Chapter 36: Arrival At Crimson Vale City I
Night time revealed itself once again, just like every other day. The golden light of the late afternoon sun began to bleed into deep shades of orange and violet, casting long, dramatic shadows across the rugged terrain of the northern territories.
Up ahead, the lead caravan guard raised his hand, signaling the entire line of vehicles to slow down and come to a halt in a wide, sheltered clearing surrounded by towering oak trees.
"We are making camp for the night right here!" the head guard called out, his voice carrying clearly down the length of the convoy. "The horses are spent, and pushing through the dark border woods this late is a fool’s errand. We are very close to our destination now, so let’s rest up and finish the journey tomorrow morning."
A collective murmur of relief rippled through the passengers as the heavy wooden doors of the carriages creaked open. Everyone was more than ready to spend one final night on the road before reaching the safety of civilization.
Working together with practiced efficiency, the travelers quickly set up their temporary canvas tents along the perimeter of the clearing. Small cooking fires were soon crackling to life, sending thin wisps of fragrant woodsmoke curling up into the evening air.
People gathered in small groups around the hearths, sharing meager rations, talking in low, relaxed tones, and marveling at the fact that they had survived the treacherous trade routes relatively unscathed.
Inside their private carriage, the atmosphere was calm and steady. Han Lin unpacked a small leather pouch containing dried meat and clean water skins, quietly handing a portion to Lu Feng and Ye Chenxue.
"Eat up," Han Lin offered softly, giving Lu Feng a reassuring look. "Tomorrow, we finally reach the city. All of this traveling will be behind us."
Lu Feng accepted the food with a quiet nod, letting his thoughts drift. He knew that reaching Crimson Vale City wasn’t the end of their struggles; it was merely the starting line for the next phase of his plan. But for tonight, the promise of a warm bed and a permanent roof over their heads was enough to lift the heavy weight from his shoulders.
The night passed without incident and the lingering tension from the previous day’s strange anomaly gradually faded beneath the cover of the quiet, starry sky. The guards maintained their watch in shifts, but no threats emerged from the surrounding wilderness.
~~~~~
The next morning, the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant strokes of pink and gold.
"Rise and shine! Pack everything up! We are moving out for the last time!" the head guard shouted loudly across the camp.
Instantly, the clearing sprang into frantic, coordinated motion.
The temporary tents were swiftly dismantled, rolled up, and strapped tightly onto the roofs of the transport wagons. The remaining embers of the cooking fires were thoroughly doused with buckets of water, leaving behind only patches of blackened earth.
Passengers hurried back to their respective carriages, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and eager anticipation.
Han Lin secured the final latch on their traveling satchel and took her seat by the window, while Ye Chenxue calmly adjusted her robes, her eyes clear and focused.
With a sharp crack of the drivers’ whips and the synchronized thud of heavy hooves hitting the dirt track, the convoy set out for Crimson Vale City one final time.
The hours ticked by smoothly. The road grew wider, flanked by neatly planted markers and occasional stone way shrines that indicated they were entering the direct sphere of influence of a major regional hub.
The dusty wilderness slowly gave way to paved stone paths, heavily guarded watchtowers, and a steady stream of incoming merchants, mercenaries, and travelers all heading in the exact same direction.
As the afternoon sun began its slow descent toward the western horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, a colossal silhouette rose majestically against the fading light.
There it was.
Crimson Vale City revealed itself grandly in the distance.
Massive, dark stone walls towered into the air, etched with ancient defensive runes that shimmered faintly under the twilight glow. Massive iron-reinforced gates stood wide open to process the incoming flow of caravans, while soaring watchtowers manned by armored city guards overlooked the sprawling trade avenues leading up to the metropolis.
The sheer scale and architectural magnificence of the city contrasted sharply with the dangerous, untamed wilderness they had spent days fighting through.
A quiet sense of accomplishment settled inside the carriage.
Lu Feng looked out the narrow window, watching the grand silhouette of the city draw closer with every turn of the wheels. A confident, relaxed smile touched the corners of his lips. He turned his head and addressed the two ladies sitting beside him.
"Han Lin," Lu Feng began smoothly, his voice carrying an easy, commanding authority. "Once we pass through the gates, you have work to do regarding our accommodation. I want you to secure a proper, spacious manor—somewhere quiet, comfortable, and completely detached from the noisy merchant quarters. Do not spare expenses; we have the means to pay for the best."
Han Lin blinked in mild surprise at the sudden responsibility, but she quickly nodded with a determined look. "Understood, Young Master. I will find us a place worthy of our arrival."
Lu Feng then shifted his gaze toward Ye Chenxue, his expression turning slightly more serious. "And for you, Chenxue... you have work to do concerning our protection. Now that we are stepping into a proper city, the variables multiply."
"Factions, clans, and hidden eyes will be everywhere."
’I was thinking of finally revealing a bit of information to you regarding my true background and how we operate, so you know what you’re guarding against.’ He paused for a second, a playful glint dancing in his mismatched eyes. ’Or was I?’
Before he could decide how much to actually share, or whether to test the waters further, a sharp, authoritative voice cut through the air from outside the carriage.
"Halt the carriage! All passengers present yourselves for inspection!"
The convoy ground to a sudden halt. They had finally arrived at the heavily guarded outer entrance of Crimson Vale City, and the local garrison troopers were stepping forward to begin the mandatory entry checks.