[AVALOR CITY]
[10 Days Later]
It was mid-morning when the Scavengers guild entered Avalor through the eastern gate.
Sunlight spilled generously between the tall buildings, like bleaching white light used at dentistry offices.
A restless river of people roamed the streets like ants engaging in trade and commerce.
The sharp cries of street vendors could be distinctly heard along with the rhythmic stomps of boots on stones.
Smells of roasted chestnuts, baked bread, frying meat, and freshly harvest berries layered the air like a colorful quilt.
‘Good…the streets are busy.
No one will notice us.’ Thought Arthos as he made his way through the crowd.
The murmurs of voices too faint to distinguish could be heard…the murmurs spread out like ripples in a pond, growing louder.
Suddenly all the noises stopped, and thousands of heads turned toward the direction of Arthos and his party.
‘Crap…they noticed us.’ Arthos thought.
“Holy shit!
Guys that’s Arthos the Verdant Knight and the Scavengers.” A loud voice announced
(whispers) “It’s Arthos!”
(whispers) “and Nevariel Arden the Moonblade…she is so pretty.”
(whispers) “That’s Kristan?
She is way hotter in person!
(whispers) “My god, she is hot.”
A crowd of unknown faces swarmed around Arthos and company.
Some wanted favors, others wanted to sell items, join the Scavengers…some wanted autographs while others wanted pictures and videos.
“Sorry, just passing by.” Arthos said apologizing as he squeezed through the swarm of people.
The crowds thinned as they reached the south side.
“Is it just me or does this side of town look deader than usual?” Arthos asked.
“Many of the residents that used to live here joined our guild and have relocated to Reverin.” Wain answered in response.
I also heard rumors that many have moved to a new village on the border between Avalor and Amalot.
A new village named Dawn.” Neva added.
“I heard about that village too.
I heard it promised a job and a steady salary to any who move there.” Kristan added based on her conversations with guildmembers at Reverin.
“Who founded the new village?
Anyone we know?” Arthos asked surprised to hear about another village being built in Avalor.
“Unfortunately, that’s a mystery.
The records have been oddly sealed which is highly irregular.” Wain answered.
“Percy, any chance you can look into this?” Arthos asked…he got a bad feeling about this new village.
As the group ventured deeper into the south side, the familiar Kettle Inn was within view.
Time had not been kind to it…the building appeared empty and abandoned with many windows broken and siding-boards missing.
“Do you guys remember our first dungeon mission with that creepy guy named Cliff?” Kristan asked while making a sour face like tasting lemons.
“Yeah…that guy.
It feels like a lifetime ago.
Why bring him up now?” Arthos asked surprised by the sudden mention of an old memory.
“It turns out the Kettles were connected with Cliff.
They ran a hustle together conning new players.
They were caught and banned from Avalor.” Wain said with a slight smile of satisfaction that justice had been done.
“That explains why the Kettle Inn looks so rundown.
I guess it’s abandoned now.” Arthos said surprised by the turn of events.
“Here we are.” Percy said interrupting the stroll through memory lane.
Before the group stood a private residence at the end of an overgrown lane half-hidden behind a veil of overgrown shrubs and leaning trees. Find the original chapter at g.com.
Even from a considerable distance the house looked like time had passed it over.
“Stay sharp.” Arthos said as he entered first.
[…]
The abandoned house was surprisingly kept in good condition inside.
It smelled of freshly waxed floorboards, freshly painted plaster, and freshly cut flowers.
The furniture inside was sparse but kept clean and in good order.
The entryway was dimly lit with candles deliberately placed like a trail leading to the basement.
It was an invitation made of wax and fire.
“Perhaps we should go first.” Gale, Owen, and Robin said together.
“No, that won’t be necessary.
I doubt she went through all this trouble to ambush us in a basement.
Besides, if she does ambush us, it will likely be from behind.” Arthos said as he took the lead down the dimly lit staircase.
The staircase descended some 50 feet below then continued straight some 300 feet at a noticeable declining angle until it reached a large open room.
As the team reached the end of the corridor, a breath of cold air could be felt, damp and slightly stale with a slight metallic tinge.
Dim lights flickered inside the room casting a familiar shadow against the wall.
A single person sat on a chair in the middle of the room.
She sat comfortably with her legs crossed as if casually enjoying an afternoon tea with a trusted friend.
“I’m glad you made it.” Murai said with a pleasant smile.
Her voice hardened a bit as she said, “I see you brought some friends along too.
Drop the stealth I know you are there.”
“You do the same.
I can tell your twelve assassins are hiding as well.” Percy said firmly.
“My…my…how I miss your observant eyes.” Murai said with an obviously fake sorrowful voice.
She signaled for her men to come forward.
Twelve shrouded figures suddenly appeared behind their leader.