Chapter 39: The City of Silverstream

After several days of uneventful travel, Drake and Clunky arrived at the outskirts of Silverstream, a city renowned for its skilled artisans, its thriving trade, and its powerful noble families. The city was built along a wide, winding river, its buildings gleaming white stone, giving it a bright and prosperous look.

As Drake approached the city gates, he noticed a stark contrast to Oakhaven. Here, guards in polished armor patrolled the walls, and the streets within were paved with smooth cobblestones. Merchants displayed their wares in elaborate stalls, and citizens dressed in fine clothes strolled along the bustling avenues.

"Well, Clunky," Drake muttered, "looks like we've traded the backwoods for the big leagues. Time to put on our best behavior… or, you know, my usual charmingly chaotic behavior."

He entered the city and made his way to the city center, where he found a large, ornate building that he assumed was the local equivalent of the Adventurers' Guild. He was wrong. It was the Silverstream Noble's Assembly. He decided to ask for directions inside.

The interior was even more opulent than the exterior, with marble floors, high ceilings, and elaborate tapestries hanging on the walls. Attendants in fine livery hurried about, attending to the needs of the nobles who were gathered there.

Drake approached one of the attendants, a young man with a neatly trimmed mustache. "Excuse me," he said. "Could you direct me to the Adventurers' Guild?"

The attendant looked at Drake with a disdainful expression, sizing him up from his worn traveling clothes. "The Adventurers' Guild?" he repeated, his voice dripping with condescension. "That rabble? I wouldn't know where to find them. This is the Silverstream Noble's Assembly, a place for civilized folk."

"Right, civilized," Drake repeated, a sarcastic grin spreading across his face. "Because wearing fancy clothes and talking down to people is the definition of civilization. I get it. My bad. Guess I should have worn my tiara and my diamond-encrusted codpiece."

Before the attendant could respond, a voice boomed from behind