Road to Callow

Valla stood alone amidst the windswept Eredal Plains, the unyielding winds tugging at her hair as she stared at the newly-dug grave where her mentor lay. The empty hole in the earth seemed to mock her, taunting her with the knowledge that her beloved master would never rise from it again. 

As the sky, as silken as the finest cloth, cast its light upon her, and the gentle winds whispered their mournful song, Valla remained frozen, her eyes refusing to abandon the grave. For years, they had stood as master and student, and the thought of carrying on without him seemed impossible. 

Questions clawed at her thoughts, demanding answers she did not possess. What was she to do now? Who was she to serve? Should she search for a new master or forge her own path in this unpredictable world? 

Gently, she clutched the staff her master had gifted her, its iron bells ringing out in the morning light. She would cherish this memento always. Summoning her strength, Valla began to pack her belongings, determined to return to the capital of Sentoros, to the very place where it all began. There, she would find what she was looking for.

Valla staggered to her feet, her body protesting with every movement. The memory of the battle was seared into her mind, the metallic tang of blood and the screams of the dying echoing through her thoughts. It was a miracle she had survived at all, her very existence hanging by a thread, dangled on by the Aevum familia.

The Aevum family was not to be trifled with, even if she had only faced their youngest son. The thought of confronting the stronger members of the family filled her with a sense of unease. Had it been a mistake to trifle with the Aevum family?

She reached into her backpack, feeling for the familiar fur of her severed appendage. It would need to be repaired in Dventos, where skilled potion makers could stitch it back together. But that would cost coin, and she had little to spare.

The journey to the City of Wind had been uneventful, the roads leading through the forest clearing and beyond, the only respite being a large inn. But Valla knew she was not welcome there. Not her kind, at least. It was a common sentiment among her people, a deep-seated distrust of humans, their greed and selfishness all too apparent.

Despite this, Valla had encountered many considerate humans during her travels, struggling to survive in a harsh world, to each their own. But the mages were different. They regarded her with a thoughtful sense of fascination, drawn to her innate abilities to tap into the arcane. 

They seemed to understand the cost of being a mage, of the sacrifices that had to be made in pursuit of power and knowledge. 

Within the third kingdom, Valla found the most acceptance, a strange land where she felt a glimmer of hope for the future. Though the rest of the human empire regarded her suspiciously, the third kingdom seemed to see her for who she truly was, a fellow traveler in this tumultuous world.

As Valla approached the city of Dventos, she knew she had to be careful. She had heard rumors that the guards were on high alert nowadays, their eyes scanning the city’s perimeter for any signs of trouble, no matter how small.

But Valla was no ordinary traveler.

“Spellpoint: Aspect of Change.”

She summoned forth an avatar of a nimble predator, its form enveloped in a shimmering aura of deep, purple haze. The creature was a physical manifestation of her own being, a guardian to guide and protect her on her journey.

Her mana was still recovering from her earlier exertions, and the walls of Dventos were known to be difficult to penetrate. But Valla was undeterred. The walls were formidable, to be sure, but they were not as tall as the walls of Sentoros. 

Valla would do just fine.

With a deft hand, Valla began to climb the city walls, moving with a fluid grace that belied her years of training and discipline. The guards below were oblivious to her ascent, their attention elsewhere as she slipped past them like a whisper in the night. 

As she descended the other side of the wall, Valla knew she was getting closer to her destination. She had a particular person in mind who could assist her with her current predicament. The individual was a lonely and kind soul, someone she had met during her travels and had come to trust.

◊◊◊◊◊

The Richard Red, Brewery and Inn was a hive of activity, the air thick with clinking glasses and raucous laughter. For many adventurers, it was a welcome respite from the perils of the outside world, a place to rest and refuel before venturing into the unknown. 

The third kingdom was a vast and sprawling land, much of it still unexplored. The Erethon forest, in particular, was a source of great fascination, with rumors of dungeons and hidden passages spreading like wildfire among the adventurers who frequented the Richard Inn.

But for Valla, there were more pressing matters at hand.

As Valla navigated her way through the throng of people in the crowded inn, her eyes flicked from face to face, searching for the person she had come to meet. And then, she saw her, a slender figure with dark hair pulled back in a tight braid. In her hands, she bore forth flagons of frothy beer, shimmering with a crimson hue that bespoke the signature drink of the establishment. The Richard Red, as it was known, was a potent concoction that mingled the flavors of robust ale with the energies of rejuvenation potions.

