The road stretched out before me and Korgan, a vast expanse of arid savanna broken only by the occasional cluster of trees. The terrain grew increasingly mountainous as we traveled, the landscape dotted with trading caravans and their pack animals (like oxes and fargos). I watched with fascination as the strange, mutant creatures known as fargos lumbered past, their unsettling combination of camel and rabbit features a testament to the oddities that existed in this world.

As we drew closer to the city of Crossroads, I recognized the telltale signs of the farming villages that dotted the mountainside. The vast cactus farms, the most effective crop in this harsh climate, stood out like green oases amidst the rocky terrain. The presence of the city's patrols, guarding the roads leading to the city, served as a further indication of their proximity to the bustling settlement.

Crossroads itself was a marvel of strategic planning, situated next to a cliff and straddling several main roads that connected the borders of three major powers on the continent.

I couldn't help but admire the foresight of the city's founder, who had clearly anticipated the importance of trade and defense in this location. Despite its seemingly inhospitable environment, Crossroads thrived due to its advantageous position and the constant flow of goods and people that passed through its gates.

We approached the city walls,I took in the impressive fortifications that surrounded the settlement. The walls were high and sturdy, with a deep ditch dug around the perimeter. Scorpion emplacements and heavy crossbow towers dotted the ramparts, while guard towers and a high lookout post provided additional surveillance. The single large round tower and double gatehouse with a drawbridge served as a formidable entry point, demonstrating the city's readiness for potential threats.

The guards at the gate eyed me and Korgan with curiosity as we passed through the checkpoint. I simply stated my purpose in the city - that I was a treasure hunter and Korgan my personal guard - and the guards waved us through without incident.

Once inside the city walls, I led Korgan to a reputable inn where we could rest and enjoy a hearty meal. The bar was a lively place, with patrons drinking sake, wine, beer, brandy, and mead, while the kitchen served up a diverse array of dishes from across the continent. I couldn't help but marvel at the abundance of food available in Crossroads, a stark contrast to the scarcity that plagued much of the world beyond the city's walls.

As we settled in at a table laden with more food than we could possibly eat, I turned to Korgan with a generous offer. "As thanks for bringing me safely to this fine city, eat and drink as much as you can, it's on me," I said with a smile.

The meal that followed was nothing short of a feast. The table groaned under the weight of baked potatoes filled with butter, a huge steak, meatballs drowning in gravy, tomatoes stuffed with rice and meat, a giant crab, soy sauce and hot sauce, mango chili sauce, roasted quail bird, crispy sushi filled with fish and sesame, and caramel roasted rice balls. Bacon rolls and bacon pie completed the spread, a testament to the city's culinary diversity.

Korgan, never one to pass up a chance to indulge, ordered the famous desert tequila as well as honey mead and wine. "That doesn't mean I'm going to a desolate ruin to die with you" he laughed, his words slurring slightly as the alcohol began to take effect. I felt a twinge of disappointment at Korgan's refusal to join me on my next expedition, but I pushed the feeling aside, grateful that my companion was enjoying himself.

As we sat back, stuffed and content, their moment of respite was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a group of soldiers in Crossroad's plate armor. They were accompanied by one of the guards from the city gate, who pointed directly at us. "Oh no," I muttered under my breath, realizing that our presence in the city had not gone unnoticed.

One of the soldiers approached our table alone, a feathered helmet adorning his head, marking him as a superior officer. "Hail, friends," he greeted us, his voice even and measured. "I come to escort you to the city guard commander's office. He insists that you should meet him." The soldier pointed directly at me. "Your friend will also join us," he added, gesturing towards Korgan. "Fear not, this is not an arrest."

I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing as I tried to determine the reason for this sudden summons. "Please, give us a moment," I requested, my voice calm and even despite the unease that coiled in my gut. "We are quite stuffed with food and drink." The soldiers, to their credit, seemed understanding of the request, taking seats at a nearby table while Korgan glowered at them, his hand hovering near the hilt of his sword.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the air slowly dissipated. The soldiers even shared a drink with us, reassuring us that if this were anything more than a friendly visit, we would know. I nodded, appreciative of their transparency, though I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever awaited us in the commander's office would be anything but routine.

Finally, the time came to depart, Korgan and I were escorted through the winding corridors of the guard barracks. The fortress was built from local stone, its walls thick and imposing, while the soldiers practiced their drills in the courtyard below. As they climbed the stairs to the second floor, I couldn't help but marvel at the efficiency of the city's defenses, a testament to the foresight of its founders.

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At the end of the corridor, we came to a large office, its walls lined with maps and documents. Behind a massive wooden desk sat a man in the same uniform as the other guards, though his was adorned with decorations that marked him as the city guard captain. He looked up as they entered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of Korgan and me.

"Greetings, Bugman sorcerer," the captain of the guard said, his tone even and professional. "We were not expecting you, but you have arrived at a fortuitous time. The governor of Crossroads wishes to meet with you at his estate and has instructed me to escort you there."

"Fine, I will accompany you," I said, my voice calm and even. "Korgan, do you wish to join us?"

Korgan nodded his assent. The guards led us through the winding streets of the city to a gothic mansion surrounded by gardens of desert flowers and cacti. A grand fountain shot water high into the air at the entrance, giving the impression of an oasis with the towering home looming behind it.

