Chapter 19: Preparation for an upcoming Journey I
Early in the morning, Aldwyn arrived in his room extremely exhausted, not only because of the questioning and his lack of sleep, but the fight against Caius had taken a lot of energy, so much that he could barely stand.
He looked at the bag on the table, containing his weapons and his coins. He thought about the encounter with the knights and the interrogation by Mordecai. Her uncanny ability to detect lies made him reconsider every word he had spoken.
„I wonder if there's a way for me to leave the city. Not only do I need to be careful, because of Caius, but now I also have the eyes of a mysterious woman on me... Then there's the matter of Fabienne, Lady Yesenia, the Baron and the Hollow. How much misfortune can one person have..."
He threw himself on the bed and immediately fell asleep.
When Aldwyn awoke, it was to the sound of bustling activity outside his window. The rain had ceased, and the city of Helgarde was coming back to life, the cobblestone streets shimmering with the dampness of the night before. He sat up, his body aching from the battle and his mind racing with the events that had unfolded.
With a heavy sigh, he grabbed his blades and revolver, the cold steel feeling reassuring in his hands. He slid them into their sheaths and holsters before making his way downstairs. The smell of roasting meat and fresh bread wafted up from below, a welcome aroma that filled his stomach with a gnawing hunger. He knew he needed to regain his strength if he was to continue his quest.
Master Sewell noticed his arrival and beckoned him over, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Aldwyn," he said, his voice a gruff rumble. "You've had quite the night."
Aldwyn nodded, taking a seat at the table. "It seems I've stumbled into something much larger than I anticipated," he replied, his eyes on the steaming mug of tea placed before him.
Master Sewell filled a plate with slices of crusty bread, a slab of cheese, and a few pieces of roast venison. The smell was heavenly, and Aldwyn's stomach rumbled in response. He took a piece of bread and ripped it apart with his teeth, the crunch echoing in the quiet of the room. The cheese was pungent and rich, a perfect contrast to the sweet, tender meat. Each bite brought a brief respite from the weight of his thoughts, the warmth of the food seeping into his bones.
The meal continued in silence, until Master Sewell stood up and made his way back to his office.
„Regardless of what I do, I just can't get any progress... I'm even getting into more problems than I'd like."
„As long as there is a possibility that Mordecai is watching me, I should be working on normal guild contracts and stay away from any suspicious activity."
„The good thing is that Caius will not appear for a while, as I suspect that Mordecai is far more powerful than he is." Aldwyn mused to himself, as he took another sip of his tea, feeling the warmth spread through his chest.
As he ate, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The walls of the hall seemed to close in on him. He knew he needed to lay low for a while, to regain his strength and to think.
After finishing his meal, Aldwyn made his way to Master Sewell's office. He had to get back to work, to keep his mind busy, to find some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos that had become his life. He knocked once, then twice, before pushing the heavy oak door open.
Master Sewell looked up from his desk, his eyes weary but sharp. "Ah, Aldwyn," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "What brings you to me today?"
Aldwyn took a seat. "I need a new contract," he said, his voice low and determined. "Something to keep me busy, to keep my mind off... other matters."
Master Sewell nodded solemnly and reached for the heavy ledger that lay at the corner of his desk. The book was bound in leather that had seen better days, the edges worn and the pages yellowed with age. The symbols etched into the cover danced in the candlelight, hinting at the secrets contained within. He placed it before him with a thud that echoed through the room.
"I have just the thing," Master Sewell said, flipping through the pages with a practiced hand. "A simple escort mission, nothing too taxing, but it requires discretion and skill." He paused, his finger hovering over an entry. "You'll be paired with one of our newer members, a young woman named Lila. She's proven herself capable, but this will be her first solo assignment. I trust you'll look after her."
„From a theoretical point of view, wouldn't I be a new member too?"
Aldwyn nodded, his thoughts racing. "I'll do my best," he said, trying to hide his apprehension. He didn't need the added complexity of babysitting a rookie, but he knew that every coin counted, especially now.
Master Sewell leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "The mission is to escort Lady Roxanne of House Tremblay to her wedding in the neighboring city of Vellaris," he began. "The route is through the Darkwood Forest, which has seen an increase in bandit activity of late. The reward is substantial: fifty golden coins upon successful delivery of Lady Roxanne."
„Not a bad reward at all... Of course it will be divided by two and 10% will be deducted. But even then I have 22 gold and 5 silver left."
„But House Tremblay is not familiar to me... It's not one of the 5 main houses. And the city of Vellaris is also unknown to me, it is definitely not a member of the Tri-City Alliance, which includes Helgarde, Luminara and Valkenheath."
Aldwyn looked at master Sewell and asked, "What exactly is House Tremblay?"
Master Sewell leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "House Tremblay is a minor house, but they have a reputation for their diplomatic ties and wealth in the East. As for Vellaris, it's a city that thrives on trade and knowledge, much like our own Scholars District, but they are more open to arcane practices and foreigners."
