Wissenland was a rugged, boring stretch of land. Old Solland was a haunted wasteland, and the rest of the province was naught but raw resources and the men and women who got dirty to collect them. Riekland's many ports and walled townships gave innumerable places to visit. However, Wissenland was almost devoid of that kind of life. Every aristocrat that was not ostracized or not required to give direct supervision over their estates inevitably spent the majority of their time in one of the two places in Wissenland that had any real value: Nuln, the black jewel of the Empire. Word had it the Countess Emmanuelle wanted nothing more than to make it's status as an Independent City State a more permanent position, and to cut ties from the province entirely. So far, the Emperor Karl Franz has put off his decision, and so the good Countess has decided to leave the running of Wissenland to the local aristocracy, particularly the Toppenheimer family of Pfieldorf. Instead she reportedly throws extravagant parties and entertains guests from across the Old World, and despite her hands-off rulership, the people of Nuln love her. 

Much of this Kayden had heard, but a corporal named Bertolt had grown up near the West Gate, and had intimate knowledge of the layout and the general news of the area. Last he heard, not much had changed for the four years he had been away. Various wealthy and high profile men and women from across the empire, and even a few from Brettonia and Kislev made semi-permanent places in Emmannuel's extravagant court. Much of them were successful merchants, Nuln being a hotbed for both trade and manufacturing. That bit became evidently clear, as Kayden, Calliope, and their two respective forces approached from the South Gate, the least of the gates that was typically used for trade and not much else. Immediately within the gate were the two least sophisticated areas: The industrial area, where all the raw goods were processed, and the Faulestadt District, where all of the trades that were deemed 'too smelly' to tolerate be conducted. Tanneries, Butcher shops, the lesser taverns, those sorts of businesses. 

When Kayden had informed Calliope, Sir Otto seemed aghast at the notion, urging her they cross the reik at once and come in through a more auspicious entrance. She seemed to consider it, before glancing at Kayden. Otto's face went red, the knight commander and Kayden having nearly come to blows multiple times over what Kayden had to guess was his lady's 'affections.' Yes, it was true Kayden found her quite attractive, but the man had wanted him dead or gone before Kayden had even considered any fantasies on that score. 

"The men are tired and eager. I feel it would be best to grant them leave first, and in the place they can make the least trouble." The Prince Captain advised her. "There is a poor quarter, but I don't want brigandry at or from the men, and it would suit you and your men to lose the...shackles of mine, and arrive across the central bridge in style." 

Calliope pursed her ruby lips, and Kayden could see her calculating. Despite her beauty, she had an almost reptilian coldness about her when she was thinking. It unnerved him, and only made her dark magics that much more off putting. Despite it all, however, she was a joy to play chess with and have as a debate partner for much of a night. And he could also recognize the look of recognition she gave before agreeing with him. 

"Very well, that sounds adequate." She said, glancing at Otto to warn him of any protestations. "Of course, Captain Kayden and a few select men of his will be joining us." 

"What!?" Otto stammered.

"My lady..." Kayden began, but she shot him a look just as reproachful, and he immediately gave up. Kayden had been looking forward to relaxing, perhaps visiting one of the famous academies and bedding a few wenches. He heard Myrmidia and Verena worship was more tolerated here, even sporting a few temples. Calliope had promised him he could relax, but he supposed he had to wait just a bit more. Though he played it well, cutthroat politics and banquets were not his idea of a good time, unless he was throwing the parties himself of course. 

Well, at least it would give him a chance to drink, he supposed. 

The city was closer now, the walls easily forty feet high and built with immaculate workmanship. Anyone but a dwarf would be impressed by how imposing and well crafted they were. The gate, though vast, did look somewhat puny compared to what it could have been. It was even guarded by somewhat antiquated bolt throwers, rather than the famous cannon Nuln was so well known for. Two watchtowers, with murder holes and a squad of Nuln patrolmen with their famous pikes stood vigil over the various smaller cargo trains traveling in and out. Past the walls, large plumes of black smoke rose languidly over the horizon, no doubt from the many refineries. 

Kayden had no real idea what she was planning, but a raven suddenly appeared and landed on her shoulder, and the sorceress looked at Kayden expectantly. 

He inclined his head and bade her forward. Even his horse seemed to lower its head, somewhat. 

"Welcome to Nuln, my lady."