waiting at the gates, some speaking with the gate keeper.
An older man with a weathered, tan face spoke to travelers from a small window situated high and out of reach. The man questioned the people in front of Daniel’s group, then, evidently satisfied with the answers, they were allowed to enter a vestibular area behind an iron gate situated in the wall. Anywhere an interruption in the wall occurred, due to the inclusion of a window or doorway; it appeared the trees had grown around the object. This must have been a magnificent undertaking, Daniel thought.
Once the travelers were inside the vestibular area, behind the iron gate, they stopped for a few minutes and then a cage let down. It reminded Daniel of an elevator of sorts. The travelers entered the cage and were promptly hoisted up by a great chain, disappearing out of view.
Next, came their group’s turn to answer the gatekeeper’s questions. The man stared at them sternly, seeking any obvious signs of danger or deception in the group of travelers before him. He finally settled his gaze on Marissa as their leader.
“What’s your business in Gennedy?” the gatekeeper snapped. His tone seemed deliberately harsh, while the wall made it clear they didn’t exactly welcome visitors.
“We are come to Gennedy seeking passage across the Waron Sea to Corsica,” Marissa said.
“There are no ships selling passage right now,” he said.
“No ships, are you sure?” She didn’t believe him. “Not even the Andromeda?”
The gatekeeper looked surprised to find this woman having knowledge of the ship called Andromeda. “That one is exclusive. It’s only for the king’s personal guests and not for the likes of—”
Marissa interrupted him. “We’ll pay whatever price is required. Our business is urgent, and the seaside villages below Mt. Balor are under attack by metamen raiding parties.”
“Metamen?” His face became pale. “Are you sure?”
“Quite sure.”
“Well, weapons aren’t allowed inside Gennedy. You’ll have to check them in the vestibule, or you don’t go no further.”
“Of course.”
The iron gate began to rise before them. Marissa led the group into the vestibular area, which was only slightly larger than it appeared from the outside. Marissa removed her weapons and placed them inside the large wooden box provided for them. The others followed her lead and soon the container nearly overflowed with blades and bows.
On the left wall of the vestibule, at the same height, another window appeared with the gatekeeper peering through. Another man stared into the vestibule, studying their group intently. Marissa returned his penetrating gaze. The man reacted to her as though some unheard exchange had just taken place between them. The man appeared fearful, then regarded the gatekeeper. He nodded nervously. The gatekeeper responded by lowering the iron elevator on the thick chain from the top of the vestibular wall in front of them.
“Who is that man?” Daniel whispered to Meineke.
“He’s a seer. Some of these fortified cities began hiring them to discern the motives of people before they were allowed to enter. I guess Gennedy is doing the same thing. I hear they can see right through to a person’s true intentions. You can’t lie to a seer and get away with it. And if they find you out, you’ll never get into Gennedy alive.”
Daniel considered that information along with the response the man had when discerning Marissa’s intentions for her group. Whatever secret the seer had seen, his look told Daniel it wasn’t anything good. He wondered if they would be going inside, or into prison.