Sorry for the small break that I took. I had to gain some inspiration somewhere. I finally found it and wrote another chapter! Enjoy! :D

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The merchant named Alex led the way in a hurried fashion so that I could quickly see the condition of the count, which saved the city the other day. All that I knew was that the earl was a powerful mage that had dealt with the worms in a moment’s notice. She must’ve known some powerful spells then probably. We traversed the cobblestone streets that were leading to a large castle type of mansion. My guess was that that mansion was probably the home of the rulers of the city.

The mansion was really beautiful. It was located on a small hill and was observing the entire city. It had a few keeps, which stood next to the main building. They were built out of stone bricks that were packed very tightly. You could see that no air could be brought in or out so the isolation that it brought was really good. If a wind or a hurricane would barge in the city, it would probably stop when it hits this mansion. Of course the mansion had some windows with colorful glass panes over the gaps. Since this is the city of light, the paintings that were on the glass panes were similar to those of the churches that were nearby.

I never had the opportunity to see such a beautiful building, so I was in awe. I wonder how long it took to build such a magnificent structure. It was probably built by the work of magic since no one can put bricks close like that. The mansion also had magic protection while other houses in this city didn’t. To protect a mansion requires a lot of high level magic so it seems that this really is the earl’s mansion.

We were now standing near a huge double door made out of fine wood. The door opened as soon as we came closer to it. We were expected apparently.

“Don’t worry Skylar, the earl already knows that we are on the way.” (Alex)

I said nothing, but instead just followed Alex in the mansion. The exterior of the mansion was marvelous, but when we came in, we noticed how the interior was really out of place. The mansion was huge, but it was really humble looking. The floor was made out of wood that couldn’t bare our mass and could only crack under our feet. The main area wasn’t large as we though. There were stairs that were really worn out and in a bad shape.

It was really unusual to see a sight like this. I had a second thought about this. I couldn’t believe that this was the place where the Earl lived. The exterior and the interior were the complete opposites, almost contradictory of each other. I wondered what had really happened. Why wasn’t it maintained and why did it look like the earl had no money whatsoever. Weren’t they supposed to be richest in the city?

“The earl is right up these stairs.” (Alex)

He proceeded up the stairs, but I was cautious and didn’t follow, because the stairs would probably break under my feet.

He successfully climbed the stairs and I followed soon after. We were now inside the room where the earl was living. The room was probably in the worse condition than downstairs. There was a cupboard, a bed, a chair besides the bed, a table and a single window that was showing a beautiful sunny day outside. It was all so weird. We spotted two persons, which were located in this room. First one was the earl, who was currently in his bed. The second was a lady, most likely to be either a daughter or a wife. I figured it couldn’t be the maid because of the poor looking interior.

“Greetings Earl Thomas, I’ve arrived with the person that could heal you.” He then turned to the lady that was sitting on the chair besides the bed. “Greetings my lady Diana.”

“Greetings, my name is Skylar.”

“Hello there boy. I’m sorry that I can’t stand up and welcome you, but I am really exhausted.”

“It’s alright, you don’t have to force yourself. You have done a great deed by helping the city of Light.” Alex interrupted.

I started taking out the potions I have prepared for the earl. He looks very weak right now, but this could bring him back on his feet. The earl was actually quite old. His face was filled with wrinkles as he observed me with his eyes that were radiating harmony. You could look at him with certainly knowing he would be a good person. I smiled back to him and told him: “Drink this potion please. It will help you regain your mana faster.

He sighed after hearing this because he couldn’t even sit up properly so he insisted I hand the potion to the lady beside him. She was mildly cold and gave the feeling of worriedness when I looked at her. She was somewhat skinny and she looked like she would be the earl’s daughter. She was far too young for the old man to be his wife.

She took the potion I handed to her and gently helped the earl up. She was really caring and dear to him. After he chugged the azure blue medium sized potion, he felt a power surge through his body. His face was changing expressions so fast.

“Young man, did you make this potion yourself?” (Earl Thomas)

“Yes, I made it myself. Don’t worry about the cost, it will be free this time.” I said because I really didn’t think he could pay me even for the ingredients.

“Why thank you young man, your potion is really phenomenal. I can feel the energy rushing back into my old bones.”

“I’m really glad I was able to help. Well if that would be all, I have other things to do now.” (me)

“Wait, I can’t have you leave just yet. I’ve heard that you had defeated the giant worm who attacked us last time. Is it true?”

“Yes, it is true. I even have the proof right here in my pocket.” I reached for the pocket to grab the two purple eyes that were once in the giant worms’ head.

The earl looked in amazement. He couldn’t believe that I had killed the worm that he couldn’t finish himself. Of course I had the help of Lora, but I didn’t see the reason to involve her into this. If I would get some kind of a reward, I would gladly share it with her.

“How in the world did you beat the worm king? He was really strong. I was only able to finish off his underlings, but you really killed him. I remember those demonic purple eyes, which stared right at me in the moment I would unleash my deadliest spell.” (Earl Thomas)

“Well I can’t say it was easy, but I managed to defeat it somehow. I did train a lot so I have some power.” (me)

“Look young fellow, I don’t know how I can repay you. I don’t have any money right now, the reason being my lack for fortune, but I know a place where you could find some things that would suit a fellow like you.” (Earl Thomas)

That sentence really peaked my interest. I’m not sure what it was going to be, or what could I face there, but I bent over so that I can listen to him better.

“After you leave this city, you need to go southeast across the scorched desert. After 2 days of walking you will be able to notice a river that separates the desert from the forest, which is on the other side. The river has one bridge, so I advise you to find that bridge and cross it like that. Don’t go into the water, because despite its appearance as a river, it is very weird. I heard the stories of people drowning in it, even though they were experienced fisherman, which of course knew how to swim.

After you cross the river, you will be in the mystic forest and there will be a thick fog probably. In the mystic forest there are powerful beasts which could be stronger than the worm king so I advise you to run if you notice something out of the ordinary. If you maintain a straight path from that bridge into the forest you should arrive, after some time, in front of a cave. When you enter this cave, you should find divine treasures.

Like every other dungeon there of course is a catch. When you enter the dungeon there should be all sorts of treasures like staves, swords, shields, golden coins, rubies, diamonds… DON’T TOUCH ANY OF THOSE. I’ve been there when I was a youngling like you, and went through the dungeon. The mistake I made was that I touched one of the swords, which looked pretty awesome. It was just an illusion. When I touched it I was teleported to somewhere in the mystic forest. I tried to find the cave once more, but alas it wasn’t meant to be.

If you don’t make the mistake I made, the dungeon will definitely reward you with something of worth. That is all I know about it and I hope this pays off this potion that I just drank. Good luck” (Earl Thomas)

I was really curious. I’ve never heard of such a place. I’m definitely going there!

And so he left the mansion and departed from Alex the merchant. He was really eager to leave for the adventure to the dungeon, but he had to do what he already agreed on with Lora… SHOPPING TIME