Chapter 23: Eleanor's Town
After a night of rest in the forest, Daemon and Lyana woke up with the first rays of the sun. After a quick breakfast, they packed their belongings and prepared for the last leg of their journey to Eleanor.
"Today is the day," Lyana said, adjusting her cloak. "Eleanor's city is only a few hours away. If we hurry, we'll get there before nightfall."
After three days of traveling through varied landscapes, they finally reached their first destination. The city stretched majestically before them. The view was impressive, with architecture that combined robustness and beauty in a fascinating way. The wooden houses, with flower-adorned balconies and slate roofs, looked like something out of a painting, while the stone structures instilled a sense of permanence and security.
"It's more beautiful than he imagined," Daemon commented, looking at the rustically designed houses and winding streets.
"Of course," Lyana replied, "the main business here is blacksmithing and fishing. Many adventurers come exclusively for the weapons forged by Eleanor's blacksmiths and to hunt some sea beasts that inhabit its waters."
"Wow, that's amazing," Daemon murmured, fascinated by the duality of craftsmanship and danger the city offered.
"That's right," Lyana confirmed with a smile. "Plus, Eleanor has always been a special place. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is calm. It's a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the world."
Daemon nodded, absorbed by the unique atmosphere that enveloped the city as they reached its entrance.
As they crossed the city gates, they were greeted by a patrol of guards who looked at them with interest. "Welcome to Eleanor," said one of them, a middle-aged man with scars that spoke of many years of service. His eyes were kind, but showed a bit of caution. "What is the reason for your visit?"
Lyana took the initiative. "We are travelers looking for rest and supplies. Plus, I have some old friends I would like to visit."
The captain nodded and indicated that they could pass. "Enjoy your stay and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for help."
Thank you, both responded and entered the city. Daemon was fascinated by the beautiful sight that stretched before them. "Wow, I didn't imagine you liked the city so much," Lyana commented. "But don't worry, we'll have time to explore it. Now follow me."
Daemon nodded sheepishly as Lyana led him through the narrow streets until they reached what he assumed was a forge. For the rhythmic sound of the hammer striking metal resonated in the air. The forge was a bustling place, full of sparks and the unmistakable smell of molten iron. The walls were decorated with weapons and armor, all testament to the blacksmith's skill.
"I want to introduce you to someone," Lyana said with a smile.
As they entered the forge, the heat and smell of molten metal enveloped them. A burly dwarf, with a gray beard and muscular arms, was working intently on a sword. His concentration and skill were evident in every blow of his hammer. Lyana reached out and touched his shoulder gently. "Darius, old friend!"
The blacksmith looked up and a wide smile spread across his face. "Lyana, girl! I haven't seen you in a long time." He hugged Lyana affectionately and then turned his gaze from him to Daemon, who he was watching with interest. "And who is this young man?"
"This is Daemon," Lyana replied. "He is my student and traveling companion. Daemon, meet Darius, Eleanor's best blacksmith. It was he who forged my sword."
"Hahaha, girl, stop praising me. You know you won't get any discount from this old dwarf," Darius said with a laugh. "Well, at least I tried," Lyana added with a shrug.
Daemon shook Darius's hand, impressed by his firmness. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."
"No sir, boy. I don't like formalities. Do you need anything from my forge or are you just here to say hello?"
"Daemon is actually looking for a sword capable of withstanding his fire magic," Lyana explained.
A sword capable of withstanding his fire magic? Darius asked, that's right, Daemon said.
When I use my magic, the fire covers the sword completely. The temperature is so high that it melts any steel in a matter of seconds.
Darius frowned, intrigued. Have you never been burned by this strange magic of yours? he asked, staring at Daemon.
What does that mean? Daemon said.
"What you have heard," Darius replied in a thoughtful voice. You tell me that the temperature is extremely high and that it even melts swords. The logical thing would be that it would also burn your skin. -Daemon remained silent, reflecting on it. It seemed strange to him that he had never been burned, unlike Priest, who had suffered burns from getting too close to this fire at times.
"No," Daemon finally answered, "I find it very strange that that hasn't happened," he said thoughtfully.
"Okay," Darius said, changing the subject. It doesn't matter. He went to a shelf and picked up a small sword. Use your magic on this sword.
Daemon began to channel his magic into the sword, remembering the feeling he had experienced that time in the dungeon. Suddenly, the sword was engulfed by intense flames, changing the metal from a brilliant silver to a vivid orange glow that crackled and danced across the blade.
"Well, I want to see how long one of my creations lasts against this strange magic you use," Darius said curiously, watching closely.
A minute passed. The flames continued to devour the sword, which began to show signs of weakness. First, the metal became incandescent, as if it were red hot. Then, small drops of molten metal began to form on the surface, falling to the ground with a hiss. The once sturdy weapon structure slowly deformed under the scorching heat.
"This kind of heat is relentless," Daemon murmured, amazed at how quickly his fire magic affected even Darius's creations.
Darius nodded, watching the proceedings with a mix of fascination and concern. "It is clear that your magic is formidable. But it also shows why it is so difficult to make a sword that can withstand it."
The demonstration was revealing for both of them. As Darius' sword crumbled under the influence of Daemon's fire, it became clear that finding or creating a weapon that could contain that power would be a monumental challenge.
Lyana just watched silently. "Well, I'll try to find a metal strong enough to create a sword that can withstand your fire, Daemon. I think you should go to an inn, it's already quite late. Follow this street to the end, you'll find one that's pretty good. Come back tomorrow morning and I'll have a weapon ready for you to do another test," Darius said, looking at them both.
After that, they said goodbye to Darius and headed to the inn that he had recommended, the place was small but cozy, it was a wooden house, it was decorated with beautiful tapestries and the candlelight added a warm glow.
Hello, my name is Sara, nice to meet you, a little girl greets you.
Hello, my name is Lyana and this is my partner Daemon.
"We're here because old Darius recommended this inn to us," Lyana added with a kind smile.
The girl nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, Mr. Darius always recommends our inn."
"How much for the room?" Daemon asked.
"It's 50 silver coins a night," Sara responded with a smile.
Daemon nodded. "Okay, we'll just rent a room," Lyana said.
"Are you sure, teacher?" Daemon asked.
"Haha, of course! Also, Sara, could you add one more bed to the room, please?" Lyana requested kindly.
"Yes, of course," Sara replied happily. "Please go sit there," he pointed to a table. "I bet they must be hungry, right?"
After a short moment, the girl brought them a hot and filling dinner. The table was filled with plates of roast meat, freshly baked bread, and a fresh salad. Daemon and Lyana enjoyed the meal with gusto, sharing stories of the trip and discussing plans for the next day.
After dinner, they headed to their room. The accumulated fatigue of the trip soon overcame them, and they fell exhausted into the comfortable beds recently prepared by Sara. The light from the candles flickered softly as sleep enveloped them, lulling them into a restful rest.