At The Capital

CAIVAN

Turns out Darwin is right.

It's four crows past twilight when I spot the gates of Qarax from a distance. The city itself is a blinding maze of lights from this distance and we can both hear the hum of people within its walls. Darwin says he's off to Terhaven; according to his updated and more accurate map, the road to the town branches off here, down the slope towards a small tributary.

I alight and shake his hand. 'You're a queer fellow', he says, 'But in a good way. May the luck of The Seven be with you'. 'And you, Master Darwin. Say hello to the family for me', I say, 'Oh and here's a little token of my appreciation'. Luckily, the blasted horse had not taken my pouch along. I take it out, count a couple godens and hand them to him. He declines politely, but I insist. 'At least, let one deed of good be counted to me', I say, tapping into the pious sayings of worshipers of the Seven. He agrees grudgingly then, and sets off towards Terhaven.

The city is built directly in fro