A street, more than ten carriages wide, stretched out before them until it arched out to surround a grand fountain. Several stone figures in dancing poses poured jugs of water towards the center, where it flowed upwards to support a giant harrier bird. The city’s national animal.

Across the fountain, the street returned to its original form and led up to a second wall that separated the outer ring from the inner city. It was where the royal family and higher-ranked aristocrats of Astresh lived. Far removed from those they deemed beneath them.

Lidea couldn’t keep herself from marveling at the sight. There was no doubt, that the city deserved its reputation of being the most beautiful of Asmeon. Still, Warchief’s words lingered in her mind and gave her wonder an edge of bitterness. Just, how many people had suffered to create such a feat?

Crystal didn’t seem to share her reservations, as she openly gawked while bounding forward. Plunging her horse into the crowd that crisscrossed before them without a care in the world.

“We should keep up. Even on a horse, she is small enough to lose.”

A smirk hinted at Warchief’s lips, and Lidea silently nodded in agreement before following him closely.

The mass of people unnerved her. Although born in Lynoës, she had spent more time on the road in the sole company of her men. The only times she had experienced such a bustle were when she had been led to her execution, and when the fire had broken out during the Midsummer Festival. And even at those times, there had been fewer people than now.

A sudden touch on her knee, made her realize that her internal panic had caused her to freeze. Looking up, she made eye contact with Warchief. His warm brown eyes filled with concern, as he waited for her to return to her senses.

“All fine?”

Embarrassed by how she had let herself be overtaken by her emotions, she put on her most callous smile and nodded.

“Of course.”

He raised an eyebrow as if to make Lidea aware that her bravado didn’t fool him, but didn’t say anything.

Riding closely beside her, they continued for a while before the healer turned into one of the many side streets which had slightly fewer people. Making it easier for her to breathe and allowing her to pay attention to the market stalls they were passing. Crystal had been right that they were teeming with magic tools, most of which Lidea had never seen before.

They stopped at a Journeyman’s stable, letting Warchief handle the transaction alone so their horses would be taken care of for the next two days. None of them wanted to chance being turned away again, despite Crystal’s conviction that it would be fine while they were in Arcadia.

After a month in the saddle, it almost felt strange to leave the horse behind. Though her body was glad for the short respite it had been given.

“Don’t worry, we will get them back soon.”

Crystal pointed out with a wide grin. Finding merit in teasing Lidea with her dislike of riding.

“Only for another month.”

She retorted, causing the healer's grin to disappear and be replaced by a frown.

“True. After that, we will be freezing to death in those mountains.”

Crystal hadn’t warmed up to the idea of crossing the Godly Range, and it worried Lidea. The healer was by far the most experienced of their trio, and seeing her so scared made Lidea wonder just how bad climbing a mountain would be.

“It is rich how the one to complain the most, is the one who will be the least affected.”

Warchief’s voice came up behind them, causing Lidea to look over her shoulder.

“Not feeling the cold as much, doesn’t mean that I don’t feel it at all.”

The healer snapped back, but the man just shrugged his shoulders.

“Sure that. But can I remind you, that we didn’t force you to tag along?”

“As if I could let the both of you go on your own!”

Knowing their bickering would continue, Lidea moved away to a stand that had caught her eye. Its table was covered with piles of books, their covers ranging from plain to widely decorated. Understandably, most were written in one of the local languages but she glanced a couple of Lynoen titles that discussed world politics and trade.

It stunned her that such precious information was freely available to any commoner in Astresh. In Lynoës, books like these would be beholden to nobles and those in the priesthood. Lidea herself had never even considered reading up on such subjects.

It made her feel inadequate. How could someone like her even consider becoming queen?

Sure, she might have ideals, but those wouldn’t feed people and definitely did not create a good society.

I can’t believe that I’m considering this.

Lidea didn’t know when she started to think of herself as the future ruler of Lynoës. Perhaps, it was when she realized that her country would be doomed unless somebody stepped up. But she found herself increasingly considering her shortcomings and how to improve those in preparation for the future.

“It would be a waste to buy any. We will need to leave it behind as we reach the Godly Range.”

Their bickering must have ended as Crystal now stood beside her, studying the same books she was.

“I wasn’t planning on doing so. Just thinking that I still have so much to learn and how I could ever catch up.”

