Chapter 14: Journey's Beginning

As my consciousness gradually returned, I found myself lying on a bed in a room that I recognized. It was the same room I had been staying in at the inn, with dawn glinting in from an open window. I looked down at my hands, half expecting them to be disfigured given the stunt I had pulled with that rune. I had resolved to basically blow myself up with Samuel included by using the rune for anti-magic and dark magic. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect, as I had never tried to mix magic and runes before today. From what I could tell, the anti-magic and the dark magic had created a massive explosion of energy. I understood that, but how was I still alive then? I recalled that Vestia had done something to both me and Isabella right as we exploded, but I couldn't remember anything after that.

I sat up and looked around the room. Right next to me, Era was sleeping in a chair. It seemed she had been guarding my body. Her face looked younger when she was sleeping, not constantly strained. I gently woke her up with my hand. I had no idea how long I had slept, but if it had been more than half a day, we needed to go. Era let out a yawn as she looked at me with cloudy eyes and muttered, "Oh, you're finally awake, Lucius?" I responded, "Yeah, what happened? Did Vestia protect me?" Era sighed, "Yeah, she did, but you caused a lot of problems for both of us when you cast that spell. Vestia protected you with a small light barrier. It barely covered the three of you, but she ended up taking some decent damage. She's in rough shape, but it seems like she will live."

I asked, "Oh, I'll have to see her if I can. What about Samuel? Did I get him?" Era sighed again, "No, he survived the blast because of his dark magic; it protected him. Thankfully, he was weakened. The guards that were in the plaza regained control after some of the initial blasts knocked them out. They ended up surrounding him and now have him in custody." I sighed, "Guess it wasn't perfect, but we got him. How long has it been since then?" Era responded, "Well, it's 7 a.m. right now, so it has been almost a full day since you've been out like a light." I stuttered, "A full day?! God damn it!" I flew out of bed and hastily started putting on some clothes. "Damn it, Era, we gotta get out of town right now. Remember, we have someone trying to kill us in Astralum." Era nodded and began getting herself ready, already having packed some of our things.

Era added, "I've already taken care of some of the preparation since I had nothing else to do. The caravan is ready to take off, and most of your stuff is loaded, including your wares." I was grateful for her reliability as a traveling companion. I replied, "No time to waste then. Let's get going quickly. We can eat breakfast as we move, and I'll also start your training. Get ready." We hurried out of the door, leaving some mints behind to cover the cost of the room. I ended up ordering some food directly from the bar that we could eat for breakfast, and they kindly wrapped it up for us. Once everything was settled, I walked outside, torn between the desire to thank Isabella and Vestia and the pressing need to depart.

The morning air was crisp, and the city was slowly stirring to life. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and urgency. There was so much to do, and time was of the essence. As we approached the stables, I noticed Vestia and Isabella waiting there. They stood side by side, their expressions a blend of determination and concern. Vestia's injuries from the battle were still evident decent sized burns covered her body, but she had a resolute look in her eyes, as if she were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Era looked at me as if she had just remembered something and said, "Oh right, they offered to help get the caravan ready for us. I forgot." Era was reliable, but I had a feeling that she was somewhat scatterbrained too.

Isabella, ever the enigmatic rogue, wore a faint but genuine smile. It was a rare sight from her, and it warmed my heart. She had risked her life to help us in the battle, and I couldn't express how grateful I was for her unexpected alliance. I walked up to them, and Vestia spoke first, her voice filled with sincerity. "Take care out there, both of you. Keep each other safe, and remember, you have friends here in Veilstead." She blushed a little and added, "And Lucius, thank you." I looked into her eyes, sparkling with green, and said, "No, thank you. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you. You saved my life." She chuckled and replied, "I guess we saved each other."

Isabella couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "Get a room, you two," she teased with a grin. "Just don't forget us little folks when you become famous merchants, alright?" I smiled, feeling a lump in my throat as I tried to find the right words. "Thank you, both of you. You've been more than I could have ever asked for. If we make it through this, I'll find a way to repay you." Vestia placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "There's no need for repayment; just promise us you'll come back here one day to sell your famous wares."

Isabella chimed in, her smirk softening into a grin. "Yeah, we'd hate to think we wasted our time on you." I chuckled, realizing that these two remarkable women had become my unexpected allies and friends. I guess I can consider myself even with Isabella now since I did get her out of her deal with Samuel in a roundabout way.

Isabella's face grew serious. "Listen, kid, I heard from Era here what happened in Astralum. The Crimson Knives are no joke. They might be a small-time gang now, but they were based in Veilstead at one point. Their leader, Lysandra, is not someone to underestimate. I grew up on the streets, so did she, and her brothers. We would clash often in this city, but I won. I beat her back and forced her out of Veilstead." She looked contemplative. "Listen, she is not someone you want to make mad. I suggest you keep your horses going nonstop. Lysandra is not a woman who knows when to quit. She's the most stubborn person you will ever meet."

I nodded. "Thanks for the warning. I'll keep that in mind. We'll make our stay in Everglint brief and keep heading North." Vestia also gave me a pondering look. "Hey, Lucius, one more thing before you go. Samuel said something interesting before the guards took him in."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, what? That he was sorry for being such a scumbag?"

Vestia's face shifted to a slight smile. "No, moron. He told the guards that the power he got was from the necklace. In his own words, he said to the guards that it was all that stupid enchanter's fault; someone had apparently promised Samuel that things would work out as long as he passed around the drugs."

Vestia continued, "From this, we can conclude that he probably wasn't working alone; something else is at play here. The drugs and the amulet point to another person working from the shadows. Just be careful out there, Lucius." I frowned. "Well, that sounds troublesome. Alright, thanks again, both of you, for the warning." Vestia placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Again, there's no need for thanks; you have done enough." I asked, "I guess you won the election then? Guess I should call you Mayor Lightheart now?"

Vestia nodded. "Right, yes. I have been appointed as the leader of this city, and I plan for it to stay that way for a long time. I want to shape this place for the better; I want to make a better name for this city. The time that travelers had to live in fear is over; I want to clean up the streets and help with the recovery of both the drugs and infrastructure." She gave me a playful grin. "Infrastructure that was mostly damaged due to a certain someone. I know you didn't see what happened, but the town square will take some time to heal."

I bowed. "Truly, I am sorry."

Vestia gave a girlish laugh. "You can pay me back by giving me a good discount. Now you should hurry before you encounter any more trouble."

With a final nod and a heartfelt, "Goodbye for now," I turned to Era, and together, we embarked onto our caravan. I gave them one last wave goodbye as Era climbed onto the caravan with me, our horses at the ready. Era waved goodbye. She shouted out, "Until we meet again, may Veilstead prosper in our absence! Hopefully, when I come back, I will have an entire arsenal of puppets to show you!"

She sits back down I can a slight bit of sadness in her eyes parting with our new friends their figures getting smaller in the distance. I comforted her. "Don't worry. When we come back to this city, I am sure you will have fun showing them just how much you have learned."

With a determined spirit, I whispered to Era, "Our journey is just beginning, and who knows what awaits us beyond the horizon." The caravan rolled on, disappearing into the vast, unknown world, leaving Veilstead behind but not forgotten. In the distance, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on our path and signaling the start of a new chapter in our lives.