“Remember to take life one step at a time, unless, of course, there are goblins chasing you with knives. In that case, take two steps at a time, and aim for the sky with your head held high!”

-Extract from “Exploring The Golden Fields”, by Roderick Fleetfoot.

Cass sat on the train, with a perpetual frown as he stared down at the missive in his hands. The rising sun on the horizon painted the Golden Fields in a beautiful array of greens and yellows, with little villages dotted across the plains as the train rumbled past. Normally, a sight like this should have awed him, and he would’ve been excited to see one of the most picturesque places in Cormyr. Yet, his eyes never left the missive, and his frustration wouldn't wane.

As he stewed in his frustration, a conductor approached him. "What's the matter, lad?" the conductor asked with a twinkle in his eye. "You look like you've been kicked by a mule."

Cass scowled at the man, his frustration only growing. "I'm fine," he muttered, hoping the conductor would take the hint and leave him alone.

The conductor chuckled, undeterred by Cass's surly demeanor. "We've got a bit of time before we reach Vagos, and besides, a friendly chat can make the journey pass by faster."

"Shouldn't you be tending to your duties, rather than prying into your passengers' affairs?" Cass replied, trying to keep his tone civil.

"What work is there to be done?" the conductor said. "Look around ya, lad, do you see anybody else around? Plus, I'm giving one of the young 'uns a chance to get some good old experience driving the train. So, humor an old man and tell me why a mageling like you is heading to Vagos."

"How’d you know I was a mage?" Cass asked, frowning.

He had dressed simply, wearing a pair of khaki pants and a black linen shirt. The book in his hand had no title, and no magic emanated from it. He had even made sure to hide his staff below his seat. But as smoke wafted into his nose, he looked up at the elderly man who held a huge pipe in his hand, with a fire flickering from one of his fingers.

"Ah, you're initiated. " Cass acknowledged, bowing his head slightly.

The conductor waved his hands and chuckled, leaning back into his seat. "Just learned a few tricks when I was young. But enough about me, it looks like you've got a lot on your mind. The journey's long, and it seems like you’ve got a story worth hearing."

Cass clenched his jaw, struggling to hold back a roll of his eyes. Elders always seemed to have a knack for being both nosy and rude simultaneously. He stared out at the fields whipping past, willing himself to calm down.

"I've been appointed as the arcane investigator for Twilight Hollow in Vagos," Cass said, thrusting the golden missive from his book in the conductor's direction.

"Ah well, I can see how that's pretty crappy," the conductor said with a sympathetic shake of his head. "Sure, there'll be plenty of fieldwork, but you don't gotta worry. The pay seems pretty-"

"I was in line for an apprenticeship with a tower master from the Guild," Cass interrupted, his tone laced with venom.

"Ah, politics," he said, nodding sagely.

“Yes, politics. It’s always politics.” Cass replied, his face contorting into a scowl.

Cass still couldn’t believe it at this point. All those hard years of study. Months of sleepless nights and toiling till his veins burned with magic. All so his candidacy could be voided because some blue blood couldn't tolerate being one-upped. Just thinking about it got his blood boiling.

The conductor's face softened, and he leaned forward slightly. "I can understand your frustration, boy," he said. "But remember, sometimes the things we think are obstacles can turn out to be opportunities in disguise."

Cass raised an eyebrow. "What’d you mean?"

The conductor smiled enigmatically. "Well, let's just say that Twilight Hollow has a reputation for being one of the strangest places in Cormyr. Who knows what kind of arcane secrets you might uncover while you're there? This could be your chance to make a real name for yourself in the Guilds."

Cass snorted. "Ah, yes. I can discover something generations of wizards have failed to discover."

"Fortune favors the bold," the conductor replied, his tone unwavering. "Besides, there have been some strange events as of late. Who knows what you might find?"

As the train chugged along, the conductor began to chatter about the strange happenings in Vagos. Some of the rumors were utterly preposterous, like the idea that the sky was possessed or that shadow people were coming to life. Others were more mundane, like the discovery of a vein of mithril or the scandals of merchant groups. Cass only half-listened, recognizing the conductor's attempt to distract him from his anger.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Well, I guess I'll see," Cass said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. He saw, distantly in the window, the silhouette of a massive city looming in the distance.

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Cass looked around the office of the local guild and couldn't help but feel a bit of distaste for it. The plush chairs and gilded desks seemed to scream excess and opulence, and he couldn't help but wonder how much of the members' dues went towards decorating the space rather than towards actual guild work.

The sound of a seal broke him away from his thoughts. The branch manager was scanning the missive, placing seals, and gathering papers. Cass barely held back his contempt as he watched the portly man take his time. The aura of magic surrounding the man was nowhere near enough to earn him his position. Another blueblood who no doubt secured his position through politics rather than magic.

"Congratulations on your appointment, Cassius Voran!" the branch manager said with barely veiled sarcasm. "I've ordered you the finest help that money can buy!"

