Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Salt Brine

Chapter 18:

Salt Brine

“About how much longer till we see the city?” I asked, as I hopped off the wagon to walk alongside Blue. The donkey had begun to bray loudly as he was yet to receive his afternoon snack.

“He’s going to get spoiled, well, more spoiled, if you keep feeding him every time he throws a fit” Neil replied. “And I think we should be seeing the city pretty soon, right, Grandpa?”

“Aye, lad, once we get out of this forest, we’ll come out on the coast a little ways from the city. We took the scenic route for Sam, on account he’s never seen the ocean,” Hershel said, as he spat his tobacco off the side of the wagon.

“Oh, I thought we were taking the long way back because you’re afraid of telling Grandma that we got attacked by bandits, and only survived because Sam is a complicated farmer.”

Hershel let out a defeated sigh and hung his head at his grandson’s words. “That…that’s true too… Sam, be sure to put in a good word for me when you meet me wife.”

I smiled as I listened to the two rib each other, grateful that things had mostly gone back to normal.

Hershel had told me earlier in the day that the trail we were on would add a few extra hours to our journey, but in exchange it would give us a great view of the city.. My anticipation steadily grew as the wagon made its way down the path underneath the dense canopy of tall red barked trees.

When we finally stepped out of the tree line and onto the small road that ran along the coastline, I was immediately met by the salty smell of the sea, the distant cry of gulls, and the endless waters that stretched out into the horizon. The sun had just begun to set in the far distance, filling the sky with a glorious array of gold, red, and pink hues.

“Its incredible.” I said reverently, my eyes doing their best to take in the awe inspiring view in front of me.

“I’ve seen it countless times and it never gets old. Welcome home, Sam,” Hershel said, placing a hand on my shoulder as he and Neil stepped up beside me. “Look over that way, that there is the city.”

I adjusted my gaze and looked eastward back down the coast. The elevation of where we stood gave me a slightly overhead vantage of the city.

On the far side of the city, a massive stone wall stretched across a gap between two towering cliffs. Beyond the gate, a well organized city unfolded, bisected by a broad main road that branched east and west at regular intervals. Between those branches, houses, shops, and other buildings fanned out in gentle arcs, filling the land within.

On the western edge of the city, one of the main roads led to another set of stone walls enclosing a large manor that perched high on the cliff that overlooked the town. The steep backs of the mountains provided the estate with a natural defense, rendering it nearly inaccessible to potential threats.

On the east side of Salt Brine, another gate led out of the city, opening to a road that curved around the coastline and back into the thick forests at the base of the mountain.

Finally, my eyes settled on the port, resting slightly below the city’s main elevation. Broad stone ramps carved into opposite sides of the cliff wound down in switchbacks toward a stretch of land near sea level. There, expansive docks formed a bustling harbor for the ships coming into port.

The main city above the docks sat on a cliffside plateau. Beneath it, a wide cave opened in the cliff face, its entrance sheltered by the city’s edge. Within that natural vault, stone cut warehouses had been built into the rock, storing goods safely beneath the overhanging foundation above.

“It’s bigger than I expected,” I said, as I looked eagerly over the city.

“That’s what me wife said,” Hershel snorted, laughing at his own joke. “Now let’s get a move on. We’ll be walking the coast a for awhile if we’re gonna make it to the city ‘fore dark.”

The wagon rolled through the countryside at it’s usual leisurely pace, passing the many homesteads that dotted the rolling hills leading down towards the city.

“Where is your home exactly?” I asked, as I lit a lantern to ward off the encroaching dark. “Is your home inside the city or outside the walls?”

“You remember that gate on the eastern side of the city? That’s the Fisher’s Gate. Our home’s a little ways around the coast from there,” Neil said, his excitement at nearly arriving evident in his voice.

“Is my uncles property in the same direction?”

“Aye, it is, but we’ll worry about that tomorrow, lad,” Hershel said, his tone brooking no discussion on the matter. “Tonight you’re staying with us.”

Knowing better than to argue with the man, I simply nodded in agreement, accepting the offer of hospitality.

The rest of the journey passed in tired silence; even Blue had gone quiet, his exhaustion finally outweighing his desire for treats. By the time the main gate of Salt Brine came into view, my feet ached from the day’s travel.

