After the World Train departed, Yousafer and Yuray headed toward the city gates, leading their own horses along with the one left behind by Helmo and his father. However, the guards at the entrance blocked their path.
Two soldiers stood firm, clad in slate-gray uniforms beneath polished silver breastplates engraved with a horse emblem. They gripped long spears. One of the sentries glanced at the crests on the youths' chests, his eyebrows twitching in brief recognition. He shared a look with his partner before speaking.
"You cannot bring horses inside. It's against the law."
Yousafer glanced at Yuray, offering no argument. They retreated a short distance until they spotted a large stable on the outskirts. As they approached, the stable master hurried toward them, a wide smile on his face—though his eyes, like the guard's, lingered on the strange banner pinned to their chests.
"Welcome, friends! You don't look like locals," the man greeted. "Looking to stable your mounts?"
Yousafer noticed the man's persistent gaze at his chest. "We want to sell them, not just board them."
The man's eyes widened. "We don't usually buy horses here."
"Is there someone who does?" Yuray asked bluntly.
The man stroked his chin, circling the horses to inspect them. He then called out to two men sitting in the shade. "Hey, Kramer! Get over here!"
Kramer approached, and upon hearing the request—and seeing the boys' crests—his expression shifted to one of intrigue. "How much are you asking?"
"How much are you offering?" Yousafer countered.
Kramer paced around the animals. "Five hundred Solars each."
Yousafer raised an eyebrow. "Five hundred? You clearly aren't interested in buying. Are you joking?"
"Then you name a price," Kramer said.
"One thousand Solars each," Yousafer stated firmly. "You know their true value is higher. Take it or we'll find someone who actually wants them."
"Eight hundred," Kramer bartered.
"Last price: one thousand." Yousafer turned as if to walk away.
"Wait, wait! Don't be in such a hurry," Kramer chuckled, waving them back. "I'll take them."
The horses were worth at least fifteen hundred each, but Yousafer dropped the price to ensure a quick sale. He knew they wouldn't need mounts within the city walls. Kramer handed over three gold Solars and a handful of silver and copper. As Yousafer pocketed the money, he pointed to the saddles. "And the saddles? You aren't expecting them for free, are you?"
Kramer smiled but said nothing, eventually adding a few more silver pieces to close the deal.
Now carrying three gold Solars, two silver ones, and a pile of copper, the two youths headed into the capital. They wore black cloaks over their usual clothes, hiding their crests from casual view. They passed through the massive wooden gates, reinforced with iron rings, and stepped into the heart of Randor.
Immediately inside, a tall iron pillar loomed, a flag fluttering at its peak. Below it, a mounted soldier sat motionless, a thin saber held upright—a member of the Union Army in faded gray. The flag above was the banner of the **Union of Nations Church**: a stark black field featuring a red, inverted six-pointed star flanked by two infinity symbols.
The city was a hive of activity. Stone houses rose two stories high, adorned with ornate wooden balconies overlooking bustling streets. The sound of hooves clattered against stone pavement as horse-drawn wagons, laden with goods, rumbled toward warehouses.
Pedestrians crowded the wide sidewalks while vendors shouted their wares—fresh fruit and pungent spices. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and dried herbs hanging from shop doors. From windows above, women watched the crowds, and children darted between wagons, laughing and hiding in the alleyways.
As they wandered, Yousafer and Yuray overheard snippets of conversation. The buzz was all about the upcoming **"Autumn Festival"** at the start of next month. It was an annual tradition, but this year was special: the King was expected to announce his heir. High-ranking representatives from neighboring kingdoms were already arriving, and Union soldiers were everywhere, maintaining a tight grip on order.
"I'm hungry," Yousafer said, stopping beside Yuray. "Let's find a place to eat."
"Me too," Yuray replied. "We passed a place a moment ago. The smell was incredible. Should we go back?"
Yousafer nodded.
They retraced their steps until they reached a building with a bold red sign above the door. Yousafer smiled as he read it: **"Pay Before You Eat."**
They entered, and the aroma of savory food and fresh juices washed over them. The restaurant was cozy yet lively, with wooden tables and gold-tasseled curtains. The floor tiles were worn smooth by years of patrons.
Though the place was packed, one table had a single occupant. The youths walked toward it. Despite the curious stares of other diners, they sat down without a word. The man at the table appeared to be in his fifties, wearing a loose, light-purple robe and a matching headband over his silver hair. Before him sat a clay pot radiating an incredible aroma and an array of earthenware plates piled high with food.
A waiter in a sharp black suit and white shirt approached them, notebook in hand. "What can I get for you, young masters?"
Yousafer scanned the room. "What's good here?"
"We have charcoal-grilled meat, vegetable tagines, chicken soup, smoked fish, and slow-cooked grain stew with warm spices," the waiter recited. "Also flatbread with olive oil and aromatic herbs, fresh cheese, and pickled olives."
Yuray didn't hesitate. "Smoked fish, the vegetable tagine, and flatbread."
"And for me," Yousafer added, "charcoal-grilled meat, chicken soup with honey-glazed cheese, and the pickled olives."
"To drink?"
"Herbal juice for both of us," they said in unison.
The food arrived minutes later in decorated clay dishes, steam rising in white plumes. The waiter set a wooden tray down. "You saw the sign outside, I assume?"
Yousafer smiled, pulling out some coins. "How much?"
"Forty-seven copper Solars for both."
Yousafer placed four copper pieces and seven small solar coins on the tray. "Keep the change."
"Enjoy your meal!" the waiter chirped.
"In the name of God," they muttered together.
Yuray took a bite of the smoked fish; the delicate salt and smoke flavor melted on his tongue. The vegetable tagine provided a warm, earthy comfort.
Yousafer dug into the grilled meat, savoring the rich, smoky juices and the perfect balance of the honey-glazed cheese and sharp olives.
As Yousafer sipped his herbal juice, he found himself locking eyes with the silver-haired man across the table. He quickly looked away, glancing at Yuray, who was completely absorbed in his meal. Yousafer smiled to himself and continued eating, the roar of the restaurant fading into a pleasant background hum.
**End of Chapter**