Covenant (4)

The train's whistle pierced the evening as it pulled into Glendione Central Station. Steam hissed from the locomotive while passengers gathered their belongings.

The platform buzzed with evening commuters and weary travelers. Vendors called out their wares while porters wheeled luggage carts between the crowds.

Valan adjusted his glasses and shouldered his travel pack, following Celica and Arline onto the platform.

"Finally! My legs were starting to cramp," Celica stretched her arms above her head with an exaggerated groan.

"You say that every time we travel anywhere longer than an hour," Arline commented.

"That's because I'm not built for sitting still! I need to move, to—oh!" Celica spun around, nearly colliding with a porter pushing a cart stacked high with trunks. "Sorry!"

The porter just tipped his cap and continued moving past them.

Valan stepped around a family juggling multiple suitcases, keeping the two girls in sight.

"Arline, Celica! Over here!"

A well-dressed man in his forties approached them, his graying hair swept back neatly. His tailored coat stretched slightly over his rounded frame, and polished shoes marked him as someone with wealth and status.

"Uncle!" Arline's usual composed demeanor brightened as she embraced the man warmly.

"My niece, Arline!" the man said, holding her at arm's length with affection. "You've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you."

"Uncle Garon!" Celica threw her arms around the man, nearly knocking him off balance.

"Easy there, Celica," The man chuckled, patting her blue hair. "You'd think I hadn't seen you for a long time."

"Hehe."

Valan hung back slightly, but the man's gaze found him anyway.

"And who might this young man be?"

"This is Valan Ferndall from Isvania!" Celica said. "He's enrolling at Weldphal too!"

"Isvania? That's so far away!" The man stepped forward and extended his hand. "Garon Telderan. Any friend of Arline and Celica is welcome."

"Valan Ferndall, sir. Pleased to meet you."

"You're travelling alone? Where are your parents?"

Valan maintained a steady face, his lie slipping easily from his lips. "They stayed in Isvania. They felt it best for me to experience the world on my own."

"You're still young to me, but I respect that approach." Mr. Telderan nodded approvingly. "I was fourteen when I began my first long travel, not as far as yours though."

"Father always said I should be able to stand alone," Valan added, weaving some truth into his fiction.

"Well, it's true that too many young people rely on their families for everything these days." Garon clapped Valan's shoulder. "Well, you're welcome to join us for dinner. The girls will be staying at my estate during their academy years."

"Eh?" Valan didn't expect his offer.

"Do you have any relatives here in Glendione?" Mr. Telderan asked. "A place to stay?"

Valan shook his head. "No sir—but I plan to buy my own place in a few days."

"Heh, didn't expect you to have such kind of money," Mr. Telderan stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Just a cheap one, sir. I'm not that rich."

"I'm a businessman, Ferndall." Mr. Telderan laughed. "I know how much money people have in their pocket by knowing what they can buy."

"Oh!" Celica's eyes widened as realization struck her. "That's why you paid for our drinks so easily on the train!"

"You bought their drinks?" Mr. Telderan raised an eyebrow. "How much are we talking about here?"

"It was nothing, sir. Just a small amount of silver."

"Consider this—stay at my house as our guest. Let me return the favor."

"I appreciate it, Mr. Telderan, but—"

"Nonsense! You'll come with us," Mr. Telderan's tone brooked no argument. "My place has more guest rooms than I know what to do with, and we have much to catch up on."

Valan shifted his weight, searching for a polite way to decline. He was humbled by the offer, but he didn't want to intrude Mr. Telderan's family moments with Arline and Celica. He glanced toward them to see their reaction, hoping for paving his way out.

But their faces caught him off guard.

Celica shook her head frantically behind her uncle's back. Arline was more subtle—a slight tilt of her head and a knowing look that clearly said Mr. Telderan wouldn't take a 'no' for answer.

Valan gave a wry look, but inside, he weighed his options.

He preferred to be alone. It would give him privacy to plan his approach on his mission without prying eyes.

However, it was also true that he needed to build networks with the locals. People like Mr. Telderan might possess some informations that wouldn't appear on a newspaper, or even connections towards nobles or influential people that could be useful for him.

He could also take a closer look at Arline, who already piqued his interest before.

But above all else, free food was always welcome. Fine dining, Valan imagined. Fine dining.

"Well, I suppose—" Valan's stomach interrupted with a loud, insistent growl that echoed across the platform.

Celica burst into laughter, doubling over and clutching her sides. "Oh my goodness! Did you hear that?"

"I think half the station heard it," Arline covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.

"Your stomach has spoken." Mr. Telderan chuckled warmly. "Seems like you don't have much choice."

"Apparently not," Valan conceded. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Telderan."

"Excellent!" Mr. Telderan beamed. "Well then, let's not stand around on this platform all evening. My carriage is waiting outside. Gather your things!"

The group made their way through the station and out into the cool evening air. Mr. Telderan's carriage waited at the curb.

"After you, ladies," Mr. Telderan gestured toward the open door.

Celica climbed in first. Arline followed, settling beside her friend. Valan entered last, taking the seat opposite them while Mr. Telderan claimed the remaining spot.

"Driver, home please," Mr. Telderan called through the small window.

The carriage moved with a gentle sway. Lamps illuminated Glendione's cobblestone streets. Steam from various workshops and foundries drifted between the buildings.

"So, Ferndall," Mr. Telderan leaned forward. "Is this the first time you visit Glendione?"

"Yes, sir."

"I wish I could give you a tour of the city but it's already dark and you need rest. The admission test is just a few days away, isn't it?"

"You really don't need to trouble yourself with me, Mr. Telderan," Valan said. "I'm sure I can manage to find my way around."

"That's what they all say." Mr. Telderan waved his hand dismissively. "Trust me, boy, you'll need it. Glendione's a giant maze—even locals get turned around in some districts."

The ride to the Mr. Telderan's home took them through Glendione's merchant district, where late-night establishments were still full of lights, then up into the hills where big mansions with gardens sat behind iron gates.

"I'm afraid our talks will have to wait, Ferndall. I tend to get carried away," Mr. Telderan said, settling back in his seat. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up properly over dinner."