Journey To The Capital

As the evening mist enveloped the town, I approached the worn-out door of the "Hard Stone Bar." Pushing it open, I was immediately greeted by the warm ambiance, a stark contrast to the cold dread outside.

The bar was dimly lit by floating orbs, each containing captured moonlight. A rich aroma of brewed potions and distilled dreams lingered in the air. The mahogany chairs and tables, scarred with memories of countless battles, offered a semblance of comfort.

Looking around, I noticed that while all were human, the diversity was evident. There were soldiers in battle-worn armor, mages with staffs radiating energy, and survivors recounting tales of narrow escapes. Each face bore the marks of close encounters with dark forces – Vampires, ghouls, and Zombies.

At the bar, the bartender, an elderly human with an eye-patch and white hair, was crafting drinks that seemed to mirror the cosmos. Curiosity piqued, I took a seat and inquired about the offerings.

"Anything good?" I asked.

"Everything is good, depending on how you process each," he replied.

"Just give me the best."

"Solar Eclipse it is, our famous drink."

In a second, a glass displaying a shimmering dance of day and night – the famed "Solar Eclipse" – appeared. As I sipped, flavors of sweet, sour, and fleeting moments washed over me.

"It is good," I commented, smiling. It tasted like soda.

In one corner, a group discussed strategies, their table littered with maps and rune-marked stones. By the window, a bard strummed a melancholic tune about lost cities and fallen heroes. But amidst these heavy tales, laughter erupted occasionally, a testament to human resilience.

It reminded me of bars on Earth.

I overheard snippets of conversations:

"…lost my brother to those Vampires last week..."

"The eastern flank is heavily guarded by Zombies. We need a new strategy…"

"The potion worked. It kept the Zombies at bay, but only for an hour…"

After the euphoria of the "Solar Eclipse" cocktail settled and as conversations around me deepened into the night, I realized how quickly time had passed. Given the dangers of wandering the streets after dark with Vampires and Zombies lurking, I decided it might be safer to seek shelter here.

Approaching the bartender, I cleared my throat, "Excuse me, do you have a room available for the night?"

He looked up, studying me briefly. "Aye, we have a few rooms upstairs. Due to the ongoing war, we've adapted to offer sanctuary for wanderers like yourself. It's modest, but safe."

Relieved, I responded, "I'll take it."

"Two silver, payment upfront."

I threw a gold coin, which he caught mid-air.

"You got it," he replied, handing me an ornate key with a crystal embedded in its handle. "You're in Room 7. We've placed an enchantment barrier around the inn to ward off the dark forces, so you can rest easy. As for food, would you like our special?"

Curiosity piqued, I nodded. "Sure, what's the special?"

"It's the 'Warrior's Feast'. Grilled phoenix steak, fairy bread, and a side of enchanted vegetables. It'll keep you energized and alert. Highly recommended in these trying times," he said with a wink.

"That sounds... intriguing. I'll have that."

Within minutes, a plate was set before me, bearing food unlike anything I'd ever tasted. The phoenix steak was tender, imparting a hint of fiery zest, while the fairy bread was so delicate it melted upon contact. The vegetables, too, seemed to shift flavors with each bite. In reality, it was just exceptionally well-cooked chicken, soft bread, and a mix of common vegetables that offered an uncommon taste to my palate. Truly, it was an overhyped feast.

Satisfied, I thanked the bartender, ascended the winding staircase, and entered Room 7. The chamber, illuminated by a soft blue hue, boasted a spacious canopy bed adorned with mystical symbols. Through the window, the darkened town was visible, yet I felt secure and cocooned, thanks to the protective enchantments.

Not long after, there was a knock at the door. Weary, I walked over and opened it to find an elderly woman standing there. "Need some company tonight, handsome?" she asked.

I scanned her from head to toe, taking in her wrinkled body. "No, thank you."

"What do you mean 'no'? It's rude to turn down a lady," she protested.

"I said no," I replied firmly and shut the door, turning back toward my bed.

The knocking persisted. With a sigh, I swung the door open again and blurted out, "I'm not interested in prostitution—I AM GAY! So please, leave me alone!"

To my surprise, a young and strikingly pretty girl stood there, her expression one of shock. "I—I'm sorry," she stammered, "I thought maybe you'd appreciate some... free company, given how handsome you are. But I didn't realize you swung that way..." Her voice trailed off as she dashed away in tears.

"Wait, I don't—" I started, but she was already gone.

From another room, a door creaked open, and a man peered out at me. "Hey, that was quite bold," he said with a smirk. "You coming to my room, or shall I come to yours?"

Frustrated, I slammed the door shut. 'Damn!'

Exhausted from my journey and the day's events, I drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The soft, radiant light filtering through the translucent curtains gently roused me in the morning. I could hear distant chirping that sounded like birds, yet their melodies were ethereal, unlike any I had ever encountered. I stretched, feeling invigorated from the previous night's feast.