We were ushered into a large study and offered wine, figs, and nuts like almonds, walnuts, and salted peanuts. A well-dressed man stood behind a large desk, maps spread out before him. He appeared tense and deep in thought, but his face brightened when he saw us. "Welcome, my friends," he said, gesturing for us to sit on the padded wooden chairs. "Please, have a seat."

The captain of the guard stood behind him as he took his seat. We also sat.

"The Bugmen Sorcerer!" the governor exclaimed. "What an honor. When was the last time you visited here? I was told many stories of you from my grandfather. I'm glad I finally have the chance to meet you in person."

I inclined my head politely. "Indeed, it has been a long time. I remember your grandfather and seeing you as a child. Your grandfather was a great leader who made the right choices for the benefit of his people. Those were the good days. I see you have kept his legacy, as the city remains safe and prosperous."

The governor leaned forward eagerly. "Don't be so humble, Sorcerer. Many of the luxuries we enjoy are thanks to you - the solar street lamps, the grand electric furnace we use to craft our own weapons and armor, the biofuel fabricator, the design for our walls. I was even told you chose the location and placed the first cornerstone. No one in their right mind would think to build a city in this barren wasteland. Grandfather says you simply left one day, but here here you are at the time of our need!" the governor said, sounding excited like a child who found out the legends he was told as a kid were real.

"Oh well... everything was running so well there was no need for me anymore and I had urgent business elsewhere, so I left. And I did inform your grandfather," I replied evenly. "I was kept informed of the state of Crossroads. How did your men even recognize me?"

Korgan remained silent, sipping his wine with a displeased expression.

"There's a portrait of you right there!" the governor said, pointing at one of the walls. "How I wished this reunion would be happier. Sadly, as I mentioned, we are in dire straits. The Holyland is sending a vanguard army to lay siege to us. That's what our scouts have reported."

I felt a chill run down my spine at the news. The governor continued gravely.

"It all started a couple months ago. They sent an envoy inviting us to become their new colony and convert to their religion. They offered benefits, but no one here wants to lose our independence and way of life - from me, the Governor and Lord of this land, to the lowliest beggar on the street. We are of one mind and ready to fight to defend our home."

"What?! How many men do you have? Provisions? They will need an army of a thousand men to besiege this city..." I asked incredulously.

The governor held up a hand to silence me. "I will get to that. They will not need to besiege the city outright. They merely need to capture our trading outpost, half a day's journey from here, and block the roads to the city. They do not need to worry about food, as they have the most fertile lands in the world. Once they have the outpost and fortify it, it is only a matter of time before they take the city. Almost no force in existence will be able to stop them. Storming the city outright will cost them great casualties and require hundreds of men to even scratch our defenses. But they only need to starve us out."

He sighed heavily and With a heavy heart, the governor revealed the city's grim situation. "Our current supply of food, water, biofuel, and other necessities will sustain us for only two years under siege," he began. "The city guard consists of about sixty men, armed with high-quality weapons and armor. We also have approximately one hundred militia and auxiliary troops, all experienced in repelling raiders and invaders. However, this force is woefully inadequate to withstand the Holyland's might alone."

The governor sighed deeply, his eyes filled with weariness and resignation. "I dispatched our swiftest runner to entreat the United Empire for aid. They responded that they would send an army to bolster us, as they cannot allow their enemies to seize this strategically vital location. However, their army will not arrive for at least a month. On the other hand, the Holyland's vanguard will be upon us in less than two weeks. Therefore, we humbly implore you to join us in defending our city."

The captain of the guard, his weathered face etched with determination, removed his helmet and bowed in support of the governor's plea.

"Certainly, I shall aid you!" I declared. "However, I must assume command of your forces. My experience in battling the Holyland's armies is unparalleled, and I require control to fully harness my tech...I mean magic's potential. I will unleash such devastation upon them that they will believe an angry god has smitten them! Captain, you may then deploy your usual tactics once I have weakened their resolve." I said to the captain.

"Wonderful! It is decided! You shall lead our forces as our champion," the governor exclaimed, his spirit revitalized by the sorcerer's agreement. Turning to the captain, he commanded, "Brief our new ally on our intelligence and the terrain surrounding the outpost."

"As for you, Korgan," the governor said, turning to address Korgan a calculated look in his eyes. "We need every able-bodied fighter we can muster. I know you have a price on your head, but I have a proposition for you. Join our cause, fight alongside us, and the United Empire will grant you immunity within their realm." He extended his hand, offering Korgan his wanted poster. "Do you see this coat of arms stamped upon your poster? It signifies that anyone who attempts to collect the bounty on your head, be it through harm or kidnapping, shall themselves be marked for death by the Holyland's enemies. This is not unprecedented. The United Empire has long since decreed that any individual who aids their cause shall be granted immunity from Holyland bounties within their realm. Rest assured, Korgan, your safety is now ensured."

The governor's words, laden with conviction, seemed to ease Korgan's apprehension."Your bounty shall serve as a shield, Korgan. Any who dare to challenge it will face the wrath of the Holyland's foes".

The governor's eyes gleamed with a mixture of hope and determination. "What say you, Korgan? Will you stand with us against the Holyland's forces? With your skills and our sorcerer's power, we may yet secure victory."

Korgan nodded in agreement.

I had some preparations to make and people to visit before we went to prepare for battle with the Holyland.