The narrow, winding streets of Silverton grew steeper as Justin and Lila made their way uphill. Indigo cobblestones gave way to staircases cut directly into the rock and adorned with vibrant flowers. Buildings became more spaced out, their architecture grander and balconies lined with wrought iron that gleamed in the sunlight.

Before long, they left the bustle of the town below and were heading up a secluded pathway that twisted its way around a dense grove of pine trees. The air was fresher here, laden with the scent of mountain flowers and undergrowth. Justin felt his thighs burn a little from the incline but didn’t want to admit it.

Perched atop a crest overlooking the city was Baron Valdrik’s mansion, easily the largest they had seen. The impressive residence was crafted from gray mountain stone, but its façade had an elegance to it. Tall spires reached out toward the sky, and large windows, with ornate wooden frames, offered breathtaking views of the pass below. The property was surrounded by manicured gardens, a splash of colors against the gray and green backdrop.

As they approached, they were met with an intricately wrought-iron gate depicting a falcon in flight, apparently the symbol of House Valdrik. A pale-faced guard, in a deep maroon uniform adorned with the same falcon emblem, stood watch. He studied their approach with sharp eyes, but then, recognizing the seal on the parcel, pushed the gate open.

“This way, please.”

As they approached, the mansion loomed large, its tall spires and gothic architecture lending it a haunting air.

Once inside, they were led through a series of beautifully decorated halls. Gilded portraits of past barons and other family members adorned the walls. Justin could hear the distant sound of harp music, indicating some leisurely activity in a distant room.

But despite the displays of wealth, the air was thick, almost tangible, like they had walked into a room full of unseen watchers. Cold drafts seemed to come from nowhere, causing candle flames to flicker while sending chilling tendrils down Justin’s spine.

The guard led them to a dim hallway filled with more portraits, whose eyes seemed to follow their every move. The thick velvet drapes were drawn, allowing only minimal light, while much of the ornate furniture was shrouded in white sheets, giving the impression of lurking phantoms.

Baron Valdrik awaited them in a cavernous study, its high ceilings disappearing into shadow. He rose from an ornate chair, his tall stature made even more imposing by his finely tailored black velvet coat. A thin beard traced his sharp jawline, and his piercing gray eyes seemed to see right through them. His fingers, adorned with various silver rings, drummed a slow rhythm on the table’s surface.

“Finally, the parcel,” he drawled, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of menace. He carefully examined the seal, then shot a lingering, probing look at Justin. “Took you long enough. I had expected it days ago.”

“Sorry for the delay, Baron,” Justin replied, swallowing hard, feeling the weight of the Baron’s gaze. “I hope it’s to your satisfaction.”

The Baron seemed to have already forgotten him when something about Justin seemed to catch his eye. He tilted his head, studying him. “Curious. A Socialite . . . reduced to errands? How . . . peculiar. Tell me, from which esteemed family do you hail?”

Justin quickly tried to think up something acceptable. He remembered a a town from his map. “The Caroway Family. From the Western Hinterlands.”

The Baron’s eyes narrowed slightly. “The Caroways, you say? They must be a minor house, for I’ve never heard of them, although I’ve heard of the town. They raise swine there, do they not?”

"Yes, sire."

The Baron smirked and leaned closer, his probing gaze making Justin feel like an insect under a magnifying glass. “And you're now delivering parcels for Barons. Why waste your talents on such...mundane tasks?”

“We’ve both fallen on hard times,” Lila said, trying to rescue him.

Valdrik’s gaze shifted to her, and then back to Justin. “Unfortunate indeed. Perhaps, Mr. Caroway, I could offer you a position in my household. I pay well. Fifteen silvers a week for one of your class. I could use a Socialite like you; they are quite rare, even in a town of this size. However, should you accept, you’ll be exclusive to me.”

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Justin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The gloomy atmosphere, combined with Valdrik’s intense scrutiny, made him desperate to leave. “I appreciate the offer, Baron. I’ll...think about it.”

Valdrik’s eyes darkened, and there was a moment of tension. “I’m not used to being kept waiting.”

Lila, sensing the growing threat, said hastily, “We must be going. We have another delivery.”

Valdrik’s eyes flickered to her, then back to Justin, before giving a slow nod. “Think about it. I could make a powerful friend, a gateway to reclaiming your old life. Those of us with Charisma Cores must stick together, no?”

“You’re a Charisma Core, too?” Justin asked, unable to help his curiosity.

