Page 10 of An Unlikely Knight

Spaced out on both sides of the ravine, men with long hair and muscular builds watched them from astride more aurochs. By the wicked, wide-bladed weapons strapped to their backs, it was obvious they were warriors. Probably part of Sterling’s army. Every kingdom needed an army, and in Padriag’s opinion, he doubted any enemies would make it far into this one.

Moments later, the symphony of cascading water swallowed the lilting calls of the birds. As they crested a towering hill, its slopes thick with moss-laden trees, a breathtaking sight unfurled before them. Rising from the cliffside like ancient sentinels stood a collection of castle-like structures. The sand-hued stone walls should have been a stark contrast to the beautiful landscape, and yet, with tangles of vines growing down the sides, they melded into the surroundings.

Beneath the structures, waterfalls, luminous in the sunlight, tumbled from the heights, spilling over the rocky ledges and plunging into the vast lake below. Mist curled from the churning waters, weaving an ethereal veil around the majestic strongholds. It was as if the very air whispered of the beautiful surroundings.

“Wow,” Padriag said, looking at Liam, who seemed as awestruck as he was. “I won’t be surprised if dancing plates and forks greet us inside.”

Veylen frowned at Padriag, obviously not understanding what he implied.

Mounted guards patrolled across the entrance to a bridge over the water, another set at the gates. “The bridge to the village is heavily guarded. Never attempt to leave on your own. You will not make it across it alive.”

“That’s welcoming,” Liam said, his tone dry.

“If that’s a village, what does the actual castle look like?” Padriag muttered under his breath.

Genuinely curious, he scratched his head. “What is the harm in us wishing to explore out here?”

There was silence for a few minutes before Veylen replied. “Our people rarely travel outside the villages. Most of the vegetation is poisonous or carnivorous. Deadly predators roam freely. Only our warriors or citizens who are expertly trained, are safe outside the walls.”

“You convinced me,” Padriag stated. “Inside the village it is.”

Liam wasn’t as trusting. “These beasts seem at ease while traversing the land. Why is that?”

“They are native to Esland. Impervious to the poison plants and because of their speed and size, only one predator would be bold enough to attack them.”

Silence followed until Padriag couldn’t take it. “Okay, I’ll bite. What predator is that?”

When Veylen slid a look in his direction, he could swear there was a twinkle of humor in his eyes. “Dragons of course.”

“Duh,” Padriag said, slapping the side of his head.

“So there are other dragons here besides Sterling’s?” Liam asked, looking up to the sky.

“Aye, there are more.” Veylen’s answer was vague, perhaps the number of dragons in Esland was a secret.

Once they crossed the bridge, they entered what Veylen called the villages. Paved roads flanked by stairs crisscrossed endlessly, leading to different doorways. They continued past a marketplace, lines of tents under which people sold wares and what looked to be public buildings, like shops and gathering halls. A short distance away, Padriag noticed what looked to be a recreational area, where people strolled about.

The villagers, both men and women were all of a pale complexion with silver hair. All wore long, tunic style clothes that stopped just above the ankles. The women seemed to favor more colorful fabrics accentuated with beaded necklaces and bracelets. The men wore muted colored tunics, sandals, and round boxy hats.

Whenever they passed, the people stopped and stared at them with open curiosity. Some greeted Veylen warmly, others seemed more reserved, only bowing their heads in acknowledgement.

Finally, they came to a broad road where he spotted what had to be the castle, since there were huge guards mounted on aurochs flanking the gates.

Groups of people moved along the sides of the road walking to and from the large structure. Others drove ladened carts pulled by creatures resembling mules, except for lack of ears and shorter snouts.

Surprisingly, although majestic with its flag-topped turrets and guards, the castle was not unlike the other buildings in the city.

The aurochs their party had ridden from their distant keep seemed to be anticipating a meal and rest. They picked up speed and within a pair of minutes they passed through a set of massive open gates.

Inside the castle walls, there was activity, people milling about and guards patrolling in pairs.

Without prodding the well-trained aurochs stopped in front of a doorway and lowered to their knees making it easy for the riders to dismount.

Padriag untied his sack of belongings and jumped down, landing softly on booted feet as Liam did the same.

Standing in the doorway, Sterling motioned for them to join him, and they went up the steps and into the cool interior of the castle.

Just then two women, one with the same coloring as Veylen and Sterling—pale skin, almost luminescent and silver hair—neared and took their sacks. Sterling said something to them in a language Padriag had not heard before. The women stole glances toward him and Liam before hurrying away.