Chapter 203: Going into the Solari empire (3)
On the tenth day, they arrived at the border.
The town was called "Last Light." It was a grim, wind-swept settlement, the final outpost of the Korvan Kingdom before the vast, untamed wilderness that led to the next nation. The buildings were made of rough stone, built to withstand the harsh winds that blew down from the mountains.
"This is it," Riku announced as they pulled the carriages to a halt in front of the town’s single, dingy inn. "The last stop in the kingdom."
They took rooms at the inn. The innkeeper was a grizzled man with a suspicious eye, but he accepted their coin without question.
That evening, they all gathered in the common room. It was a smoky, noisy place, filled with grizzled travelers, nervous merchants, and a few weary-looking border guards.
"Alright," Riku said, his voice low. "We cross the border tomorrow. But we’re going in blind. We know nothing about the kingdom of Eldoria to the east."
He looked at each of them. "We need information. What is their government like? What is their attitude towards outsiders? Towards magic?"
"I can talk to the guards," Lila offered. "They’ll know about any recent border skirmishes or monster sightings. A friendly face can get them talking."
"And I," Sherry said with a thin smile, "will talk to the less... reputable patrons. The ones in the corners. Smugglers and spies always have the most interesting stories."
Lysaria nodded. "Elara and I will stroll around and listen. Sometimes, the most valuable information is the kind you overhear when no one thinks you are paying attention."
"Good," Riku said, a sense of pride in his voice. "Let’s see what this town can teach us."
The group dispersed into the smoky common room. Each of them moved with a quiet, determined purpose.