Putting Things Together
Night was starting to set by the time Thalys made it to Sol City. As he made his way through the south gates he noticed a large group of soldiers gathering around a building corner. Curious, Thalys moved closer to examine. What he found was a singed street and several cuts in various places on the ground.
“What happened here?” Thalys asked one of the soldiers.
One of the soldiers, seemingly the leader of the bunch, turned to regard Thalys. “About a week or so ago a deadly assassin by the name of Voyse En’Dir came into the city and killed a shop-owner. Luckily, though, a nobleman named Omurai Failyn from our home city, Altem Tier, had been following the assassin with his fire adept friend and informed us of Voyse’ arrival. We managed to find Voyse, but even with the help of Omurai and his friend, Voyse was able to flee.”
“Oh, I see…so what are you still doing here?” Thalys asked.
“We’re looking for any clues as to why Voyse came here and what he was after,” the soldier replied.
“I bet it was the Adept’s Stone he was after,” Thalys said, pondering.
“The Adept’s Stone? You know of it?” another nearby soldier gasped.
“Aye, I’ve been looking for it,” Thalys answered casually.
One by one the soldiers all readied their weapons and spun to face the nobleman. All wielded glaives, except the leader, who wielded a finely crafted katana.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us, sir,” the soldier demanded. Not wanting to start a fight with the city, Thalys raised his hands innocently and did as they wished.
“Where are we going?” Thalys asked.
“The Prime Minister ordered us to keep an ear open for anyone talking about the Adept’s Stone. We are to report anyone suspicious to her,” the soldier informed firmly, directing Thalys to the city square.
“Oh really? Good, I’ve always wanted to meet someone of high power in a foreign city!” Thalys said happily, hardly concerned about the stern soldiers all around him.
“Thalys was led into the Prime Minister’s office, guarded by a soldier on either side of him and the head soldier in front.
Alak Valmore turned around to face the four as she walked into the room.
“What is it, soldiers?” she asked gently.
“We bring to you a suspicious traveler claiming to be after the Adept’s Stone. As you commanded, we brought him here immediately,” the first soldier informed.
Alak looked Thalys over carefully. She noted his ragged clothing and scarred armor, along with the two fine sabers resting in their hilts at his belt. She noticed the emblem on Thalys’ armor that declared him a nobleman of Maeltryst. “You seem weathered by the road, and properly so if you truly came from Maeltryst. Those blades…you know swordplay, no?”
“Tis all true. I am Thalys Ol’Calien of Maeltryst, and a trained swordsman. I seek the Adept’s Stone just as your soldiers reported,” Thalys responded with a quick bow.
“Well said, but why do you seek the artifact, Thalys?” Alak asked.
“It is a long story, but one I am willing to explain,” Thalys responded, “I left my homeland in search of adventure. I had hoped I would eventually run into some sort of quest or mission for myself to accomplish. Not long after I left, I got just that. I heard news of the Adept’s Stone being found again. I investigated the matter, and many events afterwards I ended up here in Sol City. I planned to head straight for Tier Bastion, where a paladin of Rullenfay told me to go. I believe she also seeks the stone --”
“You know of Kara, the Guardian of Light?” Alak asked, a surprised look on her face.
“Well, I don’t know for certain. Does this Guardian of Light you speak of have long, blond hair, blue eyes, and a big spear?” Thalys said.
“Yes, yes she does! That is indeed the paladin I speak of. Guards, leave us now,” Alak ordered.
“But, ma’am, do you really trust this --” the first soldier began to protest.
“Do not think I am unable to handle this myself if there is trouble,” Alak said firmly, “And yes, I do believe what Thalys says to be truthful.”
“As you wish,” the soldier said, turning on his heels and leaving. The other two soldiers hesitated for a moment before following their leader.
Thalys looked around the room for a moment, confused. Finally he said, “Um, I thank you?”
“Do not worry about it, Thalys. Your tale is unusual, but not unbelievable. Please, have a seat. I haven’t had the chance to properly introduce myself,” Alak began, waving a hand towards a nearby chair.
The nobleman nodded and took the designated seat.
“I am Alak Valmore, the Prime Minister of Sol City, and the sister of the king of Altem Tier, otherwise known as Cloud City,” Alak started, taking a nearby seat herself.
“So you also know of Kara?” Thalys asked.
“Yes, she just left here not long ago,” Alak replied.
“She did? Oh that’s no good. I was hoping I’d catch up with her here…” Thalys said with a sigh.
“Indeed, she left with two of her friends to meet up with the Cloud City forces heading to Tier Bastion,” Alak said matter-of-factly.
“Forces? What forces? And why are they going to Tier Bastion?” Thalys asked.
“Why, to assist Kara and her friends in retrieving the Adept’s Stone, if it truly exists, and to eliminate the growing threat that is the Bladenheart Army,” Alak clarified.
“The Bladenheart Army?! I ran into some of them on my way here!” Thalys exclaimed.
“Yes, they have spread their roots far,” Alak said grimly.
“So, Kara and the others are already making way to Tier Bastion, eh? What am I doing sitting around then? I need to get a horse and see if I can catch up with them!” Thalys declared, leaping out of his seat.
“Thalys, Thalys…calm down. Our forces have not left yet. They decided to camp out the night and start their march first thing in the morning,” Alak assure him, “If you heave now you’re sure to find them right outside of the northern gate.”
“Really?! Thank you very much! I must be going now if that is alright with you,” Thalys said.
“But of course. I didn’t tell you all of this just to lock you up in jail,” Alak said with a laugh.
“Finally this quest of mine is getting somewhere,,” Thalys said quietly to himself. He turned and started to walk away.
“One question before you go,” Alak said.
“Yes?” Thalys asked, turning to face the prime minister.
“What if you find out that the Adept’s Stone isn’t real? All that you have done so far would be for nothing. Are you willing to risk your life for that?” Alak asked, concern in her eyes.