The Pearl Of Vynes - Chapter 25 Brave Guild

Alice and Miles packed the cart, getting ready for the final day of travel to the city. It was a mixture of excitement and dread for Alice, she had never been anywhere bigger than Rift earlier which was a small fishing town in comparison. They both lept onto the driver’s seat and set off to the capital, with the sun at their backs, Miles was humming a tune that Alice couldn’t really place but it seemed the he was a lot happier recently after last night. Alice reached for where the imprint was, although covered it felt like the world could see it but at least she could sleep well again.Alice tried to relax but it was proving difficult as they continued to get closer. More people started showing up on the road as they made their way there, walking or also in travelling carts with goods ready to sell in the city. As they travelled along the road slowly became packed, and Alice could see the tips of the capital’s towers.

“Welcome to the capital, Astora City. The hub of merchant and mercanary alike” Miles declared to Alice with hands sweeping in a grand fashion. Alice stared in wide eye amazement as although they were still far away the walls and towers continued to climb higher in the sky.

The now familiar soound of hooves on cobblestone rang out as the road turned from dirt to maintained stone. The capital stood towering over the two of them but Alice had slowly noticed that a number of towers that were jutting out of the city were all competing for space, as if the city itself was trying to outgrow the very ground it was built upon. Alice could see people moving along the ramparts decorating the walls, moving from one part of the city to another, a single large tower was set int the middle with a number of slightly smaller ones surronding it. Buildings despite made of stone were wrapping around each other as the capital rose up into the sky. Alice could see the city was separated in many layers from the bottom and work its way up with a number of walls leading to a single solitary tower shining brightly at the over the top of the city, as if it were a beacon to signal the rest of the country behind it. The size still took Alice’s breath away, as they were nearing the gates the capital cast a shadow over the countryside. Miles didn’t seem surprised about it, focusing on driving the horse into the city despite the crowd that was now gathered around them making its way into the city. Guards in plate armour with bright plumes guarded the gate, inspecting papers that people produced.

“Just to let you know, in order to stay in the city you have to have a reason. So everyone has a merchant order something similar to get through” Alice nodded as they got close to the gate.

“Papers please” the guard said looking up at Miles. Miles reached for his bag again, rummaging around he produced a piece of paper with an insignia stamped on it. The guard looked it over and nodded.

“Looks good, have a good day sir” the guard handed back the paper and gestured for them to continue. The city was already abuzz with people shopping through the many market stalls that decorated the streets. As Alice stared as she twisted and turned her head to catch a glimpse of all the city had to offer.

“Our first stop is going to be the Guild, we’re going to register you and we’ll have to go from there to figure out our next steps”

“But if we know someone do I have to be an Brave as well to go with you?”

“Yes unfortunately. They’re very strict to showing information to outsiders since its easier to trace you if they have your registered number”

“But can’t they fake it?” Miles laughed in response.

“If they did that would definitely be impressive, even the best spell casters can’t hope to fool it as its ancient magic. No one alive knows how it works so we kinda have to leave it at that” Miles said nonchalantly. Miles drove the cart up the ramparts that were covering the city rising higher in the city, Alice felt like she was constantly climbing a mountain. The houses and opulence rapidly changed as they made their way up the city heights, houses began to be made out of more refined materials, everything seemed to gleam with an unnatural cleanliness.A large building stood head and shoulders above the others, a large mural decorating the side with men and woman holding swords and casting magic to combat the monsters that surronded them.

“That’s the Guild Hall, a little big for my tastes but its home to many Brave’s. Mostly troublemakers but they have the best of intentions” Miles said to Alice. The cart pulled up in front of the large hall. A small number went in and out of the building all of them showing some experience in battle or fighting from their presence. Miles hopped off the cart and Alice followed, Miles turned back to the horse.

“Guard the cart” Miles said, the horse neighed in response and Miles opened the large doors to the entrance of the hall with Alice directly behind. Inside the floors were reflecting the ceiling with polish rarely seen in stone. Pillars decorated the hall holding up the tremendously large building, despite its size on the outside it felt so much bigger on the inside to Alice. She stared open mouth at the opulence of the place, barely noticing all the rugged men around looking at the walls dotted with tonnes of papers.Following Miles up to a booth a woman was sitting at the desk behind what seemed to be glass but it shimmered faintly outside of it.

“Hello, my niece here would to register as an Brave”

“Does she have a letter of recommendation?”the receptionist asked. Miles produced a folded partchment from his bag and handed it over to the lady. She read through it quickly, eyebrows raised at the content.

“Well she certainly qualifies then, but to receive such a recommendation is surprising for a newbie”

“Just keep it a secret between me and you” Miles said placing a finger on his lips, barely surpressing a grin.

“Alice was it?” the receptionist asked. Alice stepped forward to the booth in response.

“Yes?” Alice said.

“I’ll need to hold your arm for me” Alice complied rolling up her sleeves briefly to show off her tanned skin from working outside so much. The receptionist placed a small metal object in Alice’s hand, Alice stared at it slightly confused. Slowly it started to melt into her palm and disappeared, a number suddenly appeared on her arm. Alice stared as it slowly started to form clearly, stating the number 5166.

for visiting.

“That is your current rank within the Guild. Since you’ve just joined you’re currently ranked last, if you beat another Brave or complete quests you can rise in rank. Good luck Brave”

Alice stared at the number but something started to bother her, a bright red line was just below the number.

“Miles, what is this” Alice pointed at the line. Miles came over and looked.

“Ah, that’s a fight mark. If you defeat another Brave you’ll have that mark show up. Must’ve been from that fight earlier with the Hydra so don’t worry much about it” Miles said. Alice still stared at it worringly.

“I’ll be back in a moment, there’s something I need to check on the jobs board” Miles said waving as he walked over to a far wall. Alice stood nervously in the room, leaning against one of the pillars jutting out from the floor. Suddenly a hand grabbed her should.

“A newbie such as yourself doesn’t belong here” A gruff voice said behind her. Turning around Alice followed the hand up to its owner, a large man with rippling muscles and a number of scars along his arm.

“Let give you a little welcome for your troubles” he said picking her up with his single hand tossing her across the fly. Alice was sent flying but managed grab the floor and get back on her feet, gritting her teeth from the indent the man left on her shoulder. The large man charged at her with a roar, Alice took her stance and waited for him to get close. As he reached for her she slipped underneath and threw the man over her shoulder, his momentumn easily carrying him over her. Getting off the ground the man growled.

“Guess you’re not all looks then” the big man remarked, a bruise starting to form on his face. Alice was scared, it was overwhelming inside of her but she felt something else as well. As the man lunged at her again she could feel it welling up uncontrollably. The man swung with his fist but she ducked under, driving an elbow into his chest. Suddenly the feeling that welled up inside of her left her and the man was sent flying into a nearby wall, smashing with a loud thud. The marble underneath her had cracked a little from the force but she was shocked by the shear intensity of her blow. Miles came running over and saw the situation.

“Aw man, I left you for a minute and you’ve already gotten into a fight” Miles came over and placed his hand around her shoulders and moved her away from the fight. Actually he had seen the fight play out and wondered to see how Alice would perform against the other Brave’s. The blow that sent the man flying definitely surprised him, although she had learnt how to fight in an extraordinarily short time bringing a number of questions to mind. As the exited the guild Alice stared at her arm, the numbers slowly morphing into a new number 4677 followed by another mark being drawn just below. They both got into the cart and headed to the nearest tavern, Alice suddenly had her exhaustion hit her and fell asleep instantly leaning on Miles. Looking down at her Miles smiled, but his brow was still furrowed about the what happened earlier, it looks like he was going to have do some research.