When the sun crested the sky, Yin was already awake and ready looking out as the sun illuminated the world looking towards the city of Valecroft as it stood there gleaming on the plains. A city built around a river, he couldn’t make out all of the details quite yet but from his view it looked beautiful and at the same time foreboding for what it represented.

  The caravan was beginning to move and there was definitely more energy in the air this morning. Everyone was excited to get to the city for some food that wasn’t just porridge, alcohol and whatever else a group who had been on the road for a month could need, which was quite a lot.

  Leif found Yin, and stood beside him, both of them looking out at Valecroft in front of them. Even this early in the morning, they could spot more carriages and other Caravans coming towards the city. Even river boats moving across the water were heading there.

  “The beating heart of trade for the Cyranth Vale. It's been growing rather rapidly and with all the trade it’s pulling in I’m not surprised.” Leif mused and Yin nodded as he watched the city move slowly but surely closer.

  It was a sight to see so many people moving towards one place, all by different means, but all drawn inexorably towards the city. He couldn’t help but wonder how much wealth must be concentrated in that one city if it was doing as much trade as Leif said, though a thought did strike him.

  “Why hasn’t any war touched Cyranth Veil then? If this city is that prosperous wouldn’t some other kingdom want that wealth for themselves?” It was a genuine question, politics weren’t really his area of expertise.

  “Well, power really and strong allies from those around it. I don’t know all the ins and outs but basically good trade with the kingdoms around it keeps everyone happy and they stay neutral in every conflict that happens.”

  Well that made enough sense to Yin so he decided that he didn’t need to ask anymore questions. Anyway none of the kingdom's politics mattered to him. What really mattered was getting into a sect, he’d worry about other things after he crossed that bridge.

  The closer the Caravan got to Valecroft the more he began to appreciate how genuinely massive the city was. It wasn’t just built near a river, it was built over one it seemed, allowing boats to come right to areas of the wall set up to receive them. The walls built to enclose the city gleaming a fiery red, with high towers set among them for guards to look down upon the roads below.

  “Woah…”

  Came the only comment from Yin, which got a small smirk from Leif, though he didn’t say anything to disagree and just nodded his head. The roads now were beginning to become more and more filled as other Caravans started snaking their way up the road towards the entrance gates along with more carriages, hand carts and just the random traveler on foot.

  It was truly a breath-taking sight, and Yin just basked in the presence of the city as it dominated the land and stood almost like some fiery jewel on the river.

  “Well, we are almost there. You’ll stay with us until we get where we are going in the city and after that you’ll have a few days before the sect tryouts start.” Leif said, breaking Yin out of his reverie.

  He felt somewhat sad that his time with the caravan would be coming to an end so soon. He really had learned a lot and even though there had been rough moments and hard training, it had been a great time.

  “Well, if things don’t work out I’ll come find you and join the Caravan if you would have me.”

  Leif reached out and patted his shoulder. “Well, I’m sure Erik wouldn’t mind and I could use someone to do all the grunt work that nobody else wants to do and I would barely have to pay you.”

  “Nevermind I’ll go back to farming.”

  That earned a loud laugh from Leif, who seemed quite pleased with himself at that. Even another guard nearby couldn’t help but cover his mouth and snicker, earning a long defeated sigh from Yin.

  The caravan had begun to slow the closer they got to the gate of the city as other caravans and travelers were in front of them. Slow and steady the line moved and as they got closer Erik made his way up to the front with Leif and Yin.

  “Even though it’s still one of the easiest places to trade in, it is still a bunch of bureaucracy and I hate it.” Erik said with a sigh as he pulled out a bag and a folded piece of paper.

  Leif shrugged. “You wanted to run caravans, don’t know what else you expected. The kingdoms will get a cut of their profits no matter what.”

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Erik waved a hand with a sigh. “I know I know. I just hate going through it in every single city.” He lamented, though Yin noted he didn’t really seem too upset by it all. He could understand, sometimes you just need to complain about something that doesn’t really even bother you.

  Finally the Caravan got up to the gate, which had at least four guards at the entrance who were handling the flow of traffic. Erik came up handing them the paper with a smile. “Got the amount of wagons, people on board and goods we are carrying right there.”

  The guard looked it over, and down the Caravan one of the other guards seemed to step off the side to do a quick count of the caravans before giving a sign that it all matched.

  “Alright 25 silver coins total.” The bag was produced and set quickly in the guard's hand, who checked it then nodded. A stamp was produced and marked the paper handing it to Erik. “Head down to the market district stall 12 will be where you can set up.Also, a warning. With Sect Tryouts happening I’d recommend making sure your guards don’t get too rowdy. Security is tightened and also offending anyone from the sects will cause issues we don’t want.”

