As we entered Mehmoura, my eyes widened in disbelief. The city stood in stark contrast to the barren, desolate landscape that surrounded it. One of several oases nestled within the Exiled Lands, it teemed with life and energy. Lush palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. Buildings rose high, their silhouettes cutting into the blue sky. The streets were alive with activity; vendors shouted their wares, children ran and played, and the air buzzed with the chatter of countless voices. It was a vibrant sanctuary in the heart of the desert, and I could hardly believe it was real.
"Is this your first time in a city?" Eldran's voice broke through my reverie.
I turned to him, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "No," I said quickly, but the lie was evident in my tone.
Eldran gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, he continued walking, his stride purposeful and steady. I followed, trying to absorb everything around me. The stalls we passed were overflowing with goods—fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread, and intricate trinkets that sparkled in the sunlight. The people moved with a sense of purpose, each one seemingly a part of some grand, unseen tapestry.
As I marveled at the diversity of the crowd, a thought struck me. Were all these people sinners? The question lingered in my mind, casting a shadow over the vibrant scene. If they were here, did it mean they had all committed sins grave enough to warrant exile to this place? The thought was unsettling, and I couldn't shake it as we continued our way through the bustling streets.
Eldran stopped in front of a modest building with a wooden sign swinging gently above the door. "Let's stay here tonight," he said, pushing the door open. It was an inn, warm light spilling out from within.
We stepped inside, and the inn's cozy interior greeted us. The walls were adorned with faded tapestries, and a large hearth crackled with a welcoming fire. The scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach rumble in response.
Eldran approached the innkeeper, a portly man with a friendly smile and a twinkle in his eye. Reaching into his tattered pocket, Eldran pulled out two silver coins and placed them on the counter. "A room for two," he said.
The innkeeper's smile widened as he scooped up the coins. "Absolutely, sir. You're most welcome here. I hope you enjoy your stay. Will you be needing anything else? Perhaps a meal or a bath after your travels?"
Eldran shook his head. "Just the room for now."
The innkeeper nodded and handed Eldran a key. "Room's up the stairs, first door on the right. If you change your mind about the meal or bath, just let me know."
"Thank you," Eldran replied, taking the key. He turned to me. "Come on, let's get settled."
I followed him up the narrow staircase, my mind still racing with the sights and sounds of the city. The room was small but comfortable, with two simple beds and a small window that offered a view of the bustling street below.
As I sat on the bed, the weight of the day's journey began to settle in, and a wave of exhaustion washed over me. Despite my fatigue, my mind buzzed with the excitement and wonder of Mehmoura. It was a place of life and energy, so different from the harsh, unforgiving wilderness I had known for so long.
Eldran's presence was a steady anchor amid the whirlwind of new and old experiences. Though he remained a mystery, his guidance and support were constants that I was beginning to appreciate. The sounds of the city began to fade as Eldran turned to me with a serious expression.
"Your next step is to participate in the tournament held in the arena of Mehmoura," he said.
I stared at him, disbelief evident in my voice. "Did you finally go crazy, old man? A tournament?"
Eldran's gaze didn't waver. "It's part of your training, kid. You need to crack out of your shell and grow stronger. If you ever want to leave the Exiled land that is."
My curiosity spiked, shooting through the roof. "Leave the Exiled Lands? Is that even possible?" I asked, my voice eager and filled with hope.
Eldran nodded slightly. "I don't know the details myself, but I know someone who has left these lands and returned."
I couldn't contain my excitement. "You have to take me to them!"
Eldran's expression hardened. "Only if you can win the tournament. It's no easy task; sinners from across the lands participate."
I frowned, doubt creeping into my mind. "Why should I believe you? How do I know this isn't just another one of your tests?"
Eldran's eyes narrowed. "Doubt all you want, but understand this: without strength, you won't live long enough to leave these lands. This tournament is your chance to gain that strength."
I squared my shoulders, determination flaring within me. "Fine. I'll do it. But you better keep your promise."
Eldran gave a slight nod of approval before we settled down to sleep, the weight of the coming days heavy on my mind.
The room was small but clean, a far cry from the harsh desert we had traveled through. As I lay on the bed, my thoughts drifted to my sister Hana and the twins. I wondered if they were safe, if they were still alive. The idea of leaving the Exiled Lands and finding them filled me with hope and a renewed sense of purpose.
I had to grow stronger, not just for myself but for them. If I could win this tournament, it might be the first step towards rescuing them and avenging our family. The image of Hana's face, filled with fear and determination, lingered in my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Eldran scrutinized my clothes with a critical eye. "Those rags won't do. You need proper gear for the tournament." He handed me some coins. "Go buy some armor and maybe some clothes."
With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I took the coins and set off into the bustling streets of Mehmoura. The vendors were out in full force, their stalls overflowing with goods. I wandered through the market, my eyes scanning the various items on display.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, a young boy darted through the crowd, his hands deftly slipping into pockets as he moved. In his haste, he collided with me, sending me stumbling backward.
"Hey, watch where you're going!" I shouted, annoyance bubbling up within me.
But before I could react, the boy had disappeared into the throng of people, leaving me to realize with a sinking feeling that my coins were gone.
"Oh no, oh no no no no no," I muttered, panic rising in my chest. Eldran would kill me if he found out I had been robbed. I couldn't let that happen.
With determination fueling my steps, I pushed my way through the crowd, scanning the faces around me for any sign of the boy. But he was nowhere to be found, lost in the maze of alleyways and hidden passages that crisscrossed the city.
As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, casting the marketplace into darkness, I knew that time was running out. The thief was still out there, lurking in the shadows, and I was determined to track him down, no matter the cost.