Elder Blood Witcher 554 Infideltration

Risryn was leading the group while Solaire would go off on his own once they entered Kaedwen itself, they'd trade information if it was needed but would primarily ignore each other.

On the main road no one really bothered them, they did notice a few bands of brigands but they didn't dare attack a large group such as theirs. Solaire offered to end their existence to prevent them from harming anyone else but Risryn refused, stating that a group capable of hunting down bands of brigands without injury would likely be suspect.

Regardless, what they saw on the main road disgusting everyone in the group. Many, many people hung from trees and posts, words like "Traitor", "Thief", "Freak" were sometimes even carved into their flesh. Due to this Ghouls were prominent in the area, the group was almost even attacked by some if they'd dawdled in one area longer than needed.

Solaire "How do peasants work with all these killings and monsters around them?" he wonders aloud.

Talem "In my estimation, they simply don't have a choice. Where would they go? Travel would undoubtedly leave them robbed and murdered by the roving bands of thieves, wolves and monsters. The only thing they can do is stay within their villages and hope it's not the next target of the enemy army."

Risryn nods, "It appears as though Kaedwen practises "Scorched Earth", burning buildings and supplies should they fear their position being taken."

Solaire "War, a dismal business indeed." he says with a sigh.

Eventually the group spots the huge bridge leading to Ard Carraigh, as they approach the patrols of Witch Hunters increase to ridiculous degrees, so much so that if you have a bounty on your head you would no doubt be caught by them. However, as the group is completely unknown to this world they have nothing to fear, they pa.s.s a few carriages leaving the city as they make their way across the bridge, only now notices plumes of black smoke coming from within it.

The gate of Ard Carraigh was one of the most ghastly sights of all though, as if they were attempting to greet them with the sight, the walls were covered in pikes which had numerous people speared on them, of course, they were all non-human.

Solaires nose wrinkles at the sight momentarily before he replaces it with a jovial smile with which he greets the soldier guarding the gate. "Greetings my friend!"

...

The guard looks up at the eight robed people riding horses, Solaire's face is the only one visible while the others have their hoods up. "State your business."

Solaire "Just wishing to see the opportunities within the city, now that those freaks have been dealt with." he says, his smile not slipping for a moment.

The guard examines them for a moment, trying to peek under Risryn's hood to see if her body matches her face, but is unable to catch a glance. Grumbling to themselves momentarily he turns his attention back to Solaire, "Yeah, f.u.c.king freaks cause nothin' but trouble. Soon as they were gone a wart on me a.s.s disappeared, typical. Right, so you want entry? got any form of identification?" he asks.

Solaire "Identification? What for?"

"Just need to make sure your a blue blooded Kaedwenian, can't have some Nilfgaardian p.r.i.c.k stroll on through. And no offence meant but you look like one of those f.u.c.kin' n.o.ble-p.r.i.c.ks to me."

Solaire shakes his head and tosses a bag of gold at the man, "I am sure this will satisfy your curiosity my friend."

The guard nods, "Tis good to see people know how things work around here nowadays." he says as they let the group pa.s.s.

Talem "Well, that was easy. Never expected security to be so... Relaxed." he states.

Risryn "I suspect no one would dare cause trouble in a city that burns people to death on a daily basis." she says as she gestures towards the burning pyres with numerous people atop them.

Solaire "What are our next moves?" he asks, unsure of how to go about getting information in this place.

Risryn "First we must take the horses to rest, then, try and contact the underparts of the city." she states as the group moves towards a stable nearest to the gate. Solaire pays for their food and shelter as Risryn tries to make small talk with the stablehand.

The stablehand is a young average looking man covered in dirt and muck from working all day, he was surprised to hear someone try to speak with him and was enamoured by Risryn's voice, only wishing he could lay his eyes upon her face.

Risryn "Excuse me? I'm new to this city and wish to explore the market place, do you know the directions from here?" she asks in a sweet tone.

The young man rapidly wipes his hands clean on his clothes before trying to shake her hand, he holds it out with Risryn looking at it for a moment before accepting and shaking it. "I am Burni, would you grace me with your name?" he asks earnestly.

Risryn nods, "Rias Ryndal, a pleasure."

Burni "Rias Ryndal.." he mutters to himself, memorizing it before jumping as he realises he was doing it aloud. "Miss Ryndal, for your question earlier the market place is simply a straight walk along the main road from the city gates, you will find everything you may or may not need there... Is there anything else you need to know? I know much about the city, perhaps I could give you a tour?"