🎵: Dash of the Daring, Rise of the Iron Will, Babel's Harmony, Whispers of the Unseen

You Sing Babel's Harmony

Status Update

Mana: 14/24

Effects: Babel's Harmony active (1 hour duration)

I lost myself in the song, letting it guide my translations as morning light crept across my desk. The melody seemed to soothe my nerves, filling me with a sense of calm and focus that made the task feel almost effortless. The documents before me yielded their usual mix of mundane correspondence and coded messages—supply requisitions hidden in merchant letters, troop movements disguised as wedding preparations. Nothing that pointed to their next major move, but each minor secret I deciphered felt like another crack in their armour.

Babel's Harmony Expired

A few minutes later, a gentle knock drew me from my paperwork. "When your hour's up," came the friendly voice of one of the junior scribes. "Master Dalen was hoping you could stop by her office when you're finished here."

The door to Master Dalen's quarters was open, and the sight inside made me pause. It was a careful balance of order and disarray. Maps and scrolls lay in neat stacks, while clothing and travelling gear filled several worn leather packs. Master Dalen stood at her desk, sorting through papers as methodically as ever. Her silver-streaked hair was pulled back into a loose braid, and her sharp blue eyes scanned each page with practiced focus, her presence exuding both authority and warmth.

"Hello, Brendan," she said without even glancing up. "Close the door behind you."

I did as instructed, the unusual disarray of the room making me feel a little out of place. “I can come back if you’re busy with packing…”

"Nonsense." She finally looked up, her weathered face creasing into a familiar smile. “A good caravan master always makes time for proper farewells. Besides, we need to discuss your progress.”

I felt my stomach twist. "I know I'm still slow with the translations. One hour a day with Babel's Harmony isn’t much"

“Stop.” She held up a hand, her tone firm. “You're exactly where you should be. Translation isn't a race; it's a journey. Like any path worth taking, it has its own pace.” She moved to a heavy chest near her bed, opening it with the ease of years of repetition. Inside, I glimpsed well-worn maps, small trinkets, and a few neatly folded pieces of clothing. “Which brings me to something important.”

She pulled out an object wrapped in soft leather, handling it with a level of care that immediately piqued my curiosity. “I wanted you to have this before I go. Something to keep you grounded out there.” She unwrapped the leather, revealing a brass-and-silver compass.

I couldn’t help but stare at it. The compass caught the morning light, its face more intricate than any navigation tool I'd ever seen. Delicate engravings spiralled out from the centre, and tiny runes etched into the surface seemed to shift and dance as the light hit them, while multiple rotating rings of brass aligned with precision, each layer contributing to its mystic complexity. Concentric rings of symbols surrounded the needle, and as she held it out to me, I could hear tiny mechanisms clicking softly.

You Receive Wayfinder's Compass

Name: Wayfinder's Compass

Material: Brass & Silver Construction

Primary Frame: Polished brass with intricate engravings

Detailing: Fine silver inlays forming protective runes

Face: Enchanted crystal glass

Needle: Magnetized silver with arcane core

Weight (kg): 0.23

Description: This masterwork compass thrums with subtle magic, its concentric rings of brass and silver moving with uncanny precision. Multiple layers of arcane symbols rotate independently, clicking softly as they align. The silver needle resonates with a faint amber glow when pointed toward its creator, Master Dalen. The strength of the glow intensifies the closer you get to her location. As she likes to say, "If it starts glowing like a beacon, either I'm right around the corner, or you've got yourself into trouble I need to know about.

“Your compass?” I looked at her, stunned. “But you need this for the caravans.”

"I have others." She pressed it into my hands, the weight solid and reassuring. "This one is different. It doesn't just point north. When you need to find me—truly need to—it will show you the way."

I carefully turned it over, feeling the cool metal in my hands. "Master Dalen, I can't—"

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"You can and you will." Her voice left no room for argument. "This isn't just a trinket, Brendan. It's a promise. No matter how far apart our paths take us, you'll always be able to find your way back." She smiled softly. "Though try not to need it too often. I enjoy my alone time."

A knock at the door interrupted us, and Captain Reed’s voice carried through. “Master Dalen? The morning reports you asked for are ready.”

“Come in, Captain,” she called, then turned back to me. “Meet me at sunset by the main gate—I have a few more things to tell you before I leave.”

The day passed in a blur. I split my time between my regular duties and examining the compass, turning it over and over in my hands. Each detail seemed more intricate than the last - the fine engravings, the smooth polish of the brass, the way the silver caught the light. As I traced the edge for the hundredth time, my finger caught on something - a nearly invisible seam.

Curious, I pressed gently. With a soft click, a hidden compartment in the base sprang open. Inside lay a small folded piece of parchment in Master Dalen's familiar handwriting:

"For when you need more than just directions. Keep it safe. ~Dalen"

I carefully resealed the compartment, smiling at her typical foresight. The compass felt heavier now, weighted with yet another secret. I spent the rest of the day saying goodbye to my caravan friends, the ones I'd grown close to over the last couple of days, all while wondering what circumstances might lead me to need that hidden message.

Tomas, the caravan master, was the first to approach me, his broad frame silhouetted against the dying light of the setting sun. He’d always had a way of standing that made him seem immovable, like a well-rooted tree. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his weathered face softened by the hint of a smile.

