At first, Karn thought Roven was finally warming up to him. During their conversation, he had seemed eager to share his knowledge. But as soon as Karn mentioned the King, it didn’t take long for the man to fall back to his normal grumpy self, leaving Karn puzzled and somewhat disheartened.
The sudden shift in Roven's demeanour was heavy on his mind. There was something there under the surface. A reason that had to do with the king.
Karn was stunned at how much distance they covered by the time the sun had waned. Wide leaves above provided partial shade from the sun throughout the day, while the gentle coastal breeze carried a refreshing scent of salt in the air. As the sun gradually descended toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the surroundings, they stopped for the night. Nestled behind a cluster of dark coastal rocks, they set up camp.
Karn enjoyed the brief respite from the Feldreken’s teasing and attentions that night. The villagers, using their remarkable skill with moldable wood, swiftly crafted a cozy shelter, forming a makeshift hut that provided both comfort and protection.
Karn thought back to the previous night with the energetic warriors and the overbearing Ralina. Grateful for the opportunity to unwind and escape the watchful eyes of the Felren, Karn found solace in the presence of the villagers. The cozy bunk and quiet shelter eased his mind and allowed him to drift off into a peaceful slumber easier than what he would’ve managed had he been with the Feldreken.
That night, Karn fell into a deep sleep with vivid dreams. Images from his magical book immersed him into a miniature world. There he witnessed a breathtaking sight—the sprawling expanse of a startling green field stretching towards the horizon, its edges curving as if contained within a small globe. At first, he questioned whether it was merely a figment of his imagination, but a nagging feeling assured him of its truth. Although he couldn't hear the voices of the souls trapped within the pages, he sensed a strange connection, as if fine threads linked him to the book's enchanting realm.
In this dreamlike state, Karn moved through the world not by walking, but by the sheer force of his will and intent. As he ventured beyond the grassy field, he soared above enchanting forests with glistening leaves. His gaze fell upon the shapes of both men and beasts, living lives separate from the reality he knew. He glimpsed magnificent buildings, peaceful lakes, and winding rivers—a complete universe encapsulated within the confines of the book.
With every passing moment, as Karn delved deeper into this ethereal realm, the horizon seemed to expand, as if the more he saw, the bigger the space became. Amidst the vision, a monumental stone tower came into focus, nestled within the heart of a colossal castle city.
Karn's breath caught in his throat, abruptly yanking him away from the dream and back to reality. As he blinked his eyes open, he realised that the sun had already risen, casting its warm glow over the beach before him. To his surprise, Roven stood before him, wearing a puzzled and slightly alarmed expression.
Clearing his throat, Roven disregarded Karn's peculiar display.
"Morning," he grumbled, his tone tinged with annoyance.
"Mm, morning," Karn mumbled, still groggy from sleep, as he rubbed the remnants of slumber from his eyes.
Roven let out an exasperated huff and tossed an Ingad fruit at Karn. Struggling to catch it in his drowsy state, Karn steadied himself and sit upright on his bunk.
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However, Roven's mood was beyond mere irritation that morning; there was a flicker of genuine concern in his eyes. Standing outside the makeshift hut, he wore an expression that betrayed his anxiety.
"The Feldreken haven't caught up," Roven remarked, his words bitter.
"That can't be right," Karn replied, a tinge of worry creeping into his voice. "They should’ve easily caught up by now."
Roven nodded grimly. "I expected them to arrive a few hours ago."
A quiet curse escaped Karn's lips. "Did they pass us?"
"With their noses?" Roven scoffed, a wry smile forming on his face. "No way."
Karn understood. He had witnessed firsthand the remarkable strength of the Feldreken's enhanced senses and their uncanny abilities. The fact that they hadn't caught up with them raised troubling questions in both their minds.
Roven's face contorted with a mix of pain and determination as he found himself faced with yet another tough decision. "They’ll have to catch up, no matter what’s causing the delay," he muttered, a sigh escaping his lips. "They are strong, and whatever happens, they’ll find us."
Karn nodded, his attempt at optimism warring with his deep concern for Ralina's safety. The weight of the circumstances pressed heavily on them.
Peering past the protective barrier of rocks that concealed their shelter, Roven's gaze fixed upon the vast expanse of the ocean. A low rumble resonated in his throat as he squinted his eyes.
Karn turned to see what had captured Roven's attention. His eyes widened as he spotted a fleet of ships in the distance, steadily drawing nearer to the shore to the east. Then realisation dawned on him. "We're getting close, aren’t we?"
“We will reach Branside quicker than expected.”
Roven's words rang true as remnants of smog lingered in the air, carried by the breeze, signalling their proximity to the sprawling town ahead. With each step, the once brilliant sand had given way to a bed of small, smooth granite stones, causing discomfort and instability underfoot. Each footfall became a delicate dance to maintain balance amidst the treacherous terrain accompanied by the clanging of the rocks that echoed in their ears.
By nightfall, they caught sight of the town's outskirts. A towering wooden wall encircled the nearest edge, serving as a formidable defence against potential intruders from the surrounding forest. Karn couldn't help but imagine the lush forest being stripped away to construct such a barrier, an act that surely incited the ire of the forest dwellers, like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In the distance stood a wide gate guarded by armoured sentinels who vigilantly stood before a rusted portcullis.
As they moved under the cover of the forest and neared the wall, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty welled within Karn. He didn't know what challenges awaited them hidden within the town's walls.
“Shall we wait for the Felren?” asked Karn.
“We are easy targets out here. Best we get in as soon as possible and break the event lines as soon as possible,” said Roven.
Karn's unease grew as the realisation sank in that they would enter the town without the protection of the Feldreken. However, a flicker of understanding crossed his mind as he considered that their distinctive appearance might draw too much attention in such a place.
Roven's gaze locked onto the guards stationed at the gate, his predatory instincts at odds with his desire to avoid bloodshed. He meticulously surveyed the towering walls, searching for a potential entry point that wouldn't involve violence. His eyes darted back and forth, analysing every nook and cranny.
With a furrowed brow, Roven addressed his two companions, his voice filled with determination. "Climbing these walls is out of the question," he declared, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Karn glanced between Roven and the others, anticipation mounting as they brainstormed potential solutions. After careful consideration, Roven settled on a deceptively simple plan. "Alright, we'll try to gain entry by posing as labourers," he said.
"But won't they mistake us for beggars?" Karn voiced his concern, fearing that their ruse would backfire.
Roven shrugged dismissively. "In a place that enslaves the hopeless, beggars are likely welcomed," he retorted, his words carrying a bitter edge.
A chill ran down Karn's spine at the mention of slavery, sending a shudder through his body.
"Alright, so we approach the guards and convince them. But once we're inside, how do we find the Mages?" he asked.
A sly smile curled upon Roven's lips, an unsettling glint in his eyes. "Ah, yes," he replied, his voice sinister. "That's where the fun begins."