When the first light of dawn broke through the sky and illuminated the nomadic camp, Shiva and Bratislava were already outside their tents, engaged in conversation. The gentle morning breeze carried a hint of coolness, but their discussion was as intense as fire.
"I will scout Patalliro first, to determine his movements and the defensive situation there," Shiva said solemnly. "Once I determine the next course of action, I will launch a signal arrow in the city."
Bratislava nodded seriously and said, "When you launch the signal arrow, I will lead my men to Patalliro City immediately to meet up with you. You must ensure your own safety; we do not want any unexpected incidents to occur."
Shiva smiled and replied, "I know what to do. As long as you can ensure that you arrive at the designated location quickly after receiving the signal, this operation has a chance of success."
Bratislava Summoning up courage, reaching out, and shaking hands with Shiva, "We are all striving for a better future. Regardless of the outcome, I will be grateful for everything you have done here."
Shiva gently patted Bratislava's shoulder, "All we can do is our best. I hope this time, we can bring peace to this land together."
After finishing their conversation, both of them knew that they would face even more difficulties and challenges ahead, but their hearts were filled with determination and hope. As the sun rose, Shiva shouldered his equipment and set out on the road to Patalliro, while Bratislava and his subordinates prepared to strike at any moment.
Shiva lightly mounted his spirited horse "Lightning," a horse as black as ink, with tight muscles and intelligent eyes. With a light urging of the horse's hooves, Lightning quickly galloped forward, leaving a trail of flying dust.
On the way, Shiva witnessed various scenes. Some were destitute wanderers, carrying their elderly, weak, and sick family members outside the city, hoping for a chance to enter and make a living. Others were merchants carrying abundant goods, hoping to conduct trade in the city and earn a fortune.
As the distance closed in, the magnificent figure of Patalliro City gradually appeared in Shiva's sight. Guards patrolled vigilantly on the towering city walls, ensuring the safety inside the city. At the city gate, there was a bustling market, with vendors loudly promoting their goods and crowds bustling about, creating a busy scene.
The city gate of Patalliro is the symbol of the city. The towering city walls are built with sturdy stones, each carefully carved and fitted, proving the city's past prosperity. However, under Agastya's rule, this once free city is tightly controlled by him.
The gate is wide, with huge metal decorations embedded above, shining in the sunlight. On either side of the gate stand two well-equipped guards, their eyes cold as they watch every citizen coming and going. Their armor, finely polished, shows that they are Agastya's most trusted subordinates. On each side of the gate, there is a watchtower, where guards continuously monitor every corner of the city to ensure order.
On both sides of the city gate hang two flags. One of them is the coat of arms of Patalliro, representing the glory and history of the city; the other is the military flag of Agastya, with a pattern of a sword piercing a heart, which is his symbol, symbolizing his iron-fisted rule over the city.
In the square in front of the city gate, the citizens bustle back and forth, but their eyes reveal a hint of fear. They know that any slight mistake could incur the wrath of Agastya. This is a city that appears prosperous on the outside, but is filled with fear and unease on the inside. Everyone lives under the rule of Agastya, and their hearts are filled with endless anxiety.
When Shiva slowly approached the city gate on his lightning, he gently pulled the reins and paused his steps. He knew that to enter the city, he couldn't attract too much attention. Taking a deep breath and preparing himself, he walked towards the city gate with an air of calm determination.
The sun hung high, casting its golden radiance upon the city gate. Shiva dismounted his horse slowly, and his horse "Lightning" obediently stood with him in the crowd, raising its head and swaying its tail gently, like an elegant king.
In the crowd waiting in line, there are not only commoners from the city, but also merchants, tourists, and nomads from afar. They carry all kinds of goods and trade items, hoping to enter the city for trading. However, the guards at the city gate make it all very difficult.
Whenever someone approaches the city gate, the guards raise their weapons and aggressively interrogate them. Sometimes, they forcibly search the people for valuables, pretending it's a "check," but in reality, it's extortion. Those who are unwilling to pay or do not have enough money may be subjected to the guards' violence or be expelled.
These guards are all dressed in neat uniforms with the symbol of Agastya printed on them. Their behavior has clearly strayed from their duties, becoming arrogant and greedy. Under Agastya's control, these guards seem to have gained privileges to mistreat helpless citizens at will.
Shiva observes all this with a cold gaze, reflecting not only the glistening land but also the hidden darkness and corruption behind it. He can clearly sense that Agastya's influence is like a heavy iron chain, binding the hearts and bodies of everyone.
The hustle and bustle in front of the city gate has become a daily scene under the rule of this city, and Shiva is determined to break this terrifying rule and let the people here regain true freedom.
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