The healer studied her face before smiling gently.

“That you are willing to learn already means that you are one step ahead of many others. Besides, if there is any place where you could learn about the world, then that would be the Dragon Order. Their library is supposed to be pretty extensive.”

Not just that, they had once been considered only second to the grand academies of Hûldral. If any place could form her into a ruler, then it would be there. Still, Lidea couldn’t keep herself from doubting. How much of what she had been told, was still true today, and how much was glory lost to the past?

“We shall see.”

She could see that her non-committal answer didn’t satisfy Crystal, but Warchief disturbed their conversation before she could ask further.

“Come on, we don’t have all day. I would like to visit the guild first.”

A poisonous glare came from Crystal, but Lidea grasped onto his impatience like a lifeline. It helped that she agreed with him, the climbers guild was after all the reason they had come to Arcadia.

“It wasn’t far from here right?”

She quickly followed Warchief as he headed off, leaving Crystal to trail behind them like a sulking puppy.

“Just a couple of streets.”

He answered curtly. His mood had turned sour, soon after they had entered the city.

As promised, it only took them a short while to cross the chaos of streets until they reached another main road. This one was lined with grand buildings which each had a sign hanging out with whatever symbol represented their guild. Their destination stood a little further down the road and was more modest in size than its counterparts. Its metal sign showing off a rope and grapple painted in silver.

They shared a look with one another before Warchief opened the door and they entered into a barely lit taproom.

A cacophony of sound welcomed them. Harsh voices yelled at one another to be heard in what resembled a small marketplace.

Tables once meant to drink from, had been moved to the side and were filled with everything from climbing gear, books, and maps to even touristic trinkets. In between, several of the shopkeepers and visitors sat together, sharing beers while loudly exchanging stories.

This was a place by climbers for other climbers, and it was clear that most here were familiar with one another in some sense. It was therefore unsurprising that all eyes followed their trio as they moved between the tables.

Warchief seemed unbothered this time as he homed in on a table with maps. Pulling out one after the other and checking them for the regions they covered.

Lidea left him to his own devices as she followed Crystal who was more interested in the several tables of gear.

“Haven’t seen your faces around.”

A curious shopkeeper caught her eyes as she was holding a grappling hook in her hand.

“We are not from around.”

Her response caused the man’s eyebrows to rise.

“You either speak flawless Lynean, or you are from Lynoës. Not a place known for climbers.”

His words lingered, the unspoken question clear: what was a Lynean like her doing here?

Lidea was tempted to shrug off his small talk and walk away, but they needed all the advice they could get.

“We are planning to cross the Godly Range and need supplies.”

As soon as she uttered the words, the room seemed to turn silent as if all present needed to process the insanity they had just heard.

The quiet made her feel uneasy, but it was soon broken by a sarcastic chuckle coming from a man standing off to her right.

“One doesn’t just walk through the Vazul’Kar. Unless you have a death wish, I would try and find your glory elsewhere.”

He was a short man, barely reaching Lidea’s shoulders, with long brown hair held in a ponytail that barely restrained the wild curls. Piercing yellow eyes that contrasted fiercely with his dark skin seemed to mock her, giving her the urge to defend herself but she couldn’t. Not without revealing any information that shouldn’t be shared.

“We are not in it for glory, but feel free to believe whatever suits you.”

She was careful to keep her voice steady. Not willing to entertain the stranger any further.

“What else can you be seeking in those forsaken mountains?”

Unlike her, he didn’t try to hide the animosity in his words and Lidea couldn’t understand why he was getting involved. Even if she was looking to climb the Godly Range for glory, it wasn’t his prerogative to stop her from doing so.

Before she could respond as much, her sight was blocked as Warchief stepped in front of her.

“I never thought I’d hear a Vazul scorn his own sacred mountains.”

At the mention of the mythical race, Lidea couldn’t help but stand next to Warchief and stare at the stranger. It wasn’t every day that one could meet a griffin rider. From what she had read, they rarely left the Godly Range. So what was one doing here?

“You’re mistaken. I’m no Vazul, haven’t been for a long time.”

The man scoffed, but the sound was hollow. His words were spoken with thinly veiled hurt.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The Vazul’s eyes darkened and he grimaced as he responded.

“I do not need your pity. Instead, heed my warning. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, those ‘sacred’ mountains are not worth risking your lives for.”

