Chapter 16: The Witch’s Shop
Lana and the Duchess get down from the carriage and quickly walk towards an enclosure guarded by two scrawny-looking guards. The guards upon seeing Lana and the Duchess quickly make way for them, gesturing with their hands while maintaining a respectful bow.
The Duchess slips a coin into one of the guard's hands as she passes through.
"Split it." She signals to the guard to split the money with his partner.
The enclosure is surrounded by high stone walls, giving it a quiet, secluded feel. A heavy iron gate opens to a cobblestone path leading to a large medieval shop made of dark wood and stone. The shop's roof is steep, covered in green moss, and a wooden door with a bronze dragon-shaped handle that welcomes visitors.
With Lana and the Duchess walking inside, they are greeted by the smells of herbs, wood, and thick Mana. Shelves filled with spell books, glowing potions, and enchanted artifacts line the walls. Bright candles flicker, casting a warm light over the creaky wooden floors. At the back, a long counter displays rare items like magical staffs, amulets, and maps. Scattered tables hold beast weapons, crystals, and strange jars.
Walking deeper into the shop, Lana begins to get scared.
"Your grace, where are the workers here? Isn't this place a bit strange?" Lana asks, feeling uneasy.
"Fufu.... What do you mean by workers? There is only a store owner here!" The Duchess says in excitement.
"Speaking of the devil..." Just as the words left the Duchess's mouth, the air crackles with energy, a sharp tearing sound filling the space as a swirling portal rips open in the center of the shop. From the glowing portal, a short, hooded figure steps through, their dark cloak billowing. On one hand, they are holding a tall, gnarled staff, its tip embedded with a glowing crystal. Without a word, the figure surveys the surroundings, the portal humming behind them before sealing with a final crack of energy.