Addendum v.2: For anyone that have read this chapter before, the only real change is that Sapeni was changed to Urren. There was an inherent issue with the name that required it, apologies for any confusion it may have caused. For anyone else, disregard the message and enjoy.

Minor changes to details.

Thank you.

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The mountain range, Varnot, is an area that is sparse of civilization. Due to its steepness and many cliffs Varnot can only be traversed through a few mountain paths. At the western side of one of those paths lies the fortified town of High Tree, built along the mountainside. These heavy iron-wrought gates are the only thing that keeps the many monsters in the Zuria forest from taking the path directly to the central plains. Currently in midday, but the sun still couldn’t cut through the dense fog enveloping the mountain path.

Two figures walked at a casual pace through the fog, making their way to the town gates. Both carried large travel packs, made of tough leather, many pelts were rolled and tightly tied on making their silhouettes seem slightly monstrous. The guards at the gates were on guard when they saw the shadows but relaxed when it turned out to be two youngsters.

“Oy, open the doors. We got merchants on the road.”

One of the guards yelled down from the fifteen feet high parapets. A voice from the other side of the gates responded back and moments later a heavy clinking resounded through the path. Even several hundred feet away, the sounds echoed as a smaller passageway opened up from the side of the mountain several feet from the gates. Four guards were posted on the other side of the gates and they welcomed the travelers.

“Welcome, younglings,” said one of the guards, he wore the badge of a Sergeant on the left chest and arms of his uniform; a design of a circle with three short lines on the bottom, with the middle line slightly longer.

“Merchants, eh?”

“Yes, Sergeant,” answered Buxley, the older of the two.

They walked through the passageway and entered the town. Gates and barriers were built to prevent wildlife from entering or passing through so civilians are rarely ever kept from entering an inhabitable area. This was the same for the rest of the Urren population in the continent of Merinia.

“That’s quite a lot of pelts you have there, son, any troubles going through the pass?”

“Not at all, Sergeant, it was entirely uneventful,” said Buxley.

“That’s good, we just sent a messenger bird to the other side to tell them to block off the passageway so you must have left not two days ago. Are you sure you didn’t see anything strange?”

“No, Sergeant, why do you ask?”

“We just received a report, earlier in the week about a pack of mountain beasts attacking travelers on the path. Had to close off the gates until a patrol can be set up to hunt them down.”

“Well then, it appears we were quite lucky then, right Kura?”

The younger child standing next to Buxley silently nodded and gave a smile to the senior guard.

“Alright, so long as you lot are safe, enjoy your stay in High Tree.”

“Thank you, Sergeant. Keep the vigil.”

“Thanks, kid.”

“So, Kura, what should we do first? Inn or market?” asked Buxley. While he’s the older one, he prefers to defer to Kura.

“Let’s hit the market, I don’t want to keep carrying these pelts.”

If the guards had looked closer, they would have seen these pelts were still quite fresh and have yet to be processed. Their clean, precise cuts and nearly pristine fur is evidence of a well-experienced skinner. Selling the pelts at the market was quite easy thanks to the quality of the pelts. One would never have expected a sixteen year old would be masterful enough to skin an animal to such a degree so just saying that it was a commission from the League made it easy to ward off any questions.

It’s not uncommon for pelts to be sold in High Tree even though it is right next to the forest and animal hides is easily obtained. Due to the significant dangers of the forest, very few are actually able to venture out and come back safely. While patrols are sent out on a weekly basis, the majority of the forest resources are collected by the guilds that pass through the town. The town’s market purchases and collects the materials and sells it in bulk to the caravans that pass by once a month. Alternatively, they sell it to the merchants that takes the mountain paths every two weeks.

The tavern, which acts as an inn, bar and sometimes resupply station for a town has the highest foot traffic out of all the services available in any town. This tavern, the Gilded House, is no different from that well-known fact. The only difference is its unusual size and reinforced walls. However, even with its red oaken walls and iron bolts, the rowdiness inside could be heard several buildings down.

