After the King and I had spoken for about twenty minutes, he excused himself to attend to matters of state, but not before saying, "I realize this is a heavy burden, Varix, but I need you. Please consider this carefully." He then pressed a packet into my hands and told me to keep it safe until I had made my decision. I promised King Alister I would give it serious thought.

A pair of dwarf brothers, Bromil and Korbak, guided me through several passageways. Their matching red beards were braided with golden rings, and they couldn't stop cracking jokes.

"Did you hear about the dwarf who married a mountain goat?" Bromli asked, his belly shaking. "The wedding was ba-a-a-d!"

Korbak chuckled. "Brother, that one's older than our great-grandmother's pickaxe."

I followed them, my mind busy going over my conversation with King Alister, so it was a surprise when the dwarves opened a plain-looking door set in the rough-hewn passageway to reveal a train platform. Seraphina, her father Elixander, Frostfire, and Triolux waited.

"You were gone for a while," Seraphina called out. "Is everything alright?"

My hand involuntarily drifted to the leather document case tucked inside my shirt as I walked toward her. "I'm fine."

"You look troubled," she said as we stood beside each other. I reached for her hand, and she grasped it tightly.

"We can discuss it later." I kept my voice neutral. "I have a lot to think about."

"Sure thing, Mr. Mysterious," Seraphina said.

"I promise I'll fill you in."

Elixander studied me but didn't say anything. Frostfire and Triolux remained in conversation regarding the meal we had consumed.

A larger transport train pulled up. Its engine sputtered steam as it came to a stop. The passenger cars were much larger than the transport we had taken to the prison. They weren't as plush, but were just as comfortable.

"All aboard!" Bromil called out. "Mind the gap between platform and train, unless you fancy taking a shorter route down the mountain!" He burst into laughter at his own joke.

"Brother, that was terrible," Korbak said, helping us board.

The train car's interior was lined with plush velvet seats and crystal lanterns. No one else was on board.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Why, this is the start of the line," Bromil told us. "And with you being friends with the king and all, the car is yours. This is a nonstop ride, so gird your loins and hold onto yer arses."

Seraphina burst into laughter. I held her hand as we boarded and smiled at the brothers.

We sat near the back in a U pattern, so we were all near each other. Frostfire kept her body turned toward the window to gaze out as we the train lurched forward, beginning its descent through the mountain. Bromli and Korbak entertained us with increasingly terrible mining puns until we reached the commercial district station.

The platform opened onto a bustling marketplace filled with inns, taverns, and shops. As we pulled into the station, we were greeted with merchants calling out their wares while travelers hurried past with bags in tow. The familiar scent of fresh bread and roasted meats wafted from nearby establishments, mixing with the metallic tang of the train's steam engine. A group of dwarven traders haggled with a human merchant over what looked like precious stones, their animated gestures and loud voices adding to the general chaos of the commercial district.

"Well, this is where we part ways," Bromli said, bowing with an exaggerated flourish. "Unless you'd like to hear one more joke about crystal mining?"

"Please, no," Triolux said, his gemstone features reflecting the lamplight.

"Your loss!" Korbak called as they returned to the train with their laughter echoing behind them.

It was close to evening, and streetlamps cast a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. Seraphina took an interest in them since she had been working on magical lamps to illuminate Everspring with her enhanced gems.

Merchants' stalls lined the thoroughfare, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to fresh produce. The scent of baking bread mixed with herbs from an apothecary's shop. Our meal had been so large I didn't think I could eat another bite until morning.

"Good evening!" A street vendor waved a glowing crystal at us. "Best protection charms in town!"

Seraphina stopped to look at one. She picked up the green gem that hung from a plain silver necklace and inspected it. I couldn't feel it, but I knew she was probing the stone with her magic. She nodded and put it down, then said to the vendor, "This is excellent work. Thank you for sharing."

I guided our group past rows of shops with colorful awnings. A mage demonstrated floating lanterns to a crowd of children while their parents browsed nearby stalls. Steam rose from several bathhouses. Taverns already buzzed with afternoon patrons, and signs advertising various beers and brews swung in the breeze.

"I must take my leave," Elixander said to Seraphina. "There are matters requiring my attention at the archives."

"Shall I join you, father? We have a lot of research to do."

"Later. For now, I will continue on my own. I also need to confer with Dagor and Durrick, my forgepriest friends, and I plan to catch up with them. It has been some time since we saw each other."

"Where should we meet?"

"At the Silver Crown—it is quite a reputable location. Follow this street until you reach the fountain with three dancing dwarven women, then take the right path. The inn has a silver crown mounted above its door."

"Be safe, Father," Seraphina said.

"You, as well," Elixander replied.

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Elixander nodded curtly and strode away, his robes billowing behind him.

Triolux cleared his throat. "If you'll excuse us, Frostfire and I would like to explore this lovely town."

"There's so much to see," Frostfire said, adjusting her human disguise. "We'll catch up with you later."

As they walked away, I noticed how passersby stopped to stare at Triolux. His metallic skin and gem-like features drew double-takes from merchants and travelers alike. Some whispered behind their hands, while others simply froze mid-step. He took it in stride and even went out of his way to approach some and offer greetings to them.

"Care to check out the marketplace?" Seraphina asked, squeezing my hand. "I may need to make one or two stops along the way."

"Lead the way," I replied, falling into step beside her.

I followed Seraphina through the market district, pausing at various clothing shops. She pulled me into a boutique with flowing dresses displayed in the window.

"I need a few changes of clothes," she said. "I didn't pack much for our journey."

"Take your time," I replied.

