Page 66 of My Haven
He just nodded silently and led her forward to take point in showing them around.
The outer wall was a thick stone barrier, with slick green moss covering the lower half. Vines and other vegetation looked to either be pulling it apart or holding it together. What impressed her the most was that the wall itself was at least eight-feet thick. Walking into the Lower City felt like she going through a tunnel.
Once past the gate, Caiden pointed to the buildings surrounding them. “This is the Lower City. Most of the city’s residents live here. Of the four elemental temples, only the Water Temple is located in the Lower City, right next to the Inner City wall. The Water Temple handles the city’s healing.”
The closest to what she could compare it to was Edinburgh, Scotland. Dark stone, buildings lining both sides of the street. Mismatched architecture mixed up with an earthy sort of cottage core. Cramped but cozy.
Genevieve saw that most of the buildings were old and extremely weathered. “I’ve been to Europe and didn’t see buildings this old,” she remarked.
“Though some have been rebuilt, most buildings are originals and was built nearly five-thousands years ago, when Storm Keep was established,” he explained.
“Man, we can’t even build roads that last a winter without potholes,” Arlo complained.
Caiden waved to one of the residents. The woman looked around before waving back. Caiden’s face tightened, but he still smiled. “Things are a bit different lately.”
Most of the people they came across showed the same timid nature. Under their feet the cobblestones were worn but mostly even, only dipping sharply here and there. Ryuu kept a constant arm around Meryn to keep her from twisting an ankle.
“Where’s Kendrick’s place?” Meryn asked.
Caiden steered them right, leading downhill toward the outer wall. After a few streets, they came upon a small stone cottage with a thatched roof.
“This is fairytale shit, right here,” Meryn said, heading for the door.
“Meryn, do you really think Kendrick didn’t set traps?” Caiden called out.
She paused. “Fuck, you’re right, he totally would. I’ll have him bring me back. I want to see the fairytale house.”
“Come on, I’ll show you the Water Temple next.” Caiden walked so she could keep pace, keeping her hand firmly tucked in his. “Troy Primrose has been heading the temple since Serenity was exiled. He tried to avoid being Temple Head for years and was happy when Serenity took over. When she got banned from the city, he threatened to flood Storm Keep castle,” Caiden said, smiling at the memory.
“He sounds fun” she admitted.
“He’s a Primrose, his family have been taking care of the Water Temple for generations, kind of like the Appleblossoms at the Fire Temple. He just wanted to do research. Now, he’s up to his ears in paperwork,” Caiden said, turning left, back up toward the Inner City.
Genevieve saw a large stone building before them and guessed it was the Water Temple. A line of sick people wastrailing out the door. Some held broken limbs close to their bodies or ice packs on burned patches.
“What the hell?” Meryn asked.
Caiden sighed. “We’re a magic city Meryn, learning magic comes with risks.”
Neil grimaced. “I accidentally created a sinkhole once and fell into it breaking my arm. If it weren’t for knowing Serenity, it would have taken hours to be seen.”
Caiden walked past those in line and people began to protest. He held up a hand. “We’re not here to be seen, just checking in with Troy.”
The people quieted to a low grumble.
They hurried inside, past the lines of low cots, to the back rooms. Caiden went to an impressive looking wooden door and knocked.
“Go away!” an angry male voice shouted.
“Troy, it’s Caiden, I brought you guests,” he said, in soothing tones.
“Come back tomorrow! I’m already behind on next week’s reports,” Troy shouted.
Meryn walked up and kicked the door. “Open up. Serenity told me to meet you,” she shouted back.
There were a few seconds of silence before the door swung open and a man with dark hair, pulled in every direction, stood in the doorway. “Seri sent you?”
“Yeah, said you knew peeps and we should be besties,” Meryn said.
