Storm and Aurora traveled the rest of the way on foot in human form.
The rest of their journey was thankfully uneventful.
As they got closer and closer to their final destination, the amount of traffic on the road increased.
Large wagons filled with exotic goods, the occasional hunter group seeking work in the city, and even just regular citizens just trying to find a safe haven.
Storm and Aurora fit in with the crowds perfectly, and no one gave them a second glance.
As they climbed the hill in front of them, Northburg finally came into view.
Stretching out as far as the eye could see to both the left and the right, was an massive mountain range.
The range was tall and steep. The only way through the mountain was a deep canyon that almost seemed to have been cut through by a giant monster.
The entire city was surrounded by thick Stone walls that was taller than Storm even when in his true form.
A massive double gate blocked the canyons entrance located at the back of the city. Several towers with large war machines were built along the foothills of the mountains surrounding the canyon.
The center of the city was surrounded by a second wall with towers placed along the walls at regular intervals.
In the city's center stood a large palace that housed the city's ruling council.
Beside it were 2 equally large buildings.
The first was a massive cathedral with pointed arches and high ceilings, it's windows were stained glass that depicted famous individuals or notable battles.
In front of it's doors in an open square stood a statue of a bearded muscular man with a thick beard.
His head was covered by a horned helm and he was wearing armor covered in runic texts that Storm was unable to understand.
His right foot was resting on the head of a statue that depicted a large dragon.
In his right arm he held a large warhammer up to the sky in a silent cheer.
Storm could feel Mimereus's disdain at the sight of the statue.
The second building resembled a slightly smaller, less impressive palace with high towers and large outbuildings. But what set it apart from the rest of the buildings was the fact that everything was made out of thick ice.
The ice showed no signs of melting and Storm suspected that the building was enchanted by powerful frost magic.
Because of the city's unique location at the mouth of a canyon, a strong, freezing wind blew through the area and chilled Storm to the bone.
Storm crossed his arms and began to shiver.
"You'd best get some warmer clothes in the city. We can't have you freezing to death here." Suggested Mimereus.
Storm and Aurora walked down the hill towards the main gates.
A large square had been set aside and several merchant stands were built in this square.
Several run down poorer houses were also built in the area and seemed to be inhabited by people that were too poor to afford the houses located in the city proper.
A large queue of people were waiting at the city gates for entry, several guards were inspecting each person in line and checking papers, before allowing them entry.
"This could be a problem. " muttered Aurora.
Storm nodded his head.
"They've increased security since the last time that I was here!
They've built an mountain around themselves and sieging this place will be no small feat." Exclaimed Mimereus.
"We're not trying to siege it. We just need to infiltrate it and meet someone. " Explained Storm.
"I am aware, but if you want your crusade to succeed in driving back the humans, then you will have to take this city eventually.
It's one of the largest, most prosperous kingdoms on the continent and taking it will be crucial for your war." Explained Mimereus.
Storm's eyes fell on a large notice board at the side of the road.
2 large posters were placed on the board. One depicted a hooded man that was difficult to identify.
The name 'Prince of Shadows ' was written underneath the picture and his many lists of crimes included: Thievery, Treason, Blackmail, Torture without a Writ of Permission, Murder, Smuggling, Kidnapping, Destruction of Property, Harboring Fugitives, and ..... Loitering?
A reward of 3000 gold was posted for any information that would lead to the execution or capture of this criminal, but a warning was posted that anyone who tried should be cautious as he's highly dangerous.
The second poster made Storm's heart skip a beat.
It depicted his face in human form. He was wanted for questioning in "an incident that led to the death of a high ranked merchant. "
His list of crimes included: Thievery, Murder, Illegal use of magic without a permit and sabotage. "
A reward of 1000 gold was posted for any information that led to his capture.
Storm frantically looked around to ensure no one was close enough to compare his face to the one on the poster.
"Storm!! We need to get you out of sight!! " Whispered Aurora.
"I agree!! We can't linger here with such a large reward posted on your capture!!" Said Mimereus.
They left the area and met up in an dark alley between 2 huts that were built close together.
"We can't risk using the main gates with people watching for you, Storm!!" Exclaimed Aurora.
"What else can we do, Aurora? We need to get into the city?"
" I agree with her! If you tried, you'd only get yourself captured!" Said Mimereus.
" Do you know of any secret entrances into the city?" Asked Storm.
"I haven't been here in centuries, Storm. Even If such entrances did exist. I wouldn't know how to access them." Answered Mimereus.
"I could enter alone and meet with our contact? Maybe she can help you get inside the city?" Offered Aurora.
"Absolutely Not!! It's too dangerous for you to travel the city by yourself!!" Answered Storm.
"Let's look around first! Maybe an opportunity will present itself to us." Suggested Aurora.
As they left the alley, a hooded man in a dark grey cloak bumped into Storm.
"Watch where you're going!!" Yelled Storm.
The man continued walking without stopping.
Storm felt in his pockets and realized the bag with what few gold coins he had available was gone.
He turned back to the hooded man.
"HEY!!!!"
The man took off running.