I roamed the marketplace while she browsed through a few stores for dresses. Merchants from across Mythralon displayed their wares—spices from the southern deserts, intricate clockwork toys from human cities, furs that were tanned and some that had been made into cloaks. A dwarf weaponsmith demonstrated the balance of his blades to interested customers. The variety kept my attention as Seraphina visited shop after shop.

A particular booth caught my eye, manned by a pair of gnomes. The husband had a bushy green beard that nearly reached his waist, while his wife's hair was piled high in an elaborate bun. They were engaged in a lively discussion as I approached.

The husband chuckled at something she had just said. "No, no, my love. The swift boots are for travelers who need to make haste."

"Oh, of course!" She turned to me. "Welcome, good sir! How may we assist you today?"

I glanced at their wares, noticing a collection of maps and strange-looking footwear. "What do you have here?"

The husband held up a map. "This, my friend, is a self-updating map. It records your journey as you go, ensuring you never lose your way."

"It's perfect for those who like to wander aimlessly," his wife chimed in.

"Dear, I think you mean it's perfect for those who prefer a planned route," he corrected gently.

"I don't know about that. A self-updating map that updates as you wander sounds like a useful item. That way, you won't get lost," I said.

"Fair point, friend." She grinned at me. "And these boots! They're our most popular item."

The husband nodded. "The swift boots. They'll help you cover ground quickly, perfect for long journeys."

"Or for those who want to take a leisurely stroll," his wife added.

I had met couples who completed each other's sentences, but not this poorly, and I couldn't help but smile at their banter. "How do they work?"

The husband picked up a boot. "You see, they contain a speed enhancement spell. It increases your walking pace without requiring additional effort."

"So you can run like the wind, even if you're as slow as a tortoise!" his wife said.

"My dear, I believe the phrase is 'walk like the wind.'"

"Oh, yes, that sounds much better."

I examined the boots, impressed by the craftsmanship. "And the maps? How do they update themselves?"

The wife took over the explanation. "They're imbued with a special tracking charm. The map records your path as you travel, creating a detailed record of your journey."

"It's perfect for adventurers who want to retrace their steps," the husband added.

"Or for those who never want to see the same place twice!" his wife said.

I chuckled. "I can see how both could be useful. How much for a map and a pair of boots?"

The couple exchanged a glance, then named a price that seemed more than fair. I tried on a few boots until I found a pair that fit. They were quite comfortable with a well-thought-out arch support that hit me in the right spot. I handed over the coins, and they packaged my purchases with care.

"Thank you for your business, good sir," the husband said.

"May your journeys be swift and your feet never tire!" his wife added.

"I think you mean, 'May your journeys be safe and your paths always clear,'" the husband corrected.

"Oh, yes, that's much better." She beamed at me.

I thanked them both and tucked my new acquisitions into my pack. As I turned to leave, I spotted Seraphina emerging from a nearby shop, carrying a few packages.

"Find anything interesting?" she asked, eyeing my purchases.

"Just a few things to make our travels easier," I replied. "Where to next?"

"Let's see what we see. Lead the way," she said, stepping beside me. "I need a few more items. Isn't this fun?"

"It is." I agreed.

I sampled candied nuts from a street vendor between stores and watched a puppet show about King Alister's victory over the dark lord Morthisal. The puppeteer even included smoke effects.

After Seraphina stopped at another clothing shop, I noticed an establishment that stood out from the others. The window display featured impeccably tailored clothing, and the shop itself had polished wooden doors with brass handles. As I entered, a tall man in a perfectly fitted dark blue doublet and matching trousers greeted me.

"Good afternoon, sir," he said. "Welcome to Matthias's Fine Apparel."

The interior smelled of leather and cedar. Racks of coats and suits lined the walls, and shelves held folded shirts and trousers. A leather jacket with tails caught my attention. The craftsmanship was excellent, and the leather was butter-soft.

"Would you like to try it on?" the shopkeeper asked.

"I would," I said, surprised at myself. This really wasn't my style. I was more of a trousers and work shirt kind of tavern owner.

I slipped it on. The fit was good, but not perfect. "It's a little tight on my shoulders and midsection."

"Agreed. It's a tad bit small. Just a moment, sir. I have the perfect thing in the back that might suit you better."

He disappeared into the back room and returned with another jacket. This one was midnight blue with silver buttons and subtle embroidery along the lapels. It was much more subdued than the other jacket, and I immediately liked it more.

The moment I put it on, I knew it was perfect. The jacket moved with me like a second skin.

"This is exceptional," I said.

"It was made for someone who never returned to claim it," the shopkeeper said. "The measurements are nearly identical to yours."

When he named its price, I almost walked out the door, but on second thought, I had rarely purchased extravagant things since arriving here, the Shadow's Respite aside.

I offered him a slightly lower sum, which he graciously accepted. Parting with the gold hurt a little, but wearing that jacket would surely make up for it in the future. It would serve well for any official business I might need to conduct, or for future visits with King Alister. When I emerged from the shop, Seraphina waited outside with even more packages.

"Mr. Vel'Naris! That's quite handsome on you. I like it very much," she said.

"This old thing?" I grinned.

"You look sharp."

"It looks like you found a few more things."

"I did. I can't wait to try on my new clothes."

"Didn't you already try them on in the stores?" I asked.

"Not everything. I thought I'd treat you to a show. There may be something in here for your eyes only.”

"To the tavern! We haven't a moment to waste." I laughed. "We could always stay the night in town and take the king up on his offer of a royal room tomorrow."

"You want to see what it's like to stay at an Inn in Crownforge and compare it to the Shadow's Respite."

"You got me." I laughed.

As we walked, I thought about everything that needed to be done the next day. Not only would we need to go to the palace, but I still had to make a stop at the tavern guild and learn what was required to continue operating Shadow's Respite. For now, I was happy to spend time with my love. Tomorrow could wait.