The forest eventually became flat lands down the path. The autumn lands radiated a yellow-orange hue. Along the horizon, A couple of houses sat alongside the dirt path. Arriving at the gate, A triple Venn diagram with a triangle hung proudly on the in-construction walls. Scaffolding towered these gray walls. Up ahead, guards stood at the gate, wobbling on their feet. Exhaustion plastered all over their faces. Without much conflict, I entered the city.

  The entire town stood in contrast to the forest outside. The buildings held colors of mildly dark wood, and the walkway was laid with cobblestone. Walking around, there was a tavern, an inn, and a few stores sitting idle on either side of the road. A circle branched into four paths. Each one in the direction of a gate. Sitting on a bench, I read the plate on the figure.

  “In honor of our Founder and father, Cornelius. The one who taught honesty, cooperation, and innovation.”

  Remembering the delivery letter, I pull out the yellow scroll. Opening it up, an initial ingrained into the scroll rises and morphs into a blank sheet of paper. A ball of light floated on my finger. I send out a message,

  “ The caravan encountered an accident. Your wine is in safe hands. Go to the statue please?”

  The page floated into the sky and drifted along the wind. Away from sight… A few moments later, A similar page landed in front of my eyes, reading,

  “Acknowledged… Wait there. We have much to discuss.”

  The city seemed eerily empty, with only a few pedestrians wandering the streets. Bored, I stare off at the plumes of smoke rising into the sky…

  The Sun hung directly above the Zenith when a cloaked figure of large stature walked towards me. His stature standing at about 6 foot 7,

  “Are you the one who sent the message?”

  I reply, staring at his massive stature,

  “Yes”

  Smiling under his hood, he raised both arms and exclaimed

  “Welcome! It must have been a long journey. Come with me.”

  Standing up, we started walking together.

  “I am Reid Cornelius. One of the family heads who runs this beautiful city.”

  Nodding, I ask,

  “Where is everybody?”

  “Today is the day where we mourn our losses, Our valiant soldiers who fought and fell. The ceremony starts at around 4…”

  Glancing at his watch, Reid gives a concerning look,

  “It’s around 12 right now… So, I heard there was an accident? Can you tell me about it?”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I sighed, reimagining the caravan that lay still on the ground.

  “I am not certain. When I came to my senses, everyone was dead…”

  Reid’s eyebrows raised. His face filled with a look of shock, followed by surprise and then mourning. After a moment of silence, Reid commented,

  “I’m sorry for what happened … But thank you for telling me. It must have been rough walking here. I owe you a thanks.”

  After a moment of contemplation Reid waved at me.

  “Follow me traveler, I will compensate you with a reward.”

  Following, I look around the road, an excellent cobblestone road with stalls beside the stone and wood buildings. People occasionally walked around, and others set up booths. Seeking that opportunity for some commerce. My attention drifts toward the blue sky and the puffs of smoke in the corner of my eye. Suddenly, my daydream was interrupted by Reid tapping my shoulder.

  “We are here.”

  Reid pulled down his hood revealing a structured face and a hardened gaze. Pushing open the gate, a luxurious mansion reveals itself between the rows of many trees. Their reddish-brown leaves rested on the path. Across the trees was a wide expanse with horses grazing aimlessly.

  “Do you really need a house that big?”

  I ask Reid with awe and jealousy. However, he remained unfazed.

  “This house is not mine. It’s under the Cornelius family”

  A hint of defeat hung in his voice. I shrug and follow along. Entering the house, a grand staircase went up to the second floor. Which marked the center of the mansion.

  “Follow me, I want to see the wine.”

  Walking awkwardly through the halls with Reid, we followed the carpets on the floor. I found my mind wandering in tempo with each step. Glimpses of maids, butlers, and noblemen roamed in and out of the many doors that lined the hallway. I felt my feet bounce lightly with each step.

  “Here we are!”

  Reid exclaimed loudly, snapping me out of the strange atmosphere.

  “Welcome! This is my study room.”

  The room was messy. In the center was a large wooden desk, papers stacked above my head. Boxes of rolled-up scrolls sat along the walls. Lastly, books of various sizes rested on the waning bookshelf. Pulling back the curtains, a beautiful meadow of yellowish grass revealed itself. Contrasting the mess that rested around here. Reid picks up a scroll and hands it to me. The page was a copy of a contract of the delivery,

  “Under this scroll, I, Torbell Cork, guarantee a successful or not so successful, delivery of our first trial wine. This wine is a very special wine with illusionistic properties. A wine meant for entertainment as one witnesses a world of joy, bliss, and fulfillment. I guarantee a cinematic experience that you will not regret.”

  After reading through, I glance at Reid,

  “Alright, show me the wine”

  I take out the wine. It was a fine glass bottle swishing with dark liquid. Cursive writing labeled the wine, dulce simulacra it read.

  “Please place it on the scroll”

  The edges of the wine started to burn when I placed it on the scroll. An invisible circle charred black.

  “Now I store this away, proof of a successful delivery.”

  Reid commented. Suddenly, a noticeable bell rang. Both of us turn our heads sharply towards the sound. After a second of silence, Reid exclaims,

  “It seems I should hurry this transaction, food’s ready. Here…”

  Rummaging through his pockets, Reid pulls out 6 coins

  “Here’s 4 silver, a copper and tin coin, I thank you again for this knowledge and the wine. Hurry along now. The exit is back where you came. Sorry!”

  Pushing me out of the room, I find myself back in the hallway. Reid hurriedly brisked down the hallway. I glanced in both directions and sigh.

  "This way if I recall…"

  I followed the familiar carpet patterns, inspecting the coins along the way. The coins were plain, but felt valuable. Flipping a silver coin, it lands on tails. With a couple of nods, I went straight for the exit. Soon I arrived at the front gate.

  An oncoming wagon sped past the mansion gate. spewing dust which plumed right in front of my eyes. I felt the cold late-autumn air seeping into my bones. A persistent growling rumbled in my stomach. With my mind set on a meal, I set my mind towards the city.