Heirs of the Lost Kingdom - Chapter 2

The brothers awoke to a dull, overcast sky, the world shrouded in a thick, damp fog that clung to their clothes and chilled their bones. They huddled around the remnants of their fire, their breath misting in the cool air as they discussed their plans for the day.

"We could continue on the road," Ardron mused, poking at the embers with a stick, "but it would take us nearly twenty days to reach Sharn. I don't know about you, but I'm not eager to spend that long on the road."

Luis nodded, his eyes scanning the map he had laid out before them. "There might be a faster way. If we head north-northeast, we should reach the village of Graystone. From there, we may be able to secure passage on a boat across the Hilt. It would cut our journey to a mere three days."

Gan looked up from tending to the horses, his face pale but determined. "I've never been much for boats, but I'll take the risk if it means getting to Sharn faster."

Ardron grinned, clapping his brother on the back. "That's the spirit, Gan. Let's pack up and make for Graystone. With any luck, we'll be in Sharn before the week is out."

They set off, their horses' hooves muffled by the thick fog. The countryside was a blur of muted greens and greys, the damp air filled with the scent of wet earth and the distant murmur of unseen rivers. As they rode, the fog began to lift, revealing the rolling hills and verdant forests that surrounded them.

It was late morning when they arrived in Graystone, a quaint village nestled on the banks of the Hilt. The streets were bustling with activity, the air filled with the smell of fresh bread and the sound of children's laughter. Ardron led the way, his memories of his last visit with their uncle guiding him true.

They found the mayor in his office, a portly man with a red face and a jovial smile. Mayor Helmworth remembered Ardron fondly, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the sight of the three brothers standing before him. "Ah, young Master Ardron!" he exclaimed, rising from his desk to clasp Ardron's hand. "It has been too long, my boy. And who are these fine young men you've brought with you?"

Ardron introduced his brothers, and the mayor's face fell as he learned of their uncle's recent passing. "A great loss, a great loss indeed," he murmured, shaking his head. "But come, you must be hungry after your journey. Let me offer you the hospitality of my home."

Over a hearty lunch of roasted fowl and fresh vegetables, the brothers explained their need for swift passage to Sharn. The mayor nodded thoughtfully, his fingers drumming on the table as he considered their request. "I believe I can help you," he said finally. "There is a captain, a good man, who owes me a favour. I will speak to him on your behalf."

True to his word, the mayor secured them passage on a sturdy riverboat, captained by a weather-beaten man with a thick beard and a ready smile. Ardron negotiated a surprisingly good price, and the captain agreed to sail them across the Hilt and dock just outside of Sharn.

While Ardron and Gan loaded the horses onto the boat, Luis hurried off to the market to procure fresh supplies for their journey. He returned laden with bags of fruit, cheese, and smoked meats, his eyes shining with excitement. "You won't believe what I found, brothers," he said, breathless from his exertions. "The market here is a treasure trove of exotic goods. I could have spent all day exploring its wonders."

As they cast off from the shore, the brothers stood at the railing, watching as Graystone faded into the distance. The river was wide and swift, the water a deep, murky green that churned beneath the hull of the boat. Gan's face was pale, his knuckles white as he gripped the railing, but he bore his seasickness in stoic silence.

The journey was rough but uneventful, the boat rocking and swaying with the current of the river. They spent the night huddled together on the deck, their cloaks pulled tight against the chill of the night air. As the sun rose on the fourth day, they found themselves approaching the great city of Sharn.

The city loomed before them, a towering monolith of steel and stone that stretched skyward, its spires disappearing into the low-hanging clouds. The brothers stared in awe, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the sheer scale of the metropolis. Luis, who had spent time in Sharn during his studies at Morgrave University, was eager to share his knowledge with his brothers.

"Those are the skybridges," he said, pointing to the vast, arching structures that connected the towers. "They're made of soarwood, a rare and valuable material that's lighter than air. And see there, that's the Civic Plateau, the heart of the city. It's where the government buildings and the grandest estates are located."

As they disembarked from the boat, the brothers found themselves in a long queue of people, horses, and wagons, all waiting to enter the city. The rain was falling in a steady drizzle, soaking their clothes and chilling their bones. Ardron, ever the impatient one, suggested they move down the road past the queue of traffic.

They were soon confronted by a stern-faced city guard and an angry gate captain, who was completely unimpressed by their claims of nobility. "Back in line, the lot of you," he barked, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. "I don't care if you're the King of Breland himself, you'll wait your turn like everyone else."

Chastened, the brothers retreated to the queue, their heads bowed against the driving rain. They waited in silence, their spirits dampened by the weather and the harsh words of the gate captain. After about twenty minutes, they saw the reason for the hold-up: a procession of soldiers escorting a large coach, the pennant of Karrnath flying proudly from its roof.

