"You could consider me one," Cyrus said. He hoisted his pack further up his shoulder. "To be honest, I've lost my memories, and Sylven and I were traveling together in the hope I'd recover them. My magic's led me this way."
"Yes, Sylven told me about your plans to visit the Ashveil," Commander Elrik said. He arched his brow. "I hope you have a plan to meet them. They rarely interact with outsiders. Even I have only heard stories about them."
"We have an idea, but…" Cyrus scratched his chin. "If they end up turning us away, I'm not sure what we will do."
"Well, perhaps our king will be able to assist you. He's met the Ashveil on a few occasions, when there has been need to discuss land and resources. He may be able to set a meeting for the two of you."
Cyrus nodded, and Commander Elrik pulled back his horse. The rest of the day passed quickly, and the night was short. The following afternoon, Cyrus followed the group from the back, when he spotted a mossy spire in the distance.
"It seems we're getting close," Haldin said, slowing his pace to walk with Cyrus. "My father said that we're approaching one of the lookouts. They're placed within Eldenfel's boundary to warn the kingdom if enemies are attacking. Of course, it'd be difficult to get an army through these thick trees."
"I suppose it would," Cyrus said. He eyed the lookout, spotting several guards running back and forth. Soon, a large fire blazed to life at the top, followed by a similar blaze a few kilometers to the south.
The villagers murmured amongst themselves as Commander Elrik brought his horse to a stop. Soon, a group of guards came riding down from the lookout, and stopped in front of the villagers.
The man who led them eyed the villagers with disdain, then turned to Commander Elrik. His dark eyes narrowed as he straightened his back.
"Commander Elrik. I see you've brought back,,, refugees. I trust they won't be staying long?"
"They'll stay as long as they need, Captain Bernard," Commander Elrik said. His expression darkened. "You know the king won't turn them away."
"Yes… His generosity is impressive." Captain Bernard said. He crossed his arms. "Just let them know that if anyone steps out of line we won't go easy on them. They'll have to follow our laws as long as they are here."
"They'll keep that in mind," Commander Elrik said. "Now, if you don't mind moving your men out of the way, I'd like to hurry on to the kingdom. These people need to rest, and I have urgent news to report to King Atlier."
"Of course," Captain Bernard said. He motioned to his men, and they steered their horses to the side. There, they watched closely as the villagers hurried past. Cyrus kept his head low, hoping to avoid the Captain's attention.
As they walked, they passed by three more similar lookouts, though there were no more delays on their journey. By the time they could see the actual kingdom, an hour had passed, which had felt more like an eternity from all the anticipation.
By then, Cyrus found himself walking next to Commander Elrik, whose fingers were tightly clenched around the reins.
"That man back there, Captain Bernard, why did he seem so hostile?"
Commander Elrik glanced down from his horse. "A few reasons, I suppose. The largest of which would be the kingdom's lack of resources right now. Due to the recent circumstances, our food supply has grown low, and tensions in the kingdom are high. In order to keep food from running out, the king has lowered the amount of pay he provides the knights, guards, and other officials."
"It sounds like that would put quite the strain on everyone," Cyrus said.
Commander Elrik nodded. "Indeed. Add on the villagers we've brought back, and that's just a little bit less for everyone else. I understand why he would be upset, but there is no need to take it out on the villagers."
"What will you do if you run out of food?" Cyrus asked.
Commander Elrik frowned. "I'd rather not think about it. Instead, I'll focus on solutions to the problems before they arise."
"I see," Cyrus said. He looked ahead, watching as the kingdom appeared through the jungle. It was built at the base of the mountains, in an alcove set between two of the ridges. A solid wall curved between the two sides, its dark stones coated in a layer of moss and ivy.
A pair of towers rose at the front, between which a heavy iron portcullis hung. Before it, two knights in similar armor as Commander Elrik stood, their backs straight as the group approached.
"Commander Elrik! It's good to see you've returned safely," One of the knights said, bowing his head. "The wounded villagers you sent back a few days ago have all been taken care of, according to your orders."
"Understood," Commander Elrik said. He turned towards one of his men. "Bring the villagers to the Inn, and make sure each one is provided a room. I'll pay for their stay personally."
He then glanced at Cyrus. "You should be able to find Sylven at the farthest house down the main road. There will be a tree with bright blue leaves growing in the front yard. Just let whoever opens the door know that I sent you."
"Thank you," Cyrus said.
With that, Commander Elrik snapped his reins, and the horse galloped away. Cyrus glanced back as the villagers were led to a two story building, built from black stone. A wooden sign hung over the door, with the name Eldenfel Inn carved into the center.
Making a note of the name, Cyrus turned, and headed down the street, following Commander Elrik's instructions. As he reached the end, it was clear which house was his, as a small tree with dark blue leaves grew from the center of a stone path leading to the front door.
A bit nervous, Cyrus knocked three times, and stepped back. The house stood two stories tall, with granite pillars holding up the front porch. Large glass windows were placed on either side, and a small garden of flowers grew along the front.
A moment later, the sound of padded footsteps could be heard muffled through the door, before it creaked open. A middle aged man with a sharp face stood on the other side, his brow furrowed as he examined Cyrus.
"May I… help you?" He asked.
"Ah, yes. My name is Cyrus. Commander Elrik sent me here, to meet with Sylven," Cyrus said, straightening his back.
"Oh? I see," The man said. He stepped to the side, and gestured for Cyrus to follow him in. "My name is Solomen. Please, come in."
Cyrus stepped inside, and glanced around. He stood in a spacious foyer, with a set of stairs in the middle, which led to the second floor. On either side, an open hall led further into the house, while several doors hung open, revealing a variety of rooms.
"Right this way," Solomon said, leading Cyrus around the stairs, and down the left hall. At the end, they came to a stop in front of a large door.