Hearing the knock, Thorian rose and opened the door. Alacritas awaited him outside, accompanied by an elderly man and two children.

“I have completed my task, my lord,” Alacritas said, bowing slightly. “I present to you James Ravenwood and his protector.”

Thorian, taken aback by Robert's unexpected presence, nodded at Alacritas. “You have done well.” He then turned to the newcomers, beckoning them forward. “Please, come inside. There’s someone you need to see.”

With cautious steps, Robert led James and the young boy into Thorian’s residence, casting wary glances at Thorian as they passed. Upon sighting Tristan in the living room, Robert’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Your Grace, you are indeed here?”

“Sir Robert, it's a relief to see you unharmed,” Tristan replied, sighing deeply.

Suddenly, James dashed towards Tristan. “Brother, I was really scared!”

Tristan embraced him, a sorrowful expression crossing his face. “I’m sorry, James. My weakness has brought this upon us. Forgive me.”

At these words, Thorian rolled his eyes, a twinge of irritation evident. “Really, it’s not as though I plan to devour you.”

“Truly, you won’t?” Robert asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

“I find human flesh unpalatable,” Thorian quipped, then turned serious. “But jokes aside, you have no reason to fear. You’re safer here with me than you would be in Locksley, among your own.”

“That silver kobold mentioned something about Nalia’s assassins,” Robert interjected. “How do you know such information? How do you know of these matters?”

"Tristan will provide you with a detailed explanation on that matter," Thorian said, gesturing towards the young man with an unwavering smile, undisturbed by Robert's tense inquiry. "For the moment, let's focus on discussing your accommodations and activities during your stay. I gather staying confined to one place does not appeal to you?"

"What would you have us do?" Tristan inquired, his curiosity piqued, while James and Little Roo surveyed their new surroundings, too wary to interject.

"I propose that you explore the village, engage with my people, immerse yourself in their culture, and understand our way of life," Thorian suggested. "Should you desire a transition from foes to allies, seizing this chance would be wise."

"That sounds… more than fair," Tristan acknowledged, pondering the proposition. "Yet, the possibility of hostility from your people concerns me. As you must know, our encounters with creatures of your kind have rarely been amicable."

"I am aware," Thorian nodded. "However, as my guests, you shall be under my protection. My word is law here, and anyone who dares to harm you will face severe consequences."

Tristan scrutinized Thorian, searching for sincerity in his gaze. After a moment, he exhaled and nodded in agreement. "I will place my trust in your assurance."

"That's all I ask for now," Thorian replied with a reassuring smile, then shifted the conversation. "And remember, your time here isn't merely an obligation. If you're interested, you might also join us in clearing our dungeons tomorrow."

"Dungeons?" Tristan echoed, his surprise evident. "You have access to dungeons?"

"Yes, we do," Thorian confirmed with a nod. "Tomorrow, I'll be venturing into them with a friend. You're welcome to join us if you'd like."

"I'd very much enjoy that, but…" Tristan's gaze shifted between Robert and his brother, betraying his indecision.

"Your Grace, if it's your wish to participate, you do not need to worry about us," Robert assured, addressing Tristan's concern. "I'll keep watch over the young lord. My abilities may be limited, but my vigilance is not."

"Wait a moment!" James interjected suddenly. "If my brother is going to these “dungeons”, I want to join as well!"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"And me too!" Little Roo piped up, enthusiasm in his voice.

Robert's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at their eagerness. "Now, listen, you two. Do you understand our situation?"

"They are welcome to accompany us," Thorian interrupted, his laughter lightening the mood. "I'll assign one of my most skilled men to ensure your safety within the dungeons. With him by your side, no peril will find you, even if sought."

"Thank you, sir!" James approached Thorian, his smile broadening. "You're the best!"

Thorian laughed at the boy's earnest appreciation, then crouched to meet James at eye level, gently patting his head. "You're quite the brave one, aren't you? I admire your spirit."

As Robert and Tristan observed the exchange, somewhat taken aback, Thorian stood, addressing the group once more. "I must take my leave now. It's important that I inform everyone that you are under my protection and should be treated with all due respect. I suggest you all get some rest. The day's events have undoubtedly been taxing."

