As the days passed, life settled into a rhythm in Hani's workshop. Eric busied himself with assisting the other staff, while Joshua took advantage of a rare moment of respite to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Meanwhile, Hani approached me with a task: to visit the guild and inquire about the next shipments of ores and metals. It appeared that overseas imports had been disrupted, and those that did manage to arrive were commanding exorbitant prices due to the perilous state of the trade routes. With a sense of purpose, I set out for the guild, navigating the bustling streets of Lisbon until I reached its imposing doors. Inside, I was met with a flurry of activity as merchants and traders haggled over goods and contracts. Approaching the guildmaster, I relayed Hani's request, seeking information about the availability of ores and metals for the workshop. The guildmaster's expression darkened as he informed me of the dire situation: shipments were delayed or canceled altogether, and prices had skyrocketed in response to the increased risk of transport.
As I made my way back from the guild, my mind filled with the weighty news of disrupted trade, I collided with a girl who appeared to be around my age. She apologized profusely, her eyes darting around nervously as if she were being pursued.
In a moment of instinctive reassurance, I assured her that it was alright, though concern gnawed at me as I noticed the fear etched on her features. Sensing her distress, I gently inquired about the reason for her apparent urgency.
Reluctantly, she confided in me, her voice tinged with fear. She revealed that she was the daughter of the count of this fort town and had ventured into the market for some shopping. However, her guards had inexplicably vanished, leaving her vulnerable and alone.
Her words sent a chill down my spine as she described being cornered by shadowy figures clad in black, their intentions ominous and foreboding. With a sense of urgency, she had fled to the bustling center of the market, hoping to evade her pursuers and find sanctuary amidst the throngs of people.
Heart pounding with adrenaline, I swiftly escorted the girl back to Hani's workshop, where I hurriedly rummaged through Joshua's belongings to find suitable attire for her to disguise herself. With a quick change of clothes, she blended in seamlessly among the throngs of common folk bustling through the streets.
With a whispered instruction to stay hidden and safe, I led her to the imposing gates of the count's palace, my mind racing with the gravity of the situation. As we approached, I cautiously approached the guards, my heart hammering in my chest as I presented the seal given to me by the girl, a symbol of her identity and her urgent need to speak with her father.
The guard scrutinized the seal for a moment before nodding, his expression unreadable as he motioned for me to enter. With a silent prayer for protection, I passed through the gates and ventured into the opulent halls of the count's palace, my senses heightened with anticipation and apprehension.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors, I finally reached the grand chamber where Count Anton Castillo held court. With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I approached the count, my voice steady as I explained the urgent matter at hand, the safety of his daughter hanging in the balance.
As I stood before Count Anton Castillo, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon me, I relayed the urgent matter at hand with a steady voice, each word measured and deliberate. The count listened intently, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern as I spoke of the peril his daughter faced.
When he inquired about his daughter's whereabouts, I guided him to the concealed entrance where she waited anxiously, hidden from prying eyes. With a sense of urgency, I explained that the danger lurked from within, that someone from inside the palace may be complicit in the sinister plot to harm his beloved daughter.
The count's features hardened with resolve as he absorbed the gravity of the situation, his mind undoubtedly racing with possibilities and plans. With a decisive nod, he motioned for his guards to accompany us, his determination to protect his daughter unwavering.