Triolux and I returned to the tavern with Frostfire following close behind. She peeled off a few times to admire a building’s paint job, flowers, or, in one case, piles of refuse someone had left. She was fascinated with everything and shouted greetings to all who looked her way.

The dragon’s curiosity about everything around her was infectious, and Triolux seemed to enjoy answering her endless questions to the best of his knowledge, with me filling in as needed.

When we arrived at the tavern's back yard, I found a couple of large green guests waiting for us. I greeted them warmly. "Urzan, Moktar! What brings you out here?"

The orcs took Triolux’s presence in stride, as if they saw ferrokin daily. Not much seemed to impress Urzan. He grunted. "Varix! You go to big city! Urzan and Moktar stay and guard tavern!”

“Yes! Guard duty job perfect for orc!” Moktar loudly chimed in.

I smiled, appreciating their offer. "Guys, I really appreciate the offer, but it’s okay. You don't have to do that. I know you have other responsibilities."

Urzan nodded. "Urzan also keep eye on Grondak! Make sure Grondak good at job!”

"Grondak has been doing a great job," I assured him. "He's a big help around here. He has even taken the lead a few times. I’m so proud of him.”

Urzan stared at me for a moment, then jerked his head back. He crossed his large, scaled arms over his chest, and his voice became suddenly thick. “Good Grondak… Urzan pleased!”

Moktar, seemingly bored with the conversation, took out a long knife and started trimming his nails. The sight reminded me of when I had first purchased The Shadow's Respite, and the two orcs had hung around, 'watching' the place.

As we talked, Triolux made his way to the rear wall of the tavern, tramping down the overgrown weeds that I hadn’t gotten around to removing. He held his hands up, moved them apart, then stepped back and repeated the motion. I watched with interest, wondering what he was doing.

After a moment, Triolux turned to me and said, "This will do." He reached into a pouch at his side and pulled out the metal egg we'd constructed in the underground city. He placed it on the ground and stood back.

The egg sprouted thin, spindly legs, reminding me of a spider's. The bottom split open, and the appendages dug into the earth. The egg pulsed with a soft blue light, and I felt a subtle tremor beneath my feet.

My eyes widened as I recognized what I saw—a miniature version of the Shaper's Forge from the ferrokin city.

“I don’t think there’s room for that device here,” I told Triolux.

Triolux shook his head gently. “‘Tis but a small replica. The forge’s work is nearly complete.”

While it shimmered and pulsed on the ground, Frostforge interjected, “This world is vibrant and so alive. The flowers smell sweet, and the wind carries so many fascinating scents. Did you know some humans keep small furry creatures in their homes? I saw one through a window—it had pointy ears and a long tail!"

"That would be a cat," I said, smiling at her enthusiasm, but my eyes were still glued to the forge as it worked. "I have one in the tavern somewhere. He likes to hide. He appears to live with my friend Lady Churl."

"A cat! What a delightful word. I will have to meet this cat of yours. Is he friendly?"

I shrugged. "I think he is. He's pretty elusive."

The egg pulsed again on the ground, doubling in size. Another pulse followed, and it grew to the size of a small dog. With each expansion, the ground vibrated gently beneath us.

Another pulse from the forge brought it up to Triolux's waist height. Urzan and Moktar watched silently, their expressions unchanged, as if miniature growing forges were everyday occurrences.

The front of the forge split open with a soft hiss, and two rough, dull steel-looking rods that were a little less than a foot in length emerged. Triolux hummed a quiet tune as he collected them and moved to the spot along the wall where he'd been measuring earlier.

He placed the tiny poles into the ground, and they sank into the earth. They grew upward, bending and connecting at the top to form a perfect arch. The little shaper's forge quickly shrank until it was its previous size. Triolux leaned over, picked it up, and dropped it back into his pouch.

I turned to Urzan and pointed at the arch. "Pretty impressive, right?" Because nothing seemed to phase the orcs.

"Yes! Fancy sticks!" Moktar leaned over and whispered something in orcish. Urzan said something back and shrugged. They both laughed.

"Tough crowd."

"Uzan and Moktar have seen many things! Morthisal raise army of dead! Thousands! Magic sticks… just okay."