Feeling refreshed, I ventured into the attached bathroom and was astonished by its resemblance to an ancient grotto. Luminescent gemstones studded the walls, casting a calm light throughout. I was drawn to an opalescent marble bathtub filled with shimmering water. As I submerged myself, the sensation was unparalleled. The liquid, infused with magic, soothed my muscles and healed the minor wounds I'd acquired on my travels. The air was perfumed, reminiscent of pine forests and fields of lavender. Emerging from the bath, I felt not just clean but truly rejuvenated.

Two days ago:

Inside the tent, Duke Lightweaver was still sobbing. He motioned for me to sit beside him on his bed so we could speak candidly. "For years, we have been the last Lightweavers on this continent. We have no god of light; our ancestors accessed light from angels. But, tragically, the angels died, and we lost our true light. Before our angel passed, she told us that in the future, when darkness descends, the True Source of the Light bringer will come to this planet and seek us out."

"We've waited for so long," the Duke sobbed again. "The dark force's only weakness is light, and they targeted us first to deliver the most potent attack from the shadows."

"There's a traitor within the kingdom, but I can't pinpoint who they are." The Duke sighed, "Apostle, I may be impolite asking you to assist me, but I desperately need your help to save Eldoria."

"The dark forces are searching for the light bringer - and that's you. If they find out, they'll kill you with all their might. Your identity must remain a secret. And you cannot be on the front lines; it's too perilous. You are our only hope! I need you in the capital city to aid our people there."

"Take this," he continued, handing me a shimmering item, "and travel to Valyria, the capital of Eldoria, where our king and our last defense stand. Go to the Lightweaver mansion and present this to the butler named Guisee. Trust no one else with it. The politics within the city are convoluted, but I believe you can navigate them and address our most pressing issues. Guisee will guide you further once he examines this memory crystal."

"I regret that I cannot accompany you to the capital. You must journey there discreetly, for I fear our ranks have been infiltrated by spies and not just by the dark forces, but my political adversaries as well."

"Remember, trust no one except Guisee. Not even my wife."

"Thanks to your actions in Isolade, it drew two high-ranking vampire generals to your island, allowing us a chance to strike. If I'm not mistaken, the vampire that attacked you was of level 50. I'll dispatch our finest fighters to aid you. They will be sent to Isolade posthaste to confront the top-tier vampires there. Let's hope the people of Isolade can hold on a bit longer."

The Duke then presented a gold medal bearing the Lightweaver symbol. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I need a drop of your blood on this insignia."

***

I examined the items the Duke had entrusted to me: a crystal ball, a gold medallion bearing the Lightweaver crest, and a handful of gold coins.

After a fulfilling breakfast at the inn, I resolved to set out for Valyria, the illustrious capital of Eldoria. As I ambled through the town near the inn, I was momentarily startled by a vast shadow that obscured the sun. Raising my eyes, I marveled at the sight of a grand flying ship gracefully descending toward the town's central dock.

It was a remarkable vessel, a fusion of wood and enchanted metals. Instead of the typical canvas sails I was accustomed to, these shimmered like auroras, harnessing both sunlight and moonlight to propel the ship forward. The hull was adorned with intricate carvings that likely narrated tales of past adventures.

Realizing this was my best opportunity to reach Valyria swiftly, I decided to stow away. Dea assisted me in assessing the situation. With caution, ensuring I remained unseen, I slipped into the ship's cargo hold. I found a secluded spot behind crates filled with herbs, exotic fruits, colorful stones, and spices.

The journey was tranquil. From my concealed position, I could discern the ship's soft hum, feel its gentle oscillations as it sailed through the skies, and occasionally, the crew's laughter and songs would reverberate through the wooden chambers. Despite my confinement, the ambient magic of the ship seemed to replenish my need for fresh air and sustain me.

Each evening, the waning sun bathed the ship in golden light, and as night approached, a tranquil blue would envelop it. The stars appeared closer, their constellations vividly painting tales of ancient heroes and mythical beasts.

Something amusing happened while I was on board the ship. I learned that the captain's wife was having an affair with his crew members. They would secretly make love on the deck. She would always say, 'Don't tell anyone about our affair, I love only you, not even my husband.' And she told each of his husband crew members the same thing at different times. I believe she slept with all of them, about 12 but none of them were aware of the others.

After what seemed like days, I felt the ship begin its descent. Risking a peek through a crevice, the breathtaking sight of Valyria greeted me. Towering spires, expansive gardens, and winding rivers gleamed in the morning sun, creating a dazzling mosaic. The city was even more splendid than any tale had described.

Once the ship landed, I bided my time, and at the opportune moment, I discreetly disembarked, blending into the animated throng at Valyria's dock. My heart was brimming with anticipation and wonder at the impending adventures in this majestic capital.

I couldn't help but smile. The duke had emphasized the need for discretion before reaching his mansion. Little did he know how adept I was at hiding, not to mention conserving money. Most importantly, I wanted my journey to the capital to remain undocumented, if possible.

I am a man with a mission, and it invigorates me. After this, I will return to where I belong — Isolade. As for the world facing an apocalypse, I am indifferent. People must take responsibility for their own safety. However, those dear to me are welcome to join.