Suryak Gate

Suryak Gate stands where stone archways, horse markets, treaty halls, river stores, signal towers, and grass roads meet at the edge of the great plain. It is capital because roads answer to it, not because every rider loves it. Its courtyards smell of dust, bridle leather, salt, hot stone, watered horses, and spiced food given under watchful eyes. Hospitality and surveillance share the same cup there. The city is beautiful when banners burn gold in sunset. It is dreadful when the arches close and everyone beyond them learns how quickly welcome can become wall.