Vikana was now in sight. It was a town of glass and steel, with towers rising high into the air against the backdrop of the snow covered mountains. Initially they didn't look any bigger than the buildings in Vlindra until they got closer, and Zan found himself having to strain his neck in order to see the tops.

Even the station in Vikana was impressive. The whole front façade was made of giant glass panes and as the train rolled in, Zan noticed the polished marble floors and the huge size of the building. Vlindra station seemed like a dilapidated shed in comparison. He estimated it to be at least thrice the size. His mouth was agape at the sight, and his eyes were wide and starry.

He leaned against the seat in front as the train juddered to a halt, and thought of whether to take the conductor's advice. This was apparently the end of the line and everyone else was getting off.

He waited a few seconds as the crowd emptied, and the conductor walked back along the carriage. Another man had remained motionless at the far end. Tentatively he stood and moved towards him. Perhaps he was asleep and needed waking, or maybe he missed his stop and needed to stay on for the return journey, Zan thought.

The man was dressed in a black cloak, and like Zan had his hood up, hiding most of his face behind a shadow. He was slouched in his chair but was facing forward.

"Aren't you getting off?" Zan asked.

The man sat up and placed his hands by his side. Zan caught a glimpse of his face as he manoeuvred. He looked quite young, in his middle twenties maybe, and had gaunt cheeks. He had a strange ring on his index finger, and a familiar insignia woven into the fabric on his long sleeve. It was the same image as the one on the seal that was used on his invitation – a Firebeast with wings abreast and mouth open.

"I get off at the next stop." The man glanced knowingly up towards the conductor who was stood behind him.

"Those with tickets like yours boy should stay on board," the conductor said.

The cloaked man leaned forward. "Is this boy's destination correct?" He said with a hint of surprise in his tone.

"Aye, that's what is on his ticket." The conductor sat down at the other side of the carriage, wiping his brow as the train suddenly lurched forward again. Zan grabbed the top of the seat to balance himself.

"I hope you know what you're getting yourself in for," the man said as he leaned back.

Zan sat down and waited patiently. The train whizzed through the city, and wound around the base of the mountain range. The surfaces on either side were white and glistening, and there were no signs of life beyond. He wiped the window free of condensation as the train began an ascent, and he saw in the distance the track suddenly ending on the mountainside, as if it crashed straight into the rock.

He squinted as if to check his mind wasn't playing tricks with him, and as the train neared, a small section of the mountain appeared to open up and the train entered, throwing everything into darkness.

"Where are we?" Zan's voice quivered a little, and his breathing hastened.

"Don't worry boy, we're nearly there," the conductor said.

A small light shone up ahead and it grew and grew until another platform came into view, and the train began slowing.

"Welcome to Jankar Complex." The conductor stood and smiled at Zan, who remained motionless. "This is your stop," he said, reminding him.

The cloaked man stood up and sighed. "Come, I will show you where to go. A new recruit I assume?" he said.

"I...I guess so," Zan said looking up at him. "Recruit for what exactly?"

The man smiled but said nothing and began walking.

Zan picked up his bag. "I don't understand," he said as the conductor looked on. "You must get people staying on and turning up here. How can it be a secret?"