Chapter 32 Infiltration

The farmlands were dotted with homes and sheds, but our little group moved unnoticed, making use of the shadows and the natural contours of the land. We were cautious, observing the movements of the city's inhabitants from a distance. The woven fabrics of their attire were unfamiliar to us, finely made and dyed in hues we hadn't seen before.

Reaching the city's perimeter, the magnitude of our challenge became clear. The guards atop the towering walls looked well-armed and trained, their uniforms matching and their stances disciplined. Conversations and barter could be heard from within, a stark contrast to the silence we'd been met with outside the city walls.

The flowing river provided an opportunity. It ran deep and wide, leading directly under part of the city wall. Although the current was swift, there were portions that looked navigable.

"We could use the river," Zuran whispered, pointing to a particularly dark spot under a bridge, "but it would be risky."

"No riskier than confronting those guards head-on," I replied.

Deciding it was best if one person scouted ahead, I chose to go first, intending to scale the wall under the veil of darkness. Stripping down to minimize drag, I dove into the water, feeling the cold grip me instantly. But my determination and the need to find our people drove me forward.

The climb was more challenging than I anticipated. The stones were smooth and polished, offering little in terms of grip. I had to use every ounce of my strength, sometimes moving mere inches at a time. As I neared the top, the soft murmurs of a patrolling guard reached my ears. Clinging to the wall, fingers wedged into narrow crevices, I held my breath. I could see the shadow of the guard's spear as he walked past, just a few feet from where I hung. It felt like an eternity before the coast was clear.

Finally pulling myself onto the wall's ledge, the sight before me was breathtaking. The city was a juxtaposition of ancient and advanced. Towering monoliths stood next to structures that emanated a soft, ethereal glow. The streets were paved with a shimmering material, and canals ran between the buildings, reflecting the moonlight. It was vast and intricate, a maze of beauty and wonder.

From this vantage point, I took a moment to memorize landmarks, seeking potential places to hide and regroup. The task ahead was clear, but the city's mysteries beckoned, promising both danger and discovery.

I took in a deep breath and began my descent from the city wall, relying heavily on my agility to maneuver between rooftops. Each leap was calculated, ensuring my landing was soft and silent. The city below was still, with only the distant hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of a dropped utensil breaking the silence.

The rooftops offered a vantage point, allowing me to observe without being seen. But moving above ground had its challenges. Many times, I had to backtrack or find an alternative route due to unexpected gaps or tall structures obstructing my path. Nonetheless, the high ground had its advantages. From here, I could see the moonlight glinting off the river and spot the main thoroughfares that seemed to lead to the busier parts of the city.

As I continued to navigate, I passed over a narrow alley where clothes, still damp, hung from lines strung between buildings. The garments were a mix of richly dyed tunics and trousers, undoubtedly belonging to the city's residents. Seeing an opportunity, I descended silently, selecting a set that seemed to fit my build. The fabric was soft, a stark contrast to the rugged attire I was used to. Disguised, I hoped to blend in with the city's inhabitants, at least from a distance.

With my new attire, I ventured to street level, sticking to the shadows and avoiding well-lit areas. My ears were attuned to any chatter, hoping to pick up information or even just a hint of where the slaves, and potentially my people, might be held.

Hours seemed to pass as I scoured the winding alleys and broad avenues. There were moments when I was tempted to ask a passing stranger, but the risk of drawing attention to myself was too great.

Just before dawn, when the night's darkest hour merged with the first light of day, I stumbled upon a promising location. Situated by the river, a large compound sprawled out, enclosed by a tall stone wall. The familiar sounds of animals — the bleats of goats, the low grunts of cattle — reached my ears. But what truly caught my attention were the long, narrow stone structures adjacent to the animal pens. Even from a distance, they bore a chilling resemblance to holding cells.

I found a hidden vantage point and watched as guards patrolled the area. Their demeanor was harsh, their movements rigid. My heart sank when I saw figures, unmistakably human, being herded into one of the structures. These were no ordinary dwellings; this was a place of captivity.

The first light of day began to cast long shadows across the city. My fatigue weighed heavily on me, but I knew I couldn't rest now. This place, with its stone cells and its close proximity to the river, might very well be the key to finding those taken from the tribes. But first, I needed to gather as much information as possible and return to Zuran, Ninsianna, and the others with a solid plan.