Finally, the forest grew still. The relentless shadows that had dogged their every step seemed to fade, as if some unseen barrier had kept them at bay. The quiet was almost unnerving. Calypsius kept his hand on Valenyr, even as its glow dimmed to a faint flicker. Ellara walked beside him, her dagger sheathed but her stance cautious, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger.
"Strange," Ellara muttered, breaking the silence. "I almost don't know what to do with myself when we're not fighting."
Calypsius gave a faint chuckle, though his exhaustion was evident. "Don't jinx it. I don't think either of us has the energy for another ambush."
The two trudged onward, the forest thinning until the dense canopy gave way to open skies. In the distance, they could see the faint outline of a settlement—a town nestled against a hill, its stone walls bathed in the amber glow of the setting sun. A spire rose in the center, gleaming faintly, surrounded by clusters of houses and winding streets.
"Finally," Calypsius breathed, relief washing over him. His legs ached from days of travel, his muscles sore from endless battles. The sight of civilization—even an unfamiliar one—felt like a blessing.
As they approached, it became clear that this wasn't just any town. The gates were flanked by guards, but they weren't human. One was a towering orc, his green skin gleaming in the light, while the other was a lithe elf with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Beyond the gates, the streets were bustling with activity. Humans, dwarves, elves, and other species Calypsius couldn't immediately identify moved about, their voices blending into a symphony of languages and tones. Merchants shouted their wares from colorful stalls, and children darted between the legs of passersby.
"Interesting place," Ellara said, her eyes narrowing as they reached the gates.
The orc guard stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over them. "Travelers?"
"Yes," Calypsius replied, keeping his tone neutral. "We're just passing through. We need a place to rest and resupply."
The elf guard raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Valenyr. "That sword… it carries an aura."
Calmly, Calypsius adjusted his grip on the weapon, not drawing it but making it clear he wouldn't hesitate to defend himself. "It's nothing you need to worry about. We're not here to cause trouble."
The orc grunted, seemingly unimpressed. "Keep it that way. If you step out of line, you'll regret it." He stepped aside, motioning for them to enter. "Welcome to Velantis."
Ellara glanced at Calypsius as they walked through the gates. "Friendly place."
"I've seen worse," he replied, though his grip on Valenyr didn't loosen.
Inside the town, the air was thick with the scents of roasted meat, baked bread, and something floral and unfamiliar. The streets were lined with stalls selling everything from weapons and armor to exotic fruits and shimmering trinkets. A dwarf at one booth waved a gleaming axe in the air, extolling its craftsmanship, while a group of elves bartered over a bundle of rare herbs.
"We need to find somewhere to stay," Ellara said, her voice practical. "And we're going to need supplies—gear, food, maybe even information."
Calysius nodded. "First things first: rest. My legs feel like they're about to give out."
They made their way to an inn on the main street, its sign depicting a dragon curled around a mug of ale. Inside, the air was warm, the scent of wood smoke mingling with the aroma of stew. The innkeeper, a plump human woman with a kind smile, greeted them from behind the counter.
"Two rooms?" she asked, her eyes darting between them.
"One," Ellara said quickly. "We're traveling light."
The innkeeper gave a knowing smile. "Of course. That'll be three silver for the night."
Ellara fished a few coins from her pouch, and the woman handed her a key. "Room's up the stairs, second on the left. Supper's an extra two silver, if you're interested."
"We'll take it," Ellara said, her stomach growling audibly.
After settling into their modest room—little more than a bed, a table, and a single window—they returned to the common area for supper. The stew was hearty, the bread fresh, and the ale strong enough to make Calypsius' head spin. For the first time in days, they allowed themselves to relax, though neither could shake the tension entirely.
"What do you think this place is?" Ellara asked between bites. "It's rare to see so many different species in one town."
"Velantis," Calypsius said, his voice thoughtful. "It feels like a crossroads—a place where paths converge. Makes sense that so many people would gather here."
Ellara nodded, though her gaze remained distant. "We need to stay sharp. A town like this… it has secrets. And I doubt we'll go unnoticed for long."
Calypsius didn't argue. The weight of Valenyr on his back was a constant reminder of the dangers that followed them, even in the midst of a bustling town. They would rest, resupply, and prepare for the journey ahead, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Velantis would offer more than just a brief reprieve
The next morning, Velantis stirred to life with the rising sun. Calypsius awoke to the sound of merchants setting up their stalls, carts creaking, and distant laughter echoing through the streets. The faint warmth of the sun streamed through the window, and for a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the stillness. It was rare to feel anything close to normal these days.