With that, Thorian made his way out of the house, finding Alacritas still poised by the entrance. His voice, grave and imbued with urgency, broke the silence. "Did you notice anyone following you?"

"No, my lord," Alacritas replied, shaking his head. "Most of Nalia's men were lying in ambush within the forest, making it simple to leave Locksley undetected."

"That’s good to hear," Thorian acknowledged with a nod, his gaze scrutinizing Alacritas from head to toe. "You haven’t undergone your evolution yet, have you? Did you not venture into the abyss as I instructed?"

"I’m sorry, my lord, I have not," Alacritas admitted, his head bowed in regret. "Knowing that Boss Nox was soon to be healed, I chose not to start the trials of the abyss without him. He is the leader of our squad, and I merely served as a temporary substitute in his absence."

Thorian’s expression softened upon hearing this, understanding and respect mingling in his eyes. "He will undoubtedly value your loyalty," he said, his voice gentler. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he then shifted the conversation. "Regardless, I now need you to convey my commands to Forlune and Zogarth. It is imperative that everyone in the village is aware that Tristan and the other humans are my guests and must be accorded the appropriate respect."

"I will ensure the message is well delivered," Alacritas promised, executing a respectful bow.

True to his nature, the silver-furred assassin vanished in the blink of an eye, eager to fulfill his duties. In the quiet that followed, Harald, who had been feigning sleep throughout the exchange, opened his eyes.

"You seem to place considerable importance on these humans. Why is that?" Harald inquired, his thoughts reaching Thorian telepathically.

"Fostering positive relations now with trustworthy humans could yield significant benefits in the future. I prefer to expand my kingdom in peace rather than in the shadow of constant warfare," Thorian telepathically conveyed back.

Harald grumbled in response, his skepticism apparent even in his silent communication. Yet, after a moment's consideration, he closed his eyes once more. "As long as you are confident in your strategy, I have no further objections."

Thorian couldn't help but chuckle at his partner's resigned attitude as he departed. His steps led him towards one last destination before he could consider his night concluded.

Approaching the blacksmith's forge, Thorian admired the steady plumes of smoke rising from the chimney, a sight that brought a smile to his face. Entering the forge, he was greeted by a clutter of staves, each unique in design. Some bore a singular orb at their pinnacle, while others were adorned with multiple orbs. Thorian's gaze lingered on the craftsmanship, impressed by the variety and quality. Many staves were of the esteemed Yellow Storm caliber, and a few even boasted the rare Purple Cloud status.

"It seems you are advancing quite rapidly," Thorian remarked as he drew nearer to Faber. "Many would vie for the chance to possess such items."

"Ah, my lord," Faber replied, turning with a start, a mix of pride and humility in his voice. "Your compliments are too generous. I have yet to master the creation of Purple Cloud items consistently. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, they turn out to be merely Yellow Storm."

"You are advancing far more rapidly than I anticipated," Thorian said, shaking his head in disbelief. "What about the staves with multiple orbs? Have you grown more confident in crafting them?"

"Yes, my lord," Faber confirmed with a nod. "So far, I've managed to incorporate up to three orbs without compromising the staff's integrity. However, tonight, I aim to create a staff featuring four elements, utilizing lower-quality orbs."

"That's excellent news," Thorian responded, his voice filled with amusement as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. A sudden idea seemed to strike him. "Actually, let's set aside the plan to use all high-tier orbs for now. What I'd like you to do is concentrate on perfecting the four-element staff. Once you've mastered that, we can proceed to construct the final version with four high-purity orbs of the basic elements."

"I can certainly do that," Faber replied, a hint of confusion in his tone. "Are we under a tight schedule, my lord?"

"Indeed, time is critical for what I have in mind," Thorian explained. "How soon do you think you can complete the final staff?"

After a moment of consideration, Faber answered, "By sunset tomorrow, I should have it ready."

"That's perfect," Thorian said, nodding with a satisfied smile.

I’m sorry Nalia, but I cannot give you time to catch up.