The streets of Eldorin City bustled with life. Merchants loudly advertised their wares, peddling everything from fine silks to exotic spices. Children darted between the crowds, laughing as they played. Knights in polished armor patrolled the roads, their presence a reminder of law and order.
Seraphina kept a firm hold on Leon as she walked, her gaze flickering across the surroundings, assessing every detail. The city was far more significant than she had expected, boasting towering buildings of stone and wood, intricate carvings marking their facades. It was a place of wealth and history, yet unfamiliar in every way.
She had heard of Eldorin before—a distant kingdom under the rule of one of the Five Great Empires—but never had she imagined she would one-day step foot in it.
'A kingdom, not an empire…'
The realization unsettled her. Their situation was even more precarious than she had thought. If they had been transported somewhere within the Central Continent's core, she might have had connections to call upon. But here?
She was a stranger.
And in an unfamiliar land, trust was a dangerous commodity.
-----
Navigating the crowd with practiced grace, Seraphina pulled the hood of her cloak lower, concealing her face. She had already drawn enough attention from the guards at the gate; the last thing she needed was to invite further scrutiny.
Leon, nestled securely in her arms, remained eerily quiet. His golden eyes observed everything—watching, learning.
'He's too perceptive for a child his age…'
But she couldn't dwell on that now. First, she needed shelter.
A quick scan of the marketplace revealed a modest-looking inn tucked between larger, more extravagant buildings. The sign hanging above its entrance bore the name "The Silver Hearth."
Seraphina entered, the scent of roasted meat and ale immediately wafting through the air. A handful of patrons sat at wooden tables, speaking in hushed tones or eating their meals. Behind the counter, an elderly innkeeper polished a mug, his sharp eyes assessing her the moment she stepped inside.
She approached without hesitation.
"I require a room," she said, voice steady.
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Leon before returning to her. "That'll be three silver a night."
Seraphina reached into her pouch and placed a gold coin on the counter. "I'll pay for a week in advance. Keep the change."
The man's eyes briefly widened before a knowing smile curled his lips. "Very generous, miss. A private room, then. Upstairs, second door on the right."
She nodded, taking the offered key. "I also require information. This city… it is the capital of Eldorin, correct? Under which empire does this kingdom fall?"
The innkeeper leaned on the counter, curiosity dancing in his gaze. "You truly are a foreigner, aren't you?" He chuckled before answering. "Eldorin is one of the vassal kingdoms under the Vildren Empire—the strongest of the five ruling empires in the Central Continent."
Vildren Empire.
Seraphina masked her reaction, but inwardly, she processed the significance of this revelation. Among the Five Great Empires, Vildren was renowned for its military strength, ironclad rule, and powerful noble families. If they were within its territory, then their movements would need to be even more cautious.
"I see," she murmured. "Thank you."
With that, she took Leon and ascended the stairs.
-----
Their room was simple but clean—a bed, a small table, and a window that overlooked the city streets.
Seraphina sat on the edge of the bed, gently cradling Leon as she exhaled deeply. The tension in her shoulders refused to ease.
They had found temporary safety, but the dangers had not vanished.
Leon, sensing her distress, reached up with his tiny hands, placing them against her cheek. His warmth, his presence—it was the only comfort she had left.
"I will keep you safe," she whispered. "No matter what it takes."
Leon simply stared silent yet understanding.
Outside, the city of Eldorin continued to thrive, oblivious to the storm that fate had set in motion.
Their journey had truly begun.