Valdrik smiled, revealing his sharp canines. “Yes, verily so. I’m more than a mere Charisma Core, though. I’m a Lexicant.”

“What’s that?” Justin asked, before thinking better of the question.

“Well, we are a unique advanced class. Not everyone has heard of us. We combine the Charisma Core of a Socialite with the Intellect Core of a Wizard.”

“You were a Socialite once?”

“Aye. I was. So, I am always interested when I meet another one, especially where it’s not expected.”

“I see,” Justin said. “So, you can combine cores when you reach Level 20, right?”

“Indeed,” the Baron said. “As for Lexicants, our claim to fame is speaking the Foundation Language of Vranthillis. It allows us to manipulate reality in...intriguing ways.”

“Sounds cool!” Justin said.

“Anyway..." Lila said, pulling on his shirtsleeve.

“I understand you must leave, but before you do, I will have you know that there is much I can teach you. Some even say that Vranthillis can even become the gateway to other realities...”

Justin couldn’t help but widen his eyes at that. Gateway to other realities? Did that include his own?

“Terinthial Lantra Vrakor,” Valdrik intoned with an otherworldly resonance.

A chill passed through the room, the air dense with the weight of those words.

“What does that mean?” Lila asked, startled.

“It means, You will go far, though of course, the translation is not exact. All words in the language have multiple meanings, depending on context. It’s just a taste of Vranthillis for you.”

From the coldness of his smile, Justin was sure the phrase meant something far more sinister.

“We should go,” he said.

“Of course,” Valdrik said easily. “Good day.”

They quickly left, the heavy mansion doors closing behind them with an ominous thud. As they descended the mountainside, the oppressive aura of the mansion seemed to lighten, but Justin still felt uneasy.

Job Updated: The Baron’s Parcel

Job Status:

* Parcel successfully delivered to the Baron of Silverton.

* To claim your reward, please speak to the clerk at the Silverton Post Office.

“Good riddance,” Lila said, glancing back at the looming silhouette of the mansion. “We were lucky to get out of there alive.” She glanced over at Justin. “I don’t think you should take up his offer.”

“Yeah,” Justin agreed. “He was...weird, to say the least.”

“Best decision you’ll ever make. I don’t care what he pays.”

They made their way to the post office at the heart of the bustling central square. White-stucco buildings with their customary roofs of indigo framed the area, while a central fountain in the shape of a gargoyle dominated the center of the plaza, water cascading from its outstretched wings. Market stalls were set up, selling goods from exotic fruits to woven fabrics, while the laughter and conversations of townsfolk added to the lively ambiance. The sun had set over the western mountain slopes, casting long shadows over the cobblestones.

They entered the post office and approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with her hair tied in a bun looked up, adjusting her round glasses. “Ah, what brings you?”

“We’ve completed the delivery to Baron Valdrik,” Justin said.

“Let me check on that.” She consulted a ledger, and to Justin’s surprise, words shifted around, rearranging themselves in response to his presence.

“Very good,” the clerk said. “The seal is no longer active.” Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out a small pouch. “Five silvers for your service.”

Job Completed: The Baron’s Parcel

Rewards Received:

* 5 silver marks added to inventory.

* +50 XP acquired.

The Aranthian Royal Mail thanks you for your service!

Your experience stands at 604/200. Level-up available!

Justin counted out three silvers and handed them to Lila. “Your share.”

“Excellent,” she said, handing back two twenty-five copper coins. “This has been a productive trip!”

The clerk cleared her throat. “If you’d like any more work, I’ve a package that needs to be delivered to Belmora. Pays well.”

“How well is well?” Justin asked.

“Ten silver marks.”

“It must be two hundred miles to Belmora,” Lila said.

The clerk looked from Lila back to Justin. “Well, this one’s been sitting for a while. The office will add an extra two silvers to get it out the door.”

“With the roads as they are?” Justin asked, sensing weakness. “Better to make it five extra!”

“Six,” Lila corrected. She looked at Justin. “This job we’re splitting evenly.”

The clerk sighed. “I’ll have to talk to my boss about it. But I think we can arrange it. Come back tomorrow. It’s here for you if no one else takes it.”

“It will be,” Lila said. “Let’s move out. Eldrin’s probably waiting for us already.”

As they walked out the door, Justin couldn’t help but feel light on his feet. They made their way through the crowded streets to the Moonlit Alehouse, the unnerving behavior of the Baron already a distant memory.