Chapter 20: Reaching Enswood

Chapter 20:

Lethe's Person POV

I walked cheerfully along a path towards Enswood, it had been a long journey but in a few hours it would all come to an end, I could finally relax and maybe explore the city.

After walking for about two hours, a silhouette of the city's huge white wall could be seen in the distance, I excitedly hurried my steps as I humed a tune to myself.

Soon enough he arrived at one of the gates, I couldn't help but gasp at the long line of carriages and people that stood before me. Sighing, Lethe took his spot at the back. My eyes wondered at the huge sturdy wall which stretched out too far to see where it curved.Atop the wall, there stood a line of guards, standing imposingly above and looking below, ready to subdue any troublemaker.

I waited for an hour or so before my turn came, I approached a light ebony-colored woman in her mid-thirties who was checking the identities.

''Good evening sir, could I please see your travel documents.'' She asked with a politely, her smooth voice easing my nerves.

''Good evening to you to miss, I happen to have lost my documents so I was wondering if I could get a permit until I renew them.'' I gave an excuse; Sam had told me that I could create an identity, until then I needed to ask for a permit.

''Oh? Then you need to pay four silvers for a permit.'' She spoke with a kind and understanding tone.

''Thanks for understanding miss.'' I spoke enthusiastically as I handed over the coins.

''Please, call me Clara.'' She took the money and handed the permit, it was a made of bronze and covered with a reddish-brown leather case, the words permit was written clearly on it. I took the pen on her desk and started signing some forms.

''Then you can call me Itachi.'' I said with a slight bow and an innocent smile. This would be my alias for now.

''What an uncommon name, you're from the Eastern region?'' She asked, still maintaining her smile.

''Yes, my mother is Eastern, and my dad is Western and I inherited most of his genes as you can see.'' I explained, this was one of my many backstories.

''Your parents must have been quite the beautiful couple to conceive such a charmer.'' She complemented and seemed genuine about it.

I just laughed in 'embarrassment' and scratched the back of my head and handed over her pen and my filled-out forms.

''You done already?'' She asked, her tone seemed a little disappointed.

''As much as I would like nothing more than to listen to your beautiful voice miss Clara, I'm afraid I must get going since it is getting rather late.'' I spoke in a sad tone.

''Huhu, what a charming boy, do you know where you're going?'' She asked, her voice becoming more sensual and smoother.

''Uh, no actually. I was planning to wander around till I find a suitable inn.'' Her stunning voice caused me to lose myself within it for a second, but I managed to reign myself in and answer.

''I can be your guide till you know your way around the city.'' She suggested, her offer seemed to be genuine. But I couldn't trust a stranger no matter how kind they seemed.

''Sorry but I'm in a rush.'' I made up an excuse.

''My shift is ending so it's no problem.'' She insisted. She stood from her desk and neatly packed everything.

''Wait for me then.'' She spoke, I watched as she left her office.

I was about to leave the place immediately since I didn't want to get involved in anything on my first day here, this place was known for its lacking law enforcement and a naïve weak boy like me was just a target.

''Wait for me.'' I heard a sudden shout and someone holding onto my cloak. I looked behind me to see a panting Clara.

''Ha ha ha….Its this way.'' She pointed in another direction from the one I was going. I took the time to observe the woman.

She had luscious black hair left to flow freely on her back down just above her waist, her skin was dark and exotic ,it had a warm tone; signified by the light blush on her cheeks.

Her brown eyes sat narrowly in their sockets and she had wrinkles on the outer edges of her eyes, this added more to her charm instead of making her look old.

She wore a black dress that clung tightly onto her and showed her wide hips and plum butt. She wore a white shirt which was unbuttoned to reveal her e-cup mounds. To finish off the look, her ears were decorated with a goldne chain earing.

''Please, lead the way.'' I said stiffly at the persistent woman, already raising my guard to the maximum.

''Great!'' She exclaimed and started leading us through the traffic of people. My eyes wandered around as I looked at the buildings, they were mainly painted white and brown. Their shape resembled that of a rondavel, just with more floors.

My eyes shined as I looked at the structures, kids ran and played on the pavement roads while merchants called out and advertised their products.

''it's a pretty sight isn't it.'' Clara's voice woke me from my trance, she was right. I was used to square tall buildings so seeing such houses with beautiful details was captivating.

''Yes, it is, I think I might really take you up on that tour tomorrow.'' I spoke unconsciously, my mind still enchanted by the view before me ( I couldn't help what beauty the other regions held.

''Oh? So you were still thinking about getting out of my offer.'' Clara asked in an amused tone.

''N-no ma'am, I just didn't want to inconvenience you.'' I made up an excuse on the spot.

''Huhu, it's alright, I want to do this.'' She chuckled seemingly entertained by me.

