[Nyka location] The Docks

[Liar]

The Docks At the Eastern edge of Nyka, the great wall opens to the bay. The city walls extend out into the water, cradling the docks and the boats within with the protection of the city. Small wagons and workers transport food, goods, and people between the docks and the heavily guarded gates. South of the the wall, the surrounding hills turn into white dunes of rolling sands; North, they escalate into rocky cliffs. Neither are very populated due to their distance from the city's protection, but both are quiet, if not dangerous, places for a few hours’ respite. The docks themselves are strong and tireless—or seem to be, for they are well-maintained. The wood is barnacled and worn soft on some edges, but of all the dangers in the world, the risk of a faulty step is hardly one of them. It is the responsibility of Laat monks to patrol the hollow wooden lanes, for trade negotiations as well as for keeping the peace. Often a higher ranking member of the Order can be seen at the foot of the docks with a list and quill in hand, writing down names and sending others to inspect the day’s catch. Outside the city docks, large ships anchor in the greater part of the bay; that is, if they survive the narrow strait that is the only entrance to the otherwise landlocked body of water. Large trading ships are hardly the norm in these docks, however. Three out of the four boats in the harbor are not for trade, but rather belong to Nykan fishermen. They come down every day to throw their hooks and nets, and to transport their catch to the hungry populace. These waters are bustling and busy from dawn to dusk, but as the sun falls, the citizens must return home. There are various stone barricades standing as warehouses on he water’s side of the gates for those who must remain, those who have been given explicit permission by the monks. Goods that have not had time to be transported may also be stored here, if they are not suspected to attract foul things. Six or seven monks are assigned to stay every night: too many for making a deal with a late-coming foreigner, but just enough to defend themselves from the perils that might creep into this vulnerable area.