Adventure of Exiles

Three travelers made their way down the cobblestone roads of the Duchy of Sachsen. A teenaged girl brimming with excitement, a young man armed with a black blade and a towering mountain of a soldier.

The young man led the way over the hill.

That’s when he saw it.

The Skarrage Sea.

The sea water was calm and a beautiful blue. The waves seem to lap lazily against the shore.

“The sea. I can’t believe we are here, Felix!” The girl said in awe.

“This is your first time seeing the Skarrage Sea, right Emily?” Felix said.

“Yeah. It’s so beautiful! I been at Svarostadt for so long. Before Svarostadt the ocean around Kristianburg was so cold and grey by comparison.”

Felix smiled, “You know what would make it even better? A ship. Imagine the sights we could see. The places we could go.”

“Aren’t ships expensive?” The older man said as he caught up. He was carrying both his pack and Emily’s.

“Think of it this way, Michael. It’s an investment. Could do some good business running along the coast. Or maybe do some treasure hunting, there are a bunch of ruins from the ancient era around here. Also, we could go fishing. Sachsen is famed for their fish like bass and herring.”

Michael sighed, “don’t forget why we are here. Our job is to lay low and protect the princess until the day comes for her to make a triumphant return back north.”

Felix stretched, “relax, Michael. We got through the Blackreach fine, didn’t we? Think of this as a paid vacation really. We can enjoy the slow life and literally nothing bad will happen to us.”

“You mean more nothing bad will happen to the princess. I will make sure of that.”

“I know you will, I know you will.” Felix said.

Michael grunted.

“Well, no point in standing around. Come on let’s get moving to Kurkenburg.” Felix said as he started walking.

“So, the man who escorted us through the Blackreach, Konrad.” Michael said.

“What about him?” Felix asked as he led the way.

“What was his relationship to you?”

Felix shrugged, “you were on the same trip as me. He wasn’t much of a talker. Just because we both were part of the Order of the Raven doesn’t mean we were friends. He was part of a different company than me and much older.”

“Humph, don’t you still have a sense of camaraderie with Konrad? You two fought for the Order of Ravens. That means something.”

“Look, Michael. We were mercenaries. They didn’t pay us to have feelings. Besides he was older than me and fought in different conflicts than me.”

Michael shook his head, “I don’t think I’ll fully understand. Every Restorationist is a brother in arms to me. We share the same goals and the shared suffering we endured creates a bond.”

“Bonds, eh? It’s not a bad way to live I suppose. I’m just used to being a free man.”

“And yet you still wield his sword.” Michael said as he pointed at Felix’s scabbard.

Felix reflectively put a hand on the hilt of Edwin’s sword. It was a beautiful black sword with blue vines engraved on the blade. Edwin never gave it a name. Felix dubbed the sword, Unwavering.

Edwin’s voice echoed in Felix’s ear, “I also have my trust that you will find a reason beyond mere coin to keep living your life. I will be gone soon Felix, and you are going to take care of that girl for me. Understood?”

Felix sighed, “yeah well. It’s not like I’m a complete scumbag.”

Michael grunted and let it go. He started walking down the road. Emily following him instinctively.

Felix took one more look out into the sea.

No point in dwelling in the past, have to keep moving forward.

They walked down a winding cobblestone road pass vineyards of grapes and fields of lilies and poppies.

They were closing to the town. The fields outside of the city were filled with wheat waving gently under a light breeze and other fields with cattle, sheep, and chicken grazing peacefully together.

There was a white sign welcoming the travelers to Kurkenburg. Kurkenburg was a lively, bustling town with white limestone buildings, cobbled streets, and shops selling seafood and wine.

Emily seemed dazzled, taking all of it in as she first walked into the town.

Felix couldn’t help to smile a little. Compared to the capital Strausehaven, his hometown Breslow, or even Svarostadt, Kurkenburg seemed quaint. This was first town she has seen in southern Lyris, having lived her entire life up north.

“Welcome to Kurkenburg.” Felix said.

“Wow! where are we going first?” Emily gasped.

Michael looked around, “it’s peaceful here. The civil war must be a vague distant memory to most folks around here.”

Felix shrugged, “Yeah, I mean not like there was any fighting happened around here. Besides it’s been over a decade since the war ended.”

“The war is burned into my memories. I will never forget.” Michael muttered.

“I’m glad.” Emily said.

Felix and Michael turned their head in confusion.

Emily was walking with her hands behind her back,

“I’m glad we are able to find a peaceful place like this. One day I hope all cities in the kingdom will be like this.”

