ON THE MORROW, the path before Eryn and I unfolded towards the gleaming towers of Vandaris City. The castle, in its present chaotic condition, seemed less appealing, propelling our eager departure.

Known as the Empire Road, the route stretched from the quaint Maridal to the grand Vandaris, finally reaching the remote lands of the historic Sandivistan Empire. It was Petr who had spun tales of the Empire's zenith two or three centuries prior when the stone-paved roads formed the veins of an expansive, thriving empire.

Following an overwhelming surge of ghastly creatures, the once-mighty Empire crumbled, disintegrating into independent states and alliances. The Lumeos Concord, for instance, now held dominion over these lands. In hearing this, I'd hastily concluded that Sandivistan represented this realm's archetypal ancient advanced civilization. Yet, my presupposition proved to be misguided. The empire had survived, albeit lesser in its splendor, akin to any other nation adorned with a tapestry of history.

Despite having lost vast expanses of its territory, the Sandivistan Empire retained a power and prestige befitting its title as Dravus's eldest civilized country. As a testament to this lasting influence, the Adamant Knights remained loyal to the Sandivistan monarchy (though sans any fiscal obligation). The Marion lineage, Eryn proudly claimed, traced its roots back to this historic empire.

Eryn argued our spectral steed would attract undue attention on the Empire Road, well-trodden by travelers. Hence, we decided to tread the path on foot. While the route meandered through occasional dips and elevations, it offered a comfortable journey. We would occasionally cross paths with shepherds guiding their flocks, traders steering their laden wagons, or solitary wanderers. The tranquil journey made me question the rumored menace of bandits, a query which a merchant fellow camper was more than eager to resolve, "A formidable mage took up residence nearby, driving the scoundrels away in fear!"

The information had disseminated faster than I'd anticipated, perhaps catalyzed by Captain Stevenson's purposeful spread of rumors about me. I couldn't recall the last time I had roamed with such unburdened freedom. I pondered, This might indeed be my maiden experience of such tranquility. The medieval-esque landscape, accompanied by the enchanting albeit boisterous woman, painted an unfamiliar, yet strangely comforting, picture. I found myself grateful for my journey to Dravus, a sentiment I'd be hesitant to share with my former colleagues and friends.

By the third day, however, the monotonous rhythm of our journey had begun to wear thin on my patience. As boredom loomed, a beacon of hope emerged from Eryn's words.

"Once we crest that hill, Lake Lumeos and Vandaris City should come into view," she said.

"Eager anticipation sparked within me. I quickened my pace, aware of the sudden moisture in the air as I ascended. At the summit, I found myself entranced.

Had I not been informed, I might've mistaken the vast body of water for the sea. The lake stretched into a misty horizon, with no opposite shore visible. The memory of the smaller Lake Mead from my home sprung to mind. Lake Lumeos, I marveled, my attention quickly shifting to the city by its shore.

"Marvelous! A city fortified by walls!"

Indeed, Vandaris City sprawled along the shores of Lake Lumeos, encompassed by two rings of fortified stone walls. The outermost wall partially receded towards the port, where sizable sailing ships were docked. The city's stone structures, capped by roofs of varying colors, were a sight to behold.

"Hold on! You're rushing!" Eryn called out.

I turned back to see her, flushed and laboring to keep up. Despite the slight twinge of guilt, I couldn’t resist my fascination with the city.

"Apologies… I was drawn towards the city's charm," I replied.

"At your age, such stamina is impressive," she remarked with a tinge of sarcasm.

I couldn't help but laugh at her comment. My secret, though I didn't divulge, were the magical boots that permitted extended, tireless travel, matching the pace of a horse if needed. Yet, I reflected, this may not bode well for my overall health.

With a river circumventing its outer wall, Vandaris City boasted a drawbridge teeming with traders, peasants, and carts bearing diverse goods.

"The city is awe-inspiring, dwarfing Maridal in comparison," I admitted.

Eryn puffed her chest out with pride, "Vandaris City, the jewel of Lumeos Concord, stands tall among all continental cities, not just in size, but also in its historical and cultural richness."

The Empire Road not only linked to Maridal but also extended northward. The bustling city served as a hub, and the crowd gathered outside its gate was unlike anything I'd witnessed since arriving in Dravus. The open gates, overseen by uniformed guards inspecting the incoming traffic, was a sight reminiscent of the medieval fantasy setting. The guards seemed diligent, ensuring the city's law and order were maintained.

After a twenty-minute wait, we stood before the guards, the stone-paved square, complete with a fountain and lively musicians, lay beyond the gates.