Approaching the young woman with a sense of caution, Valla spoke in hushed tones, keeping her words low and discreet. 

“Erm… excuse me,” she said. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I need your assistance.”

 Eileen looked up at her with a look of recognition. “Ah, Valla,” she said. “How goes it?”

 “It’s a matter of delicacy,” Valla replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have a… tail, you see. And it has been damaged. I was hoping you might know someone who could help me get it repaired.” 

As they reached a secluded area, Valla hesitated momentarily before removing her upper wear to reveal the extent of the damage to her body. Eileen’s face contorted in horror as she took in the deep cuts and bruises that covered Valla’s skin. 

“How are you still moving?” Eileen asked, her voice filled with concern. “What happened, Valla?” 

“I took a job that I couldn’t do,” Valla replied, her voice strained. “It was a contract, and I…I underestimated the danger.” Eileen’s eyes widened in understanding. 

“Monsters?” she said softly. 

Valla nodded, her eyes downcast. “Yes,” she said. “Monsters.”

For a moment, the two women stood in silence; each lost in their thoughts. And then Eileen spoke, her voice gentle but firm. “We’ll get you patched up,” she said. “But you need to be more careful, Valla.”

Valla nodded, her expression contrite. “I know,” she said. “I’ll be more careful in the future.”

Eileen moved about the room with fluid grace, her fingers deftly plucking jars and tinctures of various colors from shelves and cabinets. Valla watched with admiration and trepidation as the other woman began mixing together a concoction of herbs and medicines.

 “This should suffice for your wounds,” Eileen said, holding up a jar of a greenish liquid. “It will ease your pain and help speed up your natural healing abilities.” 

Valla nodded gratefully, taking the jar from Eileen and applying the ointment to her wounds. The soothing sensation of the mixture working its magic was a welcome relief, and Valla felt her body beginning to relax ever so slightly. 

But when Valla asked about her tail, Eileen’s expression turned serious. The tail was intricate, requiring a deft hand and careful touch. Eileen studied the severed limb for a moment before nodding to herself. 

“I can reattach the tail,” she said, her voice confident. “But it will require some delicate work, and a bit of time.”

“Do what you must.” 

As Eileen examined the severed tail, she saw that the nerves and muscles had been severed cleanly. Whoever had sliced, it was sharp with the sword. First, Eileen used a needle and thread to carefully stitch the severed flesh back together, aligning the muscle fibers and nerves as best she could. 

A grimace of pain contorted Valla’s face as she fought the urge to move her tail. Her instincts screamed at her to recoil from the pain, but she knew that any movement could undo the work that Eileen had performed.

Eileen then applied a poultice of healing herbs and potions to the tail, using a small brush to spread it evenly across the wound. Eileen then turned to a small vial of bright blue liquid, carefully applying it to the severed end of the tail. 

The potion was a powerful regenerative agent known for its ability to accelerate the regrowth of tissue. As the potion began to take effect, Eileen could see the severed nerves and muscle fibers beginning to knit themselves back together.

After an hour of concentrated work, Eileen emerged from her task with a focused mind, having spared no effort. Valla breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude upon seeing that her tail had been successfully reattached.

“It’s not perfect,” Eileen said, examining the tail critically. “But it’s functional. It will take a few weeks to completely heal, but that is the best I can offer you.”

Valla expressed her gratitude for the skilled healer’s help, understanding the enormity of her debt to Eileen. 

“Where are you headed next?” Eileen inquired. 

“To Sentoros. I have some unfinished business there,” Valla replied. 

“Does your journey have anything to do with the expedition to the north?” 

“No, it does not,” Valla confirmed. 

“I have heard rumors that the Aevum and House Exoren are mobilizing. Sightings of Aevum forces beyond their walls in Tenebris have been reported,” Eileen revealed with a touch of concern. 

“What could they be up to?” Valla wondered aloud. 

“The Aevum have been expanding their territory for some time now, and this latest move is likely a continuation of that trend,” Eileen explained with a touch of sagacity. 

“Do you think war is imminent?” Valla asked with a hint of apprehension. 

“There is definitely something brewing on the horizon. Everyone senses it, but nobody knows exactly what it is,” Eileen replied with a wise tone. “The King’s failing health only adds to the uncertainty.” 

