Yasu made his way south, following the paved city road.  As long as he traveled on the city road, the would be traveling and meeting other merchants and travelers. 

The day was early, however the road was busy.  Yasu traveled along side the city road as he galloped passed several travelers and merchants.  His steady pace didn’t alarm anyone. They only wondered if the lone traveler was on an emergency mission. 

The day passed quickly as Yasu covered the distance between the capital city, Nijo, to the city called Hima.  Hima was the second biggest city after the Nijo. Hima is called the merchant city because all of the city roads met at Hima.  Hima is where all the merchants restocked and rested before heading to the capital, where there was only one city road to get there.  

Because Hima is such a prosperous city, it is heavily guarded by well trained soldiers.  The city is run by the Emperor’s most trusted minister and protected by the Emperor’s most trusted General.  

Due to his merits, General Ren was transferred to Hima and became in charge with protecting the city.  There were two soldier barracks that were built in Hima. One outside of the city, for the soldiers to practice and one inside the city to protect the city.  The rotation of inner and outer soldiers were every four months. 

The barracks inside of the city was built near the westren gate to house the soldiers who were guarding the city gates and the wall.  There were also soldiers patrolling around the city to ensure the citizen’s safety.     

The barracks outside of the city held the most soldiers.  There, they trained everyday and sharpen their fighting skills.  

Ever since General Ren obtain his new post, the safety and security of Hima tightened.  He wanted to ensure that Hima and it’s citizens were protected. General Ren changed the security outside and inside of Hima.  Outside of Hima, there were two security checkpoints.  

The first checkpoint was 20 miles outside the city walls. Those that wanted to enter the city would have to show their identity tablet.  They then have to provide a reason as to why they were there and how long they would be staying. If they were merchants, then their goods would have to be searched before entering.  Every person would have to provide an identity tablet, if they didn’t have one, they would be denied access into Hima.    

Every person would be recorded into a ledger. They also had to let the soldiers know which city gate they would be leaving from.  A list of each visiting guest would be sent to the soldiers at the different gates. They were in charge of checking off the names of the travelers and merchants who left the city when it was time to leave.  

The second checkpoint was at the city gate.  Each traveler would have to pay a toll of 5 silver to enter.  Merchants would also have to pay 15 silver for each wagon that they brought with them.  

Yasu spent the night outside the city.  He had arrived after the city gates closed and waited along with the others who came late.  He only greeted those around him with a nod and sat down in line alongside the others.  

Because he traveled alone, he stayed awake the whole night.  Tsuki went wild, knowing that they were outside and left Yasu’s side to absorb the spiritual essence from the nearby forest.  

The night quickly passed as the soldiers began to check the identification of the travelers.  The line slowly moved and by mid morning, Yasu reached the first checkpoint.  

“Identity tablet.  Name. Reason why you’re here.  Date of when you’re leaving and which gate you’ll be leaving from.”  The soldier stated in an orderly manner.  

Yasu pulled out his identity tablet and gave it to the soldier.  

“My name is Yasu Mori.  I’m here to meet some friends.  I’ll be here for 5 days. I’ll be leaving through the same gate.”  

The soldier looked at the identity tablet then at Yasu’s face.  He turned the identity tablet around to confirm that it was authentic.  Seeing the Mori crest on the back of the tablet, he gave the tablet back to Yasu.  

“Laws in Hima are strict, make sure not to break any.”  The soldier said as another soldier wrote down every word that Yasu spoke.  “It’s 5 silvers to enter the city.”  

“This is my first time in Hima.  My friends live near the western gate.  Do you have any recommended inn that I can stay in that can also house my horse?”   Yasu asked.  

“The inns that can house your horse near the westren gate is pretty pricey.  If money is not a problem, I suggest the Three Horse Inn. The room’s are big and they have attached bathing rooms.  The inn is clean, the service is better and the cook there makes good food. The barn to house horses is well taken care of and is guarded at all times.”  The soldier informed Yasu. “It’s run by a retired soldier, many soldiers stop by to eat and rest there. So while you’re staying there, don’t get any funny ideas or make trouble for anyone working there.”           

“Thank you for your recommendation.”  Yasu said as he passed through the first checkpoint.  He walked beside his horse for a few feet, before jumping onto the saddle and walked his horse towards the seconded check point.  

Because the second checkpoint was just paying a toll to enter the city, Yasu didn’t have to wait in line for very long.  It only took 15 minutes for Yasu to pass the second checkpoint and enter the merchant city Hima.