The Grand Mystics Saga: The Emerald Scepter of Light Part 1

By Lee Wright

Deep in his secret underground chambers, the dark wizard Cyrus Mandalin studies his most beloved and prized treasure, the ancient tome known as The Simvac.

Centuries old, this book of dark magic has been the cause of violent bloodshed and world wars, ever since its creation by the ancient druid order from the dawn of time. It had taken Cyrus years to learn how to translate the forgotten language in which The Simvac had been written, but now that he has finally found a way, the magic he would soon possess would make him the most powerful man alive.

In Minion City, the young sorcerer Mordain has been summoned to a secret meeting, by none other than King Henrey the Third himself. This meeting would bring together a team, consisting of the most powerful mages and experienced fighters that the world has ever seen.

Once united, they learn they have been called together by these ancient sentient beings known as the Grand Mystics of Ire. The strange thing is that no one seems to know anything about these Grand Mystics, only that they are asking Mordain and the others to come to their aid.

Whispers of war, high treason against the monarchs of the land, give birth to violent conflicts and deadly confrontations. Entire races of creatures have been transformed into undead, vicious monsters, bent on killing and destroying everything in their path. It seems that no matter where one turns, dark magic is taking control, and no one seems to know exactly who can be trusted.

Mordain and his companions find themselves forced on a path that will change their lives forever. If they do not act quickly, it may be too late. Too late not only to save themselves, but to save the entire world from the dark magic that threatens to destroy them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887636580

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Epilogue

1

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Grand Mystics Saga

The Emerald Scepter of Light Part 1

Lee Wright

Copyright © 2023 Lee Wright

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88763-657-3 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88763-658-0 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

I would like to dedicate this book to all the angels in my life that have believed in me, even when no one else would. Without them, this would not have been possible.

To my mother, Gail; my father, James; my stepfather, Louie; and my brother, Jamie. To Eddie and Debbie, to Jim, and to my cousins Brooke and Tim. Also to my best friend of many years, David.

Thank you all for helping me change my life. I Love you all more than words could ever say!

In times of trouble, all we really have is one another. So therefore, when we harm other people, we really are only harming ourselves.

To whom it may concern:

You have been chosen to embark upon a dangerous and exciting journey.

His Majesty King Henrey (the Third of his name) has requested your immediate assistance!

You have been chosen, based on your class and skills. The king has also sent along with this message two hundred gold pieces, which are yours to keep.

King Henrey III wishes you to travel to the City of Minion, where a room has already been prearranged in your name, at the Dragon Tooth's Inn.

The gold enclosed should cover any expenses necessary to travel to Minion City. Please make arrangements to be at the Dragon Tooth's Inn, three weeks from the day this parchment was sealed. Further payment and information will be given to you upon your arrival.

His Majesty wants you to know that you do not have to come if you do not wish to! However, please be advised your assistance is greatly needed.

We here at The Royal Court pray you will make the right decision. We hope to see you soon!

May peace be yours always!

The Royal Scribe of King Henrey III

Penned by Anthony Perkins

1

The Emerald Scepter of Light

The streets of Minion City lay deserted at this hour, for it had grown very late into the night. A small hooded lantern burned brightly, illuminating the sign that stood in front of the Dragon Tooth's Inn. It had begun to rain steadily now. In the night sky above the inn, massive rain clouds blocked out the moon, effectively covering the entire city in darkness.

No one saw the stranger as he moved silently along the cobblestone streets. None saw him heading toward the Inn. The man wore an elegant black robe, with the hood pulled up tightly over his head. A spell of magical darkness was cast inside the robe. This cloaked his entire body in a thick fog, so dark that only a powerful sorcerer like himself could ever hope to see through it. He always protected himself with this spell. Danger lurked around every corner!

This night he had also surrounded himself with a pocket of air, a bubble that kept him completely dry inside, even though it couldn't be seen. No matter how hard the rain fell, not a single drop would ever touch him!