“I’ve heard about that,” Valla nodded with a hint of worry. 

“His passing may very well be the catalyst for the Aevum to seize control of Tenebris. They have had favorable relations with the third kingdom’s nobility for some time, and his death may provide the opportunity they need to assert their claim.”

“The Aevum have been occupying themselves for quite some time now,” Valla remarked, her voice low and serious. “I heard that they have sent their son to the Floating Academy.” 

“I, too, have heard of this,” Eileen replied, her expression grim. “But I fear that once he returns, they will turn their sights to the south. They have already attempted to establish a mine, but venturing deeper into the outskirts of Mount Vasir has proven to be a challenge.” 

“Do you believe that they will succeed?” Valla asked. 

Eileen shook her head. “No, I don’t think they will. War will break out before they can complete their expansion. I suspect that this is why the other major houses are eager to extend their influence northward. If they do not, the Aevum will become too powerful to contain.” 

Valla knew well what the land past Azeita’s Wall had to offer. Her homeland was abundant in naturally-grown mana crystals, and hidden deep within the hills and earth was enough mana to establish an empire that could rival the Aevum. But conquering the north would not be an easy task. Her people were fiercely protective of their land and would stop at nothing to defend it.

“I must leave now,” Valla said, rising to her feet. “Thank you for your help, Eileen. I will not forget your kindness.” 

Valla asked, “How can I repay you for the surgery?” 

Eileen replied warmly, “My debt to you has been repaid. We are even now.”

◊◊◊◊◊

The journey to Sentoros was arduous, demanding Valla to traverse through the treacherous Mirage Desert, a place she had grown to detest, especially since the last time she had crossed its scorching sands was with her master. 

Despite facing down the blistering heat and the creatures that lurked within the dunes, they had managed to overcome the dangers with skill and coin, and she had none of the latter on her until she reached the gateway to adventurers, Callow. The native inhabitants, the Desert Mara, were notoriously difficult to deal with, demanding payment in coins or shards for any assistance they provided.

Callow was where Valla had stowed most of her wealth, for it was the last bastion of civilization before the unknown frontier, controlled by the territorial House Aevum. The road to Callow was relatively safe, passing through the tranquil countryside with farms and the occasional caravan. 

Yet Valla knew better than to take any shortcuts, for bandits had grown bolder in the third kingdom, with more travelers crossing the desert and the abundant resources waiting to be discovered.

With her belongings carefully packed, Valla departed for her journey ahead. The dwindling stash of coins and Shards, left behind by her master and her own savings, would have to suffice for the few days of travel to Callow.

 Valla carefully packed everything she needed for the journey ahead, rationing her resources with a determined spirit. She set out on the long, winding road before her, walking for hours until her feet ached and her shoes bore into her skin. Taking a caravan was not an option for her; it would mean revealing her identity, which was far too risky. She needed more mana to keep going, but she knew using the Shards she had on her would only lead to mana poisoning.

It was a delicate balance she had to maintain.

But then, it didn’t seem to matter.

The hairs on the back of Valla’s neck stood on end as she saw the stranger on the road. He wore regal clothing of gold and white, with a strange marking etched into his skin. She couldn’t recall how he had appeared nor how she had failed to notice him until now. She had a sinking feeling that she had made a terrible mistake.

“Who are you?” She spoke out.

She knew he was here for her. What else could he be doing at the side of the road?

“We are the Aevum Imperia.” He declared.

Shit.

She cursed under her breath.

With a quick activation of her Foresight and Insight, she assessed the situation, her mind racing as she calculated the best course of action. She choked down the last of her remaining Shards, despite the risk of mana poisoning, for she knew she was as good as dead if she was caught here. As she surveyed her surroundings, she counted at least four others lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. The odds were not in her favor.

Her avatar activated, but it was too late. An Aevum Imperia appeared behind her in the blink of an eye, causing her instincts to flare in fight or flight mode. She dashed forward, Strengthening her feet with all the mana she had left. 

But it wasn’t enough as another Aevum Imperia caught up to her, their hand closing around her neck, cutting off her airway. 

“Sleep,” they commanded. 

Valla’s world faded into darkness, her consciousness slipping away. Before completely succumbing, she heard a final word from the Aevum Imperia, “Take her to Trost and see to her recovery. Her demise cannot be permitted at this juncture.”