Roderick stood at the rim of a cobblestone terrace, gazing over the city of Kerkenberge as it tumbled like a cascading waterfall down the steep mountain slopes. Each layer of the city, a tiered marvel of stone and endeavor, cut a striking figure against the rugged backdrop of the mountains that cradled it.
Above, the citadel rose, pale and proud, against the backdrop of the dawn. Its twin towers gleamed like sentinels guarding over the city. Atop the citadel's parapets, the heraldry of Kerkenberge billowed in the breeze. In the courtyard below, guards in resplendent plate armor patrolled the walls.
Gilded gates and turrets shimmered like jewels against the rustic hues of the surrounding peaks. Beneath its majestic spires lay the bustling market plazas, where merchants and traders from afar exchanged goods and stories of far-off lands. The city's denizens wove through the narrow streets and bustling thoroughfares with a casual grace, their demeanor and attire as varied and eclectic as the goods they peddled.
The air was sharp here, thinned by altitude and scented with mountain pine and the smoky tang of hearth fires burning in open markets below.
Roderick’s eyes traced the zigzagging paths that connected the city's tiers, noting each intricate detail he'd missed on prior visits.
"This view never ceases to impress me..." he muttered softly. He raised a hand to shade his eyes against the morning sun, which burned a brilliant orange in the cloudless sky.
He turned, leaning his back against the cool stone balustrade, his eyes sweeping over his companions who were scattered about the terrace. Simon stood silent as ever, his gaze lost to the horizon, his cloak swirling in the mountain breeze.
Lorne and Kaela were huddled a short distance away, poring over a map, their heads close together. Each murmured low, occasionally pausing to confer in whispers before returning to their huddled conference. Roderick watched them silently for a time before moving toward them.
"I suppose you three have come up with a plan for our visit?" He smiled as the duo looked up from their deliberations. "Any recommendations? I'm always happy to accommodate requests. My goal is to bring as much business to Ebonheim as I can. We can discuss new trade deals, build more connections..." He glanced around the terrace, searching for other members of his company. "Where is Deneve?"
"Sleeping off her hangover." Kaela sighed as she stretched languidly. "As you can imagine...she didn't handle her first time in the city too well. If you catch her before she passes out again...try not to make her do anything too strenuous. She was quite a menace last night..."
Roderick chuckled as he recalled how Deneve had pestered the city guardsmen at the gates with inane questions, only relenting once Simon threatened to force her back onto the road if she continued with her antics. Thankfully, the guardsmen had laughed it off good-naturedly and allowed them into the city without further incident.
Still, it hadn't made for a very graceful entry.
"That sounds like Deneve alright," he agreed. "How'd she manage to get so intoxicated? Didn't the rest of you stop her before she drank herself stupid?"
Lorne scowled.
"Unfortunately not," he answered sharply. "When she sees a challenge in front of her, she never gives up...especially if it involves alcohol."
"Challenge?" Roderick raised an eyebrow. "What challenge?"
"A drinking contest," Kaela spoke up with a wry smile. "One that she didn't seem keen to lose. A handful of soldiers offered to bet a few gold pieces on her, so she accepted. Unfortunately, her opponents proved...significantly better at drinking than she. After the fourth round, she barely managed to remain conscious...let alone keep herself from toppling off her seat."
Roderick winced as he imagined Deneve staggering between bar tables with a tankard in each hand. "That sounds like an unfortunate ordeal. Poor lass. Hopefully she hasn't suffered too much."
He shifted his attention back to the matter at hand. "So...have we come to any conclusions regarding how to spend our time here? I already have meetings arranged with several interested parties, but I'm sure we'll have ample free time to explore the city in between engagements."
Lorne leaned over the map spread out before them. His finger traced several lines drawn upon the parchment before halting near one corner. "From what we've gathered, this district has a variety of shops specializing in rare goods and arcane trinkets. I recommend visiting one here." He tapped his finger on one edge. "I'm not familiar with the owners, but they seem well-regarded among locals."
Roderick smiled as he recognized the store Lorne indicated—a place he'd patronized in the past. "Ah yes...Korgin's Emporium. I've been meaning to introduce you three to him. He's a bit...odd...but I'm sure you'll like him. I've conducted business with him several times before. His wares tend to sell out quickly. Plus, his prices aren't unreasonable."
Kaela gave a curt nod as she folded the map and tucked it away inside her cloak. "That sounds ideal. If it works out well for us both, we can discuss setting up regular orders and arrangements. Perhaps we could also provide them with more information on Ebonheim...its location, its products and services...its value."
"An excellent idea," Roderick agreed. "The more places we can introduce our wares, the better." He rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Well...that settles the itinerary for the morning. Let's not waste any time!"
