Halven and Kurten had been planning their escape from the village of Avna for weeks. They had spent countless hours discussing their plan, going over every detail, and anticipating potential obstacles.
One of the key elements of their plan was to gather information about the village's guards and their patrol routes. Kurten, as a stall owner in the bustling Silvermist Market, had access to a wide range of people and information.
Kurten's stall, which sold a variety of exotic spices and herbs, was a popular destination for many of the market's patrons. It was also a convenient cover for Kurten's true activities, which included gathering information and bribing guards.
Kurten had met with several individuals who had provided him with valuable insights. There was Jax, a former guard who had grown disillusioned with the village's corrupt regime. Jax had provided Kurten with detailed information about the guards' patrol routes and schedules.
Then there was Lila, a traveling merchant who had passed through Avna several times. Lila had told Kurten about the village's secret passages and hidden exits, which could potentially be used for their escape.
Kurten had also bribed one of the guards, a man named Grim, who had been willing to provide him with information in exchange for a few gold coins. Grim had told Kurten about the village's security measures, including the magic barrier that surrounded the village and the guards who patrolled the perimeter.
With this information, Kurten and Halven had been able to plan their escape in detail. They knew which guards to avoid, which passages to take, and when to make their move.
The day of their escape had finally arrived. Kurten and Halven made their way to the port, where they had arranged to meet with a merchant who was willing to smuggle them out of the village.
As they approached the merchant's ship, Halven's heart began to race with excitement and fear. He knew that this was their chance to escape, and he was determined to make it happen.
Kurten, sensing Halven's nervousness, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We've got this, kiddo," he whispered. "We've planned for every eventuality. Just stick to the plan, and we'll be out of here in no time."
Halven nodded, taking a deep breath as they boarded the ship. They were one step closer to freedom, and they were determined to see it through.
The merchant, a gruff but kind-hearted man named Captain Orion, greeted them warmly. "Welcome aboard, lads," he said, eyeing them with a keen gaze. "I see you're looking to leave Avna behind. Well, you've come to the right place."
Kurten smiled, relieved that their plan was working. "Thank you, Captain," he said. "We're grateful for your help."
Captain Orion nodded, his expression serious. "Just remember, lads, I'm taking a risk by helping you. If we get caught, it won't be just you two who suffer the consequences."
Halven and Kurten exchanged a nervous glance. They knew the risks, but they were willing to take them. They were determined to escape Avna and start a new life, free from the village's corruption and oppression.
As the ship set sail, Halven and Kurten felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. They knew that their journey would be fraught with danger, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The Silvermist Market, where Kurten had gathered much of his information, was a bustling hub of activity. Located in the heart of Avna, the market was a place where villagers and travelers alike came to buy and sell goods.
The market was filled with a wide variety of stalls, each selling everything from fresh produce to exotic spices. There were also several taverns and inns, where travelers could rest and refresh themselves.
Kurten's stall, which was located near the center of the market, was a popular destination for many of the market's patrons. Kurten was known for his high-quality spices and herbs, which he imported from all over the world.
The magic barrier that surrounded Avna was a powerful and complex spell. It was designed to keep monsters and other threats out of the village, while also preventing villagers from escaping.
However, the barrier was not foolproof. There were several secret passages and hidden exits that could be used to bypass the barrier. Kurten had learned about these passages from Jax, the former guard, and had planned their escape route accordingly.
As the ship sailed away from Avna, Halven and Kurten felt a sense of relief wash over them. They had made it out of the village, and were one step closer to freedom.
But their journey was far from over. They still had to navigate the dangers of the high seas, avoid detection by the village guards, and find a new home where they could start anew.