To Dramur City

Morning had come to greet the day, and though the sun had not fully risen, the townsfolk had already begun their daily activities, especially the merchants, who were busy preparing their goods, whether food vendors, tool sellers, or service providers.

Among the citizens who mostly traveled on foot, Adam and Galiene rode horseback, their steeds fitted with all the gear they needed. They were heading to the last place they would visit before departing for Dramur City.

“As planned, Galiene, go to the magic shop to buy some energy stones and message scrolls. I’ll head to buy supplies for treating wounds.”

“Understood. We’ll meet at the east gate.”

Adam and Galiene decided to split up. Even so, Adam had already calculated the distances, they wouldn’t be separated by more than three kilometers, even if they each went to different shops.

Adam kept riding until Galiene was out of sight. Though his destination was straight ahead, he didn’t go there right away. Instead, he turned the other way and rode toward the cemetery where Osbert and Lina were buried. After buying a bouquet of flowers, he dismounted, walked to their graves, and placed the bouquets on each of their tombstones. From his coat pocket, he drew a cloth, poured water onto it, and carefully wiped their graves clean.

“Hey Osbert, Lina… Surprised to see me visit you again so soon? Honestly, me too. But this time, I had to. I wanted to tell you that I’m heading somewhere dangerous. Before I go to Dramur City with her, I hope you’ll both watch over us. I know, I sound like a hypocrite, after everything I told her about ‘protecting one another’… but I just can’t shake off this unease.”

“Going against a group of elite knights, not to mention other possible enemies, nobles or commoners alike, it sounds reckless, doesn’t it? If you were alive, you’d probably tell me to abandon the idea. No… Osbert would probably let me go, but you, Lina, you’d tie me down to the ground to keep me from leaving.”

“That’s why… I hope this all goes smoothly. Because… she herself told me she wants to honor those who became victims of Blaeath, along with the adventurers and soldiers from other lands who tried to stop Blaeath from spreading, just like you both sacrificed yourselves on that expedition. Does she know all this? No… but maybe I’ll tell her, if things work out ever there.”

Adam fell silent. With nothing more to say, he gently touched their tombstones, then stood.

“I’ll be going now…”

With a warm smile, he walked away, leaving the flowers upon their graves.

Once he had bought everything he needed, Adam rode to the eastern city gate, where Galiene was already waiting with her horse among the passing townsfolk and adventurers.

“You’re finally here, Adam. I was worried… two black lines already appeared on my hand. I thought you’d been kidnapped or something.” Galiene, her face showing genuine concern, approached Adam on horseback. At first, Adam thought she was joking, but her expression convinced him otherwise.

“Good grief… to think you imagined I’d been kidnapped. Relax, I’m fine. Maybe the distance was just a bit farther than I’d expected, which triggered the warning.”

“Even so…” Galiene let out a relieved sigh, seeing Adam alive and well.

Adam glanced at Galiene’s horse, noticing the saddlebags strapped to it were already filled.

“You’re ready?”

“More than ready.”

Together, Adam and Galiene directed their horses toward the eastern gate, the sunlight breaking over them.

“Let’s go!”

Their steeds galloped with confidence, charging through the east gate and onto the road toward Dramur City.

-

Their horses ran swiftly, cutting through the wind and scattering fallen leaves as their hooves struck the ground with strength, leaving trails on the dirt path. Before long, they reached the place where they had once been ambushed by one of Dramud’s factions. Slowing down, they looked around. Traces of that battle still lingered—broken wooden boards and the faint tracks of a carriage slowly fading into the earth.

But they had no time to dwell on the past. They spurred their horses onward, leaving the site behind at speed.

After another fifteen minutes of riding, they stopped briefly. Adam pulled out a map, checking it again to ensure they were still on the right road.

“According to this, we should reach Dramur City soon if we keep following this path.”

“Let’s hope no more ambushes like last time,” said Galiene.

“Yeah… let’s hope so.”

Their horses, which had been still, began to walk again cautiously. But before long, two men clad in armor and helmets approached upon seeing Adam and Galiene.

“…I smell trouble,” Adam muttered, glancing at Galiene. She gave a slight nod, agreeing with his words.

“Greetings, sir and madam. We’re city border guards. May I know where you two are headed with your horses?”

“…We’re going to Dramur City,” Adam replied.

“For what purpose are you come to town where the town its-” Before the second man could finish, his companion smacked him on the head, silencing him.

“Don’t mind what he says. He was just scolded by his superior. Anyway, regarding your answer… perhaps you don’t know yet, but there’s a small fee required if you want to pass further along this road.”

“…And if we can’t pay?”

“Then I’m afraid you’ll have to turn back the way you came.”

Galiene, disgusted by their extortion, glared at them sharply. One of the men shivered under her gaze.

“No need to spell out the consequences. I’ll pay. How much?”

“Three hundred silver coins.” A sum equivalent to a magic scroll that were used to send messages.

“You’ve got to be kidding…” Adam pulled a fairly large leather pouch from his saddlebag and tossed it at the so-called guard.

“Yes, that’ll do nicely. A pleasure meeting you both.” The guard stepped aside and waved them on as though sending them off with warmth.

Their horses trotted forward again along the forest path, dense trees flanking both sides. It wasn’t long before Adam and Galiene spotted many more “guards” hidden among the trees, armed with swords and spears.

“Galiene…” Adam signaled her, asking if she sensed any magical presence.

“None. I estimate about fifteen men around us.”

“Remind me to come back here once we’re done in the city.” Adam muttered.

“With pleasure,” Galiene replied, her eyes fixed sharply ahead.

A few more minutes of riding brought them to the city gates. Contrary to their expectations for a city in civil strife, the gates were well maintained, without a single sign of damage, four guards standing watch. Above it, a large sign greeted all who entered:

Welcome to Dramur City.