Chapter 6:
Moments later, I opened my eyes, disoriented yet grateful to find myself alive. The familiar sounds of the modern realm greeted me—the distant hum of city traffic, the faint glow of streetlights cutting through the night. It was as if I had gone from the harsh reality of my world back to a surreal dream.
Confusion gripped me as I tried to grasp what had just happened. Nysa stood before me, her presence both reassuring and unsettling.
"Lysander," she said softly, her voice tinged with urgency.
I struggled to sit up, still reeling from the transition between realms. "Nysa," I managed to utter, my mind racing with questions.
She knelt beside me, her eyes locking onto mine. "You must go to the capital," she insisted, her tone unwavering. "Find a girl named Melissa. She holds the key to your path forward."
I blinked, trying to comprehend her words amidst the lingering disorientation. "Why now?" I asked, seeking clarity.
Nysa's expression softened briefly before she raised her hand. A surge of energy enveloped me, overwhelming my senses. Darkness closed in, and the world faded away.
Moments later, I awoke again, this time in a tranquil forest clearing. The lush greenery and rustling leaves seemed to whisper secrets of ancient times. The mark on my hand throbbed faintly, a reminder of Nysa's directive.
With determination, I set off towards the distant silhouette of the capital on the horizon. My body ached like hell . As I walked I began to ponder how I've really actually died three times in the space of a month .It seems like my soul is trapped between my realm and Nysas realm . Is this Nysas power or did I somehow become immortal , I would have to seek more answers from Nysa the next time we meet but still I wouldn't want to die again it's hurts like hell .
I could already see the gates at the capital before me . There were a few guards at the gate , luckily for me I still had some silver coins on me so I didn't waste much time getting past them but now I'm in the capital I have to find Selene . She must really be worried about me . She must know I'm still alive as I've told her about my power but the capital is a huge city so how am I supposed to find her in such a big place and don't get me started on Melissa .
I decided to find an inn first and some food
The journey to the capital had left me weary and hungry, so finding a comfortable inn was a relief. The inn was quaint, with wooden beams crisscrossing the ceiling and a hearth crackling in the corner. The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
The innkeeper, a stout man with a welcoming smile, greeted me warmly as I entered. "Welcome, traveler," he said cheerfully, his voice booming over the din of the crowded common room. "Looking for a room for the night?"
I nodded gratefully, handing over ten silver coins as payment for a simple room and a hearty meal. The innkeeper counted the coins with a practiced eye before leading me upstairs to a cozy room overlooking the bustling street below.
That evening, I dined on a savory stew accompanied by crusty bread and ale. The common room buzzed with conversation as travelers and locals alike gathered around tables, sharing stories and laughter. I listened with interest, catching snippets of gossip about the city's politics and rumors of hidden treasures.
As I sat in the corner of the inn, savoring a hearty stew and listening to the lively chatter around me, snippets of conversation about politics caught my attention. A group of merchants at the neighboring table spoke in hushed tones, their voices tinged with concern.
"It's the taxes, I tell you," one of them muttered, shaking his head solemnly. "Ever since Lord Malvern increased them, tensions have been rising."
Another nodded gravely, dabbing at his ale with a ragged cloth. "Aye, and the rumors of troops gathering in the east. They say Lord Malvern's own guards are preparing for something big."
My ears perked up at the mention of troops and gathering unrest. Civil war—a term whispered with fear and uncertainty—hung heavy in the air. The merchants speculated about alliances and betrayals, their words painting a picture of a city on the brink of upheaval.
I couldn't help but feel a knot of unease tighten in my stomach. The capital, once a beacon of prosperity and culture, now simmered with discontent and political intrigue. Whatever , I should care much about this . All I have to do is find Melissa as soon as I can and get out of this city .
The next morning , I went to the nearest guilds I could find to try and get any information on Captain Roland or Selene at least but there was no information on their last whereabouts .
I was tired and hopeless but just then I stumbled across a bookshop. It was a quite big shop far bigger than the one in Eldoria .
I sat in the dimly lit bookshop, surrounded by the musty scent of ancient tomes and the gentle rustle of pages turning. Across from me sat Theo, a slender man with glasses perched on his nose, his fingers tracing the delicate lines of a weathered book. His eyes, framed by wisps of gray hair, looked up as he noticed my presence.
"Ah, a new face in the shop," Theo greeted warmly, his voice soft but filled with the wisdom of years spent among books. "What brings you here, young traveler?"
I shifted in my seat, feeling the weight of curiosity pressing upon me. "I'm searching for information about someone named Melissa," I began tentatively, unsure of where to start.
Theo's expression softened with understanding. "Melissa," he mused, as if pondering a tale from long ago. "A noblewoman of the city, soon to be wed into a more prominent family."
Intrigued, I leaned closer, eager to learn more about this woman who seemed to hold a key to understanding the currents of power in the capital. "Why is her marriage so significant?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Theo adjusted his spectacles thoughtfully. "In noble circles, marriages are not merely unions of hearts," he explained patiently. "They are alliances, forged to strengthen familial positions and secure influence in the intricate dance of politics."
I nodded slowly, absorbing the implications of Theo's words. "And Melissa herself?" I inquired, wondering about the personal side of such strategic arrangements.
Theo's gaze softened, revealing a depth of empathy beneath his scholarly demeanor. "She may have little say in the matter," he admitted quietly. "Her future, like many in her position, is often decided by familial ambitions and the broader dynamics of power."
Listening intently, I realized how Melissa's story mirrored the complexities of the world beyond my humble origins. It was a world where personal aspirations bowed to the weight of familial duty and political strategy, where alliances were crafted with careful deliberation.