It didn't take long before the rolling plains transformed and revealed vast ocean beyond its horizons. In the far distance, a single city, Retford stood. The once magnificent walls which surrounded the massive city, now long worn and in disrepair. The handful of buildings which peered over the walls, showing their age, the once vibrant colours having dimmed.

Nora hadn't gotten to witness the capital in the same splendour. Now her eyes marvelling at the old battlements, each and ever mark, an inscription of their long-standing history.

Seeing the look of astonishment on Nora's face, Sev pitched in, "Retford is one of the oldest cities in the Allosian Empire. The remote location of the city has brought hard times upon its people. After surviving solely on the sea for countless years, the people of Retford have become hardy and unyielding. Somehow after all these years it still stands..."

-

As Sev and Nora began to near the city, Sev finally explained their purpose for coming to Retford, "Nora, we've come to Retford with two main goals, meet up with Mirlie and disappear. I have a few contacts within Retford that can help us hasten our journey to the Mage Tower and aid us in completely erasing our tracks. Lastly, don't get lost. Although you can clearly handle yourself, wherever civilization stands, darkness arises..."

The carriage slowed as they approach the city gates. The large city gate itself guarded on both sides by two large green copper statues, the statues taking the shape of what Nora recognized as horses with a single horn protruding from their heads. A queue of carts and carriages awaited their turn. A group of hardened guards inspecting each entering group.

After only a few minutes, the guards had made their way down to Sev and Nora's carriage. Having been working for several hours, the guards had tired many hours prior. "State your name and purpose." the lazed tone diminishing the few embers of authority Nora had felt from them not minutes prior.

Without responding to the guard's inquiry, Sev held up a black badge with the familiar Ouroboros symbol. Having not received a response, the guard slightly peeved looked into the carriage. His eyes immediately coming across the badge. Before Nora could comprehend what had just occurred, the guard slammed down onto one knee, "My sincere apologies my Lord!" the guard's face paling, sweat slowly appearing on his face.

With the first guard hitting the floor, the other guards followed suit when they noticed the actions of the first guard.

In unison, the guard troop shouted, "Lord Vulture, forgive our insincerity!"

"Nora, I believe my friends may have become ever-so-slightly more influential since last time I was here..." Sev's face showing the sheer scale of confusion and embarrassment.

"Make way for Lord Vulture!!!" the guards shouting and yelling, demanding the clearing of the queue for Lord Vulture.

To Sev's further embarrassment, the crowd around them instantly split creating a path for 'the mighty Lord Vulture!'

Stormskin making use of the clearing lashed at the carriage's leads, driving the carriage forward.

"Nora... that, wasn't supposed to happen..."

Seizing the opportunity, Nora mockingly yelled, "Lord Vulture! My apologies!"

"Oh god..." Sev now hiding behind his hands... 'Why! Just why!!!'

-

The city gate soon revealed the vast city within. The city walls had hidden the inner nature of the city. The myriad of buildings were built onto each other, overlapping and stacking on top of each other. The city was far denser and packed than Nora had thought possible.

Stormskin knowing his way, hastily took the carriage through the city. Turn after turn, corner after corner, they continued further and further into the city.

The passing buildings slowly losing their dense nature as they neared the centre of the city. Down the road, a daunting, tall building emerged from the city around it. Untouched by the crowded city around it, the pristine building shone in a myriad of black colours.

"That's the house of my friend Lucius Blackblight. How odd, it hasn't changed at all after all these years. The city may have grown but people still fear him... Whatever you do, just don't stare at his face. Let's just say, he doesn't appreciate the extra attention..."