He strode out of the terrace, humming merrily to himself. He had to admit—it felt good to be back in the thick of things once more. Nothing quite like negotiating deals in foreign lands to invigorate a man!
The thrill of haggling with competitors...the rush of discovering new opportunities...the exhilaration of securing favorable contracts...all these things stoked the fire inside him. Every interaction had its own unique challenge—whether dealing with an opponent or a new ally—and each held its own potential. If there was one thing he'd learned from his years of travel, it was to seize any chance at success with both hands.
Engin should have accompanied him. He was sure the man would have found the atmosphere invigorating too. Alas...Engin preferred to delegate tasks such as this to others. Perhaps he didn't care to venture too far from the valley? Or perhaps he was afraid of falling off a cliff or slipping in an alley?
Either way...Roderick felt fortunate to have found such loyal business partners in the other Silverguards. Their work ethic and dedication proved invaluable to him. Not to mention the skills they offered—Lorne and Kaela served as expert guards for Roderick's caravan during their trip into the valley, while Simon's quiet calm helped to temper Roderick's tendency towards overconfidence.
Deneve...well...she fulfilled the role of comic relief in their group—along with Urien. But he'd been told that the man had volunteered to help replenish a dwindling harpy population during their expedition to build the road.
His loss...Roderick liked having him around for his sarcastic wit and penchant for pranks.
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Their motley group ambled along the cobblestone streets, ignoring the curious stares from passers-by as they went. Simon stayed in the middle of the pack, flanked by Lorne and Kaela, while Roderick took point. It'd been some time since he'd wandered through these winding boulevards and broad avenues, but he'd not forgotten how to find his way around.
"The air's different here, high above the plains," Lorne mused aloud. He tilted his head skyward, eyes closed as he drank in the breeze. "Brisk and fresh...with hints of mountain herbs and pine..."
"Quite right." Roderick paused to peer around a corner. He spied the distinctive spire of the market square, jutting upwards amidst the crowded skyline. "In fact...if we keep going down this street, we'll arrive at the city's central plaza. A popular meeting spot for merchants and traders."
He gestured down a side alley. "Over there lies the local adventurers' guild, and near that is the artisans' guild hall. We may have occasion to visit both while we're in town." He spotted a group of armored figures moving amongst the crowd. "Those three over there—Kaela—are you familiar with them?"
The woman's gaze shifted to where Roderick indicated. She furrowed her brows as she inspected them. "Hmm...one of them seems familiar to me, but I don't quite remember their name...something like...Ardeu..." She shook her head in frustration. "Sorry. That's all I've got."
"Ardeu? You mean Ardeunius?" Lorne squinted as he too inspected the group. "He's a famed battlemage from the Order of the Burning Shield. Haven't seen him in years. Thought he retired..."
"Ardeunius..." Roderick stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, they've managed to lure him away from his peaceful abode...interesting..."
They watched as the trio passed by without noticing their observers. Soon enough, they faded from sight amid the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
"Anyway...let's head for Korgin's place!" Roderick exclaimed. He adjusted his cap and cloak before marching onward. "Shouldn't be long now."
As they navigated the city, they passed by innumerable establishments catering to every taste and whim—from cheap taverns to fine eateries; from quaint inns to rowdy brothels. Soldiers patrolled the streets alongside law enforcers clad in shimmering platemail. Groups of laborers trudged along beside merchant carts drawn by oxen and donkeys. Traveling caravans rolled in and out of the city, leaving dust clouds in their wake as they headed south into the valley or north along the mountain ridge.
"Do you think Ebonheim will be as large as this someday?" Kaela asked Roderick as they waded through a mass of pedestrians crossing a broad avenue.
"Hm...well, if I had to wager a guess..." Roderick hesitated. "Perhaps in a few decades. Ebonheim's a beautiful town...but it lacks the commercial opportunities offered by larger cities such as Kerkenberge. Its strength lies more in its unique setting. But that'll only carry us so far."
Roderick gave her a crooked smile. "Having more trading partners helps...though you may need to find one willing to brave the treacherous path leading through the Eldergrove to reach the town. Fortunately, with the newly built road that Ebonheim created...I imagine trade with other parts of the kingdom will increase exponentially. Along with that will come a surge in travelers passing through. People have to hear the news first..."
He winked mischievously at his companions. "I'll be sure to spread the word as quickly as possible. Our goal is to have the world come to us!" He laughed loudly. "Isn't that right?"
"Aye..." Lorne chuckled as he adjusted his scabbard. "On that note, do you think Kerkenberge will oppose the establishment of another trading city if Ebonheim becomes one? It isn't that far away—they might resent a competitor."