There were about fifty horse soldiers in grey-blue uniforms with red trousers, their formation precise and disciplined. Following them were about thirty skeletal foot soldiers in mismatched uniforms, their eyes glowing with an eerie light. The brothers watched in awe as the procession passed, the clatter of hooves and the jangle of armour echoing through the air.

As the procession disappeared into the city, a small, dirty urchin approached Gan, his eyes wide and hopeful. "Need a guide, milord?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know the city like the back of my hand. I can show you the best places to go, the safest routes to take."

At almost the same time, Luis was approached by a smart-looking but ugly man carrying a rain shield. He introduced himself as Leaf Propox, "Official Sharn Guide." Luis had never heard of any such office and was immediately suspicious of the man's motives.

Ardron and Luis exchanged a glance, their minds made up. Whether it was a thought that they needed to conserve money or an act of charity, they decided that they preferred the offer from the simple urchin boy. "What's your name, lad?" Ardron asked, his voice gentle.

The boy grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. "Simon, milord. I'll show you the best of Sharn, I promise."

Luis decided to ensure no ill will was intended and attempted to scan the boy's mind, but he managed to obtain nothing other than surface thoughts of being cold and wet. Satisfied that the boy meant them no harm, they followed him away from the gate to a second, smaller but less busy one.

Simon led them through the winding streets of the city, his small, agile form darting through the crowds with ease. The brothers followed, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the sights and sounds of Sharn. The city was a riot of colour and noise, the air filled with the scent of exotic spices and the clamour of a thousand voices.

They crossed soaring skybridges, the wind whipping through their hair as they gazed down at the sprawling metropolis below. They passed through bustling marketplaces, where vendors hawked their wares in a dozen different languages. They marvelled at the towering spires of the Civic Plateau, their surfaces gleaming with enchanted lights that cast kaleidoscopic patterns on the surrounding buildings.

Finally, Simon guided them to the Fine Stay, a large and homely inn nestled in the heart of Tavick's Landing. The inn was a welcoming sight, its warm lights and inviting aromas promising a comfortable night's rest. The Fine Stay was a sprawling, three-story building with a facade of warm, honey-coloured stone and a roof of dark, weathered tiles. The windows were adorned with stained glass depictions of mythical creatures and heroes of old, their colours gleaming in the soft light of the setting sun. Above the door, a carved wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, bearing the inn's name in elegant, gilded letters.

As they stepped inside, the brothers were greeted by a burst of warmth and the tantalizing scent of roasting meats and fresh-baked bread. The taproom was a lively, bustling space, filled with the sound of laughter and the clink of glasses. The walls were lined with polished wooden panels, adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, from landscapes of the Brelish countryside to portraits of famous adventurers and heroes. A grand fireplace dominated one wall, its crackling flames casting a cozy glow over the room.

Behind the bar, a rotund, red-faced man with a bushy beard and a ready smile was pulling pints of ale and chatting amiably with the patrons. As the brothers approached, he looked up and greeted them with a hearty laugh. "Welcome, welcome, young masters! What can I get for you this fine evening?"

Ardron stepped forward, his voice steady and confident. "We're seeking lodging for the night, good sir. We've travelled far and are in need of rest and refreshment."

The innkeeper's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the three brothers, their fine clothes and noble bearing at odds with their travel-weary appearance. "Ah, young nobles, are ye? Well, you've come to the right place. The Fine Stay is the finest inn in all of Tavick's Landing. I'm Thaddeus, the owner, and I'll see to it that you're well taken care of."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Now, I can see that you're not the sort to be satisfied with just any old room. I've got a suite that would be perfect for young lords such as yourselves. It's got three bedrooms, a sitting room, and a private bath. It's not cheap, mind you, but I can assure you that it's worth every gold piece."

Ardron nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "That sounds perfect, Thaddeus. We'll take it."

Thaddeus clapped his hands together, his face beaming with delight. "Excellent, excellent! Now, let me show you to your rooms, and then you can come down and enjoy a hearty meal in the taproom. We've got the finest cook in all of Sharn, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

The brothers followed Thaddeus up a winding staircase, their footsteps muffled by the thick, plush carpet that lined the floors. The suite was even more impressive than Thaddeus had described, with spacious bedrooms furnished with luxurious four-poster beds, a sitting room adorned with comfortable chairs and a roaring fireplace, and a private bath complete with a deep, claw-footed tub.

As they settled into their rooms, the brothers couldn't help but marvel at the opulence of their surroundings. "This is more like it," Ardron said, a grin spreading across his face. "I could get used to this kind of luxury."

Luis laughed, clapping his brother on the back. "Don't get too comfortable, Ardron. We've still got a long way to go and a lot of work to do. But for tonight, let's enjoy ourselves and take advantage of all that Sharn has to offer."

Gan nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to explore the city. There's so much to see, so much to do. I feel like a kid in a candy shop."

