In the dimly lit room, a group of weary companions huddled, discussing their recent exploits and planning their next move. They spoke of cities under siege, dangerous men freed from prison, and those men's messages exchanged with the king himself.
Lantera and Tunka shared news of a few hard-fought victories despite the gloomy atmosphere. Some cities were well fortified and held their own, providing refuge for important individuals. Aiden, intrigued by their information, listened intently as the group recounted news of Iridia.
The group then turned their attention to Aiden's recent adventures and deeds. He kept his recollections deliberately vague, offering a rough sketch of the previous days while withholding critical information.
"We understand your reluctance to share details," Botti said, seeing Aiden's guardedness.
"Could you share more about your plans and my role?" Aiden tactfully redirected the conversation.
Aiden shifted his gaze between Tunka and Lantera. "My magical abilities are still developing, but I believe they'll improve with proper training and a secure space to practice."
Tunka reassured him: "We can arrange that for a short while, but time is of the essence. We must attend a ball in Medhoos within a fortnight, where we'll rendezvous with several allies. And you must get us there, even though we aren't officially invited."
Aiden nodded with determination in his eyes. "With your help, I'm confident I can make it happen. Just give me the time and resources to prepare."
Lantera outlined their long-term goals: reopening the magic schools, overthrowing the king and his cronies, and achieving other formidable tasks.
In the short term, they would attend the ball in Medhoos and then head to Dhor, a fortified city north of Iridia, to retrieve ancient relics belonging to Tunka's kin. "Our plans may change as we go," she cautioned, watching Aiden closely.
"Quite the adventure," Aiden mused. "If we're to be in Medhoos in two weeks, I suppose we'll be in Sentara for another week?"
"Exactly," Tunka confirmed.
Aiden sighed. "I'll need to find a new place to stay. An assassin visited my quarters last night. Unfortunately, he wasn't interested in a friendly chat over tea."
The group erupted in a cacophony of questions and exclamations.
"What?!"
"Now you tell us?"
"Where is he?"
"Is he dead?"
"Oh no..."
"Did you see his face?"
"I want to kill you, and you haven't been here very long..."
Aiden raised his hands to quell the noise. "I understand, but I've almost died about 10 times in the last two weeks. I've gotten a little used to it. It is what it is. That's why you'll need to ensure you find my abilities useful. As of today, you're a target along with me, anyway."
Aiden found himself surprised that he was adapting to new situations and threats faster and faster.
Botti frowned. "Man! You should have told us that first. We need to figure something out. They'll send more."
Tunka's eyes gleamed with mischief. "I have an idea. We'll use bait to lure the assassin out of hiding." She grinned slyly at Aiden.
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The bait in question simply nodded, keen to play his part in the plan.
***
Lantera and Botti ventured into the bustling town, seeking a secure location for Aiden's training. Along the way, Lantera planned to collect a small gift from a friend that might help forge an alliance with the young mage.
Tunka, meanwhile, had slipped away once more.
Melog accompanied Aiden to the Black Boar Tavern, keeping a watchful eye out for any potential threats. Sensing Melog's familiarity with Sentara, Aiden asked about his connection to the city.
"I've visited twice," Melog replied, his nose wrinkling in distaste. "But it's too crowded and odorous for my liking. I was born in the northern mountains. I prefer the peace and quiet."
Melog occasionally scanned their surroundings with practiced ease, ensuring no lurking dangers awaited them.
Aiden voiced his doubts about their ambitious plans as they walked: "Do you truly believe you can achieve everything you spoke of today?"
Melog paused, considering the question. "Many in Iridia share the same dream. Even if we fail, it's better than doing nothing. So I focus on the present and the task at hand." His conviction was so strong that Aiden couldn't help but agree, despite his lingering skepticism.
Yet, deep within, the mage recognized that change was difficult.
Familiarity and comfort clung to one's bones, thoughts, and habits like an unyielding embrace.
They resisted the new, thrashing like untamed horses, eventually craving what they had rejected.
The sooner he accepts this change, the better.
***
Aiden and Melog entered the disheveled room at the Black Boar Tavern, only to find a mysterious stranger standing by the window.
What? Again?
With his hands raised peacefully, the stranger attempted to reassure them. "I found it like this when I arrived," he explained, his eyes darting around the room.
Aiden's instincts took over. He immediately sent a glowing arrow toward the stranger, aiming for his leg. The shimmering blue arrow hit the man's thigh, and Aiden began storing energy for another shot in case he resisted.
"Damn, you!" The stranger hissed, leaning against the wall.
"Who are you?" Melog demanded, his hand subtly resting on the hilt of a concealed dagger.
"My identity is not important," the man replied through gritted teeth. "What matters is the information I have."
He revealed an intricately carved dagger he had found on the floor. "It seems you have dangerous acquaintances. Such a dagger usually foreshadows a grim fate for its bearer."
"Ah, a mysterious visitor," Aiden remarked with a wry smile. "It seems people in Sentara have quite the penchant for seeking amusement in my quarters. Although I must say, I'm rather flattered. Yet, you appear to be well informed. So, what assures us that you haven't arrived with intentions to rob or slay us? Aside from the fact that we're still breathing, of course."
The stranger offered valuable information about a powerful artifact hidden within Sentara's underground labyrinth.
"There's something of great importance concealed beneath the city. I could help you find it, but I need your assistance."
Aiden and Melog exchanged glances, curiosity piqued. "What is this 'something'?"
"Below, there's an artifact a mage could put to great use. However, there may be more to find. These relics once belonged to a group of mages no longer with us." The stout man's expression hardened as he continued, "As for what I need from you, I'm seeking a plant that only grows in the lair of a larger beast in the nearby forest. This plant contains a crucial ingredient for a potion that I need."
Aiden furrowed his brow, intrigued but wary. "Tell us more about the beast and why you can't retrieve the plant yourself."
The stranger leaned in, his eyes locked on theirs. "I've never seen this beast and am currently... occupied. Help me, and I'll provide you with a map of the secret tunnels leading to the artifact."
The offer was tempting, yet dangerous to go there against something they didn't know much about.
But what could be more hazardous than what threatens them every day in these times? And bad times call for quick decisions.
Finally, Aiden agreed, with a warning: "If we discover any deception on your part, our alliance will end swiftly and painfully. Now, let me attend to your injured leg. You've become an asset to us in this venture."
The stranger nodded, his expression unreadable. "Agreed. Now let's get to work. Time is of the essence, and we have much to do."
He handed them a small folded paper depicting the plant. Aiden recognized it but kept his knowledge to himself. The man left.
Aiden and Melog hurriedly gathered a few essential items from the room, such as potions, faded maps, and a small weapon.
They left a hastily scribbled message for Botti at the Full Pot, letting him know they would return the following day. Then, after securing supplies and provisions from the gruff innkeeper at the Black Boar Tavern, a dimly lit and somewhat disreputable establishment, the men readied themselves to depart.