"Not necessarily. Kerkenberge primarily serves as a waypoint for traders coming in from the north and east. There are smaller cities scattered throughout the region—Fichteram, Bernehm, Grazenrath. So far, Kerkenberge has kept these regional markets well-supplied and vibrant. However, with a second trading hub set up further westward—Ebonheim in this case—perhaps some of their market share will shift over time."
Roderick grinned impishly as he tapped the side of his head with his finger. "In the short term, they might complain...but over the long run? I think Kerkenberge would gladly accept the influx of new visitors and business from the other side of the Eldergrove. Even if they lose out to us on some smaller deals, we'll be opening a whole new area of the world for them. Who wouldn't want that?"
He gave another shrug. "Besides...Kerkenberge doesn't possess the luxury of monopolizing their routes. I've often found that most customers prefer variety rather than restricting themselves to only one option."
"Fair point," Lorne replied. "There's bound to be a larger demand for certain items coming from our direction. If Kerkenberge wants access to the trade from those regions, they'll need to be flexible." He scratched his chin as he mulled over Roderick's words. "Still...if they're ever worried about our existence harming their own business, they may try to eliminate us at some point. That'd be something worth watching for..."
"We'll worry about that when we cross that bridge." Roderick patted Lorne's shoulder reassuringly. "For now, we should focus on building up Ebonheim's reputation as a safe place for visitors." He waggled his eyebrows mischievously. "And after that...we'll tackle the big-wigs with charm and wit!"
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They soon arrived at the Emporium of Korgin & Sons. The building appeared to consist primarily of stacked stone bricks with a low arched door cut into the base. Above the entrance, an ornate sign bearing the business's name swung lazily on heavy iron chains.
A set of crude steps led to a modest porch set before a pair of wood-and-glass double doors. Several round windows flanked these entrances.
"Well...here we are!" Roderick proclaimed as he pushed open the doors and led the group inside. A bell chimed overhead as they stepped into the Emporium's main hall. "Welcome to Korgin's Emporium...I hope you're ready to bargain!"
A vast assortment of curiosities lay arranged within. Shelves upon shelves lined every inch of the room. Racks stood crammed with trinkets of every description. Open boxes displayed odd-shaped bottles and containers filled with odd liquids of various colors and viscosities. On every wall hung exotic weapons and armor. A myriad of artifacts stood stacked haphazardly among the jumbled piles. Some items could barely fit inside the tiny space allotted for them; others had to be propped up against each other for support.
It appeared more like a mishmash of loot taken from every corner of the world and piled together without any organization than a place where business took place.
"Oy! Welcome to the store!" a hoarse voice shouted from behind the counter. It belonged to an older man wearing a long green robe trimmed with golden embroidery. He smiled broadly at the foursome.
"Korgin!" Roderick strode forward with arms open wide. "Long time no see! How have you fared?"
He stepped behind the counter and wrapped the robed man in a tight hug.
"Roderick! I was wondering when you'd show up again." Korgin pulled back and squinted at the other three people who accompanied him. "Oho...new partners, eh?" He inspected Lorne and Kaela especially closely. "Haven't seen you two around before...I think."
"These two are Lorne Miradan and Kaela. They're from the Silverguard Company, which Lorne's the commander of," Roderick introduced them.
"Ah right, right..." Korgin nodded. "In any case...good to see you again, my friend. Still looking like a fancy ponce as usual. Your sense of style remains unchanged." He pointed towards a wooden sign hanging behind the counter. "Don't mind the warning—that's more for my clients' sakes than anything." He guffawed loudly at his own joke. "Anyway...enough small talk...what're ya in the market for? Anything specific? Something to impress the ladies maybe?"
Roderick gave him a look. "I'll have you know I'm quite good with the ladies."
"So I've heard...and seen..." Korgin flashed him a knowing smile. "Anyway, make yourself comfortable—we have much to discuss!" He beckoned Roderick towards a doorway hidden behind the counter. "Come...come...follow me to the back office. I've got plenty more questions for you. Your companions can join, of course. I can't spare one of my boys to escort them."
"Lead the way." Roderick smiled as he followed after the robed man.
Korgin led the group into a spacious room dominated by a large wooden table surrounded by chairs. He quickly pulled one out from the table and motioned for them to take a seat.
Once everyone settled down, he grinned as he set a small notebook on top of the table. "Alright...let's get started, shall we?"
Roderick laughed quietly at his business associate's antics. The man had never lost his zest for conversation.
"Certainly," he agreed, leaning forward. "First off...I bring news that no one else in the city would have yet." His smile grew wider as he spoke. "A road has been erected that stretches from the east and west ends of the Eldergrove, providing a safer means of passage for those willing to brave its dangers. If this piques your interest..." he gave a wry smirk as he waved a hand at Korgin "...I can tell you more about this quaint little town called Ebonheim..."