NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Pentos
The evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the landscape as Alex and Daenerys approached the towering walls of Pentos. The walls stretched high into the sky, their gray stone a testament to the city's wealth and fortifications. Beyond them, the faint hum of a bustling metropolis could be heard—the sound of merchants bartering, travelers arriving, and life thriving in the Free City of Pentos.
Alex brought the Jeep to a halt at a safe distance from the city's walls, parking it behind a cluster of trees. He looked toward Daenerys, her face marked with a mixture of fatigue and curiosity. The sight of such a massive city, far larger than anything she had seen before, left her momentarily stunned.
"Welcome to Pentos," Alex said, his tone calm but wary. He pressed a button on his system interface, and the Jeep disappeared in a flash of light, returning to his inventory.
Daenerys gasped, her eyes widening. Even after witnessing so much already, the sight of the vehicle vanishing left her speechless. "How… how did you do that?"
"Magic," Alex said with a faint smile, brushing off her amazement. He handed her a tattered robe he had purchased from the system earlier. "Here, put this on. We need to blend in. Pentos may not be as dangerous as Braavos, but we can't risk drawing attention to ourselves."
Daenerys nodded, pulling the robe over her clothes. The coarse fabric scratched against her skin, but she said nothing. She was starting to trust Alex's judgment, even if she didn't fully understand him.
Together, they walked toward the enormous gates of Pentos, their figures hidden beneath the tattered robes. The gates were guarded by a pair of armored sentries, their spears gleaming in the fading sunlight. The guards' eyes swept over each person entering the city, their gazes sharp and suspicious.
Alex kept his hand lightly on Daenerys's shoulder, guiding her as they approached. His other hand rested casually beneath his robe, ready to draw his pistol if needed. Though his weapon was far superior to anything these guards could comprehend, he knew avoiding conflict was the better option.
As they drew closer, the details of the gate came into view. Intricate carvings adorned the stone, depicting scenes of trade and prosperity—the lifeblood of Pentos. The guards stopped them briefly, their eyes scanning for signs of trouble.
"What's your business in Pentos?" one of the guards demanded, his voice gruff.
Alex lowered his hood slightly, enough to reveal a non-threatening expression. "We're travelers, seeking work and shelter," he said simply.
The guard eyed them both suspiciously, his gaze lingering on Daenerys for a moment. Alex's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly, a silent warning for her to remain calm.
After a tense pause, the guard waved them through. "Move along," he muttered.
Alex and Daenerys stepped through the gates and into the city, the noise and smells of Pentos immediately enveloping them. Narrow streets bustled with activity as merchants hawked their wares, children darted between carts, and the scent of roasted meats and spices filled the air.
Daenerys looked around, her expression a mixture of awe and apprehension. "It's… so crowded," she said, her voice barely audible over the noise.
"It's a trade city," Alex explained, keeping his voice low. "Everything here revolves around commerce. But we're not here to admire the scenery. Let's find a place to stay for the night."
The two moved carefully through the streets, avoiding areas that seemed too crowded or too quiet. Alex's eyes scanned the surroundings constantly, his instincts sharp. The system provided him with a map of the city, highlighting a few safe locations where they could rest.
After a short walk, they reached a modest inn tucked away in one of the quieter parts of the city. The sign above the door was faded, but the faint hum of voices from within suggested it was a busy enough place to avoid suspicion.
Alex stepped inside first, his eyes quickly assessing the interior. The common room was filled with travelers and merchants, their conversations a low murmur beneath the crackling of a central fireplace. The innkeeper, a stout man with a balding head, looked up as they entered.
"We need a room," Alex said, sliding a small silver coin across the counter.
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow but didn't ask questions. He handed Alex a key, motioning toward the stairs.
Once inside their room, Alex locked the door and took a deep breath. The room was small but clean, with a single bed and a wooden table. Daenerys sat down on the edge of the bed, her posture tense.
"Are we safe here?" she asked, her voice uncertain.
"For now," Alex replied, his eyes still scanning the room as if expecting danger to materialize at any moment. "But we can't stay long. Pentos may be safer than Braavos, but Illyrio has connections everywhere. We'll need to keep moving."
Daenerys nodded, though her expression betrayed her exhaustion. The events of the past days had taken their toll on her, and she was still trying to process everything Alex had told her.
"Rest," Alex said, softening his tone. "We'll figure out our next move tomorrow."
As Daenerys lay down, Alex sat by the window, watching the streets below. The city might have welcomed them tonight, but he knew their journey was far from over. And with Illyrio's men still hunting them, every moment counted.