Astride your horses, you file in through the looming stone gateway of the city. Guardsmen peer up at you from the roadside, nodding each of you on your way as you move slowly and dejectedly through the empty streets. Gazing around you, you see none of the vigour and life you were promised, far from this place and so long ago. Suspicious eyes peer from shaded doorways, children shuffle around the streets laden with heavy packs, heads down and shoulders haunched. A tattered banner flies atop one of the homes, fixed carelessly to a twisted iron pole and fluttering weakly in the wind. Silently you watch as the street opens out into what must be the main market square, around twenty meters in diameter. A few stalls are dotted here and there around the plaza, but the merchants do not seem to be present. Spreading out, the eight of you dismount, tending to your horses momentarily before gathering in the centre of the square, spirits low and full of wonder at this place of legend, now so departed from former glory. Even the wind seems to have deserted this place, leaving an eery sort of still which settles quickly in the absence of travel.
Before any of you can attempt to break this calm, a man enters the marketplace, decked in chain mail bearing the same insignia seen on the banner before. He is flanked by ten or so armed guards, moving to meet you before any of you can react.
"Greetings, travellers." He begins firmly, his cold grey eyes betraying no sense of emotion, "I am Constable Hareck, a watchman of sorts in charge of the preservation of this great city. I would ask you to respect the laws of this place and ensure that-"
"Preservation?" One of you murmurs, incredulous.
The Constable's eyes narrow, scanning your party for the culprit before answering the interruption, "Yes, preservation. This place is one of the few free cities left in the whole of Calradia, I do not believe I have been shirking my duty, despite what you newcomers may believe."
At this, he sighs, and his demeanour relaxes slightly. "I apologise for the welcome, strangers. You are the first in... well... a long time. Unfortunately, I have pressing business elsewhere, or I would invite you to the lord's castle - you appear to be the sort of well bred warriors we need around these parts. In absence of an invitation, I recommend that you head for the Happy Boar. Half of the population inhabit that place nowadays, but you're bound to find some sort of accommodation, if you're not particular with your company."
He indicates to a street to your right. "That way is to the tavern, you'll see the sign but you'll probably hear the place before you notice it."
He points to the street left of you. "There are some merchants and the like down that street. We have little to offer here for you, but there will be a few farm weapons for purchase and you can buy some supplies. There's fresh horses and almost fresh clothes on offer down that way, too, both of which you seem to be in need of. Finally, if any of you feel like offering your services up to the Zendar Town Watch, you'll get a decent pay and a good bed if you need it. You can follow me now back the way we've come, or join me later. Ours is the large imposing building on the main street, quite obvious."
He gives a weary smile and a swift bow. "Then, there's the way you've come. The nearest settlement out of here is downstream, a little Nord village, can't recall the name. You'll need to head over the mountains if you want another city - Rivacheg's your best bet, but it's a couple of days' journey and as you probably know, these parts are treacherous. Very treacherous indeed. Well, that's all I have to offer, the rest of the city is yours to roam. Enjoy your stay." He accompanies this last phrase with a slight smile, obviously in tune with the irony, and departs along with his guard.
You are left alone in the square, the sun high in the sky, setting the time at around noon. Where you go next, well, that is up to you. Welcome to Mount & Blade.
~Facepalm~
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(SLEEP IS NEEDED)