"You’ve got a long journey ahead, bard," he said, his voice steady. "But you’re tougher than you look. I know you’ll find your way."

I tried to smile, though my heart felt heavier than I’d expected. "Thanks, Tomas. I’ll miss you. And your cooking, too."

Tomas laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "Ah, you’ll find better meals on the road. But I’ll miss your songs—even if they sometimes make my eyes water from laughter."

He hesitated for a moment, then pulled me into a quick hug. It surprised me, but I returned it, feeling the weight of his arm across my shoulders. He was the man who didn’t need many words, but in that gesture, I felt everything he was trying to say.

"Stay safe, Brendan," he said, his voice softer. "And remember, a wise caravan master always knows when to fight and when to walk away."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I’ll remember."

Next, I found Lori and Kell, two of the first guards I met. Lori’s stern expression was a familiar sight, but today it seemed tinged with something else—something that looked a lot like sadness.

"You’re really not coming with us, huh?" she said, crossing her arms as if to guard against emotion. "Guess we’ll have to find someone else to sing those lullabies when the nights get too long."

"Yeah," I said, my voice catching. "But you know, I’ve taught Kell a few tunes. Maybe he’ll surprise you."

Kell chuckled, shaking his head. "Not a chance. I’ll leave the singing to you, Brendan. But seriously... we’re gonna miss you."

I wasn’t sure what to say, so I just nodded, hoping they knew how much their companionship had meant to me. Lori leaned in, her voice low so no one else could hear.

"Take care of yourself here. You might be a bard, but you’ve got a fighter’s spirit. Don’t let anyone take that away."

Her words struck something deep inside me, and I could only manage a nod in response. She gave me a rare smile—just a flicker before she turned away, waving over her shoulder.

Pak and Lin, the twins, were busy tending to their Swiftclaws when I found them. Lin looked up first, her eyes widening when she saw me.

"Leaving already?" she asked, her voice light but her eyes betraying her true feelings.

"No, no, you're the ones running away," I said, giving her a crooked grin. "Besides, after your cooking the other night, it is probably best if I want to stay alive."

Lin gave me a playful shove. "You will never let me forget it, will you?"

Pak gave a theatrical sigh, shaking his head. "Just when we were getting used to having a bard around. Are you sure you don't want to change your mind? These temperamental beasts are gonna miss your singing."

I smiled. "I think they’ll be just fine without me. Besides, you two have got this down to an art."

Lin stepped closer, her expression softening. "Take care, Brendan. And remember, if you ever need a place to rest, there’ll always be room for you with our caravan."

"I’ll remember that," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Old Tom was the last. He sat by the fire, sharpening his blade with practiced ease. He didn’t look up as I approached, but I knew he’d been waiting for me.

"Figured you’d come by," he said, his gruff voice carrying a note of warmth. "You’re not one to let others leave without saying goodbye."

I crouched beside him, watching the firelight dance across his weathered features. "You’ve taught me a lot, Old Tom. More than I can ever repay."

He snorted, finally meeting my gaze. "Just remember what I’ve told you, lad. The road’s dangerous, but it’s also full of decent folk. Keep your wits about you, and don’t let fear make your choices for you."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle deep within me. "I won’t forget."

He gave a gruff nod, then held out his hand. I took it, feeling the callouses on his palm—proof of a lifetime spent on the road. He squeezed my hand, then let go, returning his attention to his blade.

"Go on, then," he said. "Before we start getting all sentimental."

Master Dalen smiled when she saw me approach. "Good. Walk with me." We moved along the garrison wall, away from the others. "The compass is more than just a way to find me. It's a reminder that you're never truly alone out there."

"How will I know when I really need to use it?"

She gave a thoughtful nod. "The same way you learn anything else—trust your instincts." She stopped, pointing to a set of tracks in the dirt. "See these? What do they tell you?"

I studied them, feeling a bit like I was on trial. "Supply wagon, heavily loaded, passed through this morning?"

"Good. The road leaves signs for those who know how to read them. Keep your eyes open and trust your training." A slight smile crossed her face. "And remember—if you ever find yourself truly lost, whether in body or spirit, that compass will lead you back to someone who can help."

The sun touched the horizon, casting brilliant oranges and reds across the sky as her caravan assembled at the gate for last checks.

"It's time for me to go." She gripped my shoulder firmly. "You'll do fine. Trust yourself, trust your training, and when in doubt..." She tapped the compass at my belt. "Remember, you're not alone in this world."

I hesitated. “Isn’t it risky to travel at night?”

She gave a small nod. “It’s not ideal. But Captain Reed’s report mentioned some bandit movement along the route. We’re hoping to avoid trouble by moving under cover of darkness.”

I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. “Safe travels, Master Dalen.”

She gave me one last smile before turning to join her caravan. I watched until the group disappeared around the first bend in the road, the setting sun casting long shadows across their path.

It was strange, the bonds we formed on the road. We were all just travelers, passing through each other’s lives, but in those fleeting moments, we’d shared something real.

I took a deep breath and turned back, making my way to my room in the garrison. The road stretched out before me, unknown and daunting. But I knew I couldn't turn back now. My friends believed in me, and their faith gave me the resolve to face whatever lay ahead. As I walked, I felt the warmth of my friends’ words and the weight of their hopes for me.