Chapter 102 - 101: What They Carry
Duskspire Base - War room, early morning
The fire in the war room hearth crackled low, casting warm light across the wooden map table where Skitz stood, flipping through a weathered contract scroll. Lumberling entered in silence, his steps light but deliberate, the faint hum of internal Qi still resonating through his limbs after an early morning cultivation session.
Skitz glanced up and offered a quick nod. "My Lord. We received something interesting yesterday."
Lumberling moved to his side, scanning the table. "From where?"
"A noble. Baron Velric Thorne. Minor title, but he serves under Earl Cedric Ravenshade of the Eastern Frontier." Skitz handed over the scroll.
Lumberling raised a brow as he read. The language was vague, even for noble-commissioned jobs.
"Escort mission?" he asked, tone flat.
Skitz scratched the back of his head, clearly unconvinced. "That’s what it says. We’re to deliver a ’special item’ from Velric’s estate in Marrowbrook City to the Earl’s territory. That’s it. No details on the cargo. No mention of threats."
Lumberling’s eyes narrowed. "Too clean."
"We thought so too. Did a bit of digging with contacts in Greyvale. Couldn’t find much. The Baron’s known to be loyal, quiet, keeps out of court drama. But the secrecy? The distance? The timing?" Skitz shrugged. "Feels off."
Lumberling rolled the scroll closed with a snap. "Could it be related to the mages?"