As we approached the city, I couldn’t help but marvel at how it’s towering stone walls loomed above me. I felt so small compared to the grandeur of what Hershel had said was a fairly common fortification. Spear bearing guards stood watch around the gate, yet their relaxed chatter and easy smiles made it clear they were in good spirits, even at this late hour.

“Hold,” an authoritative voice called out, as several guards approached the wagon. “What brings you to the city this time of night? The gates are closed till morning.”

“Daniel Mueller, you thick skulled dope, if you don’t hurry up and open this gate I’ll have a talk with you mother come tomorrow morning. Even that spear of yours won’t help you out of that mess.” Hershel said, as a tall guard approached him with a serious expression.

The friendly chatter from the guards instantly ceased, and all eyes turned to stare daggers at Hershel.

Just when I thought things were going to escalate further, the tall guard’s face softened into a grin, and he reached out, laughing as he clasped Hershel’s hand.

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“It’s good to see you too, you old salt. You too Neil, you’re growing more every time I see you.” Daniel said, as he waved a signal to the men manning the gate. He then turned his gaze to me and eyed me appraisingly. “And who’s this?”

“This here is my honorary grandson.” Hershel said, giving me a pat on the back. “This is also, Sir Lucian Garner’s nephew, Sam.” At the mention of my uncles name, all the guards tensed, and looked at me with renewed interest.

“Is that right?” Daniel replied, “Sir Garner has been gone for a few years now. I guess it makes sense for family to come check on him.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, finally finding my voice. “He left me some land as an inheritance, so I’m here to claim it as my own.”

“Is that right? Well then, Sam, let me be the first to welcome you to Salt Brine. If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He reached out and gave my hand a firm shake before turning back to Hershel.

“Hershel, it’s good to see you back safe. I’ll be sure to tell my folks you said hello, and I’m sure they’ll have more work for you over the next couple of months.” He turned to the guards near the gate and called, “Cleared. Let them pass.”

At the guards prompting, Hershel led the wagon through the open gate that led into the city of Salt Brine.

Due to the lateness of the hour, the main thoroughfare through the city was not as busy as I had expected. Small groups of people drifted in and out of taverns, while others were making their way home after a long day’s work. Rune lamps had been placed periodically along the street, and provided enough lighting, to at the very least, walk without falling over oneself in the dark.

Boisterous laughter spilled from a nearby tavern as we passed by, and I watched in quiet wonder as a man was literally thrown out onto the street. He landed heavily with a oomph, and laid still for several moments on the ground in front of us.

The man wore a tailored coat of deep blue linen, its hem brushing just above his knees. A matching waistcoat fit snugly over his frame, and accentuated the light colored breeches tucked into his tall leather boots. A short dark cloak hung over one shoulder, fastened with a star shaped clasp that caught the light like polished shell.

Though his clothes suggested prestige, it was hard to take him seriously in his present state.

“Come back when you’re sober, or you’ll get worse than that next time.” A large bear of a man stood in the doorway as he glared down at the gentleman he’d just thrown out, “We don’t tolerate men who can’t keep their hands off our girls.”

“I think you’re just jealous I didn’t give you a squeeze,” the drunk man shot back, slurring his words as he pushed himself into a sitting position. “Next time, just ask nicely, or at least wait until my drink has lowered my standards.”

The large man shook his head before turning to go back inside. Wisely choosing to no longer engage with the man laying on the cobblestones outside.

The drunk man grinned triumphantly as he looked up at me from the ground. “It’s not all bad, they threw me out before I had to pay the tab, so I’ll call it a draw this time.”

As he spoke, I couldn’t help but notice the blood that trickled down from his hairline. The fall had been much worse than he let on, or at the very least he was too inebriated to fully appreciate the damage he had just received.

I sighed, handing Blue’s reigns to Neil as I kneeled down beside the man.

“You look like you could use some help friend,” I said, reaching out to take the mans hand.

“Don’t worry about me, it was just a small tumble”, he said, as he lamely reached up his hand for support. “I simply tripped on my way out of the door. Nothing to be concerned about.”

As my hand made contact with his outstretched arm I activated my ability, Sow, and willed the potential within me to pour into the man’s body.

