The city of Stormhaven sprawled before them, a glittering jewel against the backdrop of a restless sea. Its white stone walls gleamed under the midday sun, while spires of polished marble stretched skyward, each crowned with intricate weather vanes that spun lazily in the salty breeze. Below, the city buzzed with life—a cacophony of ship horns, hawkers’ cries, and the rhythmic pounding of waves against the pier.
A young man adjusted his clothes as the carriage came to a halt at the eastern gate, where the scent of brine and fish mingled with the faint aroma of spices drifting from nearby warehouses. Beside him a young woman leaned slightly out of the window, her eyes wide as they drank in the sight of the bustling metropolis.
“Brother,” she said, her voice hushed. “This city is… enormous.”
“Stormhaven,” The young man replied, stepping down from the carriage. His boots crunched on the cobblestones as he surveyed the gates, wide enough to allow entire caravans to pass through. “The largest port city in the empire and a place where fortunes are made—or ruined.”
The streets of Stormhaven were a vibrant tapestry of activity, reflecting its position as a cornerstone of trade and adventure. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, selling everything from exotic spices and rare jewels to enchanted trinkets and mundane goods. A pair of street performers juggled flaming torches near a fountain depicting a ship helmed by a robed figure, said to be the city’s mythical founder, a sea-warrior blessed by the ocean itself.
As the young man and his companion stepped away from their carriage, they were immediately swept into the bustling tide of city life. Sailors with sun-worn faces argued boisterously over dice games, while merchants barked their prices with persuasive fervor. The air was a heady mix of salt, sweat, and the faint metallic tang of freshly forged weapons displayed outside smithies.
The young woman clutched her brother’s arm as a cart laden with barrels trundled past, its driver cursing at a street vendor who had allowed a stray chicken to dart into its path.
“Watch your step here,” the young man advised, his voice calm but firm. “Stormhaven’s streets have their charm, but they’re as dangerous as its seas.”
Her wide-eyed gaze swept over the crowd. “Is it always this… chaotic?”
He chuckled. “This is just the outer district. Wait until we reach the markets near the Docks District. That’s where Stormhaven truly comes alive.”
The two passed a row of opulent buildings flanking the main street—wealthy merchants’ homes with carved facades and gilded windows that gleamed in the sun. Servants hurried about their tasks under the watchful eyes of their masters, many of whom lounged on balconies, sipping wine as they surveyed the bustling city below. These were the elite of Stormhaven, aristocrats who thrived off the city’s unending commerce and trade.
In stark contrast, the common folk were loud and boisterous, their conversations peppered with salty humor and sharp barbs. Sailors shouted bawdy songs as they hauled goods, their voices cutting through the clamor of hawkers peddling wares. A young boy darted between the crowd, clutching a coin purse he had pilfered from an oblivious merchant. He vanished into an alley before the merchant could even notice.
“Charming,” the young woman murmured, wrinkling her nose.
“They call it the jewel of the east for a reason,” her brother said with a wry smile. “But like any jewel, it has its rough edges.”
As they turned a corner, the harbor came into view—a sprawling expanse of docks and piers teeming with activity. Ships of every size and origin were moored, their flags and sails a kaleidoscope of colors. The mighty vessels of the Arcanis Empire’s navy, their hulls reinforced with enchanted metal, dwarfed the merchant ships nearby. Workers scurried along the piers, loading and unloading crates stamped with sigils from faraway lands.
At the center of it all stood the grandiose Stormspire Citadel, a towering fortress of white stone overlooking the harbor. Its ramparts bristled with cannons, and banners bearing the crest of the Thaddeus family—a sea serpent coiled around a trident—fluttered proudly in the breeze.
“The Thaddeus Duchy’s power is unmistakable,” the young man remarked, nodding toward the citadel. “They control not only the navy but the lifeblood of trade itself. Without them, the empire would crumble.”
“And the people?” the young woman asked, her voice soft. “Do they respect their duke?”
“Respect him?” He paused, considering his words. “They fear him. Duke Thaddeus is said to be as unyielding as the sea itself. But fear has kept Stormhaven prosperous for centuries. The duchy’s navy is unmatched, and their grip on trade is ironclad.”
They paused near a bustling tavern called the Silver Tide, its wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze. Laughter and the clink of mugs spilled out onto the street, mingling with the raucous sea shanties sung by a group of sailors gathered around its entrance.
“This city has everything,” the young man mused. “Opportunity, danger, wealth, and ruin. If you’re bold enough, Stormhaven will make you a legend.”
