The town was worn down by war, with the faces of people tired from it—quite greasy, one I know well enough I can feel it—very different from the faces I’ve seen from those two messengers.
This feeling is the same as the one I am used to at the tannery at home. This town feels like home—it mirrors it.
The structures were different from the ones at home—taller, more structured. Quite different from the simple houses back home and the rare building, like the large brothel back home.
Its style is incredibly different from the ones I know. Curiosity boils inside me—one I know I have no time for, but alas.
“Quite different, is it not, lady?”
The driver asks me while guiding. We left the carriage for a while to stock up and rest. Him being as obstinate as ever tried to include me. Not wanting to stay while people gawk at me, I followed.
“This town looks empty because of the war. Most of those who had a different ethnicity left due to the break of the three states.”
“A lot have been ‘cleansed’ by the ethnicity ruling this area. Many have been displaced due to the ongoing war. The start of the war was created by a multitude of issues, but long story short—the kingdom of Illyria broke apart, leaving three destabilized countries grabbing for land and power.”
“Why am I telling you this, you think?”
“I have heard from the uncle of the to-be king that your knowledge seems sparse regarding the world itself. I don’t blame you—nobody would leave their country unless you are a merchant. Not only am I a driver, I am also your guide.”
“Are you not scared—I might retire you from your station for your prying. “
“I already have insurance. Don’t worry.“
He laughed while guiding me ahead to a rundown inn. Probably the best inn in this town at the moment. We entered and he spoke to the person in front.
I surveyed the building—built from stone—different from the house we built.
He called out to me and told me to take a room, paid for by Assam, he says.
I enter the room assigned by him. Clean and modest are the words that describe the room—different from the small house we had, if we could have even called it a house.
I knew this rest would turn into haunting inside my head—it always will be.
I let my mind take the reign, thinking the worst of what could happen, closing my eyes as the nightmares begin.
