By the end of January, Debei was already covered in a blanket of white, no different from the Wilderness.
The bustling Gonda City had not grown quiet due to the cold; large throngs of merchant caravans and farmers still lined up at the city gates to enter.
The Long Halberd Silver Armored Guards at the city gate were routinely inspecting people entering the city and collecting a reasonable City Entrance Tax.
After all, the city suffered wear and tear every day, and repairs alone cost a fortune. Since these people entering the city were enjoying its splendors, it was only natural they should contribute to its maintenance.
But there were always those who tried to avoid paying this fee.
"I know the captain of your City Guard Team." This was a caravan from the Persian Gulf Empire. Because their party was so large, the tax was a significant sum even for them, so they wanted to avoid paying it.
