The Twin Serpents
"The Twin Serpents"
As we ascended the long, inclining, dusty road towards the ominous city-state of Anguis, the one thing, actually two things, that could be seen from far off were two enormous white cobras sitting poised to strike anyone who ventured near. "What in the abyss are those things?" I asked. "Them are The Twin Serpents." Pascal answered. "I can see they're two blasted snakes, but what are they?" "Don't worry Ren, they ain't alive. Just some monuments the old emperor set up as watch towers. We'll be through them and into The Pythos Empire in an hour or so. When we get there, keep your mouth shut and hands in plain view. Pascal, will pay the toll and they'll search the carts, and then we'll be on our way." Berend stated plainly, as if he'd been here a hundred times. "Is it worth it? All his trouble. To go all this way and then back." "Course it is." Cut in Shale, the Ruball dwarf out of Saberford. "We got lots to sell and trade and we need them waterproof leathers." " Marsh Leather." Interrupted Zolus Korr. "Yeah, right, I know what they're called." Shale responded. "Besides, Zolus needs a few ingredients for his spells." "Lets just keep that to ourselves, shall we. We don't need any undue attention while we're here. They don't take kindly to wizards in these parts. Or elvish folk." Zolus replied. "Who does these days." quipped Pascal. "Can't we go around or take a different road?" I asked. "No, it's the only road in from the west, which makes the towers ideal. Ok. Time to quiet down, put on those cloaks I brought. Ren, get those ears out of sight, we're almost there." Berend warned. I was once again wondering what exactly Berend was doing with us, when the dusty wind settled down and the two huge towers materialized in front of us. They were enormous indeed, several stories high at least, and wider than any tavern I'd ever been to. They seemed to be gleaming white cobras coiled up and ready to strike. Their intricate scaled patterns made them look so life like, that I could almost believe they were about to attack us. A glint caught my eye from way up, and as I shielded my eyes from the noonday sun, I could just make out the snake's huge ruby red eyes. Not sure if they are real gems or just some sorta fancy glass, but they were impressive, and probably very expensive. Berend quickly handed me a green and white trimmed cloak and I hastily put it on like the others, threw up the hood and kept my head down. Just breathe I told myself, just act normal.
Purpose / Function
These two large sandstone serpents serve a dual purpose. They first serve as a grand monument to the unification of The Pythos Empire. Their second function is as a guard and watchtower, due to their placement on either side of the only western road into the city-state of Anguis and the empire.
Alterations
Although it was originally constructed of sandstone, it has undergone a brief renovation, where the outsides have been repaired and a weather resistant, ivory plaster has been coated on top of it.
Architecture
These twin structures are made entirely out of shaped sandstone, that is commonly found in the northern regions of The Pythos Empire. During their construction, entire slave crews labored for years to cut the large blocks and transport them to the western edge of Anguis from the Pellis Desert. Once at the construction site, skilled artisans shaped, fine tuned, and fitted the blocks together constructing the massive towers. The towers are constructed to each look like gigantic coiled cobras, rearing up and ready to strike. From bottom to top they are 66 feet tall and 50 feet wide and took 10 years to construct. Under the current leadership of The Pythos Empire, a protective ivory coating of plaster has been applied to the sandstone.
History
The Twin Serpents were ordered to be constructed by "The First Holy Emperor" of The Pythos Empire. After a long and vicious civil war, the eight city-states of Pythos were eventually united into the empire it is today. To memorialize this event and to give warning to any nation or peoples traveling through the empire, The Twin Serpents were created. Throughout time, the large and ominous towers housed various militia, collected tolls, gave advanced warning, and kept a watchful eye on the surrounding border lands. As word of the might of The Pythos Empire spread, less and less opposition occurred and the need for such a strong and expensive outpost diminished. Over the years, time took its toll on the towers as the soft sandstone began to crack and crumble in places. This continued through the reign of the decadent "Third Holy Emperor", who valued more earthly pleasures than the religious, or military might. Assassinated by his daughter, "The Holy Empress", sought to reaffirm the once great military might and did so with moderate success, but her family's secret to long life escaped her. Her son and "Fourth Holy Emperor", used the reawakened military to cast their religious shadow far across the lands. He strengthened the border, ordered boundary patrols, arrested dissidents, held public religious ceremonies, including The Konj Kuvar, and repaired The Twin Serpents, encasing them in a weather proof white plaster. Now all who enter the empire can gaze in awe at the magnificent towers.
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