The journey to Thornfield continued without further incident, though the tension from the ambush lingered in the air. As the carriage pressed on, the dense forests and rolling hills gradually gave way to fields and scattered homes, signaling their approach to the outskirts of the town.

At first, the landscape was dotted with modest farmhouses, their thatched roofs worn by time but well-maintained. Fields of wheat and vegetables stretched out toward the horizon, tended by farmers who paused to watch the carriage pass, their faces a mix of curiosity and caution. Livestock grazed in the open pastures, and the smell of fresh earth and manure filled the air.

But as they moved closer to the town center, cobblestone paths began to replace dirt roads, and signs of commerce became more apparent—carts laden with goods, blacksmiths hammering at their forges, and the occasional well-dressed townsfolk making their way through the streets.

At the city's heart was a bustling market square surrounded by buildings of more intricate design. While Thornfield wasn't ostentatious, there was a quiet affluence to it.

The streets were clean and orderly, and the marketplace brimmed with activity. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the tang of iron from the blacksmith's forge while children ran through the square, their laughter blending with the sounds of commerce.

Yet, despite the picturesque setting, Linus could sense an underlying wariness. The farmers on the outskirts had watched them closely, and now, in the town, the same cautious glances followed them as they made their way through the streets. Conversations hushed as the carriage passed, and the townspeople whispered to one another, their eyes lingering on the new folks that had just entered.

As they approached the town hall, a figure emerged to greet them. The mayor, a stout man with a neatly trimmed beard and a shrewd glint in his eyes, stepped forward with measured grace. His well-tailored coat, adorned with polished silver buttons, showed his elevated status within the town, and he carried himself with the ease of a man accustomed to authority.

"Welcome to Thornfield," the mayor said, his voice carrying a practiced warmth that hinted at years of managing delicate situations. "I am Mayor Harold Vancourt. We have been expecting you."

His smile was cordial, though his eyes flickered with subtle curiosity as they scanned Mara and her entourage. It was clear that beneath his polite facade, Vancourt was a man who left little to chance, constantly assessing, always calculating.

Riding at the head of her guards, Mara dismounted swiftly, her movements fluid and purposeful. Her boots clicked against the cobblestones as she approached the mayor with a determined stride, the soft red glow of her sword's hilt catching in the late afternoon light.

"Mayor Vancourt," she said, her voice steady but carrying a subtle edge of authority, "I trust everything is in order for our arrival."

Her eyes, sharp and probing, locked with the mayor's, and for a moment, the air between them seemed to hum with the unspoken power dynamic. To his credit, the mayor held her gaze, his polite smile unwavering, though there was a flicker of something deeper in his expression.

"Of course, Princess Mara," Vancourt replied smoothly, offering a respectful nod. "We have made all the necessary preparations to ensure your stay here is comfortable. If there is anything you require, simply ask."

Mara gave a curt nod, her eyes scanning the town square briefly before returning to the mayor. "Good," she said, her tone leaving no room for pleasantries. "Let's get started. There is much to be done."

As they moved through the town toward their destination, the streets bustling with activity, Mara glared at the mayor. "Mayor Vancourt," she began, her tone direct, cutting through the sounds of the marketplace with no-nonsense precision. "Why does the town feel so restless? What is causing this unrest?"

The question hung in the air for a moment. Just as the mayor opened his mouth to respond, Linus felt a sudden, sharp sensation—a presence, subtle yet undeniable, locking onto their group. It wasn't the casual curiosity of the townspeople nor the wary glances they had grown used to along the journey. This was something more deliberate, more dangerous. It felt targeted and calculated, much like the sensation he'd felt that day in the King's chamber. His instincts bristled, but he kept the feeling to himself, masking any sign of concern behind a composed expression.

The mayor's expression flickered, the practiced mask slipping momentarily into unease before he regained control. "The people are worried, Princess Mara," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "They fear you will raise taxes again, adding to their burdens."

Mara's eyes narrowed, her annoyance flickering beneath her calm exterior. Without hesitation, she pointed toward Linus. "That's him, not me. Linus handles all matters related to taxes."

The mayor's gaze shifted to Linus, who stepped forward with a calm, reassuring smile. His eyes, however, scanned the edges of the square, subtly searching for the source of the unease that continued to gnaw at him.

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"Rest assured," Linus said, his voice steady, "we are not considering any increase in taxes at this time. The recent adjustments were carefully calculated and deemed sufficient for the town's needs. My role here is to ensure Thornfield continues to run smoothly and efficiently, not to impose any further financial strain."

Mayor Vancourt visibly relaxed at Linus's words, though a shadow of concern still lingered behind his eyes. "I see," the mayor replied slowly. "That will be a relief to many."

