Chapter 35: Antomiers
Despite Michael's new horse and riding abilities, his progress through the country of Tristain was slower than he would've hoped... This is primarily due to the numerous inconveniences that actually came with riding, especially the saddle sores, which were only exacerbated by his thin rag trousers that gave little to no protection against the relentless leather of the saddle.
He was forced to stop occasionally to let Milky feed and rest as well, making what he expected to be a two day trip to the port city Antomiers to around three and a half... He didn't enter the village between the port and Redfield, as leaving an easy trail for his pursuers to follow would not be worth whatever benefits he'd get. He had enough supplies, so aside from renting out a bed to rest in, there wasn't really a point.
Of course, not everything was doom and gloom however. His trek across the countryside and allowed him to view many strange and wonderful things in this magical world. Strange animals and monsters, plant life. And even scenic lakes that apparent why Tristain was called the 'Country of Rivers'.
These places allowed Michael to wash and nurse the increasingly painful saddle sores, but he didn't allow himself the luxury of an extended stay since he was likely being followed. He'd have also liked to hunt some monsters for some EXP, but actually getting close enough to them was more difficult than he anticipated.
Since he was travelling alone on one of the main roads leading to the capital, monsters weren't very common in the area, and those that were present were small and skittish, unlikely to attack anything larger than a toddler.
Fortunately for Michael's ass and thighs, he eventually spots port city's walls in the distance as he trots through the plains. Of course, the road slowly changed from the worn dirt he was familiar with, into cobble. Not to mention the increasing amount of people along it, merchant carriages, villagers, or simple nomads going to and from the port.
From what Michael had heard, Antomiers was one of Tristain's most important city's, simply because of how much they imported and exported from it. It was in a prime spot to trade with Germania, Gallia, and Albion. And while La Rochelle had more airships with which to trade with the floating country of Albion, it was Antomiers that received more attention due to Tristain's close relationship with Albion...
Of course, this relationship was now in jeopardy due to Albion's civil war, but even then, Tristain still sent supplies to the royal family to support their ally against their internal threat.
The walls of Antomiers themselves look like pale stone, as if trying to mimic marble with lower-quality materials. There were guard towers positioned at various points, and a few cannons peppered sporadically around the edge of both the towers and walls.
There were also two gates standing next to each other, one seeming to be for those exiting the city, and the other for those entering. They both looked heavily regulated, with guards checking almost every carriage coming through either gate.
Michael's hands became slightly clammy as he wondered if they knew of him, and if they'd arrest him if he tried to enter... Not to mention the fact he was literally carrying stolen clothes and jewellery with him.
Michael trotted to the back of the line, behind a carriage carrying what looked to be food produced from nearby villages. He didn't try to strike a conversation with anyone and simply waited for his turn, taking deep breathes and appreciating the salty smell the wind blew in from the ocean.
Soon enough, it was his time. Two guards asked him to get off of Milky's back as two more began searching through his stuff. Funnily enough, they found the clothing and jewellery he'd stolen from the thieves but didn't take any notice of it. Completely disregarding it as if it was worthless in their eyes.
"Erm, what're you searching for? Did something happen?" Michael tentatively asks, wondering if he'd missed something.
The nearby guard shrugs, "Just searching for forbidden magical items... I'm honestly thankful I'm not on the other gate... The rules for those leaving the city are way more annoying to enforce... I mean, who cares if someone wants to bring a foreign fruit with them, right?" the guard jovially says.
He gets slapped on the shoulder by the other however causing him to grimace, "Jerold, you know what we've been told... Those 'foreign fruits' can carry harmful insects, and even be cursed to ruin the vitality of the land." the other guard states with a hiss.
The now named Jerold just shrugs uncaringly, "I don't get what everyone's afraid of. Let's see someone try to sabotage this city!" he gestures at the cannons atop the walls, "They'll get a face full of our iron balls, hahaha-Ouch! Alright!..." he mutters after getting slapped, afterwards looking at Michael and pointing at the city, "Go on through, but please don't ride your horse within the city. We've had enough accidents lately."
Michael quickly nods and leads Milky through after checking that nothing had been stolen by any guards with sticky fingers.
Once through the gate, Michael is greeted by a bustling city, with buildings lining the stone roads and a large marketplace not too far from where he was standing.
He wanted to check out the market to see what was being sold, as well as check on how much it would cost to catch a ship to Germania, but first thing's first, he had to get Milky to a stable. She'd been walking all day, so she deserved some rest at least.
Luckily, there were a few stables nearby the entrance of the city, all at varying qualities so everyone from peasants to nobles could find adequate holdings for their animals... Michael didn't really care too much, so he went with the cheaper options, which ended up costing two silvers for a week stay.
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