Ghosts of the Erlyn (Catalyst Book 3) by C.J. Aaron (books like beach read .TXT) 📕

that sprouted from the ground outside the barricade were small, rundown and lacking in any true sense of forward planning or cooperative order.

The road split in two well before it reached the city’s boundaries. Even from the distance, the disparity was evident. Just beyond where the tracks separated, the southern roadway widened, and closely spaced cobblestones paved the surface. The land on both sides of the road was dotted with well-manicured trees, beds of flowers and benches for relaxing. A large gate spanned the road, and Ryl could see the masts of the ships resting in their berths in the ports in the distance.

The northern fork in the roadway remained unpaved, a hard-packed dirt track wrought with ruts. The uneven dirt road was home to small shacks that had been built to accommodate those not privileged enough to live inside the city’s domain. The traffic following the main road was steady, with few daring to make the trek up the northern extremity.

Like all cities, there were clear divisions between the differing classes of society. In Cadsae Proper, the areas south of the Palisades, between the sea and the stone, were home to the highest echelons of society. The mansions grew ever more impressive the further one travelled to the west before reaching the river. Along the east side of the towering wall lived those who were less fortunate.

Andr explained that the gritty Eastern Ward, as it was known, was home to the bulk of the laborers—the manpower behind the thriving industry that had grown in the port city. Here, the view of the sea was blocked by the tall stone houses to their south. Here, the sun set earlier as the shadow of the palisade prematurely cut out the last stretch of daylight.

Andr steered his horse from the main path, following the unpaved road toward the north. The traffic here was scant. Few ventured off the main thoroughfare, and those who did walked with their heads down. The din of the crowded street behind them quickly faded. The thrum of the hoofbeats of their mounts rang out through the quieting air like the beating of a drum. Closer to the sea, the air had smelled a pleasant mixture of briny salt from the water and the sweet aroma from the gardens that lined the avenue. In this direction on the other hand, growing hints of refuse and decay assaulted their noses as they steadily approached the dilapidated buildings.

The sun had already fallen below the rim of the palisade. The way was lined with an unevenly spaced scattering of torches and lanterns, and it wasn’t long before they were swallowed beneath the long, dark shadow that blanketed the rundown residences of the East Ward in an inky gloom. From outside of The Stocks, the umbrage of the massive wall felt less oppressive. Though the sky overhead still held onto the light of day, the early darkness from the wall was off-putting.

Disconcerting as it was, the citizens residing underneath its shadow were comforted by the feeling of security it provided. Nearly ten thousand guards resided within the city and the surrounding garrison. Impenetrable walls separated them from the memories of the legendary beasts of the Outlands.

They had no concept of the horrors present beyond those stone barriers that imparted them with a false sense of security.

Ryl knew firsthand the true terror that lurked beyond the walls.

The unmistakable odor of human waste grew as they weaved their way through the narrowing pathway that led into the city. Toiling inside The Stocks, Ryl's life had been sheltered from the outside world. He had grown up naive to the opposing stations that comprised the world outside the Palisades.

The hovels that had been hastily erected outside the low retaining wall that surrounded Cadsae Proper were composed entirely of wood and thatch. The quality of the materials and the imperfections in the design and application reminded Ryl of the inadequate work camps within The Stocks. He’d spent far too much time inside their shelter throughout the cycles. Most of the buildings they passed leaned slightly to one side, as if the winds blowing from the sea were slowly forcing them over. Large gaps could be seen in their walls, giving a minute glimpse into the lives within.

“Where are you leading us?” Ryl ask quietly. Though he could see no eyes, he could feel their progress being followed from inside the shadows of the houses. Andr turned his head slightly toward Ryl as he responded. His gaze surreptitiously moved across the street. His hand hovered close to the hilt of his blade.

“There is likely no lodging left within any of the more reputable establishments in Cadsae Proper,” Andr explained. “I know of one that's bound to have a room available still. Though it's been a long time since I've had the need.”

Andr trailed off as his sentence finished. His face registered the beginning of a wicked grim, before morphing into an unexpected sadness. The extreme duality of the emotions was curious to Ryl, though he asked not. He knew Andr would reveal to him the information when the timing was right.

“Know that, in general, this city is a relatively safe environment. People here have little fear of undue violence. The area we're bound for being the exception,” Andr said softly. “There will always be those who prey on the misfortune of others. I needn't warn you to keep your wits about you.”

The narrow gate through the city’s outer wall approached rapidly as they pushed their way through the dimly lit, decrepit aisle between the leaning shacks. There were a surprising number of guards gathered on either side of the rundown gate, though none seemed to be paying much attention to the happenings around them. On one side of the stone gate, the group conversed in a small huddle. On the opposite side, one guard rested comfortably in a rickety wooden chair, while his partner leaned heavily against the wall. Unlike the guards Ryl had grown up accustomed to