"Of course, thank you as well!" Cass replied with a fake smile on his face and flexed his will, silently stirring his magic."I look forward to working with you."

As the two men shook hands, Cass gripped the branch manager's hand tightly, savoring the moment as the minor fear spell he had forced upon him took effect. The man's face paled and his grip faltered, the portly man nearly flipped his chair as he stumbled.

Cass knew that what he had done was a petty act, one that would likely only serve to anger the branch manager in the long run. But in that moment, seeing the man humbled gave Cass a much-needed sense of catharsis. Besides, the branch manager lacked the skill to produce any proof against Cass. He left the meeting with his head held a little higher, happy he could snub the blue-bloods at least once.

As Cass made his way out of the lavish branch manager's office and into the mundane hallways of the guild, he took in his surroundings with a critical eye. Compared to the opulent surroundings he had just left behind, the guild was a modest affair. Stone hallways led to alchemy and enchanting labs, and while the magic surrounding them was decent, it was clear that they were lacking in comparison to the capital.

Cass ultimately found himself standing in front of the most important feature of any magic guild: the library. Unlike the rest of the guild, the library shared a hint of the opulence of the branch manager's office. Mages sat at countless tables, poring over texts while illuminated by globes of light. The scent of ancient paper and the buzz of magic in the air filled his senses. Cass felt a sense of relief wash over him as he realized that at least in this place, magic was the true currency.

Cass was lost in thought when a tap on his shoulder broke his reverie. He turned around to see a towering teenager, draped in a plain robe, her aura wafer-thin. Judging by her attire, she was likely an apprentice. Even so, Cass knew that respect was meant for all mages, fledgling or master. He bowed his head in acknowledgment, much to her surprise.

"Is there something I can help with you, sir?" the girl asked.

"I'm searching for Mage Poran. I was told she would be my assistant investigator," Cass replied.

"That would be me, sir!" she exclaimed, beaming with joy. "I'll be happy to assist you in any way possible."

Cass nearly stumbled backward in disbelief. He looked at the girl again, reaffirming the paper thin magic emanating from her. If she were indeed a mage, she had barely any magic at all. His ire rose as he thought that she was another blue-blood, born into a life of luxury and privilege. However, as Cass scrutinized her further, he found no traces of arrogance or opulence in her demeanor.

"No offense, Ms. Poran, but may I ask how long you've been a mage?" Cass inquired, trying to suppress his frustration.

"Oh, you can just call me Lisa! I was certified yesterday!" Lisa replied, bursting with energy.

Cass covered his face with his hand. “Fuuu-”

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“Did I do something wrong, Mr. Voran?” Lisa said as she paced back and forth, her voice shook with worry.

The pair stood in front of the massive mirror gates, the only access to the Twilight Hollows. Even with their arcane investigator rank, they still had to wait in the crowded plaza of Vagos. Various adventurers and merchants milled around, all waiting for their turn to enter.

Cass absentmindedly toyed with a staff adorned with a blue-stone, runes of power hovering around it. He had various herbs and magical components laid around him, and a bandolier of potions hooked on his waist. A book flickered with blue mist, and a small silver revolver glinted with red heat.

“Just call me Cass. There's no need for formalities,” he replied, looking off into the distance. 'It's not you I'm angry with, Lisa. I'm just frustrated with...'

“Nobles?” Lisa said softly, interrupting him.

Cass arched an eyebrow. “You knew?”

Lisa looked embarrassed. “Ah, well, the branch manager talks a lot.”

Cass snorted and began collecting his various components and equipping himself. In the distance, the mirror gate began to slowly open, and various groups began to make their way in.

“If you knew, why did you apply?” Cass asked.

Lisa shifted uncomfortably. “I need the money, even if it's a ploy. I'm not the most talented mage, and even though it's a struggle, I need to finance my career.”

Cass frowned. “There are other ways of making money, you know. Even though the Twilight Hollows have been mapped and delved over the centuries, it's still a major dungeon.”

“No worries, mister. I may not be the best mage, but when it comes to the dungeon, I've got the experience!” Lisa flexed. “Plus, the Twilight Hollows' first few levels are pretty easy. Nothing dangerous is there.”

Suddenly, an explosion rocked the ground, forcing everyone in the plaza to stumble. Screams and battle cries filled the air. Cass moved on instinct, stirring his will and readying his spells.

“Arcane Eye. Show me truth,” Cass commanded, his eyes forcing his will upon reality. A translucent eye flickered into the sky, showing him everything.

Giant trolls were charging into the plaza, wreaking havoc everywhere the eye could see. The green monsters towered around five meters tall, with silky purple veins pulsing on their skin. One troll seemed to sense something, its head snapping to where the pair was standing.

“The Twilight Hollows are safe my ass!” Cass screamed.

A horrid cry escaped the troll as it charged towards them.