City Gates

Finally after travelling for a long time they had reached the end of their journey.

There was a large clearing in front of them and a road ran right in front of them.

A large number of people were walking towards the centre of the plain.

Xavier could see the outline of the huge city from this far. It was gigantic.

For him who has come from a small village this was a real experience to know the meaning of grandiose.

He finally reached the first destination of his long journey. The place which may witness the rise or demise of him.

He was elated.

Old man Miles shaked his head with a sigh and told the dumbstruck kid.

"This is the Cleric City and now as we have reached here it is time that we separate."

He came out of his trance and knew that from now on he is on his own.

He was glad for the help provided by them so he thanked them profusely.

He hadn't talked to the miss after their talk on the day of fight. He really was charmed by her but he knew he was not even qualified to stand near her much less got to know her.

Her not interacting with him was rather right in his own regard. But yet he couldn't help be frustrated.

He wanted to talk to her get to know her and this gave him another reason to become stronger.

The carriage then once again started moving towards the city. He watched it for a moment and then started walking in the same direction.

While walking he was thinking of what to do after going to the city.

He was not having enough money to last for a long time neither he has any knowledge or skills that could help him earn money.

He decided that he has to join the army as quickly as possible and till then somehow survive.

He was in his own ruminations when he finally realised that he had reached the city gates.

He was awed by the city. There were tall walls around the city and soldiers were present on these walls.

The gate was wide enough for three carriages to go in without any trouble.

He saw two guards collecting money to enter the city. He went towards them and paid 5 copper coins with a pained look.

It was really hard for him to part with them as they were his last possessions.

The guard suddenly said " 10 copper coins".

"What? I thought it was 5 copper coins."

"It's now ten do you want to go in or not".

The guard replied with a rather annoyed tone. He really despised these kind of backward village people.

They really think that just having some copper coins they could come in the city and turn into a phoenix.

Xavier looked around and saw that no one was saying anything. They were all looking amused and had a playful look on their face.

He really wanted to punch this guard but he knew he neither has the status nor power to do so.

While suppressing his anger he took out the rest of the coins and went inside the city. While internally determining how he would settle the score.

He has just moved inside when a man riding on a horse rushed past him. He witnessed him going without giving any money.

He turned towards the guard and asked , " Why doesn't he pay money and you stil let him go?"

The guard was getting really annoyed by this brat. He said with emphasis

"Because. You. Are. A. Poor. Weak. Bastard."

"You!"

He was seething with anger but he didn't say anything because he was right.

"You will pay for it"

After saying it he moved away. While walking he could still hear the sound of laughter elicited by his declaration.

No one knew that at this moment his eyes were dark like abyss with inconceivable rage hidden in them.

------------------------

He reached the poorest area in the ok outskirts of the city. The city was divided into three sections.

Outer city was the place where poor people live. They were at the bottom rung in the city.

The inner city was where wealthy and power people resided. While the core area was for the city lord and his house. They were evidently the strongest house in the city.

And the place he was at was the poorest of them all. Only people who may even lack the basic necessities lived here. He could see the poor conditions around.

He was still satisfied as it was just like his village and maybe even better.

He found one of the cheapest inn. It charged 10 copper coins for 5 days and 15 if food was included.

He then bought a pair of clothes they were very bad but still better than his rags. He then went to his room changed his clothes and counted his money.

He was having 57 coins left after covering all the expenses. He knew that they are not lot and will not last long.

He would have to do something about it.

He then decided to go to sleep. He wanted to be in his prime condition for tomorrow.