Ten days later, atop the gatehouse of the new city's north gate—the main gate that faced the official road and towered a full hundred meters high! The day was clear, and a scorching sun had enveloped all of Penzes City since early morning, turning the entire city into a steamer. The newly paved, smooth stone slabs, relentlessly baked by the sun, were scalding to the touch.
In this ghastly weather, no one wanted to take a single step out of their homes, save for those who absolutely had to. The big, round sun was so blindingly bright it was almost impossible to keep one's eyes open. So, being able to stay at home and sip on sour plum soup chilled in the cellar was an incredible luxury.