“And if you’re not?” she asked.
He smiled faintly. “Then it will swallow you whole.”
With that, they stepped into the tavern, the door creaking shut behind them as the city of Stormhaven continued its unrelenting symphony outside.
The heavy door of the Silver Tide swung open with a creak, and the young man and his sister stepped into the bustling tavern. Warmth and noise engulfed them immediately, a sharp contrast to the salty breeze outside. The scent of roasted meats, spilled ale, and sweat mingled with the ever-present brine of Stormhaven. Lanterns swung from the wooden beams above, casting flickering shadows across the room.
The tavern was packed with adventurers, mercenaries, and sailors, their laughter and boisterous chatter echoing against the stone walls. At one table, a burly man slammed a fistful of coins onto a weathered map, barking something about a kraken sighting. Nearby, a group of armored warriors clinked their tankards, toasting their survival after battling what sounded like an entire fleet of sea serpents.
“Looks like this is the right place,” the young man muttered, scanning the room.
His sister stayed close behind him, her gaze flitting nervously between the crowd. “It’s… loud,” she said, her voice barely audible above the din.
The young man chuckled as they stepped further into the tavern, weaving through the maze of tables filled with rowdy patrons. “Didn’t I tell you before? Places like these are best for gathering information,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at his sister.
Lianne frowned slightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s a bit… overwhelming.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he replied with a grin. “Now, let’s find a seat.”
The pair approached the bar, where the bartender—a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard streaked with gray—was wiping down the counter. His sharp eyes flicked over them briefly before he resumed his work.
“Two meals, whatever’s fresh,” the young man said, sliding a silver coin across the counter with practiced ease. “And some news to go with it.”
The bartender glanced at the coin, then pocketed it in a smooth motion. “You’re looking for news, huh? You must’ve heard about the Duke’s recent declaration.”
The young man nodded as he leaned casually against the bar. “The Duke’s recruiting adventurers, right?”
“That’s right,” the bartender confirmed, reaching under the counter to retrieve two pewter mugs. “An expedition team’s being formed soon. The Duke’s calling for every able sword and spellcaster willing to risk their necks. Seems like the monsters on the sea routes are getting bolder by the day, and the merchants are losing patience.”
Lianne tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “Why not send the knights? Isn’t that what they’re for?”
The bartender let out a dry chuckle as he filled the mugs with frothy ale. “Kid, are you new to the job? Do you think knights are expendable like adventurers?”
She blinked, taken aback. “I… hadn’t thought about it that way.”
“Knights are valuable,” the bartender continued, setting the mugs on the counter with a thud. “Trained for years, equipped with the finest gear. Sure, they handle their share of monster hunts, but sending them out en masse to clear the sea routes? That’s a waste of resources. Adventurers, on the other hand…” He smirked. “You lot are cheaper, plentiful, and just as willing to die for gold.”
The young man raised an eyebrow. “Blunt, but not wrong.”
The bartender shrugged as he began assembling their meals. “It’s the way of things. That’s why Stormhaven’s crawling with your kind—gold’s a strong motivator, and there’s plenty of it to be had if you’re brave or desperate enough.”
“Any details on this expedition?” the young man asked, his tone casual but probing.
“Not much yet,” the bartender admitted. “They’re still gathering forces, but Captain Edran’s in charge. He’ll be organizing the teams down at the harbor in the next few days. If you’re serious about it, that’s where you’ll want to go.”
The bartender slid two plates onto the counter—thick slabs of roasted meat with crusty bread and a small bowl of stewed vegetables. “Here. Enjoy. And if you survive the expedition, come back for a round on me.”
The young man chuckled, picking up the plates. “Appreciate it.”
As they moved to a small table near the corner of the room, Lianne’s brow furrowed in thought. “So, the Duke really does rely on adventurers for this kind of thing.”
“He has to,” her brother replied, setting her plate down in front of her. “The navy’s for war, the knights are for defense, and the adventurers…” He gestured broadly at the room, where laughter and arguments mingled with the clink of tankards. “We’re the ones who deal with everything in between.”
Lianne nodded slowly, her gaze drifting to the other patrons. “Do you think we’ll be ready for something like this?”
“We’ll be fine,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “We’re not going into this blind. We’ll scout, plan, and take it one step at a time. Besides…” He smirked. “The reward’s worth it.”
Her lips quirked into a tentative smile. “If you say so.”
SWOOSH!
But as they were eating their meals suddenly something happened.
CREAK!
Something flew and hit the ground.
