As Aldwyn made his way to the back room to put his armor on, it was Gustav's turn to go through his business.
Gustav picked out a beautifully crafted battle-axe from the rack, its gleaming steel head etched with ancient runes that whispered of power and destruction. The shaft was made of a dark, almost black wood, polished to a mirror sheen. The grip was wrapped in leather that was as soft as a lover's embrace yet as firm as a warrior's grip on the throat of their foe.
He swung it experimentally, feeling the weight shift through the air with a grace that belied its size. The blade sang with a high, keening note as it sliced through an invisible enemy, a promise of the havoc it could wreak in combat.
"This," Gustav said, his voice filled with a quiet satisfaction, "will serve me well."
The price was steep, 800 gold pieces, but the weapon was worth every last coin. It was a testament to the blacksmith's skill, a symphony of steel and ancient power that resonated with Gustav's own fiery spirit. He knew that in the hands of a lesser warrior, the axe would be a mere tool, but in his grasp, it was an extension of his very soul.
Aldwyn watched as Gustav completed his transaction, the clink of coins and the grunt of satisfaction from the red-bearded man echoing through the forge.
As they exited The Iron Maiden, Gustav turned to him, the battle-axe slung over his broad shoulder. "Where to now, Aldwyn?"
Aldwyn's gaze drifted towards the bustling market. "I need to acquire a map," he said, his voice low.
They walked side by side, the cobblestone streets echoing with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares. Gustav's stride was long and sure, his new axe a silent testament to his readiness for battle.
"So, how long have you been part of the Hall of the Sword?" Aldwyn asked casually, his eyes scanning the crowded street.
Gustav chuckled. "Longer than I care to admit," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've seen many come and go."
Aldwyn nodded thoughtfully. "Someone like you surely belongs to one of the pathways, right?"
"The pathways you speak of are not something to be taken lightly," Gustav said, his expression sobering. "But yes, I follow the path of the Warrior."
„So the warrior path... I wonder if he would teach it to lila?" Aldwyn asked himself.
They arrived at a cart laden with scrolls and parchments, the merchant's eyes lighting up at the sight of them. "Ah, two valiant souls in search of knowledge!" the merchant exclaimed, his eyes glinting with excitement. "What type of map are you seeking, my friend?"
Aldwyn stepped closer, his voice low and precise. "I'm looking for a map of the Iconi Empire, but if you have one that includes the other seven major empires, I would be even more interested."
The merchant's eyes narrowed, "Let me see what I have for you." He rummaged through his wares, revealing a map that was rolled up tightly and smelled faintly of old parchment and ink.
"Ah, this might be what you're looking for," he said, unfurling the map to reveal a detailed chart of the Iconi Empire. It was clear that this wasn't your average map picked up from a street vendor—it was a cartographer's masterpiece. The empire was laid out before them in intricate detail, with roads, rivers, and cities clearly marked.
Aldwyn felt a thrill run through him as he traced the lines with his finger, his eyes flickering over the unexplored territories. "How much for this?" he asked, trying to keep his excitement in check.
The merchant eyed him shrewdly. "This map is no ordinary trinket. It's worth 30 gold pieces."
Aldwyn's eyebrows shot up, but he knew the value of such information. He counted out the coins, the clink of the gold a small price to pay for the wealth of knowledge before him. The map was meticulously detailed, each city and landmark drawn with a precision that spoke of years of study and travel. He folded it carefully and tucked it into his bag.
The sun had climbed higher in the sky, casting stark shadows across the market. The scent of spices and roasting meats mingled with the ever-present smell of horse dung and sweat. The cobblestone streets were crowded with merchants and shoppers, their voices a cacophony of bargaining and laughter. Gustav clapped a hand on his shoulder.
Both went back to the Hall of the Sword. The walk was relatively short and quiet. When they arrived, both sat down at one of the corner tables. Gustav immediately went to the bar to get two beers. Meanwhile, Aldwyn summoned the map from his bag. He rolled it up and took his time examining it.
When Gustav came back with the two beers and handed one to Aldwyn, he said in a firm voice, "If you have any questions about specific locations, feel free to ask me. I've traveled a lot and know many of the locations in Iconi."
Aldwyn studied the map closely and noticed that the Iconi Empire consisted of 13 cities and many smaller villages scattered throughout the Empire.
Helgarde was in the southwestern part of the empire, very close to the border of the Kleratia Empire, or rather, the Empire of the Elves.
He also realized that the city of Chrorin was relatively centrally located in the north. He was there, when he received the Duskbringer's mission. This city is run by the mysterious Vampire Lady.
Valkenheath and Luminara, which are both part of the Tri-City Pact with Helgarde, are located to the west of Helgarde. Close to the open sea, which stretches almost endlessly from the west.
Vellaris, where Aldwyn has recently been, is very central to the Iconi Empire. This is also the reason why the city is so wealthy. Any city can reach it relatively easily and it can seek allies in all directions.
The city of Rasuzother lies to the south of Vellaris and to the east of Helgarde. Aldwyn was not familiar with it.
Gustav took a swig of his beer, watching as Aldwyn studied the map with a furrowed brow. "Rasuzother, eh?" he mused, stroking his red beard. "It's a peculiar place, that one. Known for its skilled alchemists and...less savory elements."
Setting his mug down, Gustav leaned in closer. "But let's talk about something more important," he said, his eyes gleaming. "You know, not all cities in the Iconi Empire are run by lords and ladies with their heads in the clouds. Some are governed by the people."
Aldwyn's curiosity was piqued. He had never been one for politics, but he knew that the way a city was run could make all the difference in the world. "A democracy, you say?"
Gustav nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. The people of Rasuzother decided long ago that they didn't want to be ruled by a single tyrant or a stuffy council of old men," he explained. "They chose to govern themselves. It's not perfect, mind you. There are always those who seek to manipulate and control, but it's a damn sight better than most places I've been."
The city Gustav described was a beacon of hope in the often corrupt and oppressive landscape of the Iconi Empire. With a population just over 24000, Rasuzother managed to maintain a delicate balance of power, where the voices of the common folk truly mattered.
"The majority of Rasuzother's citizens are merchants, artisans, and laborers," Gustav elaborated, his words painting a vivid picture of the bustling streets and lively marketplaces. "They've got a council, sure, but it's elected by the people, and they can't just sit on their asses and line their pockets with gold. If they don't keep the peace and ensure fair trade, they're out on their ears."
"So, how does this...democracy work in Rasuzother?" he asked Gustav, who took another swig of his beer before responding.
"Ah, it's a simple enough concept, really," Gustav began, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "They've got a council, like I said, but it's made up of folks from every walk of life. They take turns serving, and when their time's up, they go back to their shops or farms. Keeps everyone honest, you know?"
He took another swig of his beer, his eyes gleaming. "But let's get to the juicy bit. Rasuzother has a defense pact with Vellaris and Garanom, the capital of Iconi. It's a smart move, really. With their allies' protection, they can keep their independence. They're like the rebellious child who still gets the family's backing," he chuckled.
„Fascinating, as soon as I manage to leave the Hall of the Sword, I should take a trip through the whole Empire. Maybe that will reveal the reason for my existence..." Aldwyn thought to himself as he focused on the next city.
More specifically, the city of Abiotiya, which is located in the southeast. Close to the border of the Kleratia Empire.
Gustav leaned back in his chair, his eyes misting over as he spoke of the fabled city of Abiotiya. "Ah, now there's a place that'll make you question everything you know," he said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and caution. "It's a city of scholars and mystics, nestled deep in the forest. They say the air there is thick with the scent of ancient tomes and the whispers of long-forgotten lore."
He took a deep breath before continuing, "But, Aldwyn, don't let the beauty of their libraries and the wisdom of their sages fool you. Abiotiya is a plutocracy, ruled by the wealthiest and most powerful. They hide behind a veil of knowledge and enlightenment, but make no mistake—it's coin and influence that hold the reins of power."
Aldwyn nodded, understanding the complexity of political structures in this world. He had seen enough to know that power came in many forms, and not all of them were as transparent as a sword blade.
So, this Abiotiya," Gustav said, leaning forward and speaking in a hushed tone, "It's a place where the gods are as silent as a cobweb in a forgotten tomb. The people there, they don't bother with the Pathways much. Oh, they've got their beliefs, sure, but they're more into the coin and the scroll than the prayers and the rituals."
Aldwyn's gaze remained fixed on the map, his silver eyes tracing the path from Helgarde to Abiotiya. The city's proximity to the elven lands was not lost on him. The relationship between humans and elves was as fragile as a spider's web, with tensions stretching back centuries. The very air around the borderlands was charged with suspicion and mistrust, a legacy of wars that had left deep scars on both sides.
"Guarding the borders with the elves is no small task," Gustav continued, his tone turning serious. "The elves are ancient and powerful. They view us humans as little more than fleas, jumping from one conflict to another, bringing destruction and chaos in our wake." He took a sip of his beer, his eyes thoughtful. "But the people of Abiotiya are crafty. They've learned to coexist with them, even though it's like trying to share a bed with a coiled viper."
„Gustav really seems to know a lot... Why didn't I think of using the guild as a source of information earlier..." Aldwyn thought to himself, as he turned his gaze to the next city.