The gray clouds hung overhead like a filthy rag.
Ian raised his head and gazed at the black silhouette sprawling across the horizon ahead: Blue Cave Mountain.
It wasn't a single mountain, but an entire city built into its slopes.
Its perimeter was a crudely built stone wall, at least five or six meters high. Crimson triangular flags were planted along the top, snapping sharply in the wind.
Outside the wall was a vast expanse of cleared, scorched earth where nothing grew. Only a few bonfires billowed black smoke, marking the posts of the Night Watchers.
"We're here."
The bald man jumped down from his mount, clapping his hands and sending a cloud of dust into the air.
He walked up to Ian, a rare hint of solemnity on his scarred face.
"Kid, listen up. There are a lot of rules in the city. Don't go gawking, don't ask stupid questions. Elder Chen might have vouched for you, but you still have to go through the proper procedures."
