Silax sat up his bed, he looked at the clock on the wall, it was past nine in the morning. He got up from the bed and stretched his body. He felt rejuvenated. The fatigued from the past few days a distant memory.
He had left the barrels in the same spot, too tired to move them last night.
The first thing he did was cleanup the room, putting away his bags and equipment, and then moving the barrels into the training hall attached to his room.
Then he proceeded to take a long shower, to wash off all the dirt and grime he had accumulated over the past few days.
When he was done and he felt fresh, and that his room was back to its pristine state, he decided it was time to deal with Callon.
Silax stepped out of his room and found the boy waiting right in front of his door, Callon had an anxious look on his face, but his body language was that of patience.
"Good morning, Callon. Come on in."
Callon followed Silax back into the room. Silax sat in the armchair by the corner of the room, while Callon just stood and waited for Silax to speak.
"Callon, how long have you been searching for answers regarding that coin and your mother?"
Callon took a deep breath before answering, trying to calm his anxious heart.
"It's been three years since I've been looking for answers regarding this coin, but have had questions about my mother for way longer than that."
"What have you been able to find out?" Silax asked with a calmness in his voice, unmoved by the anxiety he could hear in Callon's voice.
"Nothing. No matter who I asked or where I went, I couldn't find anything. Not even Jack was able to provide a clue regarding this coin. He told me it was just a piece of gold, not even enough to pay off my debts to him.
"That's why I was so excited when you told me you could give me some answers on the origin of this coin. Even though later on I started to have some doubts, I decided to trust you, because you've been good to me."
Silax got up from the chair and walked up to Callon, he had a cold look in his eyes. One that Callon found conflicting with the Silax he knew.
Silax placed his hands on both of Callon's shoulders, then he smiled, his golden colored eyes regaining the cheer that Callon was used to.
"I'm glad to hear that. I have very people I choose to call friends, and you are one of them. I would need you to keep trusting me and hold on. The answers I promised you will take a little longer to get, but I promise you, you will get them."
Callon released a deep breath, he hadn't even realized that he had been holding his breath. He had felt a stifling feeling when Silax walked up to him.
"That's fine Silax, as long as we're still working towards getting the answers."
Silax let go of Callon and went towards desk in the room, he pressed a button with a rune inscribed on it, causing the rune to flash briefly.
"What's that for? Also, now that we're in Ullion what's the immediate plan? How long are we going to be staying here? Are you still going to be traveling around exploring ruins? You also didn't tell me if you found what you were looking for in the ruins Jack found? Is that why Jack set out with all those people yesterday?"
A vein could be seen throbbing on Silax's temple. He didn't know why Callon had to have such an inquisitive personality.
It was made worse because Silax hated answering questions, he felt like that always led to giving ammunition to be used against him.
"Have I ever told you ask too many questions?"
Callon giggled as he scratched his head.
"Once or twice. Maybe more."
Silax sat back in his chair and decided to answer a few of the boy's questions.
"Yes, I did find what I was looking for. It wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be, but what I found might be better. No, I'm not answering any questions on what I found.
"As to why Jack left with a bunch of people, your guess is as good as mine."
A knock sounded from the door, Silax got up from his seat and went to open it.
On the other side of the door was an elf, she had long flowing silver hair, and she had a purlplr band with intricate patterns on her head, holding her hair in place. She was dressed in the black and white uniform that the staff of Ælf's garden wore.
Although her attire was distinct from that which the other staff wore. It didn't have other colors mixed with it, it only had silver lines running across the white top and at the side of the black pants.
"Good morning Silax. It's good to have you back."
"It feels good to back. Come on in, I want to introduce someone to you."
Silax stepped aside to let her in. She moved with grace and had a presence that commanded respect.
"Callon, this is Tyla. Tyla manages my affairs and oversees everything that goes on in Ælf's Garden."
"Uhm… hi Ms. Tyla, it's nice to meet you."
Callon stretched out his hand for a handshake but was left hanging by Tyla.
"Tyla, Callon is going to be working with you from now on. I want you to show him around and let him help with the managerial aspects of the business."
Silax directed his next words at Callon.
"I own Ælf's Garden, but I don't involve myself in the day to day running of the hotel. Tyla here handles all that. The staffs, the guests, matters of inventory, everything is taken care of by her.
"You'll be her personal assistant. We'll be staying in Ullion permanently from now on. No more exploring ancient ruins for me. I'll let you know when I'm ready to proceed with the issue regarding your mother."
Callon was dumbfounded. Although he had never been to Ullion, he had definitely heard of Ælf's Garden.
It was one of the famous hotels in the city, and it catered exclusively to elves of high standing. Not just anyone could get a room here, or even afford to spend a night here.
Tyla took another glance at Callon, inspecting the boy from top to bottom.
"What do you know about the hospitality business?"
"Nothing really, but I'm a fast learner. I spent most of my life on a farm, so I'm good at hard labor. I also spent three years managing a merchant shop, some I've got some experience in accounting and sales." Callon replied firmly.
"I hope you're right, because you have a lot to learn. I won't tolerate any slacking just because you're friends with Silax."
Tyla turned to face SIlax and directed her next words at him.
"I will be back later this evening with a report for that past few months you were absent"
Silax shook his head.
"No, not tonight. I have some things to take care of in the city. I'll call you when I need the report."
"Alright then, just let me know. I should go if that's all, there's a lot to take care of with the upcoming Synod Moot."
"Yeah, I have a lot to do in preparation also." Silax responded to her.
Silax watched as Tyla and Callon left his room, he was already making plans for the future.