The only gear that stranger carried with him was a large backpack and a long oak staff. He used the staff, not only as a walking stick, but also as a weapon to fight with and to cast his magical spells as well. In fact, the staff made his magic ten times stronger.

Lightning streaked its way across the night sky. It was then followed by a loud rumble of thunder, as the stranger walked up to the front door of the Inn. The wooden door creaked loudly as he pushed his way into the building. Once inside, he quickly started waving his hand in a slow circle directly in front of himself. Next, he chanted several words which were all spoken in the ancient arcane language of his people. This dismissed the incantation he had placed upon himself, the one that kept him dry.

Looking around, he realized he was now standing inside a very small reception room. Standing in the far corner was a small stone fireplace. Flames danced within the hearth, keeping the room warm and lighting up the whole interior. In the very center of the room, he spotted a young elven man sitting behind a small wooden desk. The man seemed lost, reading a large book that lay upon the desk in front of him.

After a brief moment of silence, the elven man finally looked up from his reading to look the stranger over that had just walked in from the rain. The stranger looked the elf over as well. Judging by his pale blue skin and thin strands of golden blond hair, he recognized that he must be a member of the sea elf race. The sea elves were common in this part of the world, so it came as no surprise to him that he encountered one, working here at this inn.

The sea elf was wearing tan slacks, along with a white button-down shirt. He also had on a long flowing brown cloak, which was tied neatly in the front around his neck. The cloak had no hood, and he could see his pointed ears and thin angular face, both common traits of the elven races. The elvish man was the first one to speak, addressing the stranger in the common tongue. His deep rich voice caused his words to echo within the small room around them. His accent sounded foreign and exotic to the stranger's ears.

Welcome to the Dragon Tooth's Inn, traveler. My name is Ian, and I own this place, along with my lovely wife, Deandra. Please, kind sir, how may I be of service to you? he asked.

I am Mordain, the stranger began, finally ending his silence. I was told there would be a room for me, reserved in my name here at this inn, he added; his voice seemed to echo from within the fog of the magical darkness.

Ian opened a drawer on the desk, and from within, he pulled out a small registry book. Moving his other book to the side, he then sat the registry in front of him and began to leaf through its pages. Finally, he stopped and began to scan over the names written on the page. Suddenly he looked up from the book and stared into the darkness within his hood, a look of surprise now evident upon his face.

Ian began to speak to Mordain once more, only this time his tone was much more polite and formal. Aye, my lord, I do have your name here. It seems that your room was rented by His Majesty, King Henrey the Third. You are the last of his guest to arrive.

Mordain looked toward Ian, and calmly, he asked him, What exactly do you mean, that I am the last one to arrive?

Why, King Henrey reserved four rooms, and you are the last of those four to check in, my lord, Ian replied.

Quietly Mordain processed what Ian had just said to him. Interesting indeed, he thought to himself. So I am not the only one that received a summons from the king!

Pushing the thought aside, he spoke to Ian once more. Very well then. What room will I be staying in? he asked.

Ian reached behind himself and retrieved a small silver key from a rack on the wall. Mordain quickly noticed a black three painted upon the key as Ian handed it over to him. Mordain could tell by the look on his face that Ian had a hundred questions he wanted to ask him. Instead, Ian pointed toward the doorway to his left as he spoke to Mordain once more. Your room is down the hallway, past the common room and the dining hall. You will be staying in room number three, and you shouldn't have any problems finding it. Dinner was served an hour ago, but I will have my wife, Deandra, bring a plate to you in your room. Breakfast is at sunrise, which was also paid for by the king. If you have any other questions or need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.

This time Mordain simply nodded his head in agreement, and then replied, Thank you, kind sir. I appreciate your hospitality.

The sorcerer then turned and went through the doorway, heading off in search of his room!

2

The Dragon's Tooth Inn was, in reality, a small wooden cabin that had neatly been turned into an inn. The effect of it all was really very cozy.

