Chapter 4 Journey to Rivermoor
Elias stepped onto the dirt path leading to Rivermoor, his resolve after the discoveries he had made in the ruins. The landscape stretched out before him, dotted with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Each step felt heavier, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. He tightened his grip on the pickaxe, now more than just a tool—it was a symbol of his past and the uncertain journey that awaited him.
Soon, Rivermoor came into view. The small farming village sat nestled between fertile fields and distant mountains, its simplicity almost peaceful. Yet Elias couldn't shake the subtle tension that hung in the air. Farmers worked diligently in their fields, their expressions a blend of determination and unease. Rumors of conflict between Aldoria and Caldarien seemed to drift on the wind, stirring anxiety in the villagers' hearts. With every exchanged glance, Elias could feel the fragile peace teetering on the edge.
As he entered the village, he took in the modest homes with their thatched roofs and the well-worn paths that connected them. The villagers moved with purpose, as though aware of unseen dangers lurking just beyond the fields. Conversations were kept low, marked by concern over the rising skirmishes near the border. Elias knew he needed information but realized he had to be cautious. Revealing too much about himself could raise suspicions he wasn't prepared to handle.
He paused outside a small tavern. The warmth inside beckoned, the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs offering a brief respite from the tension outside. But something about it felt distant to him. The carefree chatter of the patrons seemed at odds with the growing unease that lay just beneath the surface. Elias decided against entering, knowing he couldn't afford to let his guard down. Instead, he turned his attention toward the adventurer's guild, where he hoped to gather the information he sought.
The guild was always a hub of activity—adventurers swapping stories and rumors, eager to share the latest news. But Elias was determined to remain unnoticed, to listen more than speak. As he approached the building, a mix of anticipation and wariness filled him. He knew every step into this new environment could bring him closer to uncovering the truths he sought, or entangle him in complications he wasn't ready to face.
With a final glance at the fields surrounding Rivermoor, Elias pushed open the door to the guild. Inside, the familiar buzz of conversation greeted him. This was where stories came alive—rumors, warnings, and secrets. Elias steeled himself, ready to sift through the noise to find the insights that could guide him on his journey. He had come alone and intended to stay that way, navigating the shifting landscape of trust and deception in search of the answers he needed.