A Quest For Sapphire

An Unlikely Ally

The sun was hanging low in the evening sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Cukrova. The bustling sounds of merchants haggling, children laughing, and the clatter of horse hooves filled the air. Yet, in the grand halls of my estate, all was quiet.

I stood by the window, my armor shining in the fading light. The weight of responsibility pressed down on me, yet it was a burden I had long grown used to. Wealth and power were my companions, and duty was my calling, On that day, a sense of unease stirred within me as I gazed out at the city I knew so well.

"Vitalis, you're lost in thought again," a familiar voice called from behind me.

I turned to see Sir Bertram, a fellow knight, and my oldest friend, leaning casually against the doorway. His sharp blue eyes sparkled with humor, though they couldn't fully hide the concern behind them. Bertram was a tall man, broad-shouldered and strong, with a mane of wild brown hair that refused to be tamed. Despite his rough appearance, he had a quick wit and a heart of gold

"I'm not lost in thought, Bertram," I replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "I'm just thinking."

"Ah, thinking. That dangerous pastime," Bertram chuckled as he walked into the room. "What's bothering you this time, old friend? Surely not the affairs of Cukrova. You have the wealth of kings and the loyalty of men. What more could a knight want?"

I sighed, turning away from the window. "It's not Cukrova that troubles me, Bertram. It's... Albin."

Bertram's cheerful expression faded, and it was replaced by a look of concern. "Your brother, the monk? What news of him?"

"None," I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice."I haven't heard from him in months. The last letter he sent spoke of a journey to Lopaskon, a poor village far from here. I fear something may have happened to him."

Bertram frowned, and his eyebrow was lowering. "Lopaskon? I've heard stories of that place. It's said to be cursed, full of bad luck and poverty, but surely Albin knows how to take care of himself. He's a man of faith, after all."

"Faith will not protect him from bandits or worse,'' I said, the worry in my voice clear. "I must go after him, Bertram. I can't just sit here while my brother might be in danger."

Before Bertram could respond, the door to the chamber creaked open once more, and Lady Quintana stepped inside. She was a noblewoman of Cukrova, known for her sharp mind and strong loyalty to the city's people. Quintana was tall and graceful, with raven-black hair that fell down her back and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through a person.

"Vitalis, Bertram," she greeted us with a nod, her voice calm and steady, "I couldn't help myself to overhear your conversation. If you're truly planning to go to Lopaskon, you'll need more than just swords and armor. That place has a way of testing even the strongest of men."

"Well then, what would you suggest, Lady Quintana?" Bertram asked, crossing his arms.

"Knowledge," she replied. "I've heard rumors of strange things happening in Lopaskon. Everything from unnatural events and people vanishing without a trace. If you're going to find Albin, you'll need to understand the dangers that lurk there. I've been studying the village and its history. Let me join you, or at least allow me to share what I've learned.

I studied Quintana for a moment considering her offer. She had always been a woman of reason and insight, which were traits I valued deeply. The thought of bringing a lady with me into such danger, no matter how capable she was, made me hesitate. Then, there was Bertram, who had recently injured his shoulder while fencing. Although he wouldn't admit it, I knew he had not fully healed by that time.