Chapitre 94: Journey to Garanom
Three days after the events at Riven's manor.
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the candle on the nightstand flickering shadows across the floor. Rain pattered gently against the window, creating a rhythmic backdrop to Aldwyn's meticulous task. He had received a package from Lady Roxanne, and now he carefully unpacked the items within, laying them out on the bed. The scent of fine fabrics filled the air, a stark contrast to the dampness of the evening outside.
„How nice of her... She even gives me new clothes for my trip. I can't really thank her enough... Which makes me feel even worse that I'm leaving before we discussed it." Aldwyn thought to himself as he let the clothes be absorbed by his bag one after the other.
When he had finished, he took out a piece of parchment and a fountain pen from his pocket. His hand hovered over the paper for a moment, contemplating the words he was about to write.
„I would like to thank you both very much. It was only because of you that I was able to fully recover and regain my strength. I'll never forget what you did for me, even if it's not the best way to say goodbye without it being noticed, I just don't like normal goodbyes. I hope you understand that... If you ever need help, please contact me immediately! I will do everything in my power to support you. As soon as I have arrived in the capital Garanom and found a place to stay, I will write you my address. Once again, thank you very much!"
Before leaving the room, Aldwyn took one last look around, his gaze lingering on the empty fireplace. The room felt eerily silent, a stark contrast to the battles and schemes it had recently hosted. He placed the letter on the nightstand, ensuring it was visible yet unassuming, nestled between the candle and a half-empty bottle of wine. It was a silent promise, a declaration of his gratitude, and an open invitation to stay in touch.
He quietly slipped out of the manor, the rain outside masking the sound of the creaking door. The cobblestone streets were deserted, the only company the echo of his footsteps and the distant rumble of thunder. His hooded coat blended with the shadows, making him almost invisible as he moved swiftly through the night. The cold drops of rain felt like a cleansing embrace, washing away the dust and the lingering scent of fear from the battle.
When he arrived at the prearranged location, the hired carriage was already waiting, the horses snorting impatiently as they sensed his approach. The driver, a burly man with a thick beard and a pipe clenched between his teeth, nodded curtly as Aldwyn approached. Lila was inside, her eyes closed, her breathing steady. She looked so peaceful that for a moment, he hesitated, not wanting to disturb her.
The journey to Garanom took a total of nine days if there were no incidents. Only a few carriages are willing to make this journey, but with the right payment, anything is possible. Aldwyn and Lila had to pay a total of nine hundred lexus, which of course was painful, but they had no other option.
With a sigh, he climbed into the carriage, the door creaking shut behind him. The interior was cramped, but the plush seats were a welcome reprieve from the hard wooden benches of his past travels. The smell of leather and horse sweat filled the air.
Lila stirred as the carriage lurched into motion, her eyes opening to meet his. She offered a small smile, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Ready for the next chapter?" she asked, her voice a gentle whisper.
Aldwyn nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice gruff. The carriage rocked and swayed as it carried them through the stormy night, the wheels splashing through puddles that had formed in the streets of Vellaris.
When they left the city gates, the once-thriving farmland on both sides of the road lay dormant, a stark reminder of the harsh embrace of winter. The skeletal remains of plants stretched towards the sky, desolate in the moon's cold glow. The only signs of life were the distant howls of the wolves, their mournful cries carrying on the wind, a haunting serenade to the barren land. The silence was a stark contrast to the bustle of the city they had just left behind.
The carriage rumbled along the road, the rhythmic sound of hooves and wheels lulling them into a tense calm. As the city's lights grew dimmer, they began to notice peculiar installations in the distance. Huge metal structures that loomed against the night sky, their dark silhouettes hinting at a purpose that was both foreign and intriguing.
"Those are the oil rigs," Lila murmured, her eyes reflecting the flickering light from outside. "They use them to extract the black gold from the earth's veins."
„That's right... Many nobles in Vellaris have made their money with oil. This is also one of the reasons why Vellaris has such a high value in the Iconi Empire." Aldwyn thought to himself as he calmly looked at the large structures.
The journey to the main route was a quiet one, the carriage's wheels rolling smoothly over the cobblestone streets, gradually transitioning to the dirt and gravel that lined the road leading to the Humtrie River. The river itself was a silver ribbon in the moonlight, snaking through the dark landscape with a serene grace that seemed to mock the turmoil they had left behind. It originates from the southern ocean and flows through the entire Kleratia Empire all the way to Senthsilver, the heart of the Inconi Empire's economy.
As they approached the riverbank, the driver reined in the horses, and the carriage came to a halt. The first stop was a small tavern, nestled between the looming silhouettes of ancient trees, their branches intertwined to form a canopy over the path leading up to the entrance. The dim light spilling from the windows was a beacon in the dark, promising warmth and refuge from the relentless rain.
Inside, the tavern was a cacophony of laughter, clinking glasses, and the crackling of a roaring fire. The patrons were a motley crew of travelers and locals, all sharing tales of the road and the latest gossip from the city. The smell of roasting meat and spilled ale mingled with the dampness of the travelers' clothes, creating an atmosphere of comfort and camaraderie amidst the storm.
Aldwyn and Lila made their way to the counter, where the burly innkeeper eyed them with curiosity. Lila's eyes searched the room, taking in every detail, her senses heightened from their recent escapade. Aldwyn's gaze, however, remained fixed on the innkeeper as he spoke, his voice low and clear. "We're looking for a place to stay for the night."
The man looked them over. "We've got rooms," he said, his tone gruff but not unkind. "Thirty-five Lexus each. Paid upfront."
....
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone