Chapter 248: The Valkyries and The North (1) Catching Up Lyan
The cold wind swept through the snow-covered streets of the Redania Empire’s capital, carrying with it a biting chill that cut through even the thickest of cloaks. Surena, Emilia, and Alicia, the mythril-ranked Valkyries, trudged through the icy terrain, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The northern lands were known for their eternal winter, and the journey had been grueling, but their determination to find their master, Lyan, kept them going.
They had dealt with the bandits, a task that had taken longer than anticipated. The bandits had been more elusive and numerous than they had expected, leading them on a frustrating chase through the snowy wilderness.
"I can’t believe those bastards didn’t give us a single hint about Lady Wilhelmina," Surena grumbled, her annoyance clear in her voice as she adjusted her fur-lined cloak. "All that trouble, and we’re still no closer to finding her."
"Yeah, they were just a bunch of lowlifes," Emilia agreed, her voice carrying a tinge of disappointment. "I was hoping we’d get at least one clue. Wilhelmina’s trail has gone cold."
Alicia, the smallest and most perceptive of the group, nodded in agreement. "We can’t let it get to us. We promised Lyan we’d catch up to him after dealing with the bandits. We need to focus on that now."
As they continued through the capital’s bustling streets, their conversation shifted to their elusive master.
"Can you believe how fast he’s moving?" Emilia remarked, her tone a mix of admiration and exasperation. "We’ve been careful to avoid unnecessary battles and to wait for the weather to clear, but Lyan seems to be racing through without a care."
"That’s Lyan for you," Surena said with a wry smile. "He never was one to let anything slow him down. I bet he’s already far ahead, probably dealing with whatever trouble comes his way without even breaking a sweat."
"But this terrain is brutal," Alicia added. "We’ve been treading carefully to avoid powerful winter monsters and magical beasts. It’s amazing that he can keep such a pace."
"We just have to catch up," Surena said determinedly. "We’ll find him, no matter how far ahead he is."
They found a cozy inn not far from the main square and entered, grateful for the warmth that greeted them. The inn’s common room was filled with people, the air thick with the scent of hearty stews and the sound of laughter and conversation. The Valkyries approached the bar, where a burly bartender greeted them with a nod.