LAUDNA

14. It Seems Like the Beginning of Something Big

- Erika, before you go - Derick asks, as Erika, already on her way out once again that day, stops at the door to look at her father. - I noticed your spear is quite worn out and...

He gives up on speaking and simply takes Erika's spear from her belongings. He shows her a new one.

This one has a larger, slightly curved blade made of steel. It has a material just below it that offers hand protection. The shaft is made of a dense, dark wood. On the back, there is Derick's discreet signature, which makes Erika smile.

She carefully takes the weapon from him and starts admiring it in her hands. The weapons she always used were bought in somewhat shoddy stores and quickly became unusable. It's the first time she touches a weapon made by her father, which is now hers. The simple yet efficient style, "It's just like him" she thought.

- Thank you, Dad - Erika stores the spear in her back.

- We will get to the bottom of this Laudna situation, I promise you - I just need to handle this little thing first. I'll be back before you know it! - She says before leaving. Derick nods with a hopeful smile on his face.

---

When Erika enters the Guild, she comes across Liam, standing and still with his hands tied, his eyes already focused on her. He is next to Jaden, who is her superior at work, so she assumed they were in charge of this case.

- You're here! - Before we begin, I have something for you - Jaden says as they step away, leaving Erika and Liam alone for a moment.

- I'm glad you noticed I'm not supposed to be in jail - He jokes, resting his tied hands on the counter.

- It may be hard to believe, but the world doesn't revolve around you - She retorts.

A few minutes later, Jaden returns.

- This is for you, Erika - They hand her a bag of coins, this time with gold coins. - The reward for the fugitive!

A huge smile lights up Erika's face as she disconnects from everything around her to admire the coins for a while.

- This reminds me that I haven't received my money along with my other stuff - Liam mentions, bored, looking at the overcast weather through the window.

-I don't think you'll need wallets and dirty money that largely doesn't belong to you - Jaden replied, with a serene expression, but their voice conveyed a different message.

In that short time, the guild was updated with information from Liam that the sword was sold to the boss of a gang in Sivorin, frequently seen in Zhore - Your mission is to investigate there and find the sword, preferably.

Sivorin is another nation. And Zhore is known to be the most popular city in it, even though it's not the capital. Simply because it has both crime and unique and impeccable cuisine in the same place.

Erika felt a wave of fear and uncertainty rush through her body. She realized she might really be biting off more than she could chew. She never thought she'd have to go so far from home, to a country she doesn't even know. Still, she has always wanted to see more of the world beyond Rosemore's gates. This wasn't supposed to become an insecurity, but an opportunity.

- Erika? Are you listening? - Jaden called, and Erika noticed that she had been lost in her thoughts long enough for everyone to be staring at her awkwardly.

- I am! And I understand - When can we start?

- As soon as possible, actually.

- We don't have time to waste - Erika suddenly becomes excited, brushing the dust off her clothes and pushing Liam out of the Guild.

- Thanks, Jaden! - Erika says her goodbyes, and the doors close.

- ...Isn't she going to arrange horses? - Or a carriage?