Felix shook his head, yeah that wasn’t going to happen. Even before the civil war, Lyris would clash with neighboring countries. It was a kingdom built upon the battlefield. He wasn’t going to burst her bubble and point that out. Not a complete scumbag after all.

The city was busy, with the fishermen unloading their bounty, the farmers selling their goods and townsfolk buying their daily necessities.

Emily would go up to different stalls and talk with the trader. She was fascinated. The tempo and atmosphere in Kurkenburg were much different than Svarostadt.

Svarostadt as a northern city was more somber and dignified. Northerners had endured much hardship. They held onto their tradition and pride despite everything thrown against them. Northerners tended to treat other northerners like extended family but wary of outsiders.

By contrast Kurkenburg was warm, inviting, and lively. People smiled happily while they traded banter about everyday things.

“You sure are talkative today.” Felix pointed out.

“This is a whole new world for me. It’s all exciting.” She said as she handed a big red apple to Felix and Michael.

Felix spun the apple in his hand for a moment and then took a bite.

Crisp and juicy.

Felix after chewing his bite pointed, “you see that? That inn down there, the Whispering Oak Inn the sign says. Let’s stop by there. I want to get some information.”

The trio made their way down the road and entered the inn.

The interior was spacious and cozy. It was a simple, rustic establishment, with wooden walls and floors and a large fireplace at the far side of the room. There were tables and chairs scattered throughout. The air was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread.

“What a cozy place.” Emily said as she took in the surroundings and started to walk around the inn.

Michael walked with Emily and was looking around for any potential danger.

Felix just casually strode up to the bar and took a seat.

“Hello, and welcome to the Whispering Oak Inn. How may I help you?” Said the barkeep, an older woman with dark brown hair.

“Can I get a dark ale?” Felix asked.

The barkeep nodded and went into the back.

The barkeep returned with a large mug of beer.

“Three coppers.” She spoke.

Felix gave over four coppers. As the barkeep took the coins, she got a better look at Felix. Her eyes narrowed.

Felix raised an eyebrow at that, “Is something wrong?”

“No.” The barkeep said evenly before continuing, “ravens fly free.”

“Under troubled skies, ravens will fight on.” Felix finished the saying. The motto of the Order of Ravens.

She smiled, “My name is Eileen. My husband was part of the same mercenary company in his youth. It’s good to see a fledging raven.”

Felix laughed, “I’m hardly a fledging. I do have some questions. We are new in town.”

“Ask away, little raven.”

“Is there any Grand Military Council presence in the town?”

Eileen shook her head, “no one from the royal army. There might be a military commissioner who might stop by but once a blue moon. The good Duke Albrecht provides the defense for his own lands.”

Felix nodded, as he expected. They can stay in this town without fear of being discovered by the royal army.

“Are there any houses for sale?”

She pondered for a moment.

“Well, there are some houses available. Anything in particular you are looking for?”

Felix gave a small smile, “something by the sea. Money is no object.”

Eileen laughed, “look at you young raven. Already made your fortune, huh? Well, there is one house on the southeastern side of town you can inquire about. If you are looking for work, there is always fishing or farming. There is a job board at this inn you can check out.”

Felix shrugged, “whatever pays the best. Where is that house you mentioned?”

Eileen took out a notebook, wrote down some directions and handed them to Felix.

“Tell the owner, Eileen sent you.”

“Thanks. My name is Felix by the way. I have a feeling that we will be seeing each other a lot.”

Eileen smiled, “I will look forward to seeing you more then.”

Felix then heard Emily squeal.

Felix reflectively turned around and put his hand on the hilt of his sword.

What he saw was Emily talking with a young girl in ginger hair. Emily had a massive smile on her face,

“Sophie! It’s so good to see you again! We are going to be living in this town.”

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Sophie said.

Michael grunted, “you know her already?”

“Yes, she and her parents were very kind to us when we stopped at an inn outside of the marshes. Don’t you remember?”

Michael looked embarrassed, “ah sorry I was distracted.”

“So, is this your family?” Sophie asked.

Emily nodded her head, “This big guy is uncle Michael. and over there is cousin Felix.”

Felix gave a mental sigh of relief. Emily remembered the cover story.

“That we are.” Felix said as he finished his mug of beer and started heading towards them.

“Have you all eaten lunch yet?” Sophie asked.

Emily’s face lit up, “no, not yet.”

“Well, would you want to eat with my family?”

Emily turned to Felix and Michael,

“Is that ok with you?”

Felix shrugged, “sure, why not.”

Michael nodded his head.

“Ok. Follow me then!” Emily said as they exited the inn.

“See you around, little raven.” Eileen said with a wave.

Felix gave a slight bow, “my lady.”