Deacon waived goodbye to Armand ignoring Typhus’s jab at his current footwear. Looking around he could see dozens of fields where farmers were growing crops. The area around the base of the plateau must be littered with them. He supposed you needed to feed the people of the city somehow, but he found it strange how close they were to a mountain range. Some of them had livestock and several people rode horses. Not too dissimilar to ranches from his old world. As they waited in line at the guard house, he noticed that Canidae merchant finally started going into the city proper. His thoughts wandered back to the farms. Deacon would inquire about this once they were inside.

“Name and business here at Iron Mountain?” the guard asked.

“Deacon and I’m here to join the Adventurer’s Guild.” Replied Deacon.

“What level?” asked the guard impassively.

“Uh…nine.” Deacon said.

“Nine!” the guard said shocked.

“Yes, level nine. Can we move this along please?” Deacon asked.

“Ed, come here. This guy wants to join the guild but he’s an adult level nine.” The guard shouted.

“Alright you’ve had your fun. He is with us here is my mark now let us through.” Typhus said as he stepped around Deacon rolling up his sleeve.

“Master Typhus from his lordships Cardinal Unit. Right this way apologies sir and welcome back.” The first guard said as the one he called over slapped him on the helmet.

“What was that all about?” Deacon asked Typhus and Elle as they stepped through the gates.

“We already told you most people reach level ten by the time they are teenagers. Your situation is both crazy and stupid. Your average citizen stalls out around level twelve if they don’t train or join a faction.” Elle answered.

“You are a lovely unicorn, Deacon. Now let’s get you in the guild.” Typhus said.

“She’s with us too.” Elle yelled back as the guards approached Genevieve.

“Apologies Mistress Elle, we’ve never met a Mulvarian before.” Ed the guard replied.

“Interesting entrance procedures.” Genevieve said.

“The scribes in The Tower transfer all city records like the gate roll to official channels. I believe they use it for mage training.” Elle responded.

“Enough about bureaucracy we have a priestess to deliver.” Typhus said.

The group continued up the Ascent Road for about a half hour until you could see the bell of the temple rising above the houses. This was the first time Genevieve has seen buildings with more than two stories. As she marveled around at all the shops and side streets, Deacon kept his head on a swivel. This would be the perfect opportunity for those three crones to throw a curve ball and get him locked up or executed for some old bull shit. They turned a corner to see the Temple of Astrael in all its shiny glory. Several of the windows facing the temple on this street had heavy curtains drawn. The temple of light must lose some of its shine when its blaring through your windows at night. As the group approached the entrance a woman opened the door and hurried out to greet them.

“Are you the pilgrim from New Mulvaria?” The obvious priestess asked. She was wearing an identical outfit to Genevieve.

“Yes, hello my name is Genevieve.” She said.

“I’m Priestess Malory. Welcome to Astrael’s temple at Iron Mountain.” Malory said.

“May the light shine upon my arrival.” Genevieve said while bowing and clasping her hands.

Priestess Malory performed the same gesture. Deacon stopped paying attention when he noticed something moving in the shadows cast by the temple back the way they came. Genevieve began introductions and noticed Deacon was looking elsewhere.

“Deacon, please come meet the Priestess.” Genevieve said as she elbowed him.

“What? Oh, my apologies. Thought I saw something. Shouldn’t the quest have completed by now?” Deacon asked as he received a notification from his slate.

Quest Complete- Iron Mountain out of a Mole Hill- You have safely delivered Genevieve to the Temple of Astrael at Iron Mountain Plateau. You have unlocked the location of the Sun Blossom flower. This flower can be used in many concoctions and alchemy recipes. It can also sell for a high price.

“There it is.” Deacon said. So where is the location?

“The location of what my child?” asked Priestess Malory.

“My notification suggested I now know where to find the Sun Blossom Flower.” Deacon said.

“Oh, we had a parishioner who was quite fond of that flower. He used to tend one of our flower boxes. Always said her light made the bloom more radiant. Here I’d be happy to show you.” Malory said as she led the party around to the back of the temple.

“Would we have found this flower box if I hadn’t said something?” Deacon asked Elle.

“Stop questioning quest rewards.” Elle replied.

“He stopped showing up about three weeks ago. No idea what’s happened to him, but he lives in a cabin about two hours west of the King’s Road. He may be staying there. If you are ever out adventuring, I’d appreciate it if you could check in on him.” Malory explained as she clipped some blossoms and handed them over.

New Quest- Cabin in the woods I-Malory Priestess of Astrael has asked you to look in on a parishioner that hasn’t been seen in a while. Upon successful completion of this quest, you will receive a rare quality Alchemists Cauldron.

“If we’re out that way, sure.” Elle said.

“Well, this has been great. We need to get going. There’s lots to do.” Typhus said as he started back to the front of the building.

“Walk in the path of the light your grace.” Genevieve said as she waved goodbye.

“You can just call me Ty.” Typhus hollered back from twenty-five feet away.

“Can I call you Ty?” Deacon asked.

“Once you’ve earned it.” Typhus answered.

“Ok Boys time to get back to the guild. I could use a lie down and a hot meal. Should have enough time before Deacons try out.” Elle said.

“What try out?” asked Deacon as they rounded the corner back to the main road.

“Well, they’ll want to see your combat prowess so they can gauge your skill level. It’s all very rudimentary.” Elle Said.

“I’ll be placing some modest bets, so don’t let me down boy.” Typhus said.

“Bets? Now you’re talking.” Deacon said with a mischievous grin.

“Oh no, you play it right down the middle. No throwing fights to lose me money.” Typhus said.

“So, there will be fights, not just dummies or something?” Deacon asked.

“The fights are more like sparring.” Elle explained.

“Tell me about that mark you showed to the guard.” Deacon said.

“Aye, you get one of these after you’re in the guild. It’s a magical tattoo that can be upgraded as you rise in ranks. Ours are special because we are a Cardinal Unit. See the circle with the spot of red?” Typhus said rolling up his sleeve so Deacon could inspect it.

“I see, I’m not part of that whole triumvirate thing. What will I get?” Deacon asked.

“If you pass, practically a sure thing with us, it will most likely be a novice or trainee mark.” Elle answered.

“Ok what are the ranks?” Deacon asked.

“There’s Novice/Trainee, the difference is a novice can take low level jobs on their own and trainee must be with someone. General, Adept, Specialist, and Expert. In truth not many Specialist and Experts stay with the guild long. They usually have made enough gold and leveled high enough to open a branch in another city.” Elle explained.

“If it wasn’t for your status, what level would you all be?” Deacon asked.

“We would all be Adepts.” Typhus answered this time quite smugly.

“Its getting dark out we should pick up the pace. While there is a thieves guild in town to keep the crime at a manageable level, Armand would never admit this, there are some neighborhoods you don’t want to be out at night in.” Elle said.

“I think I got it. I’ll most likely be a novice adventurer?” Deacon asked.

“We’ll see what Jacob has to say. Remember, no staring.” Elle said pointing at Deacon as they turned another corner and headed toward a building that was very familiar to Deacon.

“It’s the Cows Udder.” Deacon said.

“No, the Udder is modeled after the Guild halls. Molok was a founding member of the Adventurers' Guild.”

Just then a chill shot up all their spines. Deacon rubbed his shoulder, Typhus rubbed his neck, and Elle rubbed her wrist. They all looked at each other as if to ask, “Did you feel that?”.

“Let’s get inside. I’m getting that, Deacon just showed up and now something crazy is about to happen, feeling.” Typhus said.

“Now that is way too long for you to make that a thing. Just stop.” Deacon said.