– 5 days later

Clearing the final few meters of the forest that lay to the southeast of Birchbridge, we finally saw the town of Stonebridge come into view. To be honest, it wasn't really as big as I thought it would be, but for some reason, I was expecting something bigger not that it was small though by any means.

The last few days were not really that interesting. The first day traveling to the forest entrance was just that. We walked for a day trying to get to the edge so we could camp just outside of the forest. The next day we went in and after a few hours encountered our first somewhat wild animal that started attacking us. We dealt with it quickly and went on our way.

Aside from traveling and fighting the random aggressive animals, we also did some training. Every afternoon and evening we tried to get some time to train our skills.

Our skills were tested a little when a monster suddenly surprised us about halfway into the forest. It wasn't as tough as the ones that attacked Birchbridge but a monster nonetheless.

That basically describes the journey. Nothing serious happened and now we are here.

"Time to find that Alden guy," I said as I started walking towards the entrance of Stonebridge.

Even though I expected it to be bigger, Stonebridge was a pretty big town. From our elevation at the forest edge, you could almost look over the entire town. There was a big stone wall surrounding it. As far as I could count them, there were about 6 gates that were all probably guarded. The town was basically a bigger version of Birchbridge as it was also centered around a river. Though this one was a good bit bigger.

The obvious difference though, was that this town had a lot bigger buildings and houses and a lot of things were made of stone. It is basically your typical medieval fantasy structure.

The bigger the town, the more developed it will be and the more modern features it has.

Reaching the town's entrance, we were stopped by a guard.

"Stop right there!" the guard commanded us. "State your business".

"We came from Birchbridge and if all went well, Alden is expecting us," Zephyria answered.

"Hmmm, then are you by any chance..." he stopped and picked a note from his pocket and continued. "Zeph, Zephyria, and Lucian?" he finished while still keeping his monotone but authoritative voice.

"Yes, I am Zephyria, This is Zeph and that is Lucian," Sis answered in a cheerful voice. I hoped it would make the situation less tense as I wasn't too trusting of strangers with authority. Probably watched too many anime and other fantasy movies.

"Please wait here for a moment," he said while turning around and going into a little room next to the entrance gate. When he returned he had a colleague with him.

"Please follow me. I will guide you to Alden. He should be at the station." He signaled to come with him. His colleague took his guard position as we followed the guard into the town.

It was pretty busy on the road, which by the way, were all stone. The only place I saw these kind of roads were back in the city of Sunfrost to the north of our home in Silverdew Valley. Or at least where our home used to be.

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While we walked through the streets it began to sink in how much bigger this town is. But also home many people are walking around here. Everywhere you looked you saw the bustling of people buying or selling in small stalls that were positioned on the side of the roads, children running around selling newspapers and carts moving materials and food.

It really was a fantastical sight that made me think I could have just been transported back in time instead of a completely different world.

After a few minutes of walking down, what looked like, the main street we arrived at the river going through the middle of the town. There was a small wall on the top of the riverbanks and a fast-flowing river that didn't look too inviting for a swim.

"We're here," the guard suddenly said.

We were standing in front of a rather large 2-story building with an emblem on a sign hanging above the front door. The emblem looked like a shield with 2 swords behind it.

Can you be more stereotypical? I thought to myself

The guard knocked on the door and continued to open and walk in while we stood still.

"Come in, we don't bite," the guard said as he looked back and saw us standing there with confused looks.

The station wasn't really as big on the inside as the outside let on. The rooms were pretty small and I caught a glimpse of what looked like a storage room for weapons. It wasn't big, that's for sure.

"Sir, I have 3 people here who say that you are expecting them."

As the guard started talking to someone we all looked into the room, seeing someone sitting at his desk. It was a guy in, what was probably, a captain's uniform. He wasn't too big or buffed but did have an air of authority about him that made the other guard look like a pushover.

"Good," he said. "Was about time you guys reached me. I was expecting you to arrive yesterday. You almost got me worried." The guard said as he stood up. "You're dismissed, Darian."

The guard said goodbye and left the building, probably back to the gate.

"Well, well, well. Look at who my buddy Kellan sent in. It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Alden. But you probably figured that out by now." Alden guided us to a couch that was positioned in front of a window. It was almost like a small living room inside the office. It had a small bar, 2 couches, and a rectangular table.

After getting us all some water and seating himself on the other side from where we were sitting, he came right to the point.

"Ok, so what I understand is that you guys need to get to Alora. There you are off to find the Ikthiosh family estate. Am I correct in that description?"

"That is correct" I answered as well all nodded in agreement.

"Good. That means we are down to 1 problem which has nothing to do with you 3, but it will prevent you from reaching your goal." His face turned sly before he continued. "There is however a way, but that choice is up to you."

We all had a curious look on our faces now as we were a bit surprised by the statement.

"What could be that problem, sir" Lucian asked

"Drop the sir, my friend. Friends of Kellan are friends of mine. And friends don't need to be formal" he said with a smile that quickly turned serious.

"Not long ago an earthquake happened, that much you will know as well. But shortly after, we started seeing people coming into the town from Alora to the south with wounds and broken carts. When asked what happened, they all say they were attacked by monsters. We started to send out guards to observe what was going on and when they returned they confirmed what we feared.

Apparently, something happened after the earthquake and brought monsters to the Mistral Plains. As far as we can tell right now, they came from the NorthEast but we can't be 100% sure about that. After this, we sent guards with every transport to protect the people from these monsters, but after hearing the rumors of the monsters, many people suddenly went south to Alora. This means almost all the guards I could spare are now in or returning from Alora and now I have nobody to spare on this side.

My request for you three. If you would be willing to protect the next transport to Alora that should be departing tomorrow, I can let you leave. Otherwise, I will have to keep you here until the guards return. Which could be a few days, if all goes well."