It didn't take Mordain long before he located room number three. Eager to begin preparing his spells, he longed for the solitude and meditation time, all within the comfort of his room. Mordain slipped his key into the lock on his door, and with a satisfying click, the door swung open.

At the same moment, the door to the right of his room opened as well. From within the room emerged the strangest-looking elvish man Mordain had ever seen.

He was much taller than Mordain, towering over him by no less than four inches. He wore a nice tunic that was the color of the sky. Over the top of that, he wore a shining vest of silver chain mail. The most startling feature of the elvish man was his flaming-red hair and dancing red eyes. His pupils glowed as if a fire were burning deep within them.

Mordain literally had to force himself to break eye contact with this stranger. As he did, Mordain then noticed the large spear that he had strapped across his back. The weapon had a solid blue pole. At the head of the spear was a large silver blade that came to a sharp deadly point. Finally, the elf was the first one to speak, breaking the awkward silence between them.

Greetings, sir, the elven man called out to him, speaking perfectly in the common tongue.

Good evening to you, Mordain quickly replied.

After another brief moment of awkward silence between the two, the elven man finally shut and locked his door. He then turned and quickly walked away, heading down the hallway.

Mordain turned and walked into his room. As he shut the door behind himself, he thought about the stranger he had just met. I would almost bet that he is one of the others that were summoned here by the king, he said to himself.

The sorcerer Mordain quickly got himself settled into his room. He spent the rest of the night studying his spellbook and preparing his spells for the following day. During that time, he paused briefly to eat the food that Deandra brought up to him: then quickly he went right back to studying his spellbook, and preparing his spells for the following day. During that time, he paused briefly to eat the food that Deandra brought up to him; then quickly he went right back to studying his spells once more. Finally, sometime late in the night, he settled into his large comfortable bed, and then he drifted off into a deep and peaceful sleep.

3

Day One

Early the next morning Mordain was awakened by a loud knocking upon his door.

Hastily he scrambled out of his bed, grabbed his black robe lying in the chair next to the desk, threw the robe on, and carefully pulled the hood over his head. Quickly, he called out the trigger word for his magical darkness spell. Instantly it filled his hood, hiding him once more within the Black Fog.

He walked over to the door and paused in front of it. Then he called out, Who's there?

Sorry to bother you, my lord, but it's Ian, the innkeeper. Some people are here to speak with you. They are part of the King's Royal Court. They want to speak to all four of you, and they are waiting for you in the common room.

Mordain opened the door to his room. There he found Ian waiting anxiously on the other side.

One moment, sir. I need to grab my things. Mordain told Ian.

The sorcerer walked over to the writing desk, in the corner of his room. He grabbed his spellbook and placed it into his backpack.

He then shouldered the pack, as he grabbed his oak staff, leaning against the wall. He then turned and walked back over to the door.

Mordain nearly laughed out loud when he saw the anxious look on Ian's face. His curiosity was about to kill him!

Suddenly he realized that he was about to go meet with royalty, nobles—people who had a lot of money, power, and control. What in the world could they possibly want from him?

He was jarred from his thoughts as he walked into the common room. He found the room to be very cozy, and it was decorated in purple and gold. The effect was dazzling!

Along the back wall, there was a massive bookshelf. Every shelf was packed full of books, from all over the world.

In the very center of the room sat a large rectangular table with six matching chairs around it. That was when he first noticed there were three other people standing in the room as well.

One of them was the strange elven man he had seen the night before. The one with the glowing red eyes of fire.

Another elven man was standing next to him, but instantly Mordain knew this guy was a wood elf.

He carried upon his back an elven longbow and a quiver filled with ten long wooden arrows. This man stood taller than everyone else in the room. His hair was brown, and he wore it pulled back tightly into a ponytail.

Standing in front of the bookshelf, browsing through the books lined up on the shelves, was a dark elf. The drow, as they were more commonly called, stood much shorter than everyone else in the room. His dark-blue skin stood out to Mordain. This was only the second time he had ever seen one of the drow elves.