  Erik took the paper and nodded. “Thank you. I’ll make sure my guard captain keeps everyone on a short leash.” The guard looked to Leif, or more looked up at Leif and nodded slowly.

  “Alright, welcome to Valecroft.”

  He stepped to the side and the Caravan rolled on in, right into the hustle and bustle of the city. Not too far past the gates, buildings were set on all sides of the roads, too many to tell what each and every one of them were. Yin was glad to be with the caravan which kept almost a bubble around itself as it moved.

  “25 silver. Well, about what I thought it would be, actually surprised they didn’t charge a higher fee for the Sect Tryouts.” Erik said as he headed off to get back into one of the wagons. Yin watched him go before looking at Leif.

  “Now that we are in the city, I’m realizing it's much bigger than I thought it would be and I have no clue where the Sect tryouts would be. Never mind how to get to any district.”

  Leif looked at him as if that was the least surprising thing he had ever heard and shook his head. “Don’t worry, I know. I wasn’t just going to leave you to your own devices or you would end up robbed of everything you owned.”

  Yin opened his mouth to argue before quickly closing it, not having a good response to that. Slumping his shoulders in defeat with a sigh and bowing his head. “I am in your care then captain.”

  Leif rolled his eyes and snorted. “So the same as you’ve been for the last month. Just stick with us and once the Caravan is set up I’ll show you where to go and a good place to stay.”

  Yin smiled at the Captain and stood up straighter. He was sure he could retract some of the curses he had prayed for to come down on the captain's head during training. That made him chuckle to himself as Leif shot him a look but didn’t say anything.

  After navigating the different streets, the caravan finally arrived at the market district and it was somehow even more crowded than everywhere else. Caravans were all set up in different areas with their wagons loaded up. Temporary shops set up, with officials moving along to each caravan set up and people filtering in to purchase what these caravans were selling.

  It was almost overwhelming for Yin, finding it a dizzying experience and thankful that he didn’t have to do anything to help set this up. So he just stood off to the side and watched all the professionals in action. To see all of this controlled chaos work somehow into one loud harmony was something magical.

  He had his pack on his back as Leif and Erik came up to him. He gave a bow to Erik with a thankful smile. “Thank you for everything, I wouldn’t have been able to make this trip without you and the caravan.”

  “Don’t mention it. It was a favor for Jin, but you’ve pulled your weight well and we’ve enjoyed having you. You’re always welcome back to join on.But I’m hoping you go do big things myself. I’d like to stay but I have to get going. Good luck at the tryouts, we will all be wishing you luck.”

  With that Erik was gone and Yin was left with Leif who motioned for him to follow heading out of the bustle of the market section and down the roads. “I won’t confuse you too much, the bridge that connects the city over the river is the first thing you need to remember. Cross that and you are in the area either for the docks down there or for nobles and the king. But it’s also the area for the sects to have their tryouts.”

  Leif spoke as he walked making sure Yin stayed with him and didn’t stray too far. Passing through the city he saw how even a rich city like Valecroft had its own slums and designated areas for begging. One of those areas carried a smell that was nearly unbearable and the sorry state of many of the beggars a sharp reminder of how cruel the world can be.

  At one point they were passing through what seemed to be a main thoroughfare in the city and close to the bridge to the other side. Shops were all around as well as a few taverns and inns along the sides.

  “And here is the best area for you to stay. Any inn will do and you are right here at the bridge. Just cross and the guards can direct you to the sect tryouts.”

  Leif looked at Yin for a long moment, as if appraising him one last time. “You will do fine. I can’t tell you what will happen but remember all you’ve learned and be confident in yourself.”

  Yin smiled and gave a bow to Leif before standing up straight. “I will do that. Maybe one day when I see you again you’ll tell me more about you. I’d like to hear how you became who you are.”

  Leif chuckled and moved to step past him. “Maybe one day. Hope I don’t see you too soon kid and if you are wandering your lady love wouldn’t be anywhere near here she’d be in somewhere nicer.”

  “I wasn’t even thinking about that!” Yin yelled as Leif laughed and headed off, visible for some time as the man still seemed to tower over everyone here before finally turning off and disappearing.

  For the first time in a month, Yin was alone once more, even surrounded by people. Yet, he had made it to his destination and now that part of his journey was over. Now he had to focus on the next part. He turned looking down the bridge and smiled, because soon the sect trials would begin.