The next days passed without Alice and Elias practicing their sword skills. As they approached the capital the river they traveled by grew wider and other rivers merged with it. It continued to grow until the water reached a large lake. The lake was a bright blue in the afternoon sun. Surrounding the lake stood many houses including large mansions. In the lake, boats filled the lake taking their time to fish the water and find other treasures of the sea.

Carts passed them by, and the branching streets were teeming with activities. Enclosing the houses on the lake were short, wide, businesses while the mansions watched over the small city. Together Alice and Elias rode into town. Near the center of the lake was a small island. It jutted out of the water and filling the entire space was a large tree. Vines drop down from its branches. Leaves speckle the tree leaving some of the tree barren.

“The city is looking good,” said Elias. “It has expanded a lot since I was last here.”

“Elder’s Lake has had to because of the expansion of Elder’s Rock. The growth of corruption and evil destroying livable areas has forced everyone to the few places left standing. I’m sure that by now people are overfishing the lake but what else are people to do?”

As Alice and Elias rode deeper into the bustling city of Elder's Lake, the vibrant atmosphere enveloped them. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, a tantalizing mixture of grilled fish and various spices. Market stalls lined the streets, their colorful awnings fluttering in the gentle breeze, and merchants hawked their wares to passersby.

Children played along the cobbled streets, chasing each other, and laughing, seemingly unaffected by the looming threat of the corruption beyond the city's borders. Elder's Lake had become a sanctuary of sorts, a refuge for those displaced by the encroaching darkness. Elias steered their horses toward the central square.

They rode along the main road. It cut through the central square and past the lake. The road then started to wind around a large forest as it rose in elevation. Once it passed through the forest they would reach Elder’s Rock. They slowed as they passed through the businesses that neared the edge of the forest. Elias pulled his horse to a stop.

“Why are we stopping?” asked Alice. “We are almost to our destination.”

“I wanted to pick up a few things before we hit the capital. It is usually cheaper here. There is also one thing for us to discuss. Something that I am not sure you have given much thought to. Once we pass Elder’s Rock we need to make two stops. Which one are we tackling first?”

“I don’t know. Why are we deciding this now before we reach the capital? I thought we would consider it later. Does it really matter which way we go? Why don’t you choose?”

“As the hero, your views are more significant than mine. In theory, going for the witches or the Sword Temple first should not matter. It is up to interpretation which of our tasks should be handled first. I do have some thoughts on the matter, but it is your interpretation and decision that matters in this case.”

“Then what are your thoughts on this matter?”

"Well, Alice," he began, "I've been pondering this for quite some time, and I believe there are compelling reasons to visit the Witch Coven before venturing to the Sword Temple. Firstly, the Witch Coven has been known to possess a unique and ancient magic called 'Sword Breath.' This power has been passed down through generations, and it could be a tremendous asset for us. It's said to be a formidable offensive and defensive technique, something that could greatly aid you in mastering the sword. The Witch Coven, with their mastery of magic, has managed to keep the corrupted forces at bay from their home since the beginning. Their knowledge and abilities are not to be underestimated. Learning from them, and aligning ourselves with their wisdom, could provide us with insights into combating the dark forces that threaten our world. They may even have information about the Sword Temple that we could use. As the hero you share their bloodline and will learn their power like you have the sword.”

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Alice nodded in agreement. "Alright, Elias, let's go to the Witch Coven first. I trust your judgment, and it does seem like the wiser choice."

The pair finished tying off their horses and stepping into the nearby store. Inside Elias negotiated prices for equipment including new whetstones and fire starters. Quickly returning to their horses afterward they returned to their journey. Many people passed them on the road. This late in the afternoon carts were being pulled with goods from the capital. The road they traveled was well-made and maintained. Shoes and wheels had worn down some spots but none of it was cracked or sprouting weeds.

The trees swayed slightly with a light breeze. The road cut through the trees so that multiple people could walk or ride side by side to prevent blocks in traffic. As Alice and Elias continued their journey, the forest around them grew denser, and the shadows of the towering trees stretched across their path. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The occasional ray of golden sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground.

After an hour they reached the edges of Elder’s Rock. Stone walls rose out of the trees. The forest around them rose in elevation. As they got closer they got a better view of the Elder’s Rock, which the capital got its name. Jutting wide out of the forest before a long drop stood the palace sitting on a sparkling slab of rock. Surrounding the rock were many buildings that kept the forest at bay. The area the city encompassed doubled that of Elder’s Lake. A mix of ancient buildings and newer buildings filled the city. Tall towers poked out at the edges of the surrounding walls.

The pair reached the city gates made from wood carved from the surrounding trees. Guards walked up above on walkaways on the walls. At the gates, guards checked passersby for their business and place of origin. Alice quickly stepped forward once they hit the front of the line.

The nearest guard, a burly man with a stern expression, squinted at Alice as if trying to recall her face. Then, a spark of recognition flickered in his eyes. He had seen her before, during her previous visit to the capital.

"I am Alice of the Verdant Hills," she declared, her voice ringing out like a trumpet. "I am the declared hero of the world, and this," she motioned to Elias at her side, "is my trusted master, Elias."

"I remember you from your previous visit," said the guard, a hint of recognition in his eyes. "You truly are Alice of the Verdant Hills?"

Alice nodded gracefully. "Indeed, I am. We are on an important mission to see the King. We must not be delayed."

The guard, now convinced of Alice's identity, signaled to his fellow guards to step aside. "Very well, Alice of the Verdant Hills and Master Elias," he said with a respectful bow. "You may proceed to the King's Palace. However, I must escort you there to ensure your safety."

Alice inclined her head in agreement, and the guard led them through the bustling streets of Elder's Rock. The city was a testament to both natural beauty and human craftsmanship. Ancient buildings with ivy-covered walls stood side by side with newer, grander structures adorned with colorful banners.

“I don’t remember you mentioning that title before,” whispered Elias.

“It is largely an irrelevant title describing my hometown. Though it is the appropriate title for the official business that we are on. I guess I could have gone with the full title of Alice of the Verdant Hills, Hero of Temora but that is overly long.”

“I also distinctly remember that you said that you didn’t want attention and another full procession of sorts in the capital. Something about enjoying your anonymity,” he whispered back.

“That is something true elsewhere outside of Elders Rock and perhaps Elder’s Lake too, but I’ve already visited here before. People know my face here. King Zachariah presented me to the masses. It was back before I realized the exact agency I wielded. Even now it feels weird to be the hero. It is the part I have to play, however. I have to wave my hand in the air and present a strong front of confidence in front of the residents of this city. The only remaining city left before we travel south. Don’t worry. We will only need to stay a day or two. The king will want to formally anoint you as the Sword Master according to prophecy. Afterward, we will be able to leave and continue on our journey.”

“He will also likely appoint a new follower to join us on the journey. A minder to watch over his interests and his investments in us. It will also help the general populous feel like the king is helping us beyond the most basic of needs. Having a direct follower or followers join us will present opportunities for stories to be recorded and then exaggerated by all the singers.”

“Just what I need. A song to be made about how interestingly dull our travels can be.”