Three weeks had passed, and Ryden was still fascinated by many things in the city. The oil torches that could be set to burn at a specific time, the mountain horses ridden without reins, tell the name and they will take you there, and occasional trading parties of halflings and hobgoblins seen in the market.
The city was a breathtaking tapestry of ancient stone and vibrant greenery, it felt weirdly nostalgic, and looked ancient but well-kept with winding stone paths and bright skies. The marketplace was filled with activity, the sweet smell of aged wine, the fresh fruits shimmering like gems under the sunlight, and the gleam of intricatly carved jewelry on display.
The General was bulky and gifted in strength, but caring for his people. He had decided to make Ryden his guest until he had learned everything he needed to and given him some training with weapons.
He was once taken to the weaponry to select a weapon of his choice. Among the huge selection of swords, polearms, and even slings, he had picked a short sword, small but swift.
The crimson mark on Ryden's shoulder identified him as one of the Zornika, army men who had been banished by the gods for their rebellious nature across many generations. This mark represented a deity that had guaranteed his safety in a world that was entirely new to him.
Now, sitting on his bed in the Colsers, the general's castle, he was deciding his next move. He fitted well in this new world, the weaponry came naturally to him, his swift strikes easily finding the target. But there had to be more. He was told about another Zornika which came before he did, he had wandered into the woods and never returned. There were prophesized to be three of them, so one was still not here.
"You should get some sleep." The General was standing at the door
"General Bolkins!" He stood up, trying to guess the reason for his sudden arrival.
"We have word" General started, walking into the room, "That another Zornika, a girl this time, has made her presence at the city of Denzal, north of Mount Sunspike."
Ryden ran the information through his head, "So she's the third, she has finally appeared."
"That is correct. So, I think you should go there as well, you might perform better together."
Ryden did not answer; he was trying to weigh his options, only to find he had none. He nodded slightly.
"Alright then!" General sighed, "I will prepare a carter for your leave the day after tomorrow, and get some gear prepared for you."
The gear sounded good, but what was a carter?
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At some point, he had expected a troop of soldiers or maybe just a cart, but he was wrong.
A Carter was a steed, more or less like a horse, but much more bulky and a bit short. It had a pair of small horns above his eyes. Leather brown fur made it shine in the sunlight. This time it did have reins, but it was well-trained to do most of the work.
The gear provided to him was full leather armor, the short sword and dagger he used at training, a stock of food supplies, and a water skin.
The General came forward, "We have sent some soldiers upfront, and we expect minimal chances of danger. I bid you farewell, Ryden"
Ryden thanked the general for his hospitality, and made his way to the carter, it huffed as he stroked his back. Getting on was easy and riding felt like a breeze, it was clearly good at traversing rocky terrains and was exceptionally fast.
The people saw him leave, cheering and shouting. He did not know them and still, they were there for him. He felt himself straighten, balancing on the Carter's back. It felt his rider's confidence and sped up.
Passing through the market, he slightly pulled the reins, slowing down to look around. The market was buzzing with activity as always. The air carried a sweet smell of cherry fruits and baked bread. A group of people collected around him, and a little girl waved a sweet apple towards him.
"Thank you!" he took the fruit from her little hands, she laughed and ran towards her mother.
Exiting the great walls surrounding the city, he was met with a clearing, trees dotting the landscape. He could see the woods, and make out the traveler's passage between the trees, and he thought he saw the hoof prints of the soldiers sent upfront.
He stopped one last time, looking back at the great banners under whose protection he had slept safely in these unknown lands. He knew there was more, more to this journey, more to his cause, and more to the unknown lands he had reached.
What awaited him was unknown, he did not know if he could take on the challenges, but he knew that he was on an adventure, which he had often thought of, one he knew he was made for.