The space between the 'magic sticks' shimmered briefly, and a street view of the underground city with its alien architecture and metallic paved streets appeared before fading into mist.

"It is so lovely." Frostfire clasped her hands to her chest.

Urzan nodded. "Look at fancy city!"

"It's thousands of feet underground."

Urzan shrugged and said, "Never go that far underground! Hope warm there!"

Triolux stayed outside with Frostfire while the portal grew. He was curious about the orcs and set about asking them as many questions as they would answer. Meanwhile, I went inside and took the stairs to my room to pack a bag of clothes and various toiletry items. I had a small folding razor I used to shave once or twice a week, and a brick of soap that smelled of, you guessed it, lavender. I packed a few other essentials into my travel bag. A spare set of clothes, some dried meat for the road, and a small pouch of coins.

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Elixander was the first to appear. He stepped into the Shadow's Respite and greeted us warmly, then gestured for me to join him. He and I walked to the back of the room near the fireplace.

I smiled at Elixander, genuinely grateful for his presence. "Thank you for agreeing to accompany Seraphina and me to the capital. It means a lot to have your help and support."

Elixander nodded, and his eyes softened. "Helping resolve the issue with the Heart of Shadows not only helps you, Varix, but it also safeguards Seraphina and the town, as well as Mythralon as a whole. My renewed time with Delphine has allowed me to reconcile with much of my initial skepticism about you. I must praise your dedication to building a new, peaceful life."

Knowing that Elixander's opinion of me had improved was a relief. Just a few days ago, he had told me it was best to leave Seraphina. "I appreciate that, Elixander."

Elixander's gaze drifted to the flickering flames in the fireplace. "Crownforge is a magnificent city, Varix. The library there is vast and filled with ancient knowledge. I remember the last time I visited the capital, many years ago. The history within those walls is truly remarkable, thanks to the hard work of the dwarves. They have invested hundreds of years into its development. I have not visited since it was converted into the capital, and I have missed its grandeur. I feel that if Seraphina and I are to find a solution to your problem…" His eyes darted to where the Heart of Shadows hid beneath my tunic. "It will be there."

"I can't wait to see it for myself. I've heard stories about the majesty of Crownforge, but I'm sure they pale in comparison to the real thing."

"Don't forget to pack a map, boys. Wouldn't want you getting lost in all those dusty old books," Lady Ophelia quipped.

I shook my head at her and mentally said, shut up, you.

Seraphina stepped through the door. She wore a practical yet somehow elegant travel outfit of deep blue silk with silver embroidery along the sleeves and hem, and her matching boots were polished to a shine. A delicate silver chain adorned her neck with a cluster of blue gems set around a light yellow center stone.

She had a small bag tucked securely under one arm and looked refreshed and ready to travel. I went to her and pulled her into a hug. The scent of lavender lingered faintly in her hair.

"Looks like we're all ready to travel. I packed a few things. Any idea where we will stay?" she said.

"It has been some time since I visited. I'm certain we will find a suitable inn.” Elixander's gaze swept over us briefly before he said, "We should be off. The sooner we depart, the better use we can make of the daylight."

I nodded in agreement but turned toward the back of the tavern, where Lady Churl was busy overseeing the kitchen. She glanced up as I approached, hand still gripping a cleaver.

"S'nice to be in charge," she said with a sly grin. "Best hope I don't turn this place into a goblin-run spice den while you're gone."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Churl, you’re the only one I trust to handle things while I’m away. Don't let me down."

"Reckon I won’t," she replied and waved me off with her free hand as if shooing a fly. "Now get goin’, boss. Got stew on the fire, and it ain't gonna stir itself."

I paused before stepping back and taking one more look around the tavern. What had once been a run-down, forgotten place was now something thriving—a hub of laughter, food, and camaraderie. It wasn’t perfect yet, but it was home. And I knew, without hesitation, I could leave it in capable hands.

Seraphina waited for me by the door. I joined her, and together with Elixander, we stepped into the brisk morning. The air was cool but clear, with faint smells of earth and wood smoke. Triolux followed close behind. Frostfire in her human form still stood near the portal, watching the orcs.

