Max emerges from the watchtower into the open road, leaving Gorvek behind in the sealed sword chamber. His grimoire floats quietly at his side, while the last fire around his hands fades to warmth.
Beyond rolling green hills, a distant kingdom crowns the horizon with slender towers, bright banners, and ward-lights gleaming like captive stars. A weathered milestone names it Valdérac in the common tongue.
A painted caravan rolls past along the roadside, carrying four travelers in layered coats and broad hats. Their gestures are lively, their faces sun-browned, and their conversation flows rapidly in French.
Passing Caravan Travelers
« Enfin, Valdérac! » one says among the others, before another turns toward Max. « You are bound for the kingdom too, monsieur? »
The traveler’s common speech is clear but heavily accented, each word rounded by the kingdom’s influence. Behind them, the caravan’s canvas awnings ripple, revealing books, bright fabrics, and sealed wooden chests.
Passing Caravan Travelers
« The finest magic knights train there, oui, and the spellcasters are legendary. If you seek a mentor, you will find many doors to knock upon. »
The caravan slows just enough for an answer, its draft animals snorting softly in the road dust. Ahead, Valdérac’s ward-lights brighten as evening settles over the hills.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Valdérac
✓ Quest Accepted
Find a mentor in Valdérac
max "maxinus" rodriuez leaves open road outside the watchtower behind and arrives at Valdérac.
Director's note
I asked respectfully.
“I appreciate the information. Would you mind if I borrowed a spare horse from your caravan? Going on foot would take me days to get to the kingdom.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +0)
Valdérac rises around Max in evening light, its slender towers glowing beneath ward-lights. Crowded streets spill between pale stone gates, alive with bells, merchants, and robes marked by academy colors.
max "maxinus" rodriuez
I appreciate the information. Would you mind if I borrowed a spare horse from your caravan? Going on foot would take me days to reach the kingdom.
The caravan rolls through the gate beside him, its awnings bright against the dusk. One traveler, a young adult woman with a lean build, sun-browned skin, a long silver braid, and a weathered blue coat reins in a calm chestnut mare and swings down with an easy smile.
Caravan Traveler 1
Of course, monsieur. She is steady and knows the western road. Take her, and return her to our countinghouse when your business in Valdérac is done.
The traveler places the reins in Max's hand, then points toward a blue-painted sign deeper in the city. The mare nudges his shoulder, patient beneath the saddle.
Caravan Traveler 1
The countinghouse is called the Silver Ledger. Ask there for us. And if you seek a mentor, begin at the western academy gate.
With the spare horse secured, Max enters Valdérac at a brisk pace. Beyond the gate, a procession of robed students hurries past, while a distant tower releases a plume of violet sparks.
Quest Complete
Reach Valdérac
+ New Item Acquired
Chestnut mare