“Maybe something really did happen here.” Cole remarked.
Clayton started for the exit. “Let’s head for the gates. We’ll be told everything we need to once we’re there.”
Sure enough, the story told itself once they saw the gates. The borders of the country were manned by Moan soldiers. They stood to attention the entire time Stephanie and the rest walked towards them. They never appeared to flinch, let alone blink. Stephanie wondered if they were even human.
When they reached the gates, one of the Moan officers stepped forward and spoke to them in Moan. Stephanie didn’t have the slightest idea what they were saying. But Clayton responded and handed the man his passport. “When he hands mine back, he’ll want to see yours.” He said to the group.
The Moan looked down at the passport. He then put it up against the lamp, moving it in all directions. When he was satisfied, he handed it back. Something didn’t seem quite right though. He almost seemed annoyed that the passport was real. Still, he took the rest of their passports and inspected them in a similar manner. The only time he stopped to take particular note was when he was looking at James’ passport.
He looked up at James and spoke to him in Moan. James stepped in front of Clayton and answered the guard in perfect Moan. Stephanie shouldn’t have been surprised; he said he had moved around a lot. Obviously he would know different languages.
After their conversation, the guards handed them four bracelets made of steel. “Tracking bracelets,” Clayton said as he snapped his onto his wrist. “So we don’t go anywhere we shouldn’t.”
Stephanie snapped hers on, recoiling at the metal’s cold touch.
The Moan soldiers stepped aside and opened the gates to the city. The city was made up of gothic architecture. It was beautiful and somewhat haunting when lit by the moonlight. Stephanie felt a bit awestruck.
Once the doors closed behind them, Clayton stopped to speak with them. “Alright, since apparently two of us speak Moan, we’ll split into two teams. We’ll be able to cover more ground that way.” Clayton gave James a small look, which James seemed to ignore. “Stephanie, you go with James. Hit the pubs and see what you can find out. Most of the gossip will happen there.”
Cole looked visibly displeased by this choice.
“Cole and I will walk the streets, see what we can find there. There’s a hotel, just over there.” Clayton pointed to one of the little hostels on the street corner. “We’ll meet back there before dark and decide on our next move. Good luck, and be careful.” He tapped Cole on the back, and the pair headed off.
Other books by this author
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Other Books in the Valiant Hearts Series
Book Two: The Moahs
Book Three: The Magician’s Heart
Valiant Hearts, Book One: The Academy Page 4