A Gloomy City

The knight walked alone along the sparsely crowded road paved with cobblestones. Several carts carrying goods rolled down the streets as the drivers moved them carefully in and out of the market and business areas.

A few shops were opened, but most of them were shut down. Even the market was not as bustling as it used to be.

Apart from the sound of dogs barking and horses neighing, the passersby were extremely quiet. He did not see anyone freely chatting along the roadside.

No children were seen playing or loitering on the streets, either. Pedestrians hurried and lowered their heads most of the time, not bothering to greet each other.

As he observed the city, Noah found the situation somewhat awkward. He had been to the City of Constance a few years ago, but it was far less peaceful than this.