CHAPTER 21 – HEART OF THE NATION
- Amethyst
- 3 March, 2026
- Amethyst
- 11 December, 2025
In the Inn of Courage, Karthemi brings breakfast to the rooms our party stays in.
Munching on food is still a bad habit that Jowlani has, and Zayden covers his ears to avoid hearing the harsh eating sounds.
Cleansed and moisturised, they head downstairs. Upon seeing the front door of the inn, Karthemi calls to them.
“A splendid top of the morning to you all. I hope you enjoyed all that food. You see, a small birdy told me that you’ll meet with Lord Nelson today. You can find him in the city hall. Go to the receptionist and state your names, they will know you have an audience today. Good luck on your talk and let’s anticipate this will progress the war effort.”
Thus, the party wants to go to the largest building of the city. Though before that, as they almost head out, the inn door opens up. It’s someone that was out of action for a while. Marques, the bodyguard of Zayden, is here. He got injured during the first wave attack at the border on his right leg. He stumbles a bit, but he can finally walk again.
“Guess who’s back in the big city, hey? Surprised to see me all? I got out of Faucon-Bas in the nick of time, before things went down. More details later, as first stop is city hall. I already know, don’t ask me how. I have my ways of getting all the intel. Time to go!”
A short walk on slow pace to help accommodate Marques, they arrive at the city hall and enter through revolving doors. Laura is highly keen on introducing themselves to the receptionist upon entering, but is shoved aside by Adnap. She tries to push back, but finds out that the big panda is not to be moved.
“Good morning and hello, our party has an audience with Lord Sage Nelson of Zomerhoven today. Our names are Adnap, Laura, Jowlani, Zayden, Marques and Serena. Sorry lady for introducing you last, but you see..”
Serena is trying not to crack her own face laughing and tries to bite back verbally at Adnap.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m just Jowlani’s aunt and the washing lady, I get it! Don’t worry mister, I can tell a joke from miles away. Do what you need to do, you… you… whatever!”
The receptionist looks across Adnap, sees aunt Serena, and tries to contain laughter as well. “Lord Nelson is ready for your audience. Proceed amongst the hall and walk up the stairs. Then the door in front of you leads to the Audience Chamber. I hope that the conversation proceeds smoothly. Have a splendid day!”
The party heads upstairs and is greeted by an official. They open the door and show them the way in. After that, they wait for a couple of minutes as an announcement runs through the speakers: “Dear audience seekers, Lord Sage Nelson of Zomerhoven will enter the room. Be on your best behaviour. Have a splendid day!”
Lord Nelson then enters the room subsequently. Dressed in a light blue shirt and oddly enough, short pants, he greets them.
“Good morning and out with formality. Adnap, buddy, how are you? It’s been a long time. Let’s not bother and cut to the chase. I’ve heard of Faucon-Bas. In the meantime you travelled here, it’s been attacked three more times, and half the village is in shambles. Only necessary troops stay there to keep the Altgrönians out for now. I’m a pacifist by heart, but this has gone too far. When these evil people come to Zomerhoven, I’ll fight them off alongside you. Though I can not do this alone, and neither can you. I want you to meet my right-hand, L’Tesera. An excellent person with both staff and sword you will find. Whatever happens to me, happens. They will stay at your service for the remaining parts of the war still to happen.”
A rather mysterious figure appears from the shadows, armed with a dagger in one hand, and a staff in the other. Dressed in a velvet robe, they introduce themselves as well.
“Well, hello there. Heard you were looking for a deadly mage? Here I am. Former assistant to the head of the University of Magic of Faucon-Bas. Part of the Magician’s Faction of Zomerhoven. Yes, I worked closely with professor Rania. Allow me to train both of you Jowlani and Zayden. Marques is an old acquaintance of mine as well. We will see you through to the end of this interesting journey. Along this harsh route, you will find more friends and enemies. Be prepared for everything thrown on your paths, and never hesitate to ask for advice. We will settle in for a few days here, before we travel northwards to the capital. I will come with you at once as Lord Nelson desires. Mister Adnap and Serena, I desire a list of all supplies and equipment needed for that travel. Scouts of us are already determining the best location for a possible new city in the country. One that can bring us defensive and offensive capabilities, being fortified and capable of housing an entire army and city in one. See you in a bit.”
L’Tesera waves with the velvet robe in circles, and they have disappeared. Everyone is amazed at that wonderful technique, but mostly Laura.
“WOWIE! I want to be Team L’Tesera now. Gotta learn how that works and find out where they are.”
And thus, Laura pops off out of the Audience Chamber in search of L’Tesera.
“Wasn’t that a splendid audience. With them gone, more serious news for you all. You can not return to Faucon-Bas. It is way too dangerous, so you’re indeed traveling to the capital for now, in search of more allies. Here’s a letter with names of people looking to join your cause there. Seek them, let them join you and bring this war to an end in the most bloodless way you can. Three days and you can leave, but for now we keep the gates closed for all safety measures. Return to the Inn of Courage and see Karthemi. They have a parting gift for you. Goodbye, good luck and most of all, have a splendid day!”
The party moves back to the Inn of Courage. Karthemi gives them a parcel, their parting gift from Lord Nelson. It’s…. a cake? Marques turns fully red, and can’t contain his mouth anymore.
“Are you flipping kidding me? A chocolate cake. Tastes so good, but like… what the hell. I expected something magical or something grand. But it’s a cake. Let down much!”
Zayden and Jowlani burst out in laughter.
“Oh my goodness, Marques. Apparently, this cake has angered you severely. We’ll eat the cake then, so sit off to the side and let us enjoy the cake then, no piece for you.”
“Hahaha, Zay, don’t tease Marques about a cake. Let’s pick a table and… let them eat cake!”
The chocolate cake was filled with chocolate pieces on the inside. A heavenly cake, but with one concern. Eating too much of it. Belly aches start to occur and one after the other is in need of the toilet. Marques is eating a chicken roast with green beans in the meantime.
“Chocolate cake, filled with chocolate pieces. Just like your bowels all unleashed onto the porcelain layer I bet. Karthemi, time for a replacement I think… That’s just karma being a bitch to you.”
Once the moving tracks of nature have come to a natural halt, it’s time for some unwinding with some board games Karthemi provides. Laughter spreads across the inn alongside drinks, some cheese and salty bites. Fire turns to ash in the fireplace and it’s time to go to sleep. Tomorrow, they will receive an update from L’Tesera on the travel itinerary. They all head to their own rooms. Jowlani stays with Zayden, Marques with Adnap and Laura with Serena.
“It’s been a while since we slept together Zay, I missed that a lot. Hopefully things finally calm down. This war is getting closer to us by the minute. Let us make it our lifetime achievement that we stop it, without too much bloodshed like Lord Nelson said.”
“I agree with you on that the war should be stopped. Let’s hope we can achieve it soon, and then venture off to the good life we always dreamt off. Sleep well, my love.”
What will the next few days in Zomerhoven bring?
Can L’Tesera be a worthy ally for our party?
Will Lord Nelson bring more to the table than just a cake?