It was very rare that they ever traveled out of their underground caverns. Their home city was located deep within the largest cave system on the planet. The caverns were known to all as The Burrows. The dark elves rule from the nation they call Tritos.

The Burrows was also home to the rock trolls who lived in the city of Crystal Falls.

The gray dwarves lived there as well, deep in the mines.

The name of their city was Ganthar, but unlike the drow, the dwarves spent some of their days above ground.

Finally, the city located in the deepest reaches of the Burrows was called Dregonon Reach. Former home to the orcs, also the location of The Furnace, one of the largest smithing forges ever created, that still lay deep within the deserted city.

Mordain had never been to The Burrows himself, but he had always heard that the drows did not take kindly to strangers invading their territory. The race was well known for the brutal way they ran their nation. They were ruthless when it came to fighting a battle. The race possessed dark magic and utilized the dark arts regularly.

Mordain's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the entrance of two armed guards. The two soldiers marched forward into the room, then stood at attention by the door.

Mordain instantly recognized the uniforms they were wearing. The royal colors of red and black stood out loud and proud. The guards were armed, both had a scabbard strapped to their waist, which held their standard-issue longsword.

After the guards had entered, they were quickly followed by a royal scribe, who carried with him a rolled-up scroll and a large white feather pen. He wore his uniform as well. Only you could see his was much nicer. It almost looked to be made of silk, the way it shimmered whenever he moved. The Royal Scribe walked through the door, cleared his throat, then began to address the room in a firm, yet precise voice. He spoke in the common tongue.

May I present to you all, Legion Pride, known to many as Legion the Gray.

An elder man entered the room, wearing a long flowing gray robe. His hair was scraggly and solid white. He also sported a long white beard as well. Then Mordain's eyes gazed upon the Great Wizard's staff. It was made of pure ivory. The staff was twisted from the top to the bottom. At the end, it was carved into the likeness of an eagle's claw. A large six-sided crystal rested within the claw. Inside the crystal, color swirls of red, purple, and blue moved around almost hypnotically.

The man definitely carried himself with grace. As he entered the room, his robe gave off the illusion that he floated rather than walked. He seemed to simply glide into the center of the room.

All eyes were upon this man. The Grand Wizard, Legion Pride! When he addressed the group, his voice commanded attention.

Greetings to everyone. I am so glad you all decided to meet me here today.

Legion turned to the two guards and the scribe. If you all will excuse us, I would like to speak with these four gentlemen alone now.

Immediately the guards and the scribe turned and left the room. They were followed by Ian. It was obvious that the elven man was disappointed that he had not been invited to stay.

Only Mordain, the dark elf, the fire elf, and the wood elf remained.

Legion looked at the group and suddenly he smiled. "So have any of you guys ever met a dragon?

Mordain jumped to his feet, excitement rushing through him. He remembered why Legion looked so familiar.

He was a draconian dragon rider! His dragon was the Great White Dragon Fioana!

Brace yourself, my friends. I'm about to cast a spell, a spell of protection to keep us all safe.

As soon as they were out of the commons room, Legion raised his staff into the air and began to recite an incantation. Mordain listened intently as the elder wizard cast his spell. The man spoke the words in the ancient language fluently and without any hesitation at all.

Once he was finished, he lowered his staff again, and at first, nothing happened. Mordain started to think the spell had failed, but then he almost gasped out loud as a dark-blue haze began to form in the center of the room, around the wizard. The haze started to get larger and began to spin in a circle. Then in a flash, the mist shot from the center of the room to the back wall, where it grew forming a second wall over the first, only this wall was dark blue and moved from the magic. It quickly circled the whole room, the ceiling and the floor.