He took a swig from his beer. As if merely speaking of the Vazul’Kar had left a bad taste in his mouth that needed to be purged.

Warchief shifted the hints of a mischievous grin on his face that made her worry about what he was planning to say next.

“I fear we can’t. For you see, we need to reunite her with her people.”

Lidea froze, not immediately catching on to what he meant or what lie he was about to spin but he didn’t get the chance to elaborate, as the shorter man snorted in disbelief after looking her up and down.

“She doesn’t look very Vazul to me.”

His dismissal didn’t bother Warchief who was quick to retort.

“Because she isn’t. I’m talking of the dragon riders.”

Warchief’s declaration shocked Lidea to the bones, and she nervously looked around. Most of the people had long returned to their businesses, but there were still some following the interaction between the Vazul and these strangers. She couldn’t believe that he had so casually given away such information.

Rationally, Lidea knew they wouldn’t be able to find the Dragon Order even if they combed through the whole of the Godly Range. Still, it felt wrong to tell part of a secret that had been so carefully hidden, and which hadn’t even been entrusted to them in the first place.

All that was beside the point that she didn’t even consider herself a dragon rider. She was just Lynoen, nothing else.

“You jest.”

Those yellow eyes studied her. Unconvinced that she could be part of a mythical race that had supposedly disappeared decades ago.

Warchief’s grin grew wider as continued with confidence.

“Wouldn’t it be too ludicrous to be a lie?”

It stayed silent for a moment as both men looked at her, making her feel uneasy under their attention.

“Your companion doesn’t seem to agree with you.”

Warchief shrugged with a smile as he quickly explained.

“She is displeased that I have been talking about her people to strangers.”

It irked Lidea how easily he could read her, but she resorted to merely glaring at him.

“Is that so? Then why doesn’t she say so?”

The Vazul didn’t seem impressed by Warchief’s tactics, and Lidea couldn’t help but smile slightly before speaking up in his defense.

“He is being truthful. It is just that I have never considered the Dragon Riders as my people.”

The man tipped his head and she could almost see him dissect any minute expression on her face.

“You didn’t grow up among them.”

It wasn’t a question, but still, she nodded in confirmation.

“But now, I need to find them, and to do so I must cross those mountains. Would you be willing to lend a hand?”

Now it was her turn to stare at him intensely. She wasn’t about to let him escape when he would be their best chance at surviving this journey.

Their staring match ended when a smile broke through on the Vazul’s face. Closing his eyes, he huffed out a laugh before turning on his heels.

“Fine, follow me.”

Lidea trailed behind him with Crystal and Warchief in tow, as they walked to the back of the taproom where there was a series of doors, each adorned with a name.

Picking a key from the pouch on his belt, the Vazul opened a door with the name ‘Kedruil’ before ushering them inside.

“There are less ears here. Take a seat.”

Sconces caught flame as they passed the doorframe. Bathing the room in a warm light and enlightening the chaos within. Two walls consisted of cabinetry from top to bottom, while more things were piled on top of one another all along the walls of the leftover walls. A heavily scuffed oak table stood in the middle with 6 chairs on one side and one on the other.

“You work here?”

It shouldn’t have come as such a surprise but she hadn’t considered the guild to have actual employees besides being a meeting place for members.

“For more than a decade now. I used to be a guide for hire, nowadays I mostly train other guides. My misses doesn’t want me to be away for long no more.”

Kedruil replied with a gentle smile that warmed his expression. Grabbing one of the chairs, he dragged it towards the cabinets and used it as a step to reach the top drawer.

“Something tells me, that it is you who would miss your wife too much.”

Crystal spoke for the first time. A gentle smile softened her features as she looked over the multiple picture frames on the desk. Each depicting the same woman and several children. All indicating the Vazul to be a happy family man.

Kedruil jumped down once he had retrieved one of the rolled-up maps, which he dropped onto the desk.

“I will refrain to admit or deny that.”

With a playful grin, he unrolled the delicate parchment role, unveiling the multitude of charcoal lines showing the landscape of the Range of the Gods.

“I didn’t know that a map of the Vazul’Kar existed…”

Warchief spoke in awe as he hunched over the desk. Some areas were left blank or were less detailed than others, but nonetheless, it was an impressive piece of work that must have taken decades to create. Here and there, colored lines crossed the most detailed parts of the map’s landscapes. Marking the routes that the mapmakers themselves had journeyed.

