Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

When the city of Precedin first came into view Thibalt reined Esree to a halt. All of the tales he had heard were true. Spanning the entire length of Lake Moonsong, Precedin was the most heavily fortified city in the world. An enormous, crescent shaped stone wall stood on the Eastern side of the city, facing the nation of Dargon. It touched both the Northern and Southern Beon Ranges and held only two entrances. One at the point at which the Moon River passed under the wall through an iron grate. The other a twenty foot high gate marked with the symbols of Nyrune and Skiye. Behind this wall lay the city of Precedin, the City of War.

  Almost every structure was made of stone, with a few sandstone buildings scattered amongst them. The streets were tightly packed with almost every inch of land taken up. This meant that the thin streets of the city were constantly clogged with the throngs of citizens that called Precedin home. The western wall of the city that faced Feldom was small and unremarkable. When the city was being built the builders came to the conclusion that the city would never be attacked by an army from within Feldom.

  Estallion explained to Thibalt that the two main focal points of Precedin were the Guardhouse of Oril, main barracks of the Feldonian army, and the large fishing village which lay outside of the mammoth eastern wall, on the shores of Lake Moonsong.

  They approached the western wall and Estallion motioned for Thibalt to enter through the centremost gate. The guards stationed at the gate wore sturdy mail, covered in boiled leather vests. As they reached the gate, a tall guard with a pleasant face left his post and walked up to them.

  "Estallion Bastion. You have been gone for some time. We hoped you had left us for good. There were reports of Falgo returning yesterday," he added.

  "Me, leave the city for good. It would take the Tyrant King himself to remove me from here," laughed Estallion. "Come now Watchman, you know as well as I do that this city requires my presence."

  The guard and several of the others snickered. "Indeed, Estallion. It seems not only the city requires your presence, but General de Lamina as well. He requests you see him at once."

  Estallion shifted nervously in his seat. "Well this can't be good," he muttered under his breath. "I thought he might have forgotten by now."

  "Be on your way then, my lord, and try not to cause to much trouble this time," said the guard as he returned to his post.

  Estallion tapped Thibalt on the shoulder and pointed to a narrow street leading to the centre of the city.

  Thibalt nodded and led Esree down the street. He then turned in his saddle and queried, "My lord?"

  "Oh, long story," replied Estallion casually. "Some of the guards feel the need to use formalities."

  Thibalt's brow shot up. "You are a lord? Why did you not tell me this?" demanded Thibalt.

  "You never asked," replied Estallion in a matter of fact tone. "How can you expect to know these things if you never ask any questions?"

  Thibalt decided not to push the point. He realized that it would get him nowhere. He once again shook his head and continued on through the city.