Tia missed Mooncliffe. She missed how her boots clipped on the stone-brick floor. She missed the cliff-side sea air and gorgeous wind sounds. She missed the long, windy stone steps leading down to the harbour and the marketplace, busy but not too busy to make one feel rushed or uneasy. She missed the beautiful skies, which were often clear with small tufts of white clouds. She missed the glittering blue ocean stretching as far as the eyes could see.

Most of all, she missed the simple life that came with Mooncliffe back when she lived there.

That was back when life was straight forward; back then she was ignorant of the implications of slavery. Despite hearsay, she had never wondered where they came from, what kind of lives they lead and what kind of ending lay in store for them. She had known nothing about the Dernexan-Gwentian war, or the bloody role Windcasters played. She had no goal in life back in Mooncliffe except to study hard for her Level four exams and to make Mommu do her portion of house tasks. Her highlight of the month was when she could sneak away when the Master would shut himself in his study for the whole day, scribing monthly reports for the king. It was the one day when she could wear the Master's cloak and pretend she was a proper Windcaster.

But now? She wasn't sure she wanted to be a Windcaster anymore.

She wasn't even sure she wanted to be in Dernexes anymore. It all seemed too dark and it hurt her brain to think what other lies she may be living.

It was with a heavy heart she rode into the outer parts of Capital with her companions. The thoughts were relentless and made her wary of everything going on around her. What if every word anyone said had a hidden meaning? What if they were also in the bloodshed in the last Great War? What if the people who were smiling and gentle to her were the same people who beat slaves to their death?

She couldn't say anything to Master Anu. She couldn't even divulge her worries to Mommu, her most trusted confidante who had listened to all of her ramblings and silly worries in the past. It was too much.

****

Where Kiramone had appeared flashy and almost desperately glamorous, Hume heated and efficient and Mooncliffe homely and welcoming, Capital had a powerful essence oozing through its pores. The impressive overwhelming feeling of the central city of Dernexes made Tia feel very small and insignificant. This was a place for the greatest minds of the country and she did not belong there.

The ground had turned to sandstone as they travelled further and further away from Hume. Dust blew around the carriers' hooves and the air was dry. The sun had temporarily hidden behind the clouds but the temperature was not much lower than central Hume.

Guards stood outside tall, white-bricked walls that ran all the way around the settlement. It was thick and weathered as though it had withstood many a war. This was the famous wall of Capital, allegedly nigh impenetrable. Sharp spears glistened in the hands of the stationed men. Their grips tightened as the riders approached, although the nearest ones relaxed at the sight of the pale blue Windcaster cloak around Master Anu's shoulders.

"Identify yourself!" barked the nearest one, taking a confident step forward. Master Anu nodded once in acknowledgement, drawing back his hood and revealing his face.

"Master Anu, Censor of Mooncliffe," said the Master in his regal voice, pale blue eyes staring down at the guard. The guard recognised him and he bobbed his head in respect.

"As per the king's protocol, Master Anu, we must search your companions and belongings for any potential dangerous material. May we?"

Tia shot the old man an inquisitive look, head tilted, waiting for his direction.

"It is part of King Ea's requirements for any visitor into Capital," the Windcaster answered her silent question. "There is heavy security getting into the city and then even more when entering the king's abode. This is mandatory."

Obediently, the three young people slid off their carriers, un-hooding at the same time. Three muscular guards stepped towards each of the three young people, their gazes hard beneath their metal helmets. Tia wasn't sure what they were planning to do and just stood awkwardly, her arm half-raised as they patted her all over for any concealed weapons. They even rolled her sleeves up past her elbows to check her wrists and made her take off her boots to check the inside.

The guard appeared satisfied to not find any weapons on her body. As she slid her boots back on again she heard a scuffle and an angry yell.

"Get off me!"

It was Enlil. Mommu froze, one foot in his boot and the other standing on the rough sandy ground wearing only a sock.

"What is the meaning of this?" Master Anu slid off Aplaa, but the guards were quick. In the time it took the old man to cross over in three quick strides, Enlil's wrist guards had fallen to the ground and he was forced to bend at the hip as the men twisted his arm behind him. His face was flushed with embarrassment and indignity, his eyes darting from side to side furiously. He gave a yell as the guards twisted his arm again, forcing him to his knees.

"You have a slave masquerading as your companion, sir," said one of them, raising Enlil's twisted arm pointedly. The boy gritted his teeth in pain but made no noise.

"He is not masquerading; he is my assistant." The Master's voice was dangerous, to the astonishment of the guards.

"Your assistant?" The guard looked disgusted. "But he is a slave!"

"He is my assistant," repeated the Windcaster, light blue eyes blazing in anger. "And if you damage any part of his body so that he unable to be my scribe or carry my items, I will ensure your name be reported to the ministers. Now release him!"

The thunderous tone in his usually gentle voice and the rage that filled his eyes almost scared Tia. It seemed to have frightened the guards too, for they released Enlil immediately with a muttered apology and backed away, though not without visible resentment on their faces. Enlil rubbed his wrists, his expression as dark as the other men's. Their hungry eyes followed the group as they rode through the opened heavy metal gates.

