Chapter 33: Wyvern Quest
The sun crested over the rooftops of Elandra, casting a golden hue across the cobblestone streets as the city stirred with fresh energy. Market carts rolled into place, shopkeepers lifted shutters, and the scent of baked bread and boiled spice drifted on the early breeze.
At the Adventurer’s Guild, Inigo adjusted the strap on his new longcoat, the polished silver badge of Ebon Vanguard catching a glint of sunlight. He stepped into the hall with calm, measured strides, Lyra appearing a heartbeat later behind him—her hood down this time, silver hair unbound and gleaming like starlight.
"You remembered," Inigo said, offering a half-smile.
"You asked," she replied simply, brushing a strand of hair behind one pointed ear.
Elise spotted them immediately and handed over a sealed scroll. "The scouts confirmed intermittent wyvern activity at Windspire Cliffs. It’s not a confirmed nest, but something’s disturbed the area. Locals won’t go near it."
"Perfect," Inigo said, accepting the quest scroll. "Any other details?"
"Just this," Elise added, handing over a crude map with markings on the outer cliffs. "There’s an old watchtower near the ridge. You might want to use it for observation. And try not to antagonize the wildlife unless you have to."
"Noted," Lyra said, her tone sharp with focus.
They left the guild shortly after, heading west out of the city and into the rolling hills. The trek was long, but not unpleasant. The sky was clear, the air crisp. They moved in silence for much of the journey, conserving energy and scanning the path ahead.
By midday, the hills gave way to rocky terrain. Jagged stone formations jutted from the earth, wind howling between crevices. The Windspire Cliffs lived up to their name—harsh, exposed, and hauntingly beautiful.
"There," Lyra pointed from atop a low ridge. "That’s the tower."