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Path Ability: [Sow] (Domain:Divine) (Legendary)

A tool of potential, Sow allows the user to amplify various forms of potential.

Skills: (Unlocked through use of ability)

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Mend Wounds (Rank 1: level 2) - Amplify the vital potential within a target in order to rapidly heal injuries and mend wounds. This skill scales with Spirit.

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The man’s eyes went wide as the power surged through his body, his mouth falling open in disbelief. The potential glowed faintly beneath his skin as it travelled urgently toward his open wounds. Moments later, I smiled in satisfaction as the blood flowing from his head slowed, and then stopped altogether.

He stared at me in disbelief for a long moment before rising to his feet. “By Cultivation’s tantalizing tits… it can’t be… no… no… I’m sober!” His voice wavered with despair as he lifted his eyes to the night sky.

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Skill unlocked: Cleansing Touch: (Rank 1: level 1) - Amplify the vital potential within a target in order to purge toxins, poisons, diseases, and other corrupting effects of a physical nature. This skill scales with Spirit

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As he cried out to the heavens, two figures descended the stairs of the tavern behind him, and came to stand at his side.

“Gabriel, you always do this,” a large dark skinned man said as he took hold of the now sober gentleman. “You get drunk, cause trouble, and we’re left to pay for everything while you run off like nothing happened.”

The man who spoke was easily eight feet tall, towering several heads above everyone around him. His outfit matched the now sober man, as it was a deep blue tailored coat with a waistcoat over light breeches. Dark strands of braided hair were pulled back from his head, tied together with a red piece of cloth. No weapon was visible on his body, but I knew instinctively he was plenty dangerous without one, his sheer presence radiated strength.

“Now you’re out here harassing these people in the street? Have you no shame, Gabriel?” The second voice came from a slender woman, with long strawberry blonde hair that spilled out from beneath her tricorn hat.

She wore a long flowing coat similar in style to Gabriel’s, though her clothing underneath was more form fitting, accentuating her curves even in the low light. At her hip, an elegantly crafted hilt concealed a sheathed longsword, its pommel bearing the same star pattern as Gabriel’s clasp.

“Darrel, Beatrice, how could you possibly accuse me, a man of great integrity of being intoxicated on a night as fine as this.” Gabriel put his hands on his hips as the large man released him. “I’ll have you know, I am quite sober and very respectable.”

His companions eyed him suspiciously and then looked at one another in shock.

“By the gods, I think he’s telling the truth Darrel…he really is sober” the woman said in disbelief. “Which means he’s an ass even without alcohol.”

Gabriel pointed an accusing finger in my direction. “I have this young man to blame for my current sobriety. He ambushed me with his lecherous glowing fingers and touched my body. I feel so…violated.” He dramatically wilted as he finished his complaint, hoping to gain some sympathy from his companions.

“What he meant to say is, thank you.” The large man said, offering an apology. “Sorry for any trouble he’s caused you, we’ll be sure to discipline him appropriately.”

“Promise?” Gabriel asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Before the large man could respond, a small figure crept up, and bumped into him as they passed by on the street.

“What the.. hey, watch where you’re going” Darrel called out, as the small figure hurried away, turning down a dark alleyway nearby.

After a brief pause, the Darrel padded his pockets before growling irritably. “I think I’ve just been robbed, Gabriel, come with me, it’s time to earn your keep.”

The two men left abruptly and I could hear Gabriel’s laughter as he made another suggestive comment about his friend luring him into dark alleys. As their voices faded away, the strawberry haired Beatrice approached me with a warm smile on her face.

“Thank you again for your help handsome. Despite his behavior, Gabriel is quite competent with that sword of his. Makes him worth the trouble.” She blew me a kiss as she sauntered away, her hips swaying gracefully as she followed after her companions down the darkened alley.

“Careful lad, she may be good looking, but I bet she can’t cook worth a damn. I’d recommend a more full figured woman who’s passionate about pies.” Hershel having imparted his his wisdom, willed the wagon back into motion down the cobbled street.

The three of us made our way through the remainder of the city, and eventually passed through Fisher’s Gate. As we travelled the coast for several miles, we eventually came across a large house that was nestled in a grove of thick trees.

“Finally,” Hershel said, waving to his wife, who stood waiting on the front porch. “It’s good to be home.”