Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 12: Capital City

  It's been a grueling ten minutes of impatient waiting, but finally, our turn has come at the checkpoint. the Captain presents her identification allowing us to enter the grand city.

  the guard grants us passage through the gate welcoming us into the city "Welcome to Lentech City, The Capital of the Ostraye Kingdom." I can't help but feel amazed when entering the city. Seeing the people bustling around and the architecture of the buildings around us, a mixture of medieval and modern aligns the streets along with the many temples that adorn the city with statues standing tall and proud.

  The Captain skillfully guides us towards an area away from the bustling masses. She revealed that we still had an hour or so before we needed to be at the academy so at this time were allowed to explore the smaller market area a few streets ahead. 

  The three of us quickly made our way to the vibrant market area, and when the captain was small I don't think she understood because the market area was about as big as my home village with well over thirty buildings and even more stalls set up on the streets.

  Among the many others heading to the market and the people that live here, Edger was somehow able to lock onto a modest yet enchanting weapon shop across the way. He immediately made a beeline for it leaving Pearl and me behind to find our own shops to look at.

  Welp, we lost Edger, and now we have to wait another hour to see him again, Pearl. But hey, knowing him, he'll probably be off searching for yet another weapon shop to explore next."

  "Ohh, look over there, Pearl It's a potion shop. I know how much you love making different potions and healing items back home, want to take a look?" 

  "Sure, that sounds like a fun time to me, let's go!"

  As we step into the store our eyes are met with shelves holding various different herbs, roots, and essences, holding vibrant colors. Most of the plants iv never even seen before.

  As we approach the counter, our gaze is caught by a display of different potions they have for sale, and hanging on the wall behind is a list of their most popular potions and ingredients alongside every other potion they can make.

  The store owner emerges from the depths of the back room, more than likely their lab. He greets us while setting up some more potions on the display. He tells us that if we have any questions to feel free and ask.

  Pearl, quickly delves into a flurry of questions about the different herbs and potions around the store, feeling a bit out of place I quickly slip away to explore a little more and find a store I want to explore.

  

  As I was making my way out of the store, my eyes caught a glimpse of a small store down the alleyway, curiously I walked closer to the store reading a hanging sign.

  "Books of Magic and Spells," is what the sign read. It was the perfect place for me to explore ever since Nytsul taught us that first spell iv been wanting to learn more and I want to be able to practice new spells in my own free time.

  As I stepped inside I could see shelves lined with books on magic theory, sorcery, and fearless warriors. Amongst the collection of books one particular book calls me, almost like it was alive. 

  I could feel the energy pulsing off it and swirling around the room, as I drew closer I could read the name "Weaver of Darkness Vol one." As I slid my finger down the spine of the book I could feel its warmth, an immediate connection between us.

  "Hello there, do any of my books pique your interest?"

  " Fuck! By the Gods, you scared the crap out of me."

  "I'm sorry, I just wanted to get your attention. You seemed so engrossed in your thoughts as you looked through the books."

"No worries, I apologize for zoning out like that. But this book, Weaver of Darkness Vol one, caught my interest. What is the price?"

  "Bring it up to the counter, and I'll check my records on the price for it. Are there any other books you're looking for?"

  "Do you happen to have any books on gods and goddesses and their domains? Recently Iv become more interested in them and their influence on the different realms."

  "I don't actually those books are usually kept in either libraries or in their respective temples."

  " I believe that's all then, what's my damage?"

"Well, I don't see this book on my record how do two and a half silver and three bronze sound?"

"Sure thing."

  As I take the book into my hands and leave the shop, I am one step closer to learning more about magic and how it works. I flip through the pages stopping at the first spell I find titled Burst of Darkness.

  According to its description, the user has the power to gather or even conjure darkness from around them into the palm of their hand. They can then unleash quick bursts of darkness like a small shockwave out at a target.

  I can't wait to give this spell a try, However, for now, I must rejoin the others from my group so we can make our way to the academy grounds.

  As I made my way back to the group, I could see Pearl and Edger also coming back each holding something in their hands. I hurry towards them asking what they bought.

  Pearl tells me that In order to learn more about the local plant life and how to use it in medicine and potion making she bought a book on the local flora and how to make simple potions with them.

  Edger said he was able to find a perfect new sheath for his sword because his last one was beginning to splinter apart from all its use. They both asked me what I bought while walking around.

  I told them how I found this nice quaint bookstore that had many books on magical theories and stories along with some books with spells in them. I showed them the book I bought and how I felt strangely drawn to it when I entered.

  Not long after reuniting with the group, we eagerly embarked on our journey once more, bound for our final destination - the enchanting Magic Academy.

  Finally, after hours upon hours of traversing through the mountains confronting one obstacle after another, from the mountain bandits to the decimated Village and finally facing the youngling Dragon. We finally arrived.

  Before us, stands the First Magical Academy of the Ostraye Kingdom, A place where we shall learn to harvest and use the power within ourselves. the place where we shall grow into the individuals we aspire to become. 

  It is within this academy that we shall Form bonds of friendship and find rivals that challenge us to grow in ways you wouldn't think of. The place that for the upcoming years we shall call our home.

"This chapter is dedicated to my coworker David"