Linus gave a polite nod, but as the group continued moving, his mind remained alert, the sense of being watched still prickling at the back of his thoughts. Whoever—or whatever—had locked its focus on them was not deterred.

As they moved through the town, Mayor Vancourt began explaining Thornfield's significance, his voice steady despite the underlying tension in the air. "While Thornfield may seem like a backwater to some, it is strategically vital. We have an elemental mine nearby, rich with crystals that power magic. These crystals are rare and essential for powering magical devices and enhancing spellwork. Control of this mine means control of a significant source of magical power, which can influence political and military outcomes far beyond our borders."

Linus listened intently, absorbing the information. He understood the immense value of such resources. It was a power that could not be underestimated and could shift the balance of any political or military endeavor.

His mind began calculating the possibilities when suddenly, Mara raised her hand in a sharp gesture, signaling the group to a halt.

Without warning, the tension that had been simmering beneath the surface exploded.

An arrow came whistling through the air, seemingly from nowhere. Just as it neared the group, the arrow split into ten, each one hurtling toward a different target. As the arrows fanned out, the air crackled with elemental magic. Quickly, Mara drew her short sword, its blade flickering with fire. With a swift motion, she swung her sword, sending a wave of flames toward the incoming arrows, incinerating several in mid-air.

The guards reacted swiftly, each harnessing their magic. One, wielding a spear that shimmered with water magic, created a swirling barrier of mist to deflect the arrows. Another guard, armed with a crossbow enhanced with wind magic, sent gusts to divert arrows off their lethal paths. Despite their efforts, two arrows found their mark, striking down horses and throwing the scene into further disarray.

"To cover! Now!" Mara barked, her voice cutting through the confusion as her guards immediately formed a tight barrier around her. Their movements were seamless, a well-practiced formation as they moved her swiftly toward the nearest shelter, a solid stone wall that offered protection. Linus, Marcus, and others followed quickly, seeking cover behind nearby walls and structures.

As Mara and her team moved, the mayor's guards, previously stationed around the perimeter, joined the defense. Each guard channeled their magic through weapons—glowing staffs and shimmering shields—to create a dome of energy that absorbed the shock of subsequent arrow volleys.

Linus drew his sword, positioning himself near Marcus, who clutched his mace tightly, the stone embedded within beginning to glow with a deep, earthly power. Marcus remained vigilant, and his magic was reserved as a last resort to protect his master.

From their cover, Mara surveyed the chaos, her eyes scanning for the source of the attack. She was poised, waiting for any sign of further aggression. Her guards, alert and focused, mirrored her tension. Minutes ticked by, laden with the stillness of anticipation. The attackers did not reveal themselves again, nor was there any further assault.

With the silence stretching, Mara's expression hardened with controlled fury. The quiet was too deliberate, too tactical. Finally, unable to tolerate the suspense and inaction any longer, she turned to her closest officer. "Find them," she ordered through gritted teeth, her voice a low growl.

Her guards nodded sharply and immediately broke off, sprinting toward the direction from which the arrows had come.

Minutes passed, tense and silent, as everyone waited for the report. The sounds of Thornfield—so alive moments ago—now felt distant, as though the town held its breath alongside them.

The guards returned, their expressions grim. "Nothing," one of them reported, shaking his head. "We searched the area but found no one. They were gone before we could get close."

Mara's jaw tightened, her eyes flickering toward Linus as if seeking his insight. She didn't speak, but the weight of her unspoken question was clear.

Linus's gaze swept the surroundings, his instincts still on high alert. "We should move," he said quietly, his voice steady but firm. "Staying in one place will only make us vulnerable to another attack."

One of Mara's guards, clearly frustrated, turned toward Mayor Vancourt. "How could something like this happen?" he demanded, his voice rough with accusation. "You're in charge of this town. An ambush, right in the middle of the streets. How could you let your security lapse like this?"

Mara's eyes remained fixed on the mayor, her expression cold and calculating, while Linus, standing slightly behind her, studied Vancourt's reaction.

The mayor swallowed hard, his composed demeanor cracking slightly under the combined weight of their stares. "I... I never thought something like this could happen," Vancourt stammered. His brow was slick with sweat, though he tried to maintain his composure. "We've never had an incident of this nature before. I assure you, I'll immediately summon the city guard. We'll double the patrols and ensure Thornfield's defenses are reinforced. You have my word, Princess."

Mara's eyes narrowed, still cold. She said nothing, letting the tension hang between them for a moment longer before finally turning away.

"Good," Linus said, his voice quiet but commanding. "We'll rely on you to ensure it doesn't happen again." He exchanged a glance with Mara, a silent understanding passing between them.

Without a word, Mara gave a curt nod in agreement, and the guards quickly closed ranks around her. The party resumed its journey, the weight of the ambush and the mayor's uneasy response hanging in the air like a heavy fog.

This was not the welcome they had expected.