''We're here.'' She spoke and pointed towards a building. It was three two floored rondavels interconnected together; they had a cream color. A sign hung on each of the houses.

''What's the name of this beautiful place.'' I aked, genuinely impressed by the houses. I couldn't wait to see the other four regions now.

'It doesn't need a name, that Adinkra says it all.'' She spoke proudly, as she looked at the building like it was her child.

''What's an Adinkra?'' I asked, confused, all I saw was an image which radiated a calming aura all to its surroundings, clearly it was magical.

''They are symbols of the Southern region, this one is known as Eban, it signifies love, safety and security.'' She explained and started moving towards the place. I followed behind her and entered the place.

The inside was bustling with activity, groups of people were laughing merrily and toasting while drinking, there was a strong scent of yeast and honey inside the bar, I scrunched my nose at the powerful smell.

''Don't worry, you'll get used to the mead smell.'' Clara whispered in my ear and patted my shoulder.

''HEY LOOK! CLARA IS BACK!'' One of the men noticed Clara, the whole place became silent before roars of joy resounded again and the singing continued. Some people toasting to the smiling Clara who waved at them.

''SING! SING! SING!'' Others chanted sing repeatedly, I nodded in understanding when I finally understood why they were so happy.

Clara smiled, she pointed a chair and gestured for me to sit. She went towards a small platform and sat down. The whole place instantly became silent.

Someone joined her on stage and started playing a flute. Sara cleared her throat and began singing. Her passionate voice pulled my heartstrings. The song invoked emotions of joy and nostalgia; I couldn't help but sway along with the flute as I listened.

''Can I get you anything.'' A voice woke me from my thoughts, I turned around. Beyond the counter was a younger version of Clara. She had beautiful black hair and brown narrowed eyes, her height was an inch or two below me. She wore a black long-sleeved shirt which was covered by an apron. The slight bulging on her chest told me that she had inherited Clara's figure.

''What do you have?'' I looked her in the eyes and smiled before asking.

''We have beer, wine, Jenever (Gin)and our exclusive mead.'' She listed the available products.

''What about food.'' I asked, all the walking and waiting made me hungry.

''We only have spicy tripe and baked maize meal; these idiots finished the other food.'' She spoke, her voice turning grimmer at the end.

''Its not our fault that you dumped so much chilly in that thing, anyone willing to eat that must atleast be powerful cultivator.'' A blonde man in his twenties who sat to my left commented.

''Who asked you Clark? Your just weak willed there's nothing wrong with my food.'' The girl defended, trying hard not to break the cup in her hand.

''Hahaha, give up, nobody is going to buy your new recipe just take it off the menu.'' The young man named Clark teased. The young girl looked ready to pounce the man who seemed oblivious to all this.

''Actually, I'll have some.'' I raised my hand and ordered.

''Wait what!?'' Clark turned to me and asked, his eyes telling me to stop before I regret it.

''One spicy tripe coming up!'' The girl joyfully skipped into the kitchen. She came back after a few minutes with a bowl in hand and a piping hot soup and baked maize meal.

''Thanks, I'll also get some cheap wine.'' I said with a smile as the spicy scent wafted to my nose; my stomach grumbled impatiently.

''Sure thing.'' She poured a cup of wine and handed it over. She stared at me in anticipation while Clark looked on with pity and shook his head.

''Thanks for the food!'' I thanked the girl, I took a bite. What assaulted me was a strong peri-peri flavor, I savored the hot feeling and swallowed the food.I immediately took another spoonful. This stuff was heavenly!

''How you feeling buddy?'' Clark asked worriedly. I just turned to the girl and gave a thumb up and continued to eat.

Both of them looked at me with different feelings, Clark was shocked at how I could eat such spicy food. The girl had stars in her eyes as she watched me gobble down the entire thing.

''What do we have here?'' Clara's voice came from behind me and judging from the now rowdy bar, I guess she was done singing. I picked up my wine and took a sip.

''Thanks for bringing me here.'' I thanked her joyfully as I enjoyed the warm feeling in my body.

''Did you like my song that much?'' She asked in a teasing voice.

''Yes, and the food just sealed the deal, I'm sleeping here tonight.'' I spoke, satisfied beyond measure.

''Well then, my daughter will help you.'' She pointed at the girl behind me before heading upstairs.

''Let's go get you a room.'' The girl smiled at me as she left the counted and went towards another room.

''Hey wait, what about my refill!?'' Clark's shout came behind me, sadly he was ignored.

I registered in a common room and immediately went to go sleep, although the girl wanted to talk more. I was tired so I asked if we could pick it up in the morning and she agreed.

...

Second chap for the week, hope you like it😁. If you do please gimme some powerstones and write a review if you haven't (be honest).