Bathed in the shadows of the high, secure walls was Capital, the heart of Dernexes. Academics, philosophers, priests, city officials, and other scholarly-looking people walked the sandstone streets. All of them were dressed in crisp white linens and uncomfortably narrow boots, which clicked on the hard ground. In their arms piled scrolls, letters, and books. They strode in a hurried pace but maintained an air of dignity, heads held high, nose in the air, their scraped back, tightly-tied hair swinging in the motion. Tia felt almost dirty in her scuffed but well-fitted leather boots and her hair needing a wash. She suppressed a giggle as an image of her pushing them over crossed her mind.

They rode through the outskirts of the city, past majestic governmental buildings and sombre-looking libraries. Everything was built from white bricks or painted white stones, giving an air of forced cleanliness and tidiness.

The power from the centre of Dernexes could be felt tingling even in the air, making Tia's hairs stand up on end. She shivered. This place was the headquarters of the entire kingdom. King Ea resided here with his family. His commands could change how the entire country is run. His words could affect the lives of millions. His decisions tipped the balance between peace and war.

She felt very uncomfortable knowing so much responsibility rested on the shoulders of one man, and even more so when that one man appeared to not have a care in the world despite all evidence of his kingdom going quickly to the ruin.

The city was quiet. The silence was only broken occasionally by the clop-clop-clopping of smart shoes and clearing of throats. Not even a trace of wind blew in this enclosed city – the peripheral wall was too high and the buildings also stood too tightly together. The windows were polished perfectly, like eyes gleaming down at them. The houses were built tall, slim, and with pointed roofs; tiny little mats sit outside thin wooden doors and everywhere was spotless.

She realised why it felt so eerie. There were no sounds of conversation, no laughter, no emotion. It was just pure professionalism. All around, she could see patrolling guards with heavy, sharp weapons clutched to their sides. They strolled in pairs, grim faces facing ahead, legs marching in tandem.

So much security, just for one city? She couldn't help but wonder, craning her head. Surely these men could be more helpful doing other things than just standing around?

Further along the same wide street, at the very end, was a high metal gate, painted black. Its top ended in spikes, evidently as deterrence for anyone wanting to climb over, beyond which guards were stationed, standing stiffly like statues in the half-setting sun. A stone staircase, made of smoothed grey slabs, paved up a hill.

At the top of the long stairs was a wide, two-storeyed marble temple. It was simplistically decorated with statues of spiritual guardians placed on the outside. The sun had dipped just behind the top of the hallowed structure, giving its dark silhouette an almost godly feel. Tia shivered as they neared. Its seat atop the hill made it look like a slumbering giant, one that no mortals had a right to disturb.

Tia's heart pounded. Who resides in a place such as that? Surely not King Ea...

"Please disembark, travellers. From here you must continue on foot!" ordered the nearest guard as the four neared the metal gates, a haughty expression beneath his thick metal helmet. His voice came out sharp, making Tia jump. He stood proudly, chest puffed out, deep red uniform adorned with shiny decorative chains and badges. Even his black boots shone.

Tia wondered if it was sheerly out of respect for the king, sliding off Enusat and exchanging an uneasy look with Mommu. She had never met anybody with a more senior status than Master Anu; she did not really know what etiquette she was expected to follow. Mommu looked anxious, as usual.

Two guards appeared, clad in similar smart uniforms, and took the leads of the carriers. Master Anu gestured for the three to follow him up the grand stone staircase, which was not unlike Master Enki's one in Kiramone.

Tia clutched her trainee Caster staff in front of her body like a shield as they ascended towards the temple at the top of the steps. Guards lined up the side, serious expressions below their helmets, spears clutched in their fists. She could feel their hard gaze on the entourage as they passed. She glanced at her two companions: Mommu also clutched his staff to his chest, fidgeting and grey eyes darting around like an animal caught in a trap. Enlil also appeared on edge, the muscles along his square jaw clenched. The dark resentment on his face still lingered from earlier.

Atop the temple were draped the red and gold banners of Dernexes. The insignia of the country was emblazoned on a plaque hung in the centre of the top, the gold gilding glimmering in the sunset. The air was still, the sound of human activity a distant hum, left at the entrance of the great gates.

Tall marble pillars reached up to the ceiling around the outside of the temple as well as the inside. The ceiling, upon entry, was covered with intricate and breathtakingly beautiful paintings. Tia sucked in an awestruck breath at the gorgeous goddesses dancing with grace amongst pink-cheeked cherubs. Mystical creatures cantered lithely across the ceiling. Great feasts were depicted in detail; the delicious delicacies were inked in with a life-like brilliance.

Along the corridor there stood many sombre-faced white statues. They were twice as high as normal humans, wearing regal, loose white garments, the sceptre of Dernexes cradled in their arms.

Those must be the past rules of Dernexes, Tia noted to herself, craning her neck. The stoic faces emanated great power. On King Ea's passing, no doubt he would also take his place in this aisle of aristocracy.

Lush, deep-green potted plants hung on the walls. The group made their way down the hallowed halls and took a left turn at the end. Shiny fruit filled golden bowls to the brim upon on shiny oak desks. In the distance, a soft melody was played. Gentle laughter could be heard. Their boots clicked with every step; the sound bounced off the tall walls."This place is beautiful," Tia whispered to Mommu, keeping close. Her voice was loud in the almost holy structure.

Mommu remained silent. Even Enlil had no dismissive comments to make. The overhead chandelier glittered, decorated with precious stones which cast little coloured lights at their feet and onto the faces of the marble statues.

A thick curtain was drawn away as they neared the end of the walkway.