The Brotherhood

Gregor leant against the railings as the ship approached the harbour. It had been over three years since he had last left the island and the community that was his home. The view appeared no different from the last time he had journeyed to the mainland, though the cause could not have been more different. He pulled his robes tighter around him as a particularly strong gust of wind blew across the deck. He turned as William made his way to the bow of the ship.
“We will be arriving soon, then,” William stated, looking out at the city. Gregor smiled faintly, nodding in reply.
“The first leg of our journey is nearly complete. But we have a long journey overland ahead of us yet, my brother.”
“It will be interesting to see. The capital is said to be quite beautiful.”
“Usually by people who have not been there.”
“I forgot. You have journeyed there before.”
“Many years ago now. I doubt it will have changed much.”
“You did not find it appealing then?”
“It is a city like any other. A little larger than most. Yes, it has its wondrous sights to be sure, its grand and ornate architecture. It has its squalor and derelict buildings as well, though you will rarely hear traveller’s tales describing their charms.”
“You did not care for it then, Brother Gregor?” William inquired, grinning. Gregor glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and grinned himself before replying.
“Truth be told, I did quite enjoy my last visit. But never let yourself be distracted by a glamorous exterior, Brother William. The whole of a thing is rarely seen in a single glance.”
“You sound more like the Elders with each passing day, Brother.”
“And that thought does not elicit the dread that it might once have done. I must be getting old,” he added, beating William to the comment. William smiled and turned away.
“I’ll go and make sure Terrance and Duncan are ready to disembark.”

- Excerpt from Book One of the Ascension Wars