Chapter 41 Arrival

### Chapter 41: Arrival

The month-long journey through the volcanic mountains had been grueling. Each mile was marked by challenges: battles against ambushers, eerie encounters with corrupted creatures, and the ever-present weight of uncertainty. Yet, as the rising sun bathed the jagged peaks in golden light, the city of Salevo finally came into view, a sprawling bastion nestled against the base of a dormant volcano.

Salevo stood as a testament to resilience, its thick stone walls and towering spires seemingly carved from the volcanic rock itself. Smoke curled from countless chimneys, and the sounds of a bustling city carried faintly on the wind. The sight was both a relief and a reminder—they had reached a place where survival demanded strength, cunning, and alliances.

Trill stood at the edge of a rocky outcrop, his keen eyes scanning the city below. Salevo was larger than he'd expected, its streets teeming with merchants, adventurers, and workers. The volcanic mountain loomed ominously behind it, a constant reminder of the land's volatile nature.

Bren stepped up beside him, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "So that's Salevo," she said, her voice steady. "It looks...alive."

"Alive, and dangerous," Trill replied. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far more complex than they'd anticipated. "We should be careful. Cities like this don't thrive without secrets."

Behind them, the caravan creaked and groaned as the drivers urged the pack beasts forward. Lyra approached, her bow slung across her back and her sharp eyes flicking between Trill and the city.

"We made it," she said, her tone laced with relief. "Barely."

Trill nodded. "But the hard part isn't over. Salevo isn't just a city. It's a hub for mercenaries, traders, and opportunists. If we're not careful, we'll end up as pawns in someone else's game."

Lyra gave a half-smile. "Good thing we have you to keep us out of trouble."

Bren chuckled, her gaze fixed on the city. "Or into it," she muttered, earning a faint smirk from Trill.

The group descended the rocky path toward the city gates, the caravan trailing behind them. As they approached, the scale of Salevo became even more apparent. The gates were massive, reinforced with iron and guarded by heavily armed soldiers. Each passerby was scrutinized, their goods inspected, their intentions questioned.

When it was their turn, Trill stepped forward to handle the formalities.

"State your business," one of the guards demanded, his tone gruff.

"We're escorting this caravan to its destination," Trill replied evenly. "And seeking lodgings for the night."

The guard's eyes lingered on Trill's sword and then shifted to Bren. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, and he raised an eyebrow. "You lot look like you've been through hell. What kind of trouble did you bring with you?"

"None that concerns you," Bren interjected smoothly. "We dealt with the trouble on the road. The only thing we're bringing into your city is coin."

The guard grunted, clearly not convinced but unwilling to press further. He waved them through with a warning. "Don't cause trouble. Salevo has enough of that already."

As they passed through the gates, the city's energy enveloped them. The streets were bustling with activity, vendors shouting to advertise their wares, children darting through the crowds, and adventurers clad in mismatched armor moving with purpose. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meat, molten metal, and volcanic ash.

Bren glanced around, her gaze sharp. "Feels like the kind of place where you'd better keep a hand on your coin purse."

Lyra chuckled. "Or your weapons. This place is a powder keg waiting for a spark."

The caravan master, who had been quiet for most of the journey, finally spoke up. "This is where we part ways," he said, his tone brisk. "You've done your job. The payment's at the guild."

Trill nodded. "Pleasure doing business."

The caravan master gave a curt nod before guiding his wagons deeper into the city.

With their job complete, Trill turned to Bren and Lyra. "First stop is the Blade Breakers Guild. We'll collect our payment, restock our supplies, and figure out our next move."

Lyra crossed her arms. "You make it sound so simple. This place feels like it has its own agenda."

"It does," Trill replied, his voice quiet but firm. "But so do we."

---

The Blade Breakers Guild was an imposing structure in the heart of the city, its stone façade marked with scars from countless battles. Inside, the air buzzed with energy as mercenaries and adventurers filled the hall, swapping stories and taking contracts.

Trill approached the receptionist, a sleek-looking elf with piercing green eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.

"Name?" she asked, barely glancing up from her ledger.

"Trill," he replied. "Caravan escort contract, completed."

She flipped through the pages, found the entry, and nodded. "Payment's ready. Good work."

After collecting their payment, Trill motioned for Bren and Lyra to follow him. They found a quieter corner of the guild hall, away from the chaos.

"Lyra," Trill began, "you've been with us long enough to know what we're about. What's your next move?"

Lyra tilted her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You're asking if I want to stick around?"

"Something like that," Trill said.

She smirked. "I think you already know my answer. You two seem to attract trouble like moths to a flame. I'd be a fool to walk away now."

Bren grinned. "Good. We could use someone with your skills."

Trill nodded, satisfied. "Then it's settled. We move forward together."

---

After restocking their supplies and securing lodgings at a modest inn, the trio regrouped in their room. The city's noise filtered through the walls, a constant reminder of the world outside.

Trill spread out a map on the table, tracing their route north with his finger. "From here, it's a straight shot to the volcanic peaks. The journey will be dangerous, but the rewards will be worth it."

Bren leaned over the map, her brow furrowed. "What are we expecting to find up there?"

"Clues," Trill replied. "About the Sherpa, about Malgrin, about everything."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "And if we don't?"

"Then we make our own answers," Trill said, his voice firm.

Bren studied him for a moment before nodding. "I trust you, Trill. Let's see this through."

Lyra grinned. "Looks like we're in this for the long haul."

As the three of them sat around the table, the weight of their journey settled over them. Salevo had been a brief reprieve, but the road ahead promised even greater challenges.

For now, though, they had each other—and that was enough.