Kael woke up to the dim morning light filtering through the window, still grappling with doubts about everything that had transpired. Despite the uncertainty clouding his mind, he had already made up his mind on what to do next. He rose from bed, donning his Greywolf Mantle. As he tightened the straps of the armor, it felt like a ritual of sorts, a mental preparation for whatever awaited him outside the walls of his room. He took a deep breath, pushing down the knot of anxiety in his stomach before heading downstairs.
In the Rusty Lantern's bar area, he spotted Elowen sitting at one of the tables. She was nursing a drink, her eyes scanning the room idly until they landed on him. When she saw Kael approaching, she gave a small wave, her expression a mix of curiosity and expectation.
"Morning," she greeted him. "So, have you given it some thought?"
Kael nodded, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from her.
"Yeah… I have. I think I'm ready," he replied, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his voice.
Elowen studied him for a moment, then nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Good," she said, setting her mug down.
"Let's get moving. There's some ground to cover."
*****
They left the Rusty Lantern and stepped into the bustling streets of Feysreach. The city was already alive with morning activity. Merchants set up their stalls, calling out to potential customers, while the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats wafted through the air. As they walked, Kael glanced around, trying to take in as much as he could. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, a stark contrast to the relative quiet of the days before Feysreach.
"So," Kael began as they navigated the busy streets,
"where exactly are we headed?"
Elowen led him down a side street, where the crowds thinned, and the noise faded to a more manageable level.
"Now that you've decided to go to the Academy, we need to figure out how you're going to get there," she explained.
"And trust me, it's not as simple as just setting off in that direction."
Kael frowned in confusion.
"I didn't think it would be that complicated," he admitted.
"I don't even know where the Academy is."
Elowen smirked, shaking her head.
"That's because the Tower's geography is unlike anything you have known before. Ironshard's Domain is vast, and the other different regions and domains are more than just places on a map. They're separated by distances that can be treacherous, not to mention the creatures and other dangers that lurk in the unguarded areas."
"So, it's that far?" Kael asked, the realization dawning on him.
"It's not just the distance," she continued.
"Traveling between regions isn't as easy as taking a stroll. Even the most seasoned Fatewalkers hesitate to go through less secure areas without a solid plan and a well-equipped party."
Kael felt a sense of dread rising in his chest.
"What do you mean?" he asked hesitantly.
Elowen glanced at him.
"Look, there are ways to travel across the Tower—teleportation circles, airships, secret passages, and other methods. But those options are usually reserved for the privileged—those with connections to the noble Houses or enough influence to get a spot. Neither of us fits that bill."
Kael's face fell slightly. "But you're an Acolyte," he protested.
"Surely, that counts for something?"
"It does," she acknowledged.
"But not nearly enough. I'm just one Acolyte among many under the House of Ironshard's command, and my duties here keep me grounded. I don't have the kind of sway that would let me pull strings like that. Besides," she added, glancing away,
"I have other responsibilities."
Her tone darkened slightly at the last part, but Kael decided not to pry. He could tell that there was more to Elowen's situation than she was letting on, but now didn't seem like the time to press her for answers.
"So, what am I supposed to do?" he asked, his frustration starting to show.
"Am I just stuck here?"
Elowen shook her head, her expression softening.
"No, you're not stuck," she said reassuringly.
"I've already thought of a solution, and that's why we're heading where we are now. There's a place where we might be able to arrange transport to the central regions, where the Academy is located."
Kael exhaled, his thoughts racing. He hadn't realized how difficult it would be to reach the Academy, and the idea of being stranded in a city where he barely understood the rules was disheartening. Still, Elowen's words offered a glimmer of hope.
As they walked further from the main streets, the atmosphere shifted. The bustling energy of Feysreach's central market gave way to a quieter, more subdued part of the city. The buildings here were older, their facades worn down by time, and the streets narrower and less crowded.
"Where exactly are we going?" Kael asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Elowen glanced at him, her expression thoughtful.
"To a Caravan company, a place that might be able to help us find a solution," she replied.
"Don't worry. You'll understand soon enough."
Kael nodded, deciding to trust her judgment for now. As much as he wished he had the strength and knowledge to make decisions for himself, the reality was that he was still very much a novice in this world. Elowen's guidance was the only real lifeline he had.
*****
After a few more minutes of walking, they reached a modest-looking building set apart from the rest, its entrance marked by a wooden sign with faded lettering that read Raven's Gate Caravan Company.
Elowen gestured toward the sign. "This place specializes in long-distance routes between different domains and regions. It's not as quick or luxurious as teleportation or airships, but they can get you to the central regions where the Academy is."
Kael took a step closer, peering at the sign with a mixture of apprehension and hope. "So, I'm going to be traveling with a caravan?"
"Looks like it," Elowen replied. "It'll be a rough journey, but it's your best option right now. Besides," she added, giving him a small, encouraging smile, "I know the caravan master here. He owes me a favor."
Despite the uncertainty still clinging to his mind, Kael felt a sliver of relief at the thought of having a plan. It wasn't the glamorous or exciting adventure he'd imagined, but at least now he had a way forward. After weeks of being thrown from one situation to another, this was the closest he'd come to a real choice.
Elowen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You'll be alright," she said. "Just keep your eyes open and don't do anything foolish. The road ahead will test you, but it'll also give you the chance to grow stronger. This is just the beginning."
Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I understand," he replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination.
"Good," Elowen said with a nod. "Let's go inside and see what arrangements we can make."
With that, they walked toward the entrance of the building, Kael's resolve gradually solidifying as he prepared to take his first real step toward the Academy.