The two youths in their well-worn, forest green travel robes walked down the cobblestone road of the town towards the tavern. The younger child was no more than ten years old. Besides carrying a bulging satchel wider than his body, he also walked with a staff two heads taller than him. It was made of rosewood and the perfect straightness of the staff hinted that it was carved with great effort. At the top of the staff was a three-prong metal attachment holding a small green gem. At a section of the walking instrument where it was comfortable for the child to hold, a wrap made of fine cloth snaked around it. A pattern could be seen etched all around the body of the staff and upon closer inspection appeared to be runic engravings. One would think it is a simple patterned walking stick unless they are familiar with rune magic.

The other youth is fifteen, almost old enough to be considered an adult but not quite. He was three heads taller than the child and carried an even larger pack with a rectangular box, three feet in length, strapped to the side. His hair was a solid black unlike the other who had a red-brown tinge in his hair. They were Kura and Buxley, cousins from the same city.

Upon entering the tavern, one could see why it was so large. It was midday but there were still numerous people patronizing the tavern. Some of them were from the Accordian Vanguard and Army, more commonly known as the scouts, sentinels and guards. Their tabards carried the emblem of Bludloft, indicating they were sent from central regions. Bludloft is the capital of the Grand Accord as it was the city where the original treaty was signed 400 years ago. The rust orange and dark scarlet dye of the cloth was the official color of the Accord, giving the tavern a peculiar vibrancy. Not ten feet from the door was a dining table that sat a party of eleven. One of them wore armor that was of much higher quality than the rest. Before Kura could catch himself from staring too long at such an interesting sight he was noticed. The scout leader looked at him and showed a big grin.

“Hello kid, strange to see two youngsters such as yourself ‘round these parts.”

The man's voice was loud but not abrasive and he had a sort of gentleness to him, he seemed to be just curious. High Tree has its own townsfolk and obviously children but none of them would be walking around in traveler robes unless they came from somewhere else. Travelers are not uncommon as High Tree is the crossroad for anybody going or returning from the forest but it is extremely rare for children to be accompanying travelers outside a group of more than six people. And here was two youths walking into the tavern fully comfortable as if they had done this many times before.

Buxley, looked at the man, and shared a quick glance with Kura before speaking confidently to the scout leader, giving him an affable grin.

“We were just simply passing by on our way to elsewhere, sir Knight.”

It was proper decorum to address a stranger either sir or ma’am but since this individual seemed to be an individual of high standing judging by the quality of his armor and uniform, he was most likely a knight. Addressing someone in this manner was the highest respect one could give to a stranger without knowing their background.

“My name is Arnas, scout leader of this scout party, nice to meet you. By the way passing by is all and well, but you aren’t taking the mountain path by chance are you?”

“Nice to meet you too, sir, this is my cousin, Kura, I am known as Buxley. Not at all, is this about the beasts in the mountains?”

“Hmm, seems like you’ve heard already. There have been reports of beast sightings around the mountain path, it would be safer if you took the southern pass if you intend to head to eastern Honoja. There are more patrols in the pass so it will be safer than taking the mountain. It will take some time before the Vanguard properly clears and make the path safe again.”

“Thank you, sir Arnas, we will keep that in mind when we move on.”

Kura kept quiet during the conversation but gave a martial salute, by putting palm and fist together with Buxley before they moved to talk to the tavern keeper about room and board. Once they were shown their room they came back down after dropping their belongings and securing the room, giving a slight nod to the scout leader, Arnas, as they passed before leaving the tavern.

Walking softly along the well-maintained road, it was late midday now so most vendors were beginning to close, the wares and food alongside the buildings from their carts were slowly being packed up. The smell of various foods lingered in the air, the two couldn’t resist so they stopped by a cart to get something before dinnertime at the tavern.

“That Accordian scout sure had some fine armor.” Buxley said in-between bites as they continued browsing the town. They just reached a weapons shop and forge when Kura stopped to look at the equipment displaying at the window.

“Indeed. I think that was enchanted armor, if only I could examine it closer.”

Buxley chuckled slightly before asking, “Why don’t you?”

Kura looked at his cousin incredulously.