“This is the only one of its kind. Made by myself.”

His admission was filled with pride, but Lidea couldn’t help but frown.

“I thought it was a taboo to create maps of the Godly Range.”

She spoke her thoughts out loud. Not realizing her mistake she saw his jaw clench as if her words had been a slap to the face.

“I already told you that I am no longer a Vazul. Their rules are none of my concern.”

Lidea quickly nodded, lowering her gaze to the map. Despite its existence being against the Vazul people’s wishes, there was no denying that they needed it desperately.

“Forgive her. She is still very green when it comes to the ways of the world. I’m sure she didn’t mean to offend you.”

Her ears were turning red at Warchief’s non-subtle attempt at smoothing over her blunder.

Luckily, the Vazul seemed willing to accept the excuse as he looked back at the map.

“I can deliver you a traced version of this map. For the right price that is.”

“That is no issue. We are willing to pay well for your services. Besides the map, we would want you to compile a list of necessities for our trip.”

Kedruil frowned in concentration before he nodded in agreement.

“No problem. I need compensation up front.”

Warchief didn’t hesitate to reach out his hand.

“Name your price. We will need the list to be ready immediately and the map by tomorrow.”

Surprise flickered through the man’s eyes, but it was soon replaced by contemplation.

“You are in quite a hurry. That will cost you extra. I will take two thousand gold.”

Lidea had no sense of what such service should cost, but she was convinced that his ask was far too steep.

Warchief did not care though, and the sound of coins rang as he dropped one of his money pouches on the desk.

The climber's face fell in disbelief as he eyed the bag, his eyes growing wide.

“Two thousand. So make us that list and we can be on our way.”

Warchief grinned smugly as he leaned back in his chair and looked expectantly at Kedruil. As the Vazul recovered from his amazement, he grabbed a pen and paper and started on the list without another word.

Lidea couldn’t contain her curiosity and came to stand behind him to read over his shoulder. The list was far longer than she had expected it to be. However, it was also because he specified shops where to find certain items. An addition which she was thankful for. It would take them long enough to collect the items without having the search through the whole city.

“We will need to add magic stones to that list. There is no way that you will be able to carry all that for so long.”

Crystal whispered almost soundlessly. The healer had come to stand beside her and was reading the list as well. Her brow furrowed in consternation.

“It would help any of us.”

Lidea protested in a whisper. Although she understood, she was physically the weakest among them, she couldn’t stand them treating her that way.

Crystal didn’t react and they looked on as the Vazul finished his list and shoved it over the table towards Warchief. Having decided that he was the leader of their trio.

“This would be all you need to survive. But the equipment does not make up for the experience. I suppose you are not able to take a guide with you? I can recommend someone.”

Warchief already shook his head even before he finished his sentence.

“You are right, that isn’t an option for us.”

The Vazul stared at him for a moment before he shrugged his shoulders with a sigh.

“Your choice. Then this is all I can do for you, the map will be ready tomorrow.”

Warchief nodded his thanks before picking up the list and ushering the two ladies to leave with him.

“Thank you, Kedruil. This will help us a lot.”

Lidea added with a smile before leaving. The Vazul stayed seated, watching them leave with a deep sense of sadness in his eyes.

“Good luck, rider. Be careful and remember that your lives are what is the most important.”

How many lives are you willing to lose?

The evil voice in her head reared up again but she waved it away. Her life was important, but it wasn’t worth more than the many at stake if she failed.

“I will keep it in mind.”

“Hand it over.”

As they stepped into the bustling guild hall, Crystal spun and thrust her hand out in front of Warchief. Lidea watched, confused, until he handed over another pouch of money.

“I can’t believe you gave him two thousand. For a list! You will cause us to be broke before we even leave the city!”

The healer snapped, her voice laced with exasperation as she fastened the pouch to her belt. Tucking it underneath her medicine bag for safekeeping.

Rather than turning defensive, Warchief responded calmly.

“We won’t need it once we are in Durgh’Ras. It will just be more weight to haul up those mountains.”

His response caught Lidea off guard with its practicality. She had always assumed his reckless spending came from never knowing what it was like to go without.

But he was right, that they wouldn’t need much shortly. It was better to keep some for when they arrived in the dragon order, but they had far more left than expected due to not staying in any inns during their trip through Astresh.

