As daylight returned to the Town of Daynz, inside the inn, the scent of freshly baked bread and spiced tea filled the air. Great Elder White Fang was the first to descend from his room, his steps steady as he made his way to the dining hall.
The hall was quiet, with only a handful of travelers scattered among the tables, enjoying their meals. Great Elder White Fang chose a seat near a window and waved over the innkeeper, his expression calm but firm.
“Something warm,” he said simply. “A hearty meal to start the day.”
The innkeeper nodded quickly and disappeared toward the kitchen.
Moments later, Lord Acheon appeared at the top of the staircase, descending with his usual measured pace. He greeted the elder with a respectful nod as he approached the table.
“Good morning, Elder,” Acheon said as he pulled out a chair. “I see you’re as punctual as ever.”
White Fang smirked faintly. “Punctuality is a habit that serves well in all things, Acheon. You’d do well to remember that.”
Acheon chuckled lightly, signaling the innkeeper as he passed by. “Something similar to what the elder is having,” Acheon said. “And tea.”
The two men exchanged a few pleasantries, discussing the crispness of the morning air and the quiet charm of the town until soft footsteps from the stairs drew their attention. Lord Leah descended gracefully, her cloak wrapped neatly around her shoulders. Her sharp gaze moved across the room until it landed on them.
She approached, her tone laced with curiosity. “Good morning. Where’s Lord Terrace? He’s usually the first to rise, isn’t he?”
Both men shrugged. Acheon leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he spoke. “Knowing him, he’s either catching up on rest or already out exploring. The man hasn’t had a decent chance to sleep in days.”
White Fang nodded thoughtfully. “It’s also possible he’s out surveying the area. Terrace has a habit of making sure he understands his surroundings before relaxing.”
As the innkeeper returned with two steaming plates of food, the three paused their conversation. He placed the meals before White Fang and Acheon, bowing slightly before heading back toward the kitchen.
Creak…
Just as White Fang began to take his first bite, the inn’s front door swung open.
A brisk gust of air swept into the room, and Lord Terrace stepped inside. His commanding presence drew the group’s attention immediately.
On one hand, he carried a beautifully crafted wooden sword. Its polished surface gleamed in the morning light, and the intricate carvings along the blade and hilt suggested a master artisan’s touch.
“Good morning,” Lord Terrace greeted, his tone steady as he approached the table.
Lord Leah raised an eyebrow. “There you are. We were just wondering where you’d wandered off to.”
Terrace set the wooden sword on the table, leaning it carefully against the edge. “I went out to get a feel for the town,” he explained. “Picked up a few souvenirs for my family back home.” He gestured to the sword. “This one’s for Seth who’s been interested in swords recently.”
The group admired the craftsmanship of the sword. Leah traced the carvings lightly with her fingers, her expression impressed. “It’s beautiful. He’ll treasure it, I’m sure.”
By then, the innkeeper had returned to take Leah and Terrace’s orders. Leah requested a light meal, while Terrace ordered a hearty breakfast similar to the others. Once the innkeeper hurried off, the conversation shifted toward the next stage of their journey.
Leah was the first to speak, her tone enthusiastic. “I think we should stick to the method we used yesterday. Lord Acheon’s levitating magic is fast, efficient, and secure.”
Acheon nodded in agreement. “It’s practical, and we’ll save plenty of time.”
Lord Terrace shook his head, his expression thoughtful. “While it’s true that it’s fast and secure, it’s also essence-draining and, more importantly, informal. We’re heading to meet the emperor of the Soulor Empire, not embarking on a casual trip. Arriving formally shows respect for his position and demonstrates that we take this mission seriously. That could help us earn his goodwill.”
Lord Leah frowned slightly, but Acheon leaned forward, intrigued. “You think the emperor would care about something as small as our method of arrival?”
Lord Terrace nodded. “Perhaps not openly, but appearances matter in diplomacy. A formal arrival sets the tone. It shows that we respect his authority, which makes him more likely to listen to what we have to say.”
Elder White Fang, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. “Lord Terrace is right. Formality, in this instance, could mean the difference between cooperation and resistance.”
Leah sighed, her lips curving into a reluctant smile. “Fine. You’ve convinced me. No flying magic this time.”
Acheon leaned back, folding his arms. “I suppose we could do things your way for once.”
The group fell silent as their meals arrived, and the innkeeper placed the plates carefully in front of Leah and Terrace. The four ate quietly, savoring the warmth and flavor of the food. Once they were finished, Elder White Fang placed his utensils down and addressed them.
“We leave in an hour,” he said. “Prepare yourselves and gather what you need. We’ll be traveling by carriage.”
The others nodded and rose, heading back to their rooms to clean up and pack their belongings. Exactly an hour later, they regrouped outside the inn, where a grand carriage awaited them.
The carriage was crafted from golden wood, its surface gleaming in the morning sun. Intricate carvings of waves and wind adorned its frame, symbolizing the maritime nature of the Southern Atholor Continent. The carriage itself was spacious and luxurious, but what caught their attention most were the beasts harnessed to it.
The Ghost Rides were unlike any ordinary horses. Their muscular bodies were covered in sleek black fur, their fiery red eyes glowing faintly. Jagged fangs protruded from their mouths, hinting at their carnivorous nature. These mana beasts were renowned for their speed and strength, capable of traveling great distances effortlessly.
Leah stared at the beasts in awe. “Ghost Rides?” she asked, her tone incredulous. “Where on earth did you manage to get these?”
White Fang smirked but did not explain. Instead, he gestured toward the carriage. “Get in. We have a long journey ahead.”
Terrace chuckled softly as he climbed aboard. “You never fail to surprise, White Fang.”
One by one, they boarded the carriage, settling into the plush seats as the Ghost Rides snorted and pawed at the ground, eager to move. “Let’s go!” Elder White Fang’s command went out to the driver.