Aldwyn raised an eyebrow. "How long will the journey to Vellaris take?"
Master Sewell closed the ledger with a snap, his expression contemplative. "The route through the Darkwood is not a swift one," he replied, tapping a gnarled finger on the map spread out before them. "With good weather and a swift horse, you could make it in five days. But with the forest's unpredictable nature, it could easily stretch to a week."
Aldwyn nodded thoughtfully. "And Lady Roxanne?" he prompted. "What do you know of her?"
Master Sewell's gaze sharpened. "Ah, yes. Lady Roxanne is a... unique case. She's the youngest daughter of Lord Eddie Tremblay, known for her sharp wit and beauty. Her marriage to the son of a wealthy merchant in Vellaris is a strategic alliance, one that will strengthen House Tremblay's position in the East."
„This contract might be good for me. The trip will take a total of 10-14 days if things are going well. During this time I'll be out of Helgarde and probably away from Mordecai."
„What I have also completely ignored during this time is the search for my past... Unfortunately, a lot has happened recently."
"Interesting," Aldwyn said, his tone neutral. "When do we leave?"
Master Sewell checked the calendar on the wall. "Tomorrow at dawn," he replied. "Gives you enough time to prepare and get acquainted with Lady Roxanne before setting off."
Aldwyn had to ensure Lady Roxanne's safety while navigating through the treacherous Darkwood Forest. He knew the place had a reputation for its supernatural occurrences and the vicious creatures that lurked within. Despite the potential dangers, he was eager to leave the confines of Helgarde, if only to escape the shadow of Mordecai's watchful gaze.
„Good, so I still have a little time left. I should take care of a few things. I need new ammunition for my revolver, maybe I'll visit an alchemist and I also have to get some decent clothes." Aldwyn thought about his next steps before he set off.
....
Aldwyn ventured into the city, his senses on high alert. The market was bustling with activity, the sounds of merchants haggling and the smells of exotic spices and freshly baked bread filling the air. He weaved through the crowded stalls, his eyes scanning the faces of the passersby, looking for any sign of danger or recognition.
Finally, he reached the outskirts of the market where the less savory businesses operated. The smithy's hammer clanging against metal provided a rhythmic backdrop as he approached the small, unassuming shop that sold ammunition. The sign above the door creaked in the gentle breeze, the symbol of a silver bullet glinting in the early morning light.
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and metal. The proprietor, a grizzled old man with a single eye, looked up from his workbench as Aldwyn entered. He nodded in greeting, his gaze flicking to the Hall of the Sword insignia on Aldwyn's cloak before returning to his task.
"What can I get ya?" he asked, his voice gravelly from a lifetime of shouting over the din of battle.
Aldwyn placed his revolver on the counter. "I need a fresh box of silver rounds, and make sure they're blessed. I've got a feeling I'll be needing them soon."
Blessed silver rounds are often used to kill demons, the undead or evil creatures. With potential danger looming, Aldwyn wants to be prepared for anything.
The old man grunted in acknowledgment, his one good eye never leaving Aldwyn's face. "Blessed, eh?" He rummaged under the counter, bringing out a wooden box filled with gleaming bullets. "These'll do the trick, silver for the monsters, holy water for the extra kick." He handed over the ammo with a knowing look. "Got a rough job ahead?"
"Let's just say I'm expecting the unexpected," Aldwyn replied, dropping 20 silver coins on the counter. The sound of metal clinking against the wood seemed to echo in the small space.
The old man chuckled, revealing a mouth full of tobacco-stained teeth. "Always wise to be prepared," he said, pocketing the coins. "You'll find what you need in the box, and I've thrown in a few extras. Just in case."
He took the small box and opened it slightly. He counted 25 silver rounds instead of the 20 he had actually bought.
"Thank you for the extra," he said with a nod.
"It's the least I can do for a member of the Hall," the old man said, his eye gleaming with respect.
The clothing store Aldwyn visited next was a stark contrast to the grimy alleyways he had just left behind. It was a high-end boutique, the kind that catered to the nobility. The bell tinkled as he pushed open the door, and the scent of fine fabrics and the faint whiff of perfume greeted him. The walls were lined with garments that whispered of luxury and status, each tailored to perfection.
The shopkeeper, a meticulously dressed man with an impeccable mustache, raised an eyebrow at the sight of the bedraggled warrior. "How may I assist you, good sir?" he inquired with a slight air of skepticism.
"I need an outfit suitable for a journey," Aldwyn said, his voice carrying the authority of a man accustomed to getting what he wants. "Something that will keep the rain out and not hinder my movement."
The shopkeeper's skepticism melted away at the mention of an outfit for travel. He knew all too well the value of quality gear for those who ventured beyond the city walls. "Ah, I have just the thing," he said, leading Aldwyn to a rack of clothes designed for the outdoors.
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