Within the Frosthold Adventurers' Guild, the home of countless adventurers seeking fame and fortune, and the young traveler found himself seated in one of the guild's private meeting rooms waiting.
As he waited for the one who had summoned him to this urgent meeting, his thoughts drifted to the recent conversation he had with his siblings back at the inn.
The memory was vivid:
Inside one of the inn's room, Sirius handed him a sealed letter with a serious expression. "Brother, this came in for you. Apparently it's from the guild."
The boy raised a brow, taking the letter. "The guild? Is something the matter?"
"I'm not sure," Sirius replied. "All they told me was to give it to you, and that's it."
Curious, the boy broke the seal and began silently reading throw it. Sirius leaned in. "So? What does it say?" She asked, curious to know.
"It says someone has made a personal request to see me," the boy replied, folding the letter.
Sirius frowned. "They've requested to see you? What's that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know," he admitted.
Kael chimed in, ever the optimist said, "Maybe they just want to talk."
"Maybe," Sirius said her tone skeptical. "Or they want something else instead."
Kael shrugged his shoulders, as he said. "Then you should go and find out for yourself, brother."
Sirius crossed her arms. "I don't know. Something doesn't feel right about this."
The boy placed the letter on the table. "Maybe. Even so, Kael is right. I should at least go see what it's all about. That way, I'll know how to react."
Sirius sighed, relenting. "Well, when you put it that way... fine."
Kael grinned his teeth. "Besides, no matter what happens, brother can handle it by himself."
"Handle what, you idiot?" Sirius snapped.
Kael blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"He's not going to fight anyone; he's just going to talk," she said, exasperated.
"I know that!" Kael protested. "Why do you always have to pick on me, sis?"
Sirius smirked. "I'm not picking on you. I'm simply correcting your stupidity."
"You call that correcting?" Kael wailed, close on the verge of tears.
The boy interjected, "Okay you two, that's enough."
"She started it!" Kael whined.
"Oh, don't be such a child," Sirius said with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Kael shot back, "See? She's so mean!"
The boy sighed, placing a hand on Sirius's head. "There, there, Sirius."
She turned red. "C-Cut it out!" she protested.
Kael grinned at her. "You're blushing!" teasing her.
Sirius, now flustered, shouted out, "Shut up, Kael!"
The boy chuckled, patting her head again. "There, there."
"Stop it!" she demanded, her voice betrayed by embarrassment.
In that moment, the room erupted in laughter—a fond memory he carried with him even now.
As a faint smile crossed his lips, as the door creaked open. A woman then stepped inside, her presence commanding yet gentle. He had recognized her immediately: Alyra Winterglen, one of the guild's most respected receptionists.
"Hello, traveler," she greeted warmly, her voice tinged with formality. "It's good to see you."
She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with long chestnut-brown hair pinned back in a braid. Her sharp black eyes gleamed with intelligence and focus.
The boy raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?"
Alyra smiled. "Of course. I mean you're quite famous around the guild."
His lips twitched into a smirk. "I can only assume it's not in a good way."
Before he could say more, Alyra surprised him by deeply bowing her head. "Before we begin, please allow me to offer you my sincerest apologies. On behalf of the guild, I regret the way you've been treated here."
He blinked, caught off guard. "I see... but you don't have to apologize to me."
"Yes, I do," she insisted, her voice firm. "The treatment you've endured here was unjust, and it shouldn't have happened at all."
He shook his head. "It's really alright. I've already gotten used to it. So please, raise your head."
Reluctantly, she straightened herself. "If you say so."
"So, why exactly did you call me here?" he asked, leaning back slightly.
Alyra took in a deep breath. "The reason I asked for you is that I need your help, traveler." She said.
"Help? What kind of help?" he asked, puzzled by her words.
She hesitated. "Not for me, specifically, but for another party."
"Go on."
"You see a group of adventurers recently embarked on a dungeon raid together at Frostmaw Hollow," she explained. "But..."
"But what?"
"I have concerns about one of the parties involved. I can't shake the feeling that something may go wrong."
He frowned. "I understand your concern, but what I don't understand is what exactly you want me to do?"
"I'd like you to follow them. And keep a close eye on them, and ensure their safety," she said her tone serious.
"Why ask me? You could've chosen anyone else to do it," he countered.
"You're right," Alyra admitted. "But not everyone would accept such a dangerous task. And I needed someone I could trust."
He considered her words. The guild had rarely shown him kindness, yet here she was, asking for his aid with genuine concern.
"I'll do it," he said finally.
Alyra's eyes widened. "W-What? Are you sure?" she muttered in hesitation.
"I said I'll take care of it," he repeated, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "But I expect proper compensation."
"Of course," she quickly agreed, relieved. She handed him a small map.
"The dungeon is buried deep within the Frostpeak Mountains. Frostmaw Hollow is known for its treacherous terrain and the dangerous monsters that lurk within."
"Frostmaw Hollow, huh? Sounds like a charming place," he muttered, slipping the map into his pouch.
"Please, be careful," Alyra, urged.
He gave her a reassuring nod. "Please don't worry. I'm a hard guy to kill."
Alyra managed a small smile. "Then may the spirits of the North watch over you. Good luck."
With that, the traveler departed, the weight of a new purpose settling on his shoulders as he stepped into the icy wilderness.
End of Chapter 17.