CHAPTER 21 – HEART OF THE NATION
- Amethyst
- 3 March, 2026
- Amethyst
- 3 February, 2026
Yesterday displayed the first glimpse of allyship within the country. Lord Nelson has promised the unconditional support of Zomerhoven in the war to our party.
With L’Tesera joining as both an assistant and teacher to Jowlani and Zayden, chances for success are slowly increasing. Though the war is far from being over. It’s only just begun.
Adnap and Serena have been busy working with the local merchants to gather all kinds of supplies. The trip up north to Netralia’s capital will take around three days. In the meantime, Jowlani, Zayden and Laura make their way to the local seer and blacksmith.
In the city centre of Zomerhoven, lies a big building, holding various shops. These include the magic bazaar and blacksmith.
You can hear the blacksmith hammering on the anvil. He’s a younger man, estimated around the age of 25. He’s wearing a traditional blacksmith uniform, has black hair and dark green eyes. Jowlani and Zayden look at Laura. She seems to have a keen interest in this guy.
It seems like he’s about to create a new weapon. The party take a look at it and are unsure whether it’s a sword or an axe. They stare at a red hot iron being struck again by the smith. After some infuriating blows, it turns out to be a sword. After the blacksmith is done crafting the sword, he appears to engrave it. Laura is the first one to ask something to the blacksmith.
“Hello mister blacksmith, do you need idea’s for what to engrave in the sword? Laura sounds like a cool name for it!”
The blacksmith looks up to Laura.
“Well, hello there, young lady. I see that you are intrigued by my forging. I presume that your name is Laura. A very enchanting name, but not the name I will be engraving in this sword today. For that was predetermined by my client. He’s out of town for today, so maybe you will encounter him tomorrow. The names Luke by the way, nice to meet you.”
Luke no longer hunches over the anvil and stands up straight. He’s a very tall guy, estimated around six foot five (1.95m). The second he stands up straight, Laura just drools all over. Zayden can’t help but respond to that.
“I guess we finally found Laura’s nemesis. It’s hot guys, that’s for sure. He’s a looker, but definitely not my type. What do you think, Jowlani?”
Jowlani wasn’t busy with the person behind the job. He was daydreaming about the next few steps when it comes to the war. But the second he snaps out of it, he looks at Luke. Jowlani starts blushing as well.
“Not you as well. Well, you can fight it out amongst yourselves then.”
Luke overhears the conversation and then looks towards Jowlani.
“I just welcomed the young lady, but seems like we’ve got two young gentlemen accompanying her. Is one of you per chance accompanying the lady in a specific way?”
Zayden and Jowlani both nod no, and point towards each other, hinting that they’re together.
“Alright, that clears it all up then. Though in this day and age, who cares who one loves. In all honesty, you look all mighty fine. I wouldn’t turn either one of you down, if you asked. I already know the reason why you’re here, and that’s not for flirtation. You are looking for weapons in this brutal fight against Altgrön. L’Tesera already informed me about the matter. I will make sure to pack my belongings and aid you in your quest.
Loads of my friends are carpenters and stonemasons. Once the plans have been developed for the new city and headquarters, we will make our way over there. I will be at your service any given time or place. If you need me, just call my name. For… whichever reason. Go visit the seer now. I will deliver your new weapons as soon as possible. Have a splendid day, you lovely couple. And milady aswell.”
Luke winks to all three members of the party. He slips a business card in both Jowlani’s and Zayden’s hands and bids the party farewell. The party then walks towards the seer’s shop.
“That was no fair. Why was I not given a card with all his personal details? I was the one to introduce all of us and he turned me down. Why do all the hot guys lean more towards other hot guys than me? I feel left out!”
Zayden laughs: “It’s because we’re an awesome couple. And you… are special in your own way. Maybe next time you should ask for his swords name. That might do the trick.”
“You two are absolutely terrible. No, scratch that. You are the absolute worst. I’m a beautiful young, delicate flower. And everyone should desire me. That’s the magic of Laura. You are just the entourage of team Laura, humph.”
“Maybe you should give the flowers some more water. Because honestly, it looks like they’re wilting. And quite possibly, you left your flirting skills back at the University of Magic. Jake’s still recovering from your proposal to go with him to the school party. Note taken.” says Jowlani.
Laura becomes angry from the mocking comments on her illustrious flirting know-how.
