After managing to clean his clothes with the help of Richard, Vance emerged into the large dining hall, where he noted both his companions sitting opposite of one another as they ate their meals.

"Morning." Vance greeted as he sat down at the table.

The two seemed to immediately brighten at Vance's appearance, with Estrid being the first to speak, "So, today's the day, hmm?"

Vance shrugged, "I suppose. We'll have to see what the King says, but hopefully, we'll get the support we need to keep Luna and its people safe."

Richard stayed silent, merely letting out a "Hmph."

Raising a brow, Vance glanced over at his horned friend, "What?"

"I don't like it is all."

"Don't like what?" He asked.

"Trust is important to me and my kind, and I'm not too keen on asking those I don't trust, let alone know for help," Richard said.

Vance couldn't entirely disagree with that logic, but something needed to be done if it meant keeping the Town of Luna safe. That and the evidence they had incriminating the former Lord needed to be brought to light. There was little doubt in Vance's mind that Kendirewen would jump at the chance to create a diplomatic incident with the Emirates. Though he knew such a thing wouldn't be good to end the war, it was still a strategy that would give some protection to the town. However, there were many 'if's in his plan, as Kendirewen was known for their disdain of anyone who didn't hold a title of nobility.

"Well, I can't fault you for thinking such..." Vance noted as he took a sip of water, "But, I also believe this is the best way to gauge who we can call an ally and who we view as an obstacle."

Both Richard and Estrid nodded in unison and said no more on the matter, only finishing up what was on their plates before leaving Vance alone again. "What? Was it something I said?" Vance asked, a little hurt that neither wanted to stay.

With both gone, though, Vance was left to dwell on his thoughts and contemplate his next moves. There was a great deal of work yet to do, and he still needed to find nine other champions. Having gotten some rest, Vance recalled what Julia had told him about the rest of his powers and how they were sealed. Each boon blessed to him by one of the ten deities had been locked away within him and would require a catalyst to unlock them. He hadn't told Richard this yet, though, but the other reason for him wanting to go to the capital was to search for any signs related to one of the nine. Earlier, when he was looking for a means to clean his clothes, he remembered the letter left to him by Vilkmar.

The contents were short, with Vilkmar stating in the very first lines how he didn't want to waste what little time he had left to dwell on his wants but instead do what he could to aid Vance and his grandson. Vilkmar detailed out how each of the nine spires that surrounded the Palace corresponded with one of the deities, each one unique and each one holding a special sword, much like his own, that was only attainable by the deity's Champion. This much, Vance had guessed, minus the sword part. But the thing he wasn't expecting was how Vilkmar had actually looked into the whereabouts of each Champion, even managing to get a lead on where one might dwell... Kendirewen's capital city... Anceburg.

That was why Vance was more motivated to go to the capital and willing to disregard his personal feelings towards the monarchy and nobility of the country he called home. He knew Richard was right not to trust either, more so after hearing stories from Estrid and Vance's own experience via the Regimental leadership that led to all he knew die at the foothills. Either way, there was a fair amount of uncertainty in exposing the Wyverns to Kendirewen, but it was something they had discussed earlier and had agreed that this was the only way to get the title. The hope was that the evidence they had would give them the leverage needed to claim control of Luna and the mountain range. Yet, the presence of the first of nine champions was now the primary objective in his mind.

Quickly eating his own meal, Vance gathered up the plates and eating utensils, which were just a simple fork and knife, and made sure to stow them away for cleaning later - if the magic imbued in this place didn't do it for him. Once that was done, he made a b-line for the exit, hoping to meet Estrid and Richard at the Wyvern stable. Sure enough, there they were, both talking with one another on the merits of the plan and how they both felt about using the lesser dragons to achieve their goals.

"Good. I see you're both here." Vance greeted, walking up to and past the two as he went for the saddle storage. "Let's hurry up and saddle up. We have a long flight ahead of us, and it's going to be a bit of a learning curve trying to fly our new friends here, so let's not waste any more time than necessary." Vance said, lugging the sizeable leather saddle over to the nearest Wyvern.

Oddly enough, Vance seemed to know what he was doing as he approached the largest of the Wyverns. First, he made a bow, then asked to mount the dragonic being. The Wyvern bowed back, giving his consent, much to the surprise of Richard, who stood in awe at how quickly Vance was able to get permission and strap the saddle on the Wyvern as though he had been doing it for years.

After Vance locked and secured the harness of the saddle, he turned to look at his travel companions, who were still trying to get permission. "Wait... why aren't they letting you ride them?" He asked, noting how Richard was struggling.

Richard sighed, looking at him, then pointed to his horns, "I don't think you'd like it either if someone from your species was trying to mount you."

Estrid looked confused at the excuse before shrugged it off as she was finally given consent and went about doing the same thing Vance had done; despite the struggle, she did manage to get it locked in place. Richard took some time, but it was finally done with the aid of Vance, who realised Julia had given him another gift in the form of trust between him and the dragonic beings. It would certainly explain why Richard followed him without question too, but such thinking would need to wait as the three were soon leading their mounts out from the mouth of the cave and into the artificial light generated above.

"So... how do we get out?" Estrid found herself asking first.

Vance looked to Richard, who silently pointed to the opposite end.

"Alright, you pointing doesn't exactly give clear instructions on where to go."

Richard rolled his eyes, "Just fly straight, and don't stop. The wall is much like the one you saw at the passageway."