As it passed underneath Mordain's feet, he quickly resisted the urge to jump, away from it. Which would have been pointless anyhow considering it was covering the entire room. The other three seemed nervous as well about the whole situation. Legion could sense this and spoke quickly to reassure the group. Relax, friends. I mean you all no harm. The spell I just cast is a ward of protection. It will keep whatever we say a secret. No one can hear us, and no one can use scry magic to eavesdrop or watch us.

What is scry magic? the elven man with glowing red eyes asked the wizard.

Scry magic can be used with water to spy on people from distances far away. They concentrate the magic upon a pool of water, and the image appears on the surface of the water almost as if the person is actually there or in the room with us. This ward will stop that from happening. Legion paused for a moment to see if everyone in the room understood what he was saying. When everyone remained quiet, he addressed the room again. Very well then, if you all would, I'd like us all to sit down here together at the table. Legion then raised his hand and gestured toward the rectangle table in the center of the room. Without answering everyone walked over to the table and sat down, then looked at the wizard expectantly. After he was seated himself, he began to speak again. Now that you are all here, I would like to get to know you a little better. He looked to the elven man with red hair and eyes. I would guess that you are Reiko, is that correct?

Yes, sir, that is correct. I am Reiko, and I am a fighter. I am a fire elf, but I don't really know anything about my childhood. I cannot remember anything from before the age of eight. I have moved from town to town, which brings me to my first question. How did you find me exactly? I never live in one place for more than a month at a time, so how was your messenger able to locate me?

Legion smiled, obviously expecting the question then answered, I will explain everything to you shortly, but first, let me find out more about the others. He now looked toward the dark elf. You are Andros, is that right?

Aye, sire, I am. I am a drow wizard. I was born in the underground City of Tritos in the Burrows, but I moved away from there when I was thirteen and have been on my own ever since. I was living in the small village of Bacurash when I received your message.

As Andros was talking, Mordain noticed for the first time a solid golden necklace around the dark elf's neck. Hanging from it was a red ruby in the shape of a teardrop. He found that for a moment he could not take his eyes away from it. Almost as if it was calling out to him. He found himself having to resist the urge to reach out and grab it. As he tore his eyes away from it, he found that the other four men in the room were staring at him. Andros pulled his cloak shut concealing the necklace, with a look of understanding across his face.

I'm sorry, what did you say? Mordain asked aloud.

I asked you if your name is Mordain, Legion repeated himself.

Yes, it is, Mordain replied, regaining his composure. I am a human sorcerer, and I live in the City of Bosh Springs. I have been going to school there, where I have been studying the magical art of evocation. But I also have been able to use magic from the other schools as well. Once I received your summons, I told my trainer I was coming here.

Very good then, which leaves you, sir. That must mean that you are Mazyln? he asked the wood elf that carried the longbow.

Yes, sir, my name is Mazyln. I am a wood elf from the City of Bacca Heights. I have not really decided what class I belong to. My uncle and many other of the wood elven people are rangers, although I haven't really discovered that I possess any magic that I know of. So I practice every day with my longbow and have become quite skilled with my aim. I guess that I could classify myself as a fighter. This is the first time that I have ever traveled off the island of Bacca Heights. So it has been quite exciting to see the City of Minion.

Very good then! Legion exclaimed as he looked around the room at the four seated at the table. Now that you all have introduced yourselves, let me tell you a little about myself and why you are here. As it was said before, I am Legion the Gray. I am also the personal advisor to His Majesty King Henrey the Third. I'm not sure if any of you have heard the story, but I was one of the ones that helped destroy the evil sorceress Ezmeralda twenty years ago.

Mordain almost fell out of his chair as he realized exactly what the wizard was talking about. The evil sorceress had gained control over the mind of King Henrey almost twenty years ago, using one of the three great stones of power. The other two stones had been obtained by two young boys. Legion was one, and Hazen was the other's name. A great war had been fought against the sorceress, and she had been defeated. Many had been killed in the battle, and in the end, the great stones of power had been destroyed as well. Mordain had studied a book about this while doing one of his classes in Bosh Springs. If he was not mistaken, Legion had been the name of the boy who had defeated the sorceress and actually used the great stones in the final battle.