Urzan and Moktar crouched near a small patch of dirt they had claimed as their own. They were deep into a game of bloody knuckles, which, as far as I understood, mostly involved taking turns punching each other in the face until someone's knuckles started to bleed. Moktar had a faint bruise under one eye, while Urzan wore a split lip like a badge of honor.

"You guys stay out of trouble," I said, raising a hand in greeting. "Lady Churl's in charge of the tavern while I'm gone."

Urzan took a break from the game to nod at me, blood smeared casually across his chin. "Have fun in big capital! Don't die!"

Moktar gave me a quick nod, then immediately returned to readying his fist for another swing.

“Tell you what, I'll try not to die if you two try not to kill each other,” I added, only half-joking. Urzan grunted with amusement, clearly not bothering to dignify that with a response.

Before we could leave, a familiar figure ambled up the street toward us. He wore his long patchwork cloak that fluttered behind him as he walked, and carried his instruments and a big backpack. It was Kieran Darkrun, and he was loudly humming a tune as he approached.

I waved at Kieran, and he waved back, his face breaking into a friendly smile.

Frostfire said, almost breathlessly, "It's the singer with the beautiful voice."

"It is," I said quietly, my mind already kicking into high gear regarding his appearance. We'd been planning to speak before he left. I hadn't mentioned my plans to him, and now that we were leaving, I was about to lose him to the road.

Kieran made his way to the open area where we were gathered. The others greeted him warmly, and he enthusiastically returned their salutations.

"Kieran, are you leaving town?" I asked.

The bard inclined his head in a single nod and explained, "I was considering working at the baron's tavern, Varix, but this place, while smaller and more intimate, is where I would like to perform for one more night, if you'll have me."

One night was good, but I wouldn't be here to try to keep him on for longer. It was time for the pitch.

"Kieran, you're welcome to stay and perform at the Shadow's Respite for a few weeks. I can provide you with a room, meals, and several drinks per night. I'll also pay you a fee, and you can continue to collect donations from the tavern's patrons."

As I spoke, I noticed Frostfire keeping her eyes on the bard. She clasped her hands behind her back and walked around him, seemingly looking him over or, if I wasn't mistaken, scenting him.

"Might I be of assistance?" Kieran asked her.

"Possibly." She smiled.

The bard seemed taken aback but shook it off.

"I supposed I could stay for another night. Two even, but I am a bard and must travel where the winds take me. That is unless I can spend my free time learning about the ferrokin and, more importantly, the underground city. However, I most desire to converse with this dragon I've heard so much about but not seen."

Frostfire chuckled at his comment, but the bard almost completely ignored her.

"One small problem, Kieran. We have to go to Crownforge for a day or two. I would appreciate it if you would stay until my return. My deal stands about the room and board."

The bard blew out a long, slow breath. "I don't know, Varix."

Frostfire put one slim hand on the bard's arm and said, "Mr. Bard. What if I promise to talk with you when you return? You can ask me anything you like. I may require a few songs in exchange, but I suspect you and I will have several long, deep conversations."

Kieran shook his head and said to her, "Madame. Am I supposed to know you? The road calls, and I must follow where my heart leads. I do not think it leads to you."

Her eyes turned an intense shade of icy blue when she lowered her voice, and its sound was filled with mirth. "Are you sure about that?" Frostfire glanced at us. "I’ll meet you at the palisade." She turned to Kieran. "And I'll see you when we return."

The bard stared at her like she was a crazy person.

Before he could formulate a reply, she leaped into the air with impossible grace. She rose effortlessly about fifty feet up as her form shifted into an explosion of snow and ice, transforming into the magnificent dragon she was. Her wings unfurled with a crack of air, shimmering blue and white against the morning light. She hovered for a moment before angling toward the palisade and flying off.

Urzan had followed her ascent, his mouth slightly open in awe. As Frostfire disappeared from view, he blinked, then promptly fell backward onto his rear.

"Impressed now?" I asked Urzan.

He looked up at me, his expression unusually serious. “Orc impressed!” he declared.

"So is this bard," Kieran breathed. He stared and stared, and then looked at me. "I'll see you when you return."

"Great, Kieran," I said enthusiastically and gave him a firm handshake.