Free Aphrodite's Acolyte by J.E. Spatafore Page B

“I will be there in a few moments.” The herald departed and the sorceress tasked her apprentice, Venin Adses, to finish raising the remaining ten lifeless soldiers. She departed to answer her lord's summons.
    As she exited her tower to head toward the main hall, the sun was on its decline from its daily orbit. She heard the gates of the city being opened as several guards announced the arrival of a merchant caravan. She sported a wicked smile, knowing the history of this caravan's dealings in the Rivolus desert. She continued on to the main hall to meet with her lord.
    The gates opened wide, welcoming the traveling caravan. The group marched through, staring at the marvels of Puldechra. More than half of the caravan knew their way around, breaking the lines and heading in their own directions. Fidel and Abby, on the other hand, remained close to Fardicus Merc, his eyes being their guide as they made their way through the city.
    The walls of Puldechra, rising an easy fifteen feet high, seemed to go on for miles. Overhead, walkways stretched between the various trees which remained, appearing to only exist to support the walkways. The large and white main hall could be seen from the gate, with two towers rising high on each side. The city was very organized and planned with straight rows of buildings and massive roads separating them.

 
    As Abby and Fidel rode on their horses, they listened to Fardicus' free-flowing information. The residential district was found furthest from the gates, the trade buildings were closest. Inns and taverns were second from the gates, the barracks and other government buildings sitting between the residents and the commerce. Alleyways were frequent, no doubt allowing the residents and visitors to take shortcuts between the various buildings. The huge city definitely sported a design of logic and convenience very indicative of the elven inhabitants.
    After the initial tour, Fidel informed Fardicus he would be heading to the main hall to deliver the message from Lord Ias. Fardicus wished them well and went on his way. Fidel and Abby headed toward the main hall. A large statue of Aphrodite stood tall between them and their destination. They stopped for a few moments to admire the intricate stone working, noticing not a single tool mark was evident. The statue was over twice the size of a human male and was beautiful enough to correctly resemble the Goddess of Love. They made their way around the statue, hitched their horses to the posts, and headed inside to meet the Lord of Puldechra.
    An elven servant greeted them and signed them in to see the king. The servant requested Abby to remove her daggers and bow. Both her and Fidel nodded at each other, recognizing they should have placed these in his magical bag before entering, a lesson learned between them. The servant led them into the next room, a waiting room for audience with the king.
    As they walked through the waiting room doors, they both felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand up, a distinct coldness about them. They glanced at each other, looking for the other to provide an answer. Both of them shrugged in confusion.
    Just as they were about to sit down, an elven woman, pale in skin by all standards of the living, entered the room and walked toward the throne room. She gave a passive glance at Fidel and Abby, making each of them feel uneasy.
    She wore a black robe, with white hair contrasting with her youthful features. She wore a curious crown of ivy atop her head. She stopped and turned then walked over to Fidel, wearing a friendly smile on her face. Fidel introduced himself, noticing her black eyes seemed devoid of life, cold as steel. The conversation stayed formal, Fidel filling in the woman, known as Pravas Medeis, with the details of his origins in Harlow's Hovel.
    She returned in kind explaining her origins of Puldechra and her position as Archmage of the realm. The exchange was friendly yet the atmosphere was cold.