The Land under the Lake

Part 2- To the Gates

            The pair stood at the top of a 20 foot stair case that led down to the main street. They could see almost everything in the sub aquatic world; to the fields and the very edge of the city which was the size of the Lake. And although they were under the Lake there was no water. The air was as cool and as brisk as it had been above ground. In the city streets below them people were heading home branching off this side street and that alley to their various homes. The stairs spiraled down to the Thoroughfare where all the shops and vendors stood. Most people were packed or packing up, for night had fallen beneath the lake as well and it was not always safe at night as it was during the day time. At the end of the Thoroughfare stood the majestic Palace where they knew they would find the Queen, and behind the grandiose building the Monastery of Light that stood in its shadows.

            The brother and sister hurried down the stairs as fast as they could without falling. Fanira grabbed Vandir’s arm and dragged him down the street. He nearly tripped over the uneven cobble stones.

“Calm down!” he exclaimed. “She’s waited a fortnight, surly she can wait another fifteen minutes!” Fanira ignored him and hailed a nearby canopy cab.  He grumbled that he had been about to head home, but at the sound of the words “official business” he agreed. The pair stepped into the canopied seat and waited for the man to take his place at the front of the vehicle. There were no pack animals under the Lake, none would fit though the concealed hole, and besides the lake folk were smaller than those humans and had no need to force animals to do their work. If they couldn’t carry or pull something then it wasn’t worth transporting. Only royalty used special little horses, and then only in dire need.

            The cabby positioned himself between the two outstretched handles picedk them up and began jogging down the street at a brusque pace, eager to be done with his unwanted task. The Thoroughfare led straight to the gates of the Palace, and they reached them in a timely fashion which pleased Fanira. She hated being late. Vandir often liked to tease her for her near obsessive punctuality, but she remained in her ways.  

              At the gates the cabby stopped to let them off and Fanira headed straight towards the gates without looking back. Vandir rummaged in his pockets to for some coins and muttered, “Sorry about her she’s a little nervous about meeting the Queen.”

“S’okay as long I get me money I don’t care,” and with that he turned and headed back down by the Thoroughfare.   Vandir turned and followed his sister who was standing in front of the intricate gates waiting for him.