“What? You look Urren so you look more a child than not. It wouldn’t be all that strange,” said Buxley.

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“Good idea, but still, the less attention the better.”

“True, true. Younglings walking into a tavern full of Accordian military makes it rather difficult to appear normal. Not too surprising there were so many there since it’s a fortified town, but it is nice he wasn’t too curious.”

They spent the next two hours exploring the town. Buxley was walking in a relaxed manner along the road as Kura let his eyes wander the town. High Tree Town had a mix primarily of Urren and Leveren inhabitants. The Urren lived in the wooden and bricked houses on the forest ground. The Leveren lived in the trees between fifty to a hundred feet from the ground. The barracks for the Army and Vanguard were dug into the mountain side, connected to the walls that formed the barrier between the town and the forest. With its couple ten thousand inhabitants, including the town guard and soldiers, High Tree Town is one of the larger towns one can find in the continent.

Buxley spoke after he had noticed something. “You know, Kura, it seems most of the people here have at least some kind of armor on, even the civilians.”

“Yes, I have noticed that too.” Kura replied in a nonchalant manner and chuckled.

“What is it?”

“Oh, nothing, would you like to check out some of the armor shops? There is quite a selection here and some of them are of decent quality.”

“No, no, I was just making an observation, besides without my savings I can’t afford the equipment here.”

Buxley had left home with Kura without the assent of their parents so they did not carry much money with them, they were able to sell the things they scavenged or hunted during their journey to make money for food and shelter but other than that they barely had enough to purchase anything fancy.

“Besides, why buy armor when you can make them for me. I will patiently wait for that.”

“Sorry, cousin, you know how difficult it is to gather materials for higher quality armor and the last materials we found were used for your shield.”

Buxley had dropped the knapsack attached to his shield before leaving the inn. The base was made from the branches of a mana tree they came across during their trek through East Hono then layered with a thin blue-steel plate on one side to reinforce the thick bark with a heavy, blackened-steel boss covering a gemstone set in its center. Kura had borrowed a forge from one of the towns they passed by after gathering enough materials. The end result was a kite shield as long as his body with some engravings on the wearer side as the finishing touch. The front was embellished with design of a baby dragon sitting atop an egg.

“Don’t worry, Kura, I said I will patiently wait and that is what I intend to do. Besides, even without the equipment you make, your enchantments are just as good,” said Buxley as he affectionately touched the top of his shield.

“Thanks, cousin and I look forward to crafting a new piece of armor for you.” Kura looked at the setting sun that painted golden streaks across the sky, giving the canopy of the trees a golden crown. “Let’s head back.”

“Right, early day tomorrow and all.”

Several candlesticks had been burnt by the time they finished exploring the rest of the town. The sun had already dropped past the tree line and the light barely made it through the forest now. Thankfully, magical lights lit up the path and trees making it seem like the stars were right on top of them. Kura and Buxley made their way back to the tavern.

The night passed by quickly and the sound of birds singing just before dawn made its way pass the ajar window. The sunlight shone through the gap into the room the two but only two empty and orderly beds were seen. Downstairs the smell of freshly baked bread and soup wafted through the air. Two youthful individuals in their forest green traveling robes were seen sitting by a wall in a corner silently eating breakfast, their packs were underneath their feet and out of the way. Kura was dipping his bread into a hot bowl of hearty soup while Buxley was eating it with a slice of ham on top. Footsteps came from the staircase as Arnas the Scout was walking down with the rest of his scout party. He noticed them in the corner and walked over as the rest of his group walked over to the table closest to the doorway and rechecked their equipment as they waited on Arnas.

“Hmm, you kids sure woke early for just having arrived here yesterday.”

It was a tone of amazement more than suspicion. Some in his group nodded and smiled after hearing their leader’s comment.

Buxley spoke up again for the two of them as Kura stopped eating to listen out of respect.

“Well the two of us got too excited after coming here so we couldn’t get a good night’s sleep so we decided to eat some breakfast before we had a proper look around.”

“Hahaha, it’s good to be young. Such energy. Please, don’t let me keep you from your meal.”

