The White City

Ana's feet were killing her. They were sore from walking and rubbed raw from the blades of grass that brushed ruthlessly against her bare legs, over and over again. She licked her lips,   but they were still dry when she pulled her tongue away.

Peti glanced back, saw Ana lagging, and paused for her to catch up. "Here." he handed her the flagon of water.

Ana took a deep, thirsty swig. "I thought we had to ration the water."

"It doesn't matter now. We're almost there. Keep moving, no more lagging. The sooner we arrive the sooner you can really quench your thirst. And your hunger."

Ana took another long pull from the flagon, then handed it back.  She couldn't believe they were finally close. She could barely even remember Bymont. When they'd first left, and for some time after, there had been food and water aplenty. But the closer they got, the more the rations dwindled, until Peti was limiting food and water to one meal a day. "It's always like this, in the end stretch," he told her. "Not enough villages in the open plains for a refill. Us nomads are used to it, but I know it's hard."

Now he was ahead again, although the gap between them was smaller.

Ana was concentrating on her feet, looking down and willing them to keep up with Peti's pace, which had ramped up considerably after he'd stopped with the water. But when he gave a shout, she raised her head. And gasped.

The White City rose up like nothing she'd ever seen before. Bymont was a hovel compared to this. The sun, cruel and merciless on the plains, shone down brightly and splattered light across the city, making it sparkle like a diamond. Beyond was water, as far as the eye could see, dancing and casting its blue shimmer back up at the city like a second sun.

Ana stumbled forward, her feet forgotten. "What do you think?" Peti called back. She didn't answer, but she didn't have to. He knew. It was better than any story she'd ever heard, and more than that too.

When they got closer, it was different again. It was loud. The air was hot, but drizzled with wisps of cool ocean air. There was a heady scent, too, coming from red climbing flowers that seemed to grow everywhere. And there were people. Thousands and thousands of people. Some were merchants, shouting out their wares. Some wore next to nothing, moving with purpose in their step. "Slaves," Peti leaned over to murmur. Some were glorious, in blue and gold spun silk, strutting about like the most beautiful birds Ana had even seen.

Peti lead them towards the city's centre. Ana barely paid attention to where they were going, so caught up she was in turning her head in every direction.

When they stopped, they were in front of a merchant with gold teeth and a twinkling eye. He was surrounded by similar merchants, each store front backed by cages filled with naked, unmarked slaves of every shape and size. His was filled with women. "Peti my old friend! What do you have for me today?"

"Dorro, this is Ana. She's come a long way. From the other end of the plains. And she fancies herself an adventurer."

"Adventure is it? I think I can provide that quite easily. Is she fresh?"

"Unused and as fresh as any flower. And pretty, too. "

Ana's initial polite smile was fading into puzzlement. "What do you mean, fresh?" she said to Peti. Aren't we… I mean, I thought you were going to introduce me to your friend and find me a place to stay and…" she stumbled over her tongue.

"I lied. A little. Darro is a friend of sorts. And he'll find you a place to stay. But he's going to pay me for the pleasure."

"What?"

"I don't just charm young girls and convince them to run away from home for FUN. Did you really think we were coming here to fulfill your adventure? Don't be a fool. Pretty girls are a commodity in the white city. Darro, I think 85 tors will do."

"Pah! 60. She's pretty yes, but untrained and dark and dirty as sin."

"75."

"Peti you make me a poor man. Done, if you throw in some of that fireweed I know you have in your pocket."

A chain suddenly snaked out and wrapped around Ana's neck.  Peti bowed to her and Darro, then walked off without a word, leaving Ana staring after him, white with shock.

The way the city smelled suddenly meant absolutely nothing.