Throughout, Evelyn only has eyes for that ocean. She giggled to herself as she saw the infinite expanse that the view had to present and then muttered something like, "We have to definitely see the docks first. Damn, I always wanted to be a sailor. Suits me doesn't it? I am a girl of the sea, I can feel it in my heart, Harr harr!..."

Edwin sighed at the mood swing Evelyn just had, he only hoped it wouldn't turn into a foul weathered wind like those of sailors she so wanted to be.

"Yer sack, pass it here," said a hoarse, unwelcoming voice. Edwin turned to notice it belonged to the guard at the gate and they were now at the head of the queue.

That's like a warm reception.

Nevertheless, he did as he was commanded. Their bags which had nothing more than travel supplies passed the inspection without much hustle, his plain sword did too.

They don't know the blade, good. Otherwise that might have created a disturbance, I don't know what legend that one has here.

He had been too busy admiring the city to see the guards yet. They were fully armoured with a sigil of the king, a lion in red with two babes in green looking up at him. Their demeanour was unlike that of usual guards, more royal and they presented themselves with authority.

That must mean they must have a head or superior of a higher rank on whose authority they boast. Mere soldiers sent by the King won't be able to pull their weight such. Moreover, the visibly irritated expression on their face proves they see this as lowly work not suited for warriors of their calibre. Then that must mean their head must be a well known personality. Then why are they acting guards?

His knew the soldiers had only come to Trinopolis recently, and they had lodged somewhere near. That was apparent from the fact that they wore the usual leather shoes, in contrast to the common folk if Trinopolis, who wore specially made shoes that could last long in water, and in a humid weather.

However beautiful the city was, the way the people behaved seemed singular to Edwin. There was something off about the whole arrangement.

Edwin guided Nameless past the checkpoint, Evelyn close behind, and entered the city. He made his way towards the boats in the water street, like many others before him had done.

He looked around another time to figure out what the particular peculiarity was. The boatmen glanced at the guards in an unhappy fashion. The people passing by didn't seem to have much respect for them either as the gifted them with the occasional scowl. There were no children playing around, as if they were actively avoiding the location.

It is the guards who are not welcome. The townsfolk see them more as invaders rather than a part of their own Empire.

Evelyn seemed oblivious to all this as she inquired the nearest boatsman about any comfortable inns around. Although he knew he was not going to get anything out of the bargain, the boatman suggested a place with appropriate directions. He further welcomed them to the city and informed them how every water street in the whole city had bridges located at proper locations, which made journey on foot as much plausible, only slower.

As they had horses, Edwin chose the land route, but his mind wandered.

Something big is happening in this city or worse, has already happened.

****

"Let us go to the docks. Come now!" said Evelyn making to attempt to mask her excitement. Edwin made no protest for they had nothing better to do after picking their favoured room in Droughsburrow inn. Moreover, he wanted to know more of this 'event' that was happening in the city. He had caught on to no new hints save a group of knight patrolling the street, and he was sure to catch nothing just sitting in the room.

They exited the inn to head over to the docks. The route there would be pretty simple, they just had to follow any water street, for all the branches eventually became a dock.

Evelyn's constant chatter reduced to a low hum in Edwin's head as he kept looking for anything out if place around. The city may have looked grand from the outside; to a person inside, it was abundantly clear that it saw no maintenance. The grand white bluish marble was chipped off at places, some brick houses had their paint weathered probably from age. Even the boats in the water streets weren't too sturdy either.

Suddenly the pattern of the people around changed. The usual hum drum of people and the collective talk took a more intense tone. Many started moving towards the nearest bridge, leaving their own errands unattended. Edwin tapped the shoulder of an old man passing along with that crowd.

"Sir, can I know what the recent commotion is about?" asked Edwin.

"You must be travellers?" he asked in his voice that sounded much younger for his age. Edwin nodded.

The old man looked at the bridge and then back at Edwin, a mixed expression on his face. Something resembling both a drawn and confusion, he half mumbled half spoke, "I don't get them. They have been here since a week now. Must be some conspiracy of the royals, I tell you."

Edwin further inquired, "Who is it?"

"Oh the General, Glinrin and his platoon."