Arnas seemed to be in a happy mood or perhaps he was just the type to be cheery in general. That was what Kura thought as he looked at the Scout’s armor again as Arnas began to move away.

“Excuse me, sir Knight.”

The Scout paused, and looked back at Kura, giving him an inquiring look while waiting for him to continue.

“Your armor looks really well-made, would you mind if I look at it a little closer.”

“Haha, and curious too! That is a good trait to have, young one, you will go far. While I am indeed a knight, you do not have to call me so, just Arnas is fine. And yes, you can.” He stepped closer and took a knee with a mirthful grin on his face. His companions lightly laughed at the scene.

“This is magic armor known as rune armor, light yet strong due to the engravings.”

Arnas began explaining to them, clearly proud of the armor he was wearing.

“Magical runes are inscribed in the inner layers and grants its wearer a number of protection spells. Since these are passive protection spells even a non-mage such as I could use the armor without issues. This kind of armor is only given to veteran soldiers. Not to be bragging about myself, mind you. It's how the Accord handles distribution of its magical equipment. Though some high ranking guilds with enough money or a skilled crafter can wear equipment like this too.”

Kura gave his best childish grin to the knight.

“Thank you kindly, sir Arnas.”

The middle-aged knight smiled once more and stood up. He placed his leather and metal gauntlet on Kura’s head lightly and ruffled his hair.

“You be safe now, kid.”

“You too, sir. Fair hunt.”

The knight looked back at his companions and motioned with his head that they were heading out. Without a word the party left, heading west and making their way out of town, past the gate and magical barrier that protected the town and into the forest. Buxley turned to look at Kura with a slightly surprised look.

“Didn’t think you’d actually do it,” said Buxley.

“It was a good chance. That wasn’t enchanted armor but actually rune equipment,” replied Kura.

“Equipment?”

Buxley thought only the armor was rune engraved, he was not a mage or craftsman so was not familiar with how to appraise someone's gear. As for his own weapons that Kura made for him, he could only compare it with weapons he previously trained with.

“His bow and dagger was inscribed with runes too, though it was covered in the sheath I could still sense the magic within it. He must be quite the high ranking Knight if he was outfitted with so many magic equipment. His scouts only had one or two enchanted weapons or armor.”

“Learn anything new?” Buxley asked.

“I could see the spells inscribed in tunic and boots but only a glimpse of the weapons, ones I wasn’t familiar with,” Kura said, as he continued his meal.

“Still, that is an unexpected catch, looks like I am one step closer to getting some nice equipment now!”

“It’s still going to cost you.”

“What! Come on, little cousin, am I not your best cousin? Be a bit more generous than that can you?”

The weapon Kura first made for him was a gift, the second was the shield which had cost them all the money and items they collected up to that point. Even with the materials, it required a high fee to borrow someone else’s forge so Kura typically did not like using other people’s forge. Buxley paid for most of the renting fee, but the rest was paid by having to work for the blacksmith with some chores for the rest.

“Except you're my only cousin,” Kura retorted.

"Ouch," said Buxley.

"Very well."

“Yes!”

“A discount it is.”

Buxley opened his mouth to make a spirited comeback, but gave up.

“Fine, I’ll bite. Better be a good discount, Kura. But goodness, now I am excited. Let’s get going I want to find some new materials.” He had pretty much forgotten about finishing his breakfast.

“Were you not the one who previously said you were content with the shield I made for you a couple weeks ago?”

“Of course and I still am, but what kind of warrior would I be without some armor to go along with it?” said Buxley as he looked at the shield by his feet currently acting as the frame for his knapsack.

“I read that the berserkers in the northlands does that. They fight without armor as it gets in their way and rely on their axes and an ability called Frenzy,” Kura answered again, indicating for his overly excited cousin that his food is getting cold.

“Oh yea? That is quite interesting, I wouldn’t mind meeting one and have a spar one day.”

The two finished their meal and conversation a half hour after their meeting with Arnas the scout leader. They left for a bakery and several food vendors they saw the day before to gather their supplies. After their preparations were completed they made their way toward the forests, following the same road Arnas and his scout party took out the town.