Erhen stirred before dawn, his thoughts heavy and scattered. The faint slivers of light stretched across the horizon, but it felt like a mockery of warmth. There was little solace in the quiet hours before the world awoke.
With a sigh, he stamped out the last glowing embers of his fire and gathered his few belongings. Rest had eluded him yet again, the weight of memories, of what he'd lost clung to him like a shadow. Soon he had traveled through the Vaelith Reach and was soon in the foothills outside of Solium.
The road to Solium wound through gentle hills and olive groves, the morning sun casting golden light over the fields. By midday, the city came into view, and even from a distance, its magnificence was undeniable.
Solium rose from the riverbanks like a vision from another world, its towering white walls gleaming with purity under the sunlight.
Beyond the walls, columns, and arches that hinted at the architectural splendor within, were ships and barges that crowded the waterways, ferrying goods and passengers alike.
Erhen tightened his cloak against the brisk wind rolling off the river. The scent of saltwater mingled with the earthy aroma of the riverbanks, a reminder of Solium's place as the gateway to the ocean. The sound of commerce carried on the breeze—the creak of wooden decks, the chatter of merchants haggling over cargo, and the distant laughter of sailors.
When he reached the bridge leading to the city gates, the scale of Solium's defenses struck him senseless as it did every time he visited. The bridge was a masterpiece of stone and artistry, its balustrades carved with reliefs of leaping dolphins and sea gods. Atop the walls were armed guardsmen, each armed with a bow. The waters below teemed with life barges laden with containers and crates navigating the currents as seagulls cried overhead.
Hidden underneath the facade of peace was a war machine ready for anything. For a moment, Erhen paused, letting his gaze linger on the scene. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had a mission, and there was no room for hesitation.
The gates of Solium were a sight to behold—massive bronze doors framed by a marble archway adorned with laurel wreaths and carved griffins. Statues of Rune Knights stood guarding on either side, their chiseled features stern. The line of travelers waiting to enter stretched far ahead, a motley crowd of merchants, farmers, and wanderers. The guards, clad in polished armor and crimson cloaks, managed the crowd with brisk efficiency.
Erhen joined the line, his posture calm but alert. When his turn came, he stepped forward to face the guards. One of them held a mana stone, its surface glowing faintly with Dispel magic. The guard passed the stone over Erhen, the light flickering for a moment before dimming.
The man's gaze remained impassive as another guard stepped in front of him with a ledger in hand. "Business or pleasure?" the guard asked, his tone cold but respectful.
"Business," Erhen replied naturally, his voice steady despite the turmoil beneath the surface. The guard nodded, scribbling a note in his ledger before gesturing for him to pass.
As Erhen stepped through the gates, the city unfolded before him in a dazzling display of life and culture. The wide cobblestone streets hummed with activity, lined with marble facades and pastel houses. The vibrant marketplace spilled into every corner, its stalls brimming with goods from across the region—silks, spices, tools, and foods of every kind.
The air was alive with the sounds of bartering, laughter, and the occasional melody of a lyre or flute.
Yet Erhen barely registered the sensory overload of Solium's bustling heart. His thoughts were focused on his destination: an old comrade from his days in the military, a man named Kael. They had served together during the Fifth Border War, but four years had taken them down different paths, Erhen knew Kael to be a man of unwavering loyalty, and a soldier through and through. If anyone knew where the Doctor was currently, it would be Kael.
He needed answers, and Kael was the key to finding them.
Navigating the streets of Solium, Erhen moved as quickly as he could. He passed fountains adorned with marble sea gods and bridges arching over narrow canals. The city's beauty was undeniable, but to him, it felt hollow, a glittering veneer hiding countless dirty secrets.
Kael's note had been brief, directing him to a tavern near the riverfront. "The Gult's Roost," it read, followed by a time and nothing else. Erhen glanced up at the sun's position, calculating the hours until their meeting. He had time to observe, to plan, and to prepare himself for whatever lay ahead.
As he made his way toward the riverfront, Erhen's unease grew. The feeling of being watched had followed him since he entered the city, an instinct honed over years of surviving dangers both seen and unseen. He glanced over his shoulder but saw only the endless bustle of Solium's streets. Still, he quickened his pace, his hand drifting closer to the hilt of his sword hidden.
When he reached the tavern, the sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the city. The Gult's Roost was a modest establishment, its wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat, the murmur of conversations blending with the occasional burst of laughter.
Kael was waiting at a corner table, his broad frame unmistakable even after all these years. His hair was streaked with gray, and a jagged scar ran down his cheek, it was a souvenir from battles long past. When he saw Erhen, he rose with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Erhen," he said, his voice gruff but warm. "It's been too long, kid."
Erhen clasped his hand firmly. "Kael," he replied. "You haven't changed a bit."
The two men sat, their conversation beginning with the easy camaraderie of old friends but quickly shifting to the matter at hand. Kael's expression grew serious as he leaned in, lowering his voice. "The doctor you're looking for—his name is Hadram. He works under contract for the Magistrate's office currently, handling high-profile cases. But if the rumors are true, he's the personal physician of the Crown."
Erhen listened intently, his jaw tightening. "Where can I find him?"
Kael hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the door as if to ensure they weren't overheard. "He keeps a private practice near the Center District, but he's well-protected if you're planning to confront him, I suggest you don't."
Erhen nodded, determination hardening into resolve. "I only plan on talking to him, Kael. I need answers. Answers only he can provide" The man sighed and shook his head. "Kid, I don't think you want answers… I think you want blood. You look like you're ready to kill everyone in here."
Kael stood and left the table, only to return with two flagons and two bowls of something that could be called soup. "Come on, Erhen… you need to eat." He shoved the drink and food in front of Erhen before sitting across from him and eating his own. "Oh, I recommend eating quick before the rats get after it."
After the meal, Kael stood from the table. "I've rented a room for you here, use it and get some rest. And maybe a bath, you stink of blood. Room ten." Kael waved his hand in front of his face, mocking him, before placing the key to the room down in front of him. "I mean it, kid, get some sleep before you do something stupid."
Erhen just stared at the doorway, watching as his friend left the Roost. A sigh escaped his lips, and he took the key and went to the room with another exhausting day behind him.
But sleep was not the comforting thing that Kael wished for him.
When he opened his eyes, he had returned to that abyss. Now he was kneeling in the muck, the fog that had been present last time had dissipated.
In front of him was himself but covered in black chains that disappeared into the darkness, red runes ran across the gleaming black metal like blood. The runes were pulsating.
Thump, Thump.
Thump, Thump.
It sounded so much like a heartbeat, and the noise grew louder until it was all that he could hear. Once the sound reached a crescendo everything went silent. And the him that was chained looked up, eyes black and rows of jagged teeth in a Glasgow smile.
"Welcome back, Erhen!"