“We will just end up leaving most of it behind, and I’d rather give it to someone who needs it than let some Ulak claim it.”

Warchief’s voice dripped with disdain for the inhabitants of Durgh’Ras, a clear reflection of his contempt for the slave trade that defined their people.

Crystal pursed her lips, tilting her head as she considered his words before grudgingly conceding.

“Fine, you’ve got a point. But we should be smart with our spending until we are sure we have everything we need. Then we can splurge on a fancy dinner, stay in a nice hotel, and then you can find some poor bastard to dump our leftover coin on.”

Her retort drew a grin from Lidea, and Warchief chuckled as he agreed.

“Fair enough. Master of trade, the reins are yours. Get us everything we need at a good price.”

His tone was laced with amusement, and it didn’t take Lidea long to realize why as Crystal’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Just leave it up to me.”

It took another two hours for them to finally leave the guild hall, as Crystal expertly haggled her way through every stand, ticking off most of the items on the list. Unsurprisingly, many of the recommendations were conveniently sold by Kedruil’s associates. From there, they spent the rest of the day scouring Arcadia, picking up the remaining essentials as the sun dipped low in the sky.

Warchief and Lidea found themselves relegated to pack mules, burdened with tents, hooks, parkas, scarves, gloves, and bundles of food. The list seemed endless, and the sheer weight of it all made Lidea silently thankful for the pouch of magic stones that hung heavily from her belt.

Lost to her thoughts, she only looked up once they entered a grand establishment. An opulent building, the inside of which was covered with priceless pink marble and gold.

Crystal strode to their reception area, where the attendant’s nose wrinkled before settling into a courteous smile.

“How can I assist you?”

“We need a place to stay.”

At Crystal’s request, the receptionist gave them a polite but discerning look, her eyes lingering on their travel-worn clothes and the odd assortment of gear they carried. The lush environment only accentuating how out of place they were. Crystal, however, remained unfazed. Holding her chin up high, and exuding a confidence that almost made Lidea forget the stains of dirt and sweat clinging to their clothes.

“I see.”

The woman’s tone was just on the edge of condescending politeness, as she continued.

“Do you have a reservation?”

“No, but I expect you have a room available for us.”

Crystal dropped a gold coin onto the counter, a silent, undeniable statement. The receptionist’s eyes flickered to the coin, its gleam instantly softening the woman’s façade of refined disdain.

“I’m sure we can find something suitable. How many nights will you be staying?”

Crystal glanced at Warchief and Lidea, sighing deeply before answering.

“Sadly, just one night. We will need a good meal, a bath, and a bottle of your best drink.”

The receptionist nodded, scribbling a note and ringing a small silver bell. Within moments, a bellboy appeared.

“Please show them to the opal suite. I wish you a pleasant stay, and don’t hesitate to let me know if I can help with anything else.”

“Thank you.”

Crystal nodded in satisfaction, and the trio followed the bellboy down corridors adorned with crystal chandeliers and plush carpets, each step amplifying the opulence around them. When they finally reached the opal suite, the door swung open to reveal a lavish space. Silk drapes hung from the walls, plush bedding beckoned, and a panoramic view of Arcadia’s skyline stretched out before them. The room exuded wealth and comfort, a stark contrast to the weeks of travel they had just endured. It felt disorienting, almost like it was a dream.

As the door closed behind them, Crystal gave in to the exhaustion that had been building for days and sank into a chair with a weary sigh. Warchief moved to the window, staring out at the city with an unreadable expression. While Lidea set down her pack, her feet enjoying the respite after a long day.

“Was this really necessary?”

Warchief asked a hint of laughter in his voice. He turned away from the window, glancing at Crystal, who was already halfway through untying her boots.

“We could have gone to a less expensive inn.”

The healer didn’t look up as she snorted.

“Yes, this was needed. We earned this. Besides, how often does one have the chance to stay at the best hotel in Astresh?”

Warchief rolled his eyes with a grin, and Lidea couldn’t help but chuckle, as she let herself sink into the plush chair.

The thought of the road ahead lingered, but she pushed it from her mind. Tomorrow they would be back to reality, to sleeping on the hard ground and eating paltry meals.

But tonight, just for a few hours, she would let herself forget everything and just enjoy herself.