After the battle was over, and she was destroyed, the king's personal advisor, Mr. Owen, had been killed, so His Majesty appointed me to the position, and I gained the title Legion the Gray. The sorceress is now dead and gone, and peace was restored to the land. Until now! We have reason to believe that a new evil has risen somewhere throughout the land. Rumor has it that a grand wizard by the name of Cyrus has been using his dark magic to enslave several of the races throughout the land. That is all we really know at this point. We're not sure how he is doing it, or anything else about him. Several weeks ago we received a scroll, delivered from the Grand Council of the Mages Guild in Bosh Springs. The scroll instructed His Majesty to form an elite fighting team derived of people from different places all over the world. The scroll then listed your names, and where you could be found.

You said five people, where is the other person then? Reiko asked aloud.

The fifth member of your party is an ogre by the name of Brasher, Legion said.

An Ogre! But they are monsters. How could we be expected to work with one of those beasts? Mazyln asked, a look of shock across his face.

That was what we thought at first as well, but Brasher is different. He was actually raised by centaurs on the island of Mythica and does not live like the ogres do. He is kindhearted and loyal to his people and believes in doing what is right. He arrived at the island a week ago, with the leader of the centaurs, Amadais. King Henrey and Amadias are close friends, and they have had an alliance with each other, ever since the war against the sorcerers ended. Amadias came to the island himself as soon as he found out about Brasher's summons from the king. The ogre immediately pledged his service to the king and said he would help in any way that he could.

Mordain felt himself growing uneasy with the whole situation. An evil wizard that was able to enslave different races of the land. An elite fighting force for the king. Three elves, a human, and an ogre. Everything seemed to be happening way too fast. Finally he spoke. So what is it exactly that you expect of us?

Well, basically, you will be training together as a team. You won't really be working for the king, so much as with the king. An alliance with His Majesty to find out exactly what it is, the evil one is up to, and then find out a way to destroy him, Legion replied, then paused for a moment. When no one said anything, he continued. Of course, you will be paid by His Majesty as if you were actually a member of the royal guard. That and plus a bonus for every mission that you complete successfully. We will also provide you each a cottage on Emerald Isle, so that way you will all have a place to call your own on the island. It is yours to keep and the papers will be signed once you accept and reach the island.

So you are giving us a cottage? Andros asked doubtfully.

Sir, we are giving you far more than that. You may not believe it yet, but the entire world is in danger. And the Supreme Council of the Mages Guild that is formed of some of the most intelligent minds and most supreme magical capabilities in the world have chosen you to help to stop this evil from spreading. Now you do not have to choose to accept. I am giving you the opportunity to leave right now. But I must urge you, the fate of the world depends upon you. So I ask each of you right now, what is your choice to be?

No one in the room spoke for a moment. Each man seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. Mordain was the first to speak and break the silence.

I have been a student of magic at Bosh Springs for several years now. I know all about the Mages Guild and the Supreme Council. I am not a member, but it has always been a dream of mine. So if the Supreme Council is calling me to help them, I will give my pledge willingly and do whatever it takes to aid them and His Majesty any way that I can. You can count me in.

Mazyln was the next to speak up. Aye. I'm in as well. I am a strong believer in destiny and fate and I believe that is what has brought me here today. My heart tells me that I should do it, so I am willing to help in any way that I can.

You can count me in as well, the dark elf chimed in. I am always up for a challenge, and ever since I left home, I just want to do what is right. This is my chance to prove that I have really changed.

The fire elf was the last to speak, although he still seemed to be skeptical about the whole situation.

I am in. But I don't know how well I can work with an ogre. Those beasts have been murderers of the elven people for centuries. I don't know if I will be able to trust him.

