Chapter 5: Wise Words From A City Guard (1/2)
In the slum district, the city guards have the most power. They control the lives of the poor as much as they want.
Usually, the city guards disdain to approach the people from the slums, but Aleshia is an exception for obvious reasons.
Aleshia stopped for a bit and continued walking forward. She was gripping onto Ella's hand tightly.
”Big Sister, are you alright?”
”I'm okay. Come on, we have to hurry.”
Aleshia forced a smile on her face as she urged her little sister on. Ella smiled back at Aleshia innocently. For a little girl, what happened earlier was just the usual interaction between adults
Aleshia and Ella walked the streets of the merchant district. Compared to the dirty and chaotic slum district, the merchant district is bustling full of people. People from different ages come and go, and shops with varying goods line up the street.
”Amazing, Big Sister. So many people!”
Ella's eyes were shining as this was one of the few times she has seen this many people. Everyone was busy and had goals. Unlike in the slum district where everyone seems gloomy.
”This is not even the busiest street in the merchant district.”
Aleshia told the excited Ella while trying to forget what the guard said to her earlier.
”Really? Then can we go there?”
Ella was full of curiosity towards people. She wanted to see the busiest street in the merchant district.
”We can't, Ella. We need to go to the noble district, remember?”
”Okay, Big Sister...”
Ella replied unhappily.
The sisters crossed several streets full of people. Carriages can be seen moving left and right on the brick roads.
”We're here.”
Aleshia nervously said. Usually, she just goes over this wall at night when she has a mission in the noble district. There was an open gate to the side which several noble carriages are passing through.
”Halt! What is your business in the noble district?”
A city guard wearing shiny armor approached and stopped them. He was familiar with most of the nobles that pass through this area and they usually ride inside their carriages and he stopped these two because he was not familiar with them.
”We will visit Healer Natasha. My little sister here is ill.”
Aleshia explained to the guard which squinted his eyes. He noticed the state of their clothes and he started to doubt them. Even if they are from the middle class, they would never wear such yellowish-white and green dresses that look used too many times.
”Your names?”
The guard lifted his chin and stared them down. He was much more professional compared to the city guard that Aleshia encountered earlier.
”Aleshia, and Ella for my little sister.”
”No family names?”
The guard was sure now that they are from the slums. Usually, they won't permit anyone from the slums into the noble district but seeing the effort that the two gave changed his mind. They're already wearing proper clothes so his superiors won't scold him too much.
”Alright, go in. I'll be escorting you to her place.”
Aleshia pulled Ella's hand as they entered the luxurious gates of the noble district. The guard made hand signals to a nearby guard which promptly took his place.
”Follow me.”
The city guard led the way. Compared to the merchant district, the streets of the noble district were more pristine and the sidewalks were designed with fine architecture.
”Waaa!”