Ellara was already awake, seated by the window with her dagger in hand, absentmindedly turning it over. She glanced back at him. "You sleep like the dead."
"Maybe because I feel half-dead," Calypsius muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. His muscles still ached, but the rest had done wonders. "How long was I out?"
"Long enough," she replied, slipping the dagger into its sheath. "The innkeeper mentioned a marketplace just down the road. We'll need supplies, and I figure we could ask around while we're there."
"For what?" Calypsius asked, rubbing his eyes.
Ellara leaned against the windowsill, her gaze distant. "Information. About the Eternal Spire, about what lies ahead… anything that might help us. We can't afford to be blind out here."
He nodded, pulling on his boots and slinging Valenyr over his back. "Fair enough. Let's see what this town has to offer."
The marketplace was even busier than the night before. Stalls lined the cobbled streets, their colorful awnings fluttering in the breeze. Merchants shouted over one another, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony. A gnome sold intricate clockwork contraptions that ticked and whirred, while a towering minotaur offered enchanted weapons that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. A trio of dwarves haggled over a crate of gemstones, their voices gruff but animated.
Calypsius and Ellara moved through the crowd, their eyes scanning the wares. They stopped at a stall selling provisions—dried meats, bread, and sturdy waterskins. The merchant, a grizzled elf with a thick accent, eyed them suspiciously but made no comment as they paid.
"What's next?" Calypsius asked, slinging the provisions into his pack.
Ellara's gaze lingered on a nearby stall, where a robed figure sold scrolls and tomes. "That might be worth a look. If anyone knows about the Eternal Spire, it'll be someone like them."
They approached the stall cautiously. The robed figure, whose face was obscured by a deep hood, looked up as they approached. The air around them felt heavier, charged with a faint magical energy.
"Travelers," the figure said, their voice soft but firm. "You seek knowledge."
Calypsius exchanged a glance with Ellara. "We're looking for information about the Eternal Spire. Do you know anything about it?"
The figure tilted their head, as if considering the question. "The Spire is no simple destination. It is a beacon, a place where the veil between worlds is thin. Many have sought it, but few have returned."
"What makes it so dangerous?" Ellara asked, her tone wary.
"The Spire is a crossroads," the figure replied. "A meeting point of forces beyond mortal understanding. The closer you draw, the more those forces will test you. It is not a journey to be taken lightly."
Calypsius felt a chill run down his spine. "Do you know how to find it?"
The figure extended a hand, and a faint glow emanated from their palm. When the light faded, a small, crystalline shard rested in their hand. "This will guide you. It resonates with the Spire's energy. Follow its light, and it will lead you to your destination."
Ellara's eyes narrowed. "And what's the price?"
The figure's hood shifted slightly, revealing a glint of something metallic beneath. "The price has already been paid. You are bound to this path, Chosen. It is not I who decides where it leads."
Calypsius took the shard, its surface cool to the touch. It pulsed faintly in his hand, and he could feel a strange connection to it, as if it were alive.
"Thank you," he said, though his gratitude was tempered with unease. The figure said nothing more, merely inclining their head before turning their attention to another customer.
As they walked away, Ellara glanced at him. "That was… unsettling."
"Everything about this journey has been unsettling," Calypsius replied, slipping the shard into his pouch. "But if it gets us to the Spire, I'll take it."
They continued through the marketplace, picking up additional supplies—rope, extra cloaks, and a few small weapons—before heading back to the inn. The weight of the shard in Calypsius's pouch was a constant reminder of the journey ahead, and the cryptic words of the robed figure lingered in his mind.
That evening, as they sat in the common room of the inn, Ellara studied the shard by the firelight. "It's strange, isn't it? How everything seems to point us in the same direction."
"Strange doesn't begin to cover it," Calypsius said, his voice quiet. "It's like the world itself is pushing us toward something."
"Or someone," Ellara added, her tone grim. "Whatever's waiting for us at the Spire, it's not going to be friendly."
Calypsius nodded, his gaze distant. "Then we'd better be ready."
For the first time in days, they allowed themselves a moment of stillness. The fire crackled softly, and the noise of the town outside faded into the background. But even in the warmth of the inn, Calypsius couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched—that the shadows they had left behind in the forest weren't as far away as they seemed.