The road led Kael and Velis to a small, bustling town perched precariously on the edge of a floating island. Its wooden structures leaned against one another, as though the town were holding itself up by sheer will. The creak of market carts and the hum of conversation filled the air, mingling with the occasional call of a merchant advertising wares.
Kael paused at the edge of the town, taking in the sight. It had been months since he'd been around so many people. The air smelled of roasted meat, fresh bread, and the metallic tang of magic emanating from trinkets on display.
"This is Falbridge," Velis said, its voice faintly amused. "A trading hub for scavengers and relic hunters. Not exactly a cultural marvel, but useful."
Kael adjusted his sword at his side and tugged his hood lower. "You think anyone will recognize me?"
"Possibly," Velis replied. "But the odds are low. Still, keep your head down. Word of Tyrellos hasn't spread this far yet—but it will."
Kael nodded and stepped into the main thoroughfare. Merchants lined the street, their stalls piled high with relic fragments, enchanted gear, and mundane supplies. Children darted between the stalls, their laughter cutting through the steady murmur of adults haggling.
Kael's gaze lingered on a stall displaying weapons—blades, maces, and even bows, each faintly glowing with rune magic. A burly merchant leaned on the counter, watching Kael with a practiced eye. "Looking for something specific?" the man asked, his tone friendly but measured.
"Just browsing," Kael replied, his voice low. "What's the price range?"
The merchant grunted, gesturing to a short sword with a faintly glowing hilt. "That one's affordable for someone like you. Basic rune, good for channeling small bursts of magic. Two hundred shard coins."
Kael frowned. He had far less than that after restocking his supplies a few days ago. "I'll think about it."
As he moved to another stall, Velis's voice chimed in his mind. "We should pick up supplies. Food, potions, and perhaps a map of the Riftforge area."
Kael scanned the market for anything useful. "Food and potions, sure. But do you really think someone here has a map of the Riftforge?"
"Unlikely," Velis admitted. "But it's worth asking."
Kael approached a young woman tending a stall filled with scrolls, books, and odd magical trinkets. She had bright green eyes and auburn hair tied back into a loose braid. Her hands moved deftly as she rearranged items, and she looked up as Kael stopped in front of her.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice light but tinged with curiosity.
"I'm looking for a map," Kael said. "Specifically one that covers the Riftforge."
The woman's eyebrows rose. "The Riftforge? You're brave—or foolish." She reached under the counter, pulling out a scroll. "I don't have much, but this is the best anyone's got around here. Most scavengers don't make it past the wards."
Kael took the scroll, unfurling it carefully. The map was crude, marked with landmarks and vague warnings, but it was better than nothing. "How much?"
"Fifty shard coins," she said, leaning against the counter. "And a warning: don't get yourself killed. Whatever's in the Riftforge isn't worth dying for."
Kael handed over the coins without argument. "I'll keep that in mind."
As he turned to leave, she called after him. "If you need anything else, my name's Lira. I run this stall most days."
Kael glanced back, nodding slightly before disappearing into the crowd.
Kael continued through the market, picking up a few basic supplies—dried meat, a small vial of healing elixir, and a reinforced cloak. As he haggled with another merchant, he caught snippets of conversations around him.
"Did you hear about the boy in Tyrellos? They say he killed a Shard Beast by himself."
"Probably just another relic hunter exaggerating."
"Maybe, but the way they tell it… he's not just a scavenger."
Kael's jaw tightened as he paid for the cloak. Velis's voice hummed in his thoughts. "It seems word is traveling faster than I expected."
"We need to leave soon," Kael replied silently, pulling the cloak over his shoulders. "I don't want anyone connecting me to that story."
"Agreed," Velis said. "But be careful. You're being watched."
Kael stiffened, his eyes scanning the crowd. At first, he didn't see anything unusual. The merchants continued their business, and the townsfolk moved about their day. Then, in the shadow of a nearby alley, he caught a flicker of movement—a figure cloaked in black, lingering just out of sight.
"Relic hunter?" Kael asked silently.
"Possibly," Velis said. "But they haven't made a move. Yet."
Kael adjusted his sword, his movements casual as he made his way toward the edge of town. The figure followed at a distance, careful to stay out of sight but not careful enough to avoid Kael's notice.
"I'll draw them out," Kael thought, slipping into a narrow side street. He ducked behind a stack of crates, waiting silently as the figure approached.
The moment they stepped into the alley, Kael was on them, his sword pressed lightly against their throat. "Why are you following me?" he demanded.
The figure stiffened but didn't panic. A woman's voice responded, calm and measured. "I'm not your enemy. At least, not yet."
Kael frowned, lowering his blade slightly. "Then who are you?"
The woman pushed back her hood, revealing sharp features and piercing gray eyes. "Someone who's interested in what you're looking for at the Riftforge. And someone who can help—if you're willing to listen."