Many often thought that the town's name was solely meant to imply its origin. It was perhaps the only town in the whole World to be built by rangers, who were known to never stay somewhere too long.
But in truth, the name had a far deeper meaning. Ice Arrow was actually the name of a skill that only those blessed by Harym could wield. This skill was one of the main reason why many rangers sought out the blessing of this God. Once in their possession, this skill would allow them to gather magic into the tip of their arrow and not only cause great damage to its pierced target, but also to those within a certain proximity.
The only way to describe its effect would be that of cold gripping your soul. That was where the word Ice came in effect. There was even a rumour that if one failed to get out of the spells range within a certain period, they would fall into slumber, while their bodies would turn into ice.
There were not many buildings located in the small town, but all those present were grant. Each building was at least 3-stories tall and some had a certain crest on them. Some, Aldryn quickly recognized as the symbol of certain re-known Parties and Mercenary Guilds. The most impressive aspect of this small town though, was that it all seemed to be built around a small house.
There were no guards walking around the streets, but there was no lack of security none the less. The town's residents were its protectors. The various Parties and Guilds have long since made a pact to maintain peace.
The few shops that were set up around were either small stalls that anyone could use, or big ones of mercenary Guilds. There were not many people sitting in the small stalls, but the few people that decided to put their goods up for sale were covered in many layers of fur. So many layers, that as a matter of fact, their faces were barely visible. All of the sold items were those that Aldryn quickly recognized. He was even surprised when he heard the prices.
'So cheap' he was surprised. The items were much cheaper than what he usually saw in the big cities or those further North. And it made sense, most of the products were local and there were plenty of them, while those sold elsewhere were brought from here or other nearby towns.
Considering the transportation costs and the possible theft, it did made sense to the blonde that the products were twice or even sometimes three time cheaper than what he was used to.
Among the many items sold, the most distinctive ones were the furs and plants. The animals in those regions have long since adapted to the harsher climate. Their fur grew thicker, so much in fact, that warriors had a hard time slaying those beasts. It made their hide much warmer as well, causing it to be a necessary piece of garment in those parts.
'Maybe I should buy some of those for Klyran' the thought crossed his mind while looking at the furs, but was then quickly distracted when he saw the next items, the plants.
The plants this far South were rare, and not many knew where they grew. But those who did, could easily make a fortune. The plants of the region could barely survive, but those that did were far more stronger and potent that others. Because of this reason, there were no better medical herbs in the world than those that could be found here.
Some of the plants were also rumoured to increase one's strength or agility by a small amount. For this reason, Aldryn wasted no time in buying the whole stock that was on sale. Even Ylvis, who saw many gems in his life could not resist buying the items that interested him. The precious stones were called Inerim, and they could sometimes be found in the local rivers. They were often used by mages and sorcerers who had an affinity with water magic, as this stone could increase their power. Of course it was not their strength that amazed Yvlis, but rather the beautiful blue colour.
After filling their pockets, the two priests made their way to the centre of the town, where a bar was located. It was also the only known lodging that the town had, as those who often visited the town had all opted out to building their own houses. When the two of them entered it, they have drawn the eyes of everyone inside.
"We should be careful", the fox said, feeling uneasy.
"Yes, it's filled with dangerous people", Aldryn silently agreed.
New people in the town were a rare occurrence. It was often visited by merchants who brought common goods from the North or bought goods here to sell them in their respective towns, but all those people went and then came back. While completely new faces were extremely rare, especially those not belonging people not dressed like ranges or assassins.
"To think that I would receive a visit from the great Oracles" a voice suddenly mocked.
"What?" on of the men sitting at a table exclaimed, nearly jumping in surprise.
"It's true. Look at their crest", another exclamation suddenly caused an even bigger commotion.
"It's Aldryn and Ylvis" a ranger than said, recognizing the two from his many travels.
"Aldryn?" a man in black then asked.
"Isn't he good friends with King Ildurin?" another then wondered.
"Is he here after an assassin? Do you think someone attacked the King of the Silver City?" a pair of rangers than begun discussing.
"Even if he is, that assassin must be an idiot. The King is now immortal with that sword of his" an obvious assassin then said.
"The sword? Are you talking about Aesthir? I thought it was just a rumour" a ranger then questioned.
"Rumours my a**. I participated in the last tournament of the Silver City and that sword on his hip was definitely no normal weapon" a mercenary then said.
While everyone was discussing the two new arrivals, Yvlis could not help but feel a bit uneasy.
"Aren't you popular?" he asked, looking at Aldryn.
"To think that I would ever end up in a bar filled with assassins" the blonde sighed, "I hope they will not attack us."
"Don't worry. Fighting is prohibited here" the first voice then said from their left, causing the two oracles to turn their heads to the approaching figure, revealing a woman.
"Shut Up!", she then yelled and suddenly, the bar fell silent.
"Are you the apostle of Harym?" Ylvis then asked and came forth to greet the woman, bowing slightly and extending his arm.
"And what if I am?" she replied with indifference, but offered her hand in a friendly gesture.
"There is a matter that we need to speak about", the oracle of Earth then said and looked around, "Privately if possible."
"How interesting", she laughed, "To think that I would ever be asked such a thing by one of you guys. What? Are my people too low-class to hear whatever you wish to spout my way?"
"We are not your enemies", Ylvis could not help but sound defeated, "We may serve different Gods, but we wish to help you".
"You two? Help me?" she could not help but snort.
"You have to listen to us. You are in danger", Ylvis then tried again, unsure of himself.
"It's about the Scavengers" Aldryn then said in almost a whisper, causing a shocked silence to fill the establishment.