Read Ascent of the Aliomenti for Free Online

would be to invite suspicion. He needed to show evidence that he was no threat, which his weaponless status should provide. And he’d need to be convincing in his need to enter, seeming vulnerable enough to evoke compassion, but strong enough to thrive in this militaristic, walled city.
    The pair of knights stood guard at the gates, unmoving. Will could feel their eyes watching his every step, ready to spring into action at any indication that Will was there for nefarious purposes. Heavily-armored hands rested upon swords plunged into the earth at their feet, available to stab and sever upon command.
    Will glanced back and forth between the two of them, waiting for them to challenge his approach, to demand to know his purpose here. Neither man spoke. Perhaps it was a test of some kind. Perhaps those who lacked the nerve to request entry were frightened away, leaving in a show of timidity unworthy of a city of warriors in training.
    “Good morning, sirs. My name is Will. My home has been lost to a fire which consumed my entire village, and as I set out to find a new home, brigands set upon me during my evening camp, relieving me of my sword, tools, and many possessions. I am able to provide skilled work to any carpenters within.” He opted to ignore his earlier plan. “I have also worked as a doctor in my village, and can provide assistance there as well. I ask entry to the city of Abrecan as a man of honor.” He believed that any single skill in need would help, but admitting to more than one would surely cement his permission to enter.
    The knights remained motionless for several moments, as if communicating telepathically, debating the truthfulness of Will’s statement, determining if his words should grant him entry. After several moments, Will wondered if he’d perhaps failed some test, but decided that patience was in order. As a man destined to live many centuries, waiting was a luxury he could afford.
    The closer of the two knights finally spoke. “Your words ring true, sir, and your skills will provide value. Entering this city comes with restrictions, however. You may enter now, but know this: these doors open only once each week to allow those desiring egress their opportunity to leave, and those granted entry the opportunity to move inside. The doors open in one hour. Choose well, sir; entry binds you to our fair city for seven days.”
    Strange though the rules were, Will found them sensible, given the nature of the city. Frequent turnover of people in the city invited any with ill motive ample opportunity to enter, to bring in supporters, or to smuggle in weapons. Limitations as described would slow down such plans, and enable any security within to ferret out the malcontents before they gained sufficient numbers and armament to carry out their plans.
    Will nodded to the knight. “I understand and accept your rules. I will enter this city when the gates open.”
    The knights spoke no more, leaving Will to wait in silence, contemplating the contrast with his entry to the Aliomenti village. The walls there were almost decorative in nature. They could slow down a small armed force, or a sufficiently disinterested individual, but they could not withstand anyone with intense interest in gaining access. Will had been able to climb the walls with relative ease, even without using Energy. As he’d stood outside the Aliomenti village, he’d heard nothing. The village was enveloped in a profound silence, for it was empty while the residents completed their morning bathing ritual. Here, outside Abrecan, he’d been greeted by two men heavily armed, and those men were aided by a silent support group atop the walls, watching Will’s every move. The walls themselves were reminiscent of those surrounding his home at De Gray Estates, tall and wide and topped with defensive mechanisms, from armed knights to barbed wire.
    The noise was overpowering. He’d come to appreciate the tranquility of the village, and even more