Well, I can't change the way you feel, but all I know is that I have been working all week with Brasher and both His Majesty and I feel that he will make a valuable asset to the team. He is very tough and good with the massive war hammer that he carries, so if you accept the offer you will have to deal with whatever feelings that you have toward him, and accept him as part of the team, Legion replied, slightly amazed with the fire elf and his stubborn attitude.

Legion looked around the table at the group. "Very well then. It is decided. As you all may or may not know, His Majesty lives on Emerald Isle. The island is about three days south of Minion by ship. I have booked you all passage on board a ship called the Emblem. It leaves first thing tomorrow morning from Minion pier. The captain's name is Sergis, and he is a good friend of mine. Report to the dockmaster's office and give them your names. He will point you in the right direction. Once you make it to the aisle, I will give you further instructions on your first mission. So before I leave, does anyone have any further questions?"

Everyone looked around the room at each other, but no one spoke up. Legion then stood up and produced four change purses out of the pocket of his robe. He then passed them across the table to each of the four.

Here is another two hundred gold pieces each. There are several shops here in Minion. I would recommend visiting them to gather some supplies, you will definitely need them on your journey ahead. Now that you all are a team, I would recommend that you all stay together. There are many evils throughout the land and you never know what could happen. Well, now that this meeting is over, I have to go. I have one more place I need to stop, then I am heading back to the island. I will see you all there. Remember friends. Be smart, and always watch your back. You have chosen to travel down a very dangerous road. So it's best to be on your guard at all times.

Legion stood up from the table and waved his hand in a circle then said, Venetia. The blue wall of protection that had formed around the room, instantly vanished, and faded into nothing. With that, he turned to leave, and as he was walking out of the room, he called out to them over his shoulder. Good day to you all, gentlemen. I will see you all again very soon!

4

After the meeting, the group left the Dragon's Tooth Inn and set out to explore the city. Minion was the second largest city on the continent of Illshire. King Henrey's largest army base was stationed here, and there were soldiers everywhere patrolling the streets. Minion was widely known for the large variety of races that inhabited the city. Elves from every nation, dwarves, halflings, humans, and even several families of centaurs made the city safe for almost anyone to come and trade in their goods.

The city was fortified on three sides by a gigantic stone wall that stretched almost fifty feet up into the air. The southern part of the city was bordered by the ocean, which is where Minion peer was located. The giant wall was built over one hundred years ago during the great war of the dragons and had been repaired in several places over the years, so it still stood in good condition. There were only two ways into the city. Either by boat from the south, or through the northern gates at the northernmost tip of the city. These gates were heavily fortified, and this was also the location of the city watchtower, which rose several stories into the air.

The streets of Minion were lined with various shops and several traders had stands set up at different locations throughout the city.

Mordain and his crew walked proudly down the street obviously enjoying the sites of the city. The first shop that the group came to had a large wooden sign out in front of it. It had a picture of a large tent set up in the forest, with the words Abigail's Items and Supplies painted underneath.

I think it would be a good idea to buy some rations and other supplies, 'cause we never know what is going to happen, Mazyln suggested to the group.

I already have all the necessary supplies for travel, from my trip here, but I could use some more trail rations, Mordain told them.

Alright then, let's head inside and see what they got.

Reiko agreed with the others.

The group turned and then walked into the small shop. As they entered, they found themselves in a large room filled with various different items. Rows of shelves filled with different things one would need on a long trip. Tents and blankets, ropes, compasses, torches, lanterns, food rations, grappling hooks, and much more.

Behind the counter stood an older-looking woman, who wore a long gray dress and had on an old white apron. She smiled at the group as they entered and called out to them in a cheery melodious voice. Hello, friends, my name is Abigail, and welcome to my shop. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.

Mordain purchased several more cans of trail rations and then waited patiently while the others did their shopping. It wasn't long until they had finished and paid the woman for their supplies. The group then left the shop and traveled on, down the street.

About a block away from the items shop, they came upon two large gray stone buildings standing side by side. Two large signs stood out in front of each one. However, there was no fancy painting or any pictures on these signs. In bold black letters the first