The city within the inner walls was completely different from the rural sprawl without. The buildings were neat and uniform, set on streets of polished obsidian cobblestones and gutters. Crystal lights floated above light posts, illuminating the premature twilight cast by the spire's shadow.
The city was built on a shelf that spiraled up the mountain, bringing it almost a quarter wide and slowly narrowing as it neared the palaces resting on the peak. Viewed from afar, it was like a tiny city wrapped around a needle shaft.
But, with a bigger city came more people. As soon as the gates opened, a tide of panic swept through the bear by men, women, and children, scattering them in all directions. Guards constantly rushed to the commotion, only to be turned back with a glance at Elaine.
