Storm and his companions reached Kingsport by midday on the second day of their journey.
All three of them were currently laying flat on the ground at the top of a hill overlooking Kingsport.
The city was built at the top of a large cliff that was overlooking the vast ocean and was entirely surrounded by thick marble walls that was over 100 feet high.
The walls were pure white without a single blemish or crack visible and the locals seemed to have put great care into keeping the city pristine.
The buildings inside were also made mostly of marble and even the smallest, most basic houses were well maintained and decorated.
At the very top of the cliff, was a large marble castle, a second wall blocked the path towards the castle, but since the back and sides of the castle was protected by steep cliffs, there were no walls on those sides protecting the castle grounds.
Seeing what Storm was looking at, Leyocan began to explain the history of the castle's occupants
"That's the personal residence of 'Margrave Luther ' also knows as 'The Wandering Lord'
He's well known for his wanderlust and often spends his time sailing the seas or exploring the lands.
This leaves the city to be run by it's council of Guildmasters. The city is well defended, but fortunately it's not our destination.
That is." Said Leyocan.
He pointed to a path that branched off from the main road leading into the city.
It went left past the city and hugged the left side of the cliff, until it ended at a second 50ft
Wall that seperated the cove from the mainland beyond.
All along the path were the husks of several burned down or destroyed buildings.
The remains of some great disaster that struck the city.
The entire mouth of the cove had been filled with docks and several large, grand ships were docked at the ports.
Unlike most defensive fortifications though, the ones at the docks seemed to be facing the wrong way and was aimed at the ocean.
The buildings were at their tallest closest to the walls and seemed to grow smaller the closer one came to the docks.
"Why are the fortifications built like that?" Asked Aurora.
"The city was sacked by a particularly skilled pirate fleet several years ago and they rebuilt the port this way after the reconstruction.
Kingsport's coastal extension is unique because it's not designed to keep invaders out, but to keep them 'in'.
Notice how the buildings gets smaller as you get closer to the docks? It's designed this way so that the archers and war machines on the walls have an unobstructed view of the port." Explained Leyocan.
"Are we going straight to your former clan?"
"I would prefer if we didn't.... I.. didn't part well with them and would prefer not to involve them if I can help it.
Gavin likes to frequent a tavern near the port, we'll look for him there." Explained Leyocan.
They shifted to their respective human forms, then distributed the supplies Storm had been carrying between the three of them, before making their way down the hill towards the main gates.
Just before reaching the main gate, they took the path that led directly towards the port.
As they got closer to the port entrance, Leyocan whispered to them.
"Remember! If anyone asks, we're seeking to charter a ship to take us to Arcadia to visit our family. " Explained Leyocan.
Despite their preparation, the guards didn't even give them a second glance, and they were allowed through without any issues.
Storm eyed the sheer cliff wall that ran beside the main city.
"Isn't the city vulnerable like this! Can't people just climb the clifface to sneak into the city?" Asked Storm.
"Climbing it is harder than it looks, and you'd be in clear line of sight of the sentries stationed on the walls who could easily just fill your back with arrows.
You could attempt to climb it after nightfall, but doing so is practically suicide if you don't have some way to see in the dark.
So only the most desperate would attempt it, and most of them died in doing so." Explained Leyocan.
Leyocan led them through the busy streets towards the docks.
"Watch your pockets! This place is a haven for cut purses and pickpockets!" Warned Leyocan.
It didn't take them long to get to a medium-sized wooden building located just off the docks.
Several chairs and tables had been placed outside so that patrons could sit and enjoy the sunset.
Storm could hear loud murmurs and laughter coming from inside.
He looked up at the sign above the door.
It depicted a beautiful woman with a fish tail for a lower body that was sitting on a round rock. 'The Siren's Rest' was written below the sign.
Storm, Aurora and Leyocan opened the door and stepped inside.
As Leyocan made his way to the counter, Storm took a moment to look around the taven.
The room was filled to bursting with people that had the look of sailor about them.
Everyone fell silent when they saw Storm's group enter.
And from the looks on their faces, they were not pleased to see them here.
Storm and Aurora lengthened their stride so that they can catch up on Leyocan.
"Excuse me!" Asked Leyocan.
A burly man behind the counter turned around and sneered at their group.
"We only serve sailors and men of the sea in this establishment!
Take your business elsewhere!" Replied the barkeep.
"Well... what a coincidence!! I'm looking for just such a man.
Goes by the name 'Gavin'? He's a humble ship's captain by trade?
Leyocan slid several coins over the counter.
The man eyed the coins for a moment before pocketing the coins.
"You're out of luck! Captain Gavin has been arrested by the guardsmen." Explained the barkeep.
"Damn it!! What for?" Asked Leyocan.
"Smuggling, and Piracy... or so I've heard! Now! If you don't mind! I've customers to serve."
The barkeep ignored them further and returned to his rounds.
"This is going to complicate things!!" Grumbled Leyocan.
Before Storm could answer, he saw a large group of sailors get up from a table and make their way towards them
"Seems like trouble may have found us? " Thought Storm grimly.