Shae rang the bell on the door of a large mansion within the area surrounded by the inner wall. It was positioned on a sizable portion of land, surrounded by a decorative metal fence. Kwen shifted from one foot to another for a few moments before the door opened.
“May I help you?” the servant asked.
“Shaewynn and Kwenthien Welcen are here to see Lord Haerlann,” Shae said.
The whole of Tarchatel’s castle came into view as soon as they left the Whitepaw Forest. Kwen called out excitedly, finally seeing their destination. The carriage rattled for a moment as they left the packed dirt road for the well-maintained cobblestone road.
The entire city was built on a large hill bordered on the northern side by the swift flowing Blomrell River. Sturdy walls, topped with the flag of Graymane, surrounded the homes and markets. The stone of the walls was a light gray that shimmered slightly in the sun.
“Wow, look how high it is,” Kwen said.
The next morning was overcast, though the rain had stopped. Heavy gray clouds hung over the sky and a thick fog enveloped the valley. Kwen stared out her window at the distant mountains. She was not sure how far away the capital was, nor what it would be like when she was there.
Her trunks had already been taken down to the carriage that sat below her window. Perhaps she was supposed to be sad at the thought of leaving, but she was not.
Kwen made her way to the front of the manor, coming down the stairs just as one of the servants said, “We’ve finished packing the carriage, Lady Shaewynn.”
Rain splattered against the window and wind howled around the peaked edges of the house sending out calls akin to those of wild beasts, not that there would be any about in this weather. They would all be curled up in their dens and nests, warm and snug, letting the rain do as it liked.
Shae turned over the piece of wood she held in her hand. Shavings littered the table and floor around her feet. Lying just within reach of her right hand was a small carving knife. The wood was her current project, which she had hoped to turn into a bird just taking flight. As she turned it again, she thought it looked a bit lopsided.