Vance spoke up this time, asking, "Wait, so... it's solid only until we fly through?"

He nodded, "Yes. Most of this mountain was made and shaped with ancient magic that only the dwarves possessed. Magic gifted to them by... Bob."

"Wait, did you just say, Bob?" Vance asked, raising a finger as if putting a pause on everything else.

"I did."

"Who's Bob?"

Richard and Estrid looked at him, each a mask of confusion. "He's the God of Smiths and Craftspeople," Richard answered.

"Bob? His name... is Bob?... Heh... sorry, sorry. It's just... never mind, let's go." Vance waved, chuckling as he mounted his Wyvern.

No one bothered to dwell on the subject any longer, as they all mounted their Wyvern's. Each beast outstretched their wings, a feeling of wind came rushing past Vance's face, prompting him to look down at one of the wings.

"Huh..." He mumbled softly, watching as warm air was built up underneath long thin wings generating the necessary pressure to lift the heavy creatures into the air.

The Wyverns began to push off from the ground with a few mighty downward flaps of their wings, small clouds of dust and debris thrown aside as the beasts started to fly towards the opposite wall as directed. To Vance, it was like watching a helicopter take off almost, but instead of spinning blades, there were two large wings, each generating wind magic underneath.

All thought quickly vanished as the thrill of flying soon took over, a small smile creeping across his face as he flew through the wall and into the cool alpine air. Suddenly, just as he felt the chill of the wind, it was replaced with a warm breeze.

"Seems you have more than a few tricks hidden in those scales of yours, hey buddy?" Vance noted as he patted his Wyvern's neck affectionately.

It seemed the trip to Anceburg would be a comfortable and quick one. Soaring high above the town of Luna, Vance peered down and couldn't help but marvel at the sight. While he admired the picturesque view, his hands gripped the reins tightly, while his legs were locked in place via stirrup similar to what you'd find on a horse saddle but with the added addition of two thick belts that fastened one's legs to the saddle. An additional safety measure was a simple harness of sorts that went around the waist and thighs that would also allow the rider free movement of his torso while keeping the rider safe from falling. There was also still wiggle room to move and a stand on the stirrups, but it wasn't significant, nor would it offer any help if he were to get locked in combat.

Still, such things were hardly on Vance's mind as he soared through the skies. Reaching out his hand as he came close to a cloud, Vance did the one thing anyone who's ever flown had wanted to do at least once in their life; he touched the cloud. Feeling the heavy vaper run between his gloved fingers, his smile grew wider as the rush of what he was doing replaced all other feelings he had welled up within.

No longer able to contain his excitement, Vance let out a howl before sending his Wyvern into a downward spin, only to pull up, the dragon's wings snapping open in seconds, pushing aside a nearby cloud.

Richard chuckled at the sight while Estrid was still trying to adjust to flying.

Just as Vance had predicted as well, the trip to Anceburg took no time at all, merely clocking in at four hours. If they were to travel by horse, it would've taken days, if not a week, given all the stops, checks, and roads that weaved around large swaths of forests, mountains, or rivers and lakes. But, as the three dragonic creatures came to a gentle landing in front of the city gates, the second prediction was a little comedic to the blue-eyed High Human. The guards rushed for cover, scurrying away at the sight of mythical creatures standing at the gates.

The panicked reaction from the gates didn't last long, however, as the screams of panic were quickly replaced with red-faced sergeants who began echoing out orders to former ranks on the walls, muskets aimed down at the three creatures and their riders.

"That was quick..." Estrid noted as she tried to fix her hair.

Vance chuckled, "Let's hope they prove calm too."

Within minutes, a single figure emerged from behind the gatehouse, wearing the purple, white, and gold of the Kendirewen Colonel. Flanking either side were a pair of Grenadiers, each sporting the iconic bearskin tall caps atop their heads and a white bag looped around their shoulders marked with the emblem of the Kendirewen Grenadiers where they carried the weapon of which held their namesake.

"Who the hell are you?!" Demanded the Colonel, "and speak quickly! I won't hesitate to order my soldiers to open fire on you if you so much as flinch wrong."

Vance nodded, "I'm Vance Wolfram, and these are my companions, Richard Vilkmar and Estrid Demoulin." He started, taking a short breath before continuing, "We've come from Luna, near the tomb of the First Emperor with news for Marshal Franz concerning attacks by Askal." He finished reporting.

The Colonel's eyes went wide at the news, "An attack? Where?!"

"Luna. Askal scouts rilled up a horde of goblins to attack the town. We just barely fended off the attack."

The Colonel paused, looking down in thought for a moment. "Fine. I'll have some troopers guide you to see the Marshal, but know if you try anything..."

Raising up his hand. "I know, I promise as a citizen of Kendirewen."

"Good. As for your mounts... they... well... they'll need to wait outside here, as I'm sure you understand."

Vance nodded, turning to face Richard. "You okay watching the Wyverns?"

Richard scoffed but could hardly disagree since he had no want to enter the city or trust Estrid to look after their mounts. "Yeah, I'll look after them. Don't take too long."

"We won't." He replied before looking to Estrid, "Shall we?"

As both got off their respective Wyverns, Estrid caught up beside Vance, "We shall~" She replied.

"Lead the way." Vance motioned for their guides and guard to take the lead.

"Come on then."

"Right behind you."