The brothers made their way back down to the taproom, their stomachs rumbling with hunger. The room was filled with a lively mix of patrons, from weather-beaten adventurers to elegantly dressed nobles. The air was thick with the scent of pipe smoke and the sound of boisterous laughter.

As they took their seats at a table near the fire, a serving wench approached them, her eyes lingering on Gan with an appreciative gleam. She was a buxom woman in her late twenties, with fiery red hair and a smattering of freckles across her nose. Her dress was cut low, revealing a generous expanse of cleavage, and her hips swayed provocatively as she walked.

"Evening, gentlemen," she purred, her voice a sultry drawl. "What can I get for you tonight?"

Gan blushed, his eyes darting nervously from the serving wench to his brothers and back again. "Um, just an ale for me, please," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The serving wench leaned in, her hand resting lightly on Gan's shoulder. "A strong, handsome lad like you? I'm sure you can handle something a bit stronger than that."

Gan's blush deepened, and he squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. "No, really, an ale is fine. Thank you."

Ardron and Luis exchanged an amused glance, their lips twitching with suppressed laughter. Ardron ordered a bottle of wine for himself and Luis, and the serving wench sauntered off, her hips swaying enticingly.

As they waited for their drinks, the brothers took in the sights and sounds of the taproom. At the table next to them, a group of adventurers were regaling each other with tales of their latest exploits, their voices filled with bravado and laughter. In the corner, a bard strummed a lute, his voice rising and falling in a haunting melody that filled the air with a sense of longing and nostalgia.

The serving wench returned with their drinks, her eyes lingering on Gan as she set his ale down in front of him. Gan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes fixed firmly on the table. As the serving wench turned to leave, she accidentally brushed her hand against Gan's, her fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

Gan's face turned a shade of red that would have put a beetroot to shame, and he quickly pulled his hand away, his eyes darting nervously around the room. Luis and Ardron burst out laughing, their shoulders shaking with mirth as they took in the sight of their brother's discomfort.

Just as Gan was beginning to look truly miserable, a stern-faced woman in a crisp, starched apron approached their table. She was the inn's housekeeper, a no-nonsense woman with a sharp eye and an even sharper tongue. She took one look at the serving wench and her eyes narrowed, her lips pursing in disapproval.

"Molly, leave the poor boy alone," she snapped, her voice like a whipcrack. "Can't you see you're making him uncomfortable? Get back to the kitchen and see to the other customers."

The serving wench pouted, her eyes flashing with annoyance, but she did as she was told, sauntering off with a final, lingering glance at Gan. The housekeeper turned to the brothers, her expression softening slightly. "I apologize for Molly's behaviour, gentlemen. She can be a bit... enthusiastic at times. I hope she hasn't caused you any distress."

Gan shook his head, his face still flaming with embarrassment. "No, no distress. Thank you for your intervention."

The housekeeper nodded, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile. "Very well. Enjoy your meal, gentlemen, and if you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask."

As the housekeeper bustled off, the brothers raised their glasses in a toast. "To Sharn," Ardron said, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation. "May our journey be filled with adventure, discovery, and perhaps a touch of romance."

Luis and Gan laughed, their glasses clinking together as they drank to the toast. As they settled into their meal, the conversation turned to their plans for the following day. Luis regaled them with tales of his time at Morgrave University, his eyes shining with fondness and nostalgia as he recalled the wonders of the city and the thrill of discovery that had filled his days.

"I never completed my studies," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "I was offered a position as a research assistant to one of the professors, but it would have meant staying in Sharn indefinitely. I couldn't bear the thought of being so far from home, from both of you and our family. So, I turned it down and returned to the Fassime Barony."

Ardron reached out, squeezing his brother's shoulder in a gesture of comfort and support. "You made the right choice, Luis. Family is the most important thing in the world. And besides, you've never stopped learning, never stopped seeking out knowledge and discovery. You don't need a degree from Morgrave University to prove your worth."

Luis smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Ardron. That means a lot to me."

As the night wore on, the brothers continued to talk and laugh, their voices filled with the warmth of camaraderie and the shared bond of their journey. They knew that the road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they also knew that they could face whatever came their way, so long as they stood together.

Returning to the privacy of their suite of rooms, the brothers discussed their plans for the following day. "We should try to secure a meeting with the Captain of the King's Swords as soon as possible," Ardron said, his voice steady and resolved. "The sooner we can uncover the truth about our parents, the better."

Luis nodded, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames of the fire. "I agree. But we should also take the time to explore the city. There's so much to see, so much to learn. We can't let this opportunity pass us by."

And so, beneath the watchful eyes of the towering spires of Sharn, the brothers ir’Fassime settled down to rest, their minds filled with the wonders of the city and the promise of the adventures that lay ahead. The fire burned low, casting long, dancing shadows across the room, and the night was filled with the soft, steady sounds of their breathing, a testament to their unbreakable bond and their unyielding resolve.