“Hey! That is so out of order! Let’s go to the seer before I banish you from Team Laura!”
Nearing the seer’s shop, the light around the storefront changes into blue and purple shades. It’s been mentioned by townsfolk that the storefront changes light, according to the aura of the people nearing it. Blue and purple are the more calm and balanced colours. This means that the party should be able to enter without any problems.
Before entering, there is also a shade of green that appears. It’s L’Tesera, who meets up with the party.
“I see that you have made it in one piece to the seer. I reckon your talks with the blacksmith have gone well. The request to the seer is a logical one. To help us educate townsfolk about magic. To defend this beautiful city. Plus an additional one, a personal request. That is why I am here to join you.
I have told you before that Marques and I, worked closely together in the past. We both studied magic and swordsmanship at the same time. Many times we were partners in our projects. Without over complementing ourselves, we were quite successful. And goes to saying without hesitation that we are trustworthy partners in this war. Now let us enter this shop. I am very curious how the seer will respond to my presence alongside you.”
The party, now joined by L’Tesera, enters the magic shop.
An illustrious mage dressed in a bright green robe greets them as they come in.
“Good afternoon, how may I be of service? Do you wish to learn new magic or buy a new staff?”
L’Tesera greets the mage and hugs her shortly. “It’s always nice to see you, Kelly. How have you been? I’ve heard that the supplies for new magical runes have been scarce lately. That must not have been good for your business.”
Seer Kelly shakes her head in agreement. “That is quite correct. Though I have managed to get some supplies from the outside. If you catch my drift. So for now, I am able to assist you in all your war efforts.” She then turns around to the trio. “I also heard about the loss of your dear professor. I can’t say that we were friends, but we were most certainly acquaintances. My deepest condolences to you all. As long as I wield my magical power, I will be at your side. Now Tess, care to explain why you are here? It’s not everyday practise to work together with your ex. But because of the dire situation, I am at your service.”
Jowlani, Zayden and Laura look confused. Zayden points out something:
“So you were partners, and you’re still partners, but now in a working relationship, right? That is all fine and well. I have come to like this city, because everybody seems to be okay with people being different. Maybe that is why everybody stands together in the face of war. Though indeed, Lady L’Tesera, what is your request?”
L’Tesera’s face turns into serious business.
“My personal request would be a logical one. You should not expect anything else from me. It’s never too late to make amends. I have to admit that I wronged you, Kelly, in the past. I cannot expect you to forgive me. Though I’m hoping that any situation that we are in, that we can still work together. We were one of the best leading units of the army of Zomerhoven. Can we bring my swordsmanship back together with your magic? But this time combined into this new army.
An army of liberation and defence. Without having anyone left or someplace left to defend, what purpose is there to live? Therefore, I humbly request that you join me in this adventure. As a last ride together into the sunset. Could you do that for me, Kelly?”
The seer looks towards L’Tesera and then towards Jowlani and Zayden. She goes to the back and disappears for a few minutes. She then comes back wielding her staff.
“If I ever was to join another adventure, it would not have been with my ex partner. Because that is not how I see you. I still see you as a dear friend and someone I love. This is a fight we must deliver. To preserve our values and keep the next generation alive. To propel this nation forward once again. To stand for the progression we have always delivered upon. To show the other nations on this continent that we will never fail to keep our citizens safe.
And most of all? To take down corrupt leadership in different nations. We never intervene unless absolutely necessary. That time has come now.
Zayden, I know what I can say may sound cruel and harsh to you. It is not personal, so please do not take it that way. We need your swordsmanship. And your magic Jowlani. Together, with the help of the souls around you, we are able to win this war. Now, shall we get moving?”
Another ally has joined the cause. Another soul not waiting to just die in bloodshed. More and more people are joining the fight.
A conflict that starts to stir into war. A battle between son and parents. A battle between to be son-in-law and parents. Plus, a battle of freedom against repression.
With this knowledge, the now enhanced party makes their way back to the Inn of Courage. They inform Karthemi of their efforts, who then sends out his messenger towards the estate of Lord Nelson.
With the seer and blacksmith joining the efforts, it is almost time to make way to the capital of Netralia.
What does the government of Netralia hold of the actions of Altgrön thus far?
Can the party find a way to convince the government to build the new city and headquarters swiftly?