"Stay focused," Eryn nudged me. "Here, write your name, status, and planned lodging."

She handed me a wooden writing board, the traveler's registration application, and a stylus, while presenting her official pass to the guards.

"Excuse me, I'm Emberus Blazeus Xandros," I began. "As for status, would 'commoner' suffice? Regarding my stay..."

"Don't overthink it. Just write 'The Weaver’s Guild'," Eryn suggested, emphasizing the phrase.

"Oh, alright then..." I began, but was interrupted by the guard.

"Hold on! You're Emberus Blazeus Xandros?! The Archmage who assisted the Adamant Knights in annihilating the fiend's nest?!"

"Wh-What?!" I exclaimed, the rumors about me flooding back to mind, and a creeping sense of dread took hold.

“The infamous Archmage graces us with his presence!”“The very same, Emberus Blazeus Xandros, the hero of legends!”“The Master of all Magic!”The astonished exclamations echoed from both the sentinels of the city gate and the people queued behind us. A warm blush spread across my cheeks.

I feared for a moment the press of the crowd, a surge of bodies trying to glimpse the renowned figure I had become. But reality proved otherwise. A respectful circle formed around Eryn and me, including the guard conducting our entrance inspection. Their faces were painted with an array of emotions; the thrill of admiration and joy among some, a disquieting anxiety amongst others.

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My mind flickered back to the similar reaction in Maridal, my spirits drooping.

“He appears less imposing than the stories tell…”“Seemingly… ordinary?”“I heard he hails from a land across the great sea…”“Is that the fabled staff that commanded the stars to fall from the sky?”“Hold your ground! Anger him and he may turn us all to stone!”The murmuring rose but still, the crowd held its place.

“Unless you address them, we shan’t make our way through,” Eryn remarked with a light sigh, her calm countenance surprising.

I shivered at the thought of the potential tales that would spin out of my words, but I found no other option. My hopes of leading an inconspicuous life seemed ready to evaporate.

“I beg your pardon for the commotion, fine travelers and honorable citizens of Vandaris,” my Staff of Archmagery resounded as it struck the cobblestones, providing emphasis as I turned to address the sea of faces.

“I confirm your suspicions. I am indeed Emberus Blazeus Xandros, the Archmage,” I raised my voice to ensure every ear would hear. “It is a pleasure to meet you all. I count it a great honor to stand at the threshold of your splendid city, Vandaris.” I paused a moment then turned back to the city guard. “If there are no further inquiries, would you be so kind as to grant me passage?”

“My sincerest apologies, Archmage! Please, proceed. Welcome to Vandaris!”Despite the intricate language, my past life as a corporate salesman had ingrained within me a knack for formal oration. The guard hardly needed persuading. A symphony of spears echoed off the cobblestones in salute, a spectacle that stirred an admiration within me.

“With your leave, my friends…”The recognition of my identity seemed to pacify the crowd. Their apprehensions replaced with bows and words of welcome as they made way for my entrance into the city, careful to maintain their distance.

“Shall we proceed?” Eryn’s words cut through the clamor, her focus unswayed by the spectacle.

I recalled her purpose, to guide me to the Vandaris weavers' Guild. I decided it best not to further delay her task, but a figure stepped forward blocking our path.

“Mister Ember! Mister Ember!”A small figure launched from the crowd, embracing me in a hug that stole my breath.“Mister Ember!”Lowering my gaze, I found myself met by teary cherry-hued eyes. It was Lana.

“Archmage Emberus!” Lana’s voice trembled as she hugged me tighter.

“Ah, Lana. It's been some time. I did not expect our paths to cross so soon after my arrival.”Had I been younger, perhaps the unbridled adoration of a young maiden would have brought me joy, but being a man past his fourth decade, Lana’s affection felt more akin to a child greeting a long-lost relative. Her sudden affection caught me off guard, my voice still carrying the echo of grandeur from my previous speech. I feared she might take offense, but my worry proved unnecessary. After catching my breath, I ruffled her hair and gently untangled her from me.

“Archmage Emberus! I awaited your return, but you never came! Even after you eradicated the beast’s lair! Then knights arrived to transport my father’s goods, but you were absent… I feared you were evading me!”“Evade you? Lana, that would be impossible. After all your kindness? There's also the unfinished business with your father to consider.”“Still…I did so little… You are the one who assisted me.”In truth, Lana’s perspective was more accurate. However, she was the first true contact I made in Dravus, and the trust we built was a cherished memory. My first interactions with the likes of Karyon and his bandits hardly counted.

“Master Archmage… The depth of our gratitude for your deeds is immeasurable…”“Our young mistress has been expectantly glancing at the gate each time we journey beyond it, awaiting your return.”Behind Lana stood a middle-aged couple, presumably her guardians. Both of them bowed deeply in gratitude.

“I assure you, it was no inconvenience at all. Please, think nothing of it.”“Our residence is on Commerce Street. My father will be overjoyed to see you. Let’s proceed!” Lana tugged on my arm but was halted by Eryn.“Pardon me, Lana, but we have pressing matters to attend to,” Eryn interjected.“Understood. We'll see you later, then,” Lana returned, undeterred. “Come, Archmage Emberus.”

"Did she just say 'we'?!" Eryn's voice cracked, an assertive hand clamping onto my other arm and yanking me in a contrary direction.My mind whirled, what was unfolding before me? Two youthful women, both radiant in their own ways, engaged in a tug-of-war over me?I took a steadying breath, attempted to make sense of the situation. Lana's bond with me, she's young, it could be the same affection a child holds for a mentor or a close family member. As for Eryn, her determination was steered by responsibility, ensuring I'd reach the weavers' Guild in due course. If I were to read more into her intentions, perhaps she viewed me as a fellow warrior, given our shared trials...

Now, I've seen it happen more times than I care to admit; middle-aged men misconstruing such situations as being the center of female attention, the "ladies' man." But I was not about to be ensnared in such a folly.

"Erm… Lana?" I stammered, attempting to regain some semblance of control. "I have kept the weavers' Guild waiting for far too long. It's best to confront the grueling tasks first. Would it be alright if I stopped by later?"

It was vital to prioritize my commitments.

"Oh," Lana's eyes reflected her disappointment. "You must have something very important to do, then?"

"It's...complicated. But once it's done, I promise to stop by. Just tell your father I'll be visiting, alright?"

Lana's face lit up, her childlike enthusiasm unfaltering. "Our house is the largest on Commerce Street, you can't miss it. I'll be eagerly waiting for you!"

Lana's curtsey was followed by her skipping away, the two servants close behind, heads bowed in respect. By then, the throng had dwindled significantly, aided by a diligent guard who returned to his post only after offering one last nugget of information. "Your tales of heroism are being spun into songs by our bards, Archmage!" This was something I could have done without...

"I'd rather not garner any more attention..." I mumbled, still slightly taken aback by the encounter with Lana. "Yet I didn't expect to meet her again so soon."

"How fortunate for you..." Eryn's voice bore a hint of a growl, a vein pulsing at her temple.

"Apologies. We should proceed to the weavers' Guild," I quickly added, noting Eryn's dwindling patience.

"Yes, let's tackle the... what did you call it? The worst part. Lead the way, my lord Archmage."

"I said I'm sorry..."

Vandaris was a city of ornate beauty, the stone-paved roads clean and pleasing underfoot, with some even boasting intricate mosaic designs. The towering wooden and stone buildings, a testament to the limited lateral expansion of a walled city. This architectural familiarity mirrored the medieval cities I'd read about during my tabletop RPG days. The bustling streets teemed with brightly dressed denizens, none barefoot, their attire a blend of simplicity and elegance.

Eryn seemed a popular figure, people waved or respectfully bowed as we passed. It struck me then that she had mentioned being of noble birth...

A shiver ran down my spine as an unsettling thought suddenly hit me. I swiftly surveyed the upper windows and rooftops, hoping my fears were unfounded.

"What's got into you?" Eryn's question broke my concentration.

"Just... I heard that in big cities like this, people throw their...waste...out of the windows."

"WHAT?!"

Luckily, Eryn assured me that Vandaris, like most large cities, was equipped with a sewer system, and some parts even had proper plumbing, thanks to the city's access to fresh water.

"Are they aiming to be the Rome of this world or something?" I muttered to myself.

Differences between medieval Europe and Dravus were to be expected. After all, a more Tolkienesque world was more in line with what God had alluded to...

"By the way," I ventured, "how big is the city's population?"

"The last I checked the records, around twenty-five thousand citizens were registered... But if you include non-citizens, the population could be between thirty to forty thousand."

A city of forty thousand! This truly is a sprawling metropolis! With even a few cities this size, it's evident that Dravus has advanced further than medieval Europe. And to think, the fiends' nest was merely a few days' journey from here... The magnitude of the potential disaster we had averted was overwhelming.