Icy Vale's Mystery

Azgore Vanro, Benjamin Bardborn, Denila, Gunvil Trueblade, and Jonathan Gravewalker. All five of them of were mentioned by the knights.

"The king demands an audience with you five. We will accompany you to the royal palace" the knight says

Azgore puts his ale down then picks up his axe and shield, along with his bag going towards the knights with Benjamin Bardborn.

"Heh.. and I thought I'd be doing solo adventures for a long time..." Azgore says

"Hahaha! Since when did royals want anything to do with me if it isn't about tax evasion!!" Benjamin says loudly

Jonathan and Denila both followed as well. Going towards the door with the knights. Gunvil stood up last as he quickly polishes his long sword, looking immaculate in its dwarven design. He wipes his mouth with his sleeve then gets to his feet.

"That's quite a long sword, Trueblade" Jonathan says as he looks with awe.

The three knights leave the tavern followed by the five well known adventurers of Icy Vale. The tavern door is closed shut, and the people inside continue making the tavern lively. As the team walks through the streets of the capital of Icy Vale. They would pass by indoor market stalls, and the people would be living their lives regularly. All of them wearing appropriate clothing for the winter. Jonathan pats Benjamin on the shoulder as he is the smallest one out of all the adventurers.

"We're summonsed to see the king yeah?" Jonathan says

"Seems so yeah, you're Jonathan Gravewalker, yes?" Benjamin asks looks up

"Indeed I am. You're pretty well known around here Bardborn. The little halfling who goes around drinking, yet is so talented and can handle himself in fights" Jonathan says

The others remain silent, analyzing each other trying to discern their strengths and weaknesses. Fiery spark would lit in their eyes as if they were in a competition with each other. Their pride as Icy Vale's top tier adventurers got the best of them, and now is to see who of the top tier is the best and the strongest. The knights continue leading them down a small path going through a fields of crops. They then continue to follow a smooth path, going up a mountain and they eventually reach a gate. Behind the gate is a tall icy white structure, the Icy Vale castle. The gates open and they enter inside. Going through hallways as they're lead by the knights. A faint shriek is heard in a different hallway. Jonathan flinches, facing toward it as soon as he heard the noise. 'Seems like this is something I better check out. I'll just join back with the group once I find out what it is. A rogue like me can't just let a sound as cute as this pass' Jonathan thought to himself. He continues going down the hallway. As for the group, they stop at the front of the main door, the knight eyes on them and notices that one has gone missing.

"Looks like one is up to no good" the knight says

The adventurers look at who isn't around then chuckle softly realizing that it was Jonathan Gravewalker.

"Do you require assistance in bringing him back? I'd be glad to be of help" Denila offers to the knight

"Not necessary, I can bring him back here" the knight replies

Denila shrugs then waits with the others at the front of the door. The knight walks down the hallway taking multiple turns looking for Jonathan. After a few minutes, he finds Jonathan trying to sneak around the hallway.

"Hah! I've found you, now get back with the others. They're about to meet the king" the knight says

"Hmph, thought I heard something interesting" Jonathan says smirking

Jonathan is lead back to the group after minutes of them waiting for him. As they reach back to the door that leads to the throne room. The knight knocks three times then opens the door. The door opens widely and adventurers could feel the pressure of being in the grand presence of the king. At the end of the room is the throne where the king is sitting on wearing royal robes and a crown on his head. Behind him would be a large window and the view from the top of the mountain can be seen. From there, anyone is able to see the city of Icy Vale, as well as the sky and the clouds. Snow can be seen whirling around as the strong currents of the wind carry them creating a blizzard outside, creating frostings on the window. In the room, a blue carpet is laid out from the door to the end of the room. There would be knights, that look very different from the other regular knights, standing on each side. Six of them total, three standing parallel from each other. They all wore light blue silver full plate armor and their helmets on. They all unsheathe their swords and raise them up as the adventurers enter and walk down the carpet. The presence of these knights were strong, putting the adventurers on guard and tensed, being cautious of what they say and do. Once the adventurers make it to the king's presence, the regular knights leave the room and close the door. The unique knights sheathe their swords keeping them. They bow down to the king followed by the adventurers, the strong howls of the wind can be heard as they bow.

"Salutations, Your Majesty. To what may Your Highness need to summon adventurers such as us?" Jonathan greets

"I'm glad you asked. At ease." the king says and everyone relaxes themselves, "I'm sure you all are aware of a rumor going around. This has been going on for weeks. A port, not far from here located in a village is where we usually obtain our goods and resources other than hunting in the forests or growing our own crops. Lately, the carriages that were supposed to arrive have never made it to the kingdom of Icy Vale. Even hunters couldn't get any successful hunts. They'd return back saying that they couldn't find anything. As you guys are the one of Icy Vale's top tier adventurers, I see this quest fit for you all. There will be a reward for your success"

"Awaiting your orders my liege" Azgore stands in attention and respect for the king

The king smiles in relief seeing Azgore's loyalty.

"Weeks ago, these rumors have started. Carriages never went through and merchants from different lands weren't able to make it back. People started questioning, and thus they have made these rumors of a thieves' guild here in Icy Vale. I have sent scouts along with hunters who are well versed in the forest, but they are yet to return. The most recent event, which was last night, an attack happened. This time the identified victims in the carriage were just travelers. A survivor was able to make it back here unscathed, and had reported the details to us" the king explains

The door opens and a man in robes as white as snow enters. He had a hood on covering a part of his face. He held a staff with a strange white, transparent crystal on top. He bows down in the presence of the king smiling.

"Your Highness, and adventurers, nice to meet you. I am Adelgeld" he introduces himself

"Adventurers, this is Adelgeld, the survivor from last night's attack. According to him, the attackers didn't resemble thieves. To him, they looked like as if they were not from this world. Now for this quest, you are to travel with Adelgeld, and investigate on the incident." the king says

Adelgeld smiles, excited for the quest. As a traveler like himself, nothing would bring him joy than to travel to all kinds of places.