[i][color=0072bc]“Well, if my father’s old stories are anything to go by. We’ll be in a more welcoming atmosphere. Ironic, that the town supposedly filled with soldiers, would be kinder to strangers than the city with frequent tourism.”[/color][/i] Bastian thought, swallowing the last bite. Finishing their meals and closing distance toward their destination. [i][color=0072bc]“But I’ll still be cautious. I know there’s discrimination, and much worse, where we’re heading…”[/color][/i]

The wagon approached the front entrance gate. Bastian stared at the several smoke stacks, spewing out above the solid stone walls. Smelling the smelted iron and bronze. Crossing over the bridge. Bastions, barricades and belfry’s, far as the eye could see, unable to peer past the width and depth of what loomed in front of them. Two guards in leather garb, armed with polearms, pointing in their direction. Bastian’s grip on the reigns tightened, like his throat. Slowing the wagon to a complete stop, fifteen feet away.

[color=4aa595]“Pay or Permission?!”[/color] The guard hollered, his speech reminiscent of a braying jackass. Blinking, taking time to articulate an answer, interrupted with the polearm slamming the ground. [color=4aa595]“You deaf beast?! Pay or Permission?!”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“Excuse me, but doesn’t this town permit access to all lawful strangers?”[/color] Bastian asked, jumping down from the wagon, stepping forward and placing his paws on his horse. Met with the second guard’s smug smile, spitting something off to the side.

[color=5acc78]“Yeah, we also enforce the laws of our city. Requiring every non-citizen to pay a toll, which grants them permission to use our resources and benefit from our protection. Unless given strict permission to override that payment, by our king. So, pay us or we’ll have to turn you around.”[/color] The guard said while chewing off and spitting out his fingernail. Bastian stroked the horse’s mane, managing to remain calm and avoid staring in disbelief.

[color=0072bc]“This sounds like extortion to me. Aren’t soldiers supposed to be honorable?”[/color] Bastian uttered, scratching his chest. The first one let out a hearty laugh. 

[color=4aa595]“Lippy little bastard, aren’t ya?”[/color] The first guard scoffed. Twirling his polearm around in circles, seemingly to show off its maneuverability. The second guard giving him a steely look, causing him to cease his actions.

[color=5acc78]“This ain’t a shakedown, beast. It’s our newest city policy."[/color] The second guard responded candidly, glancing in Elizabeth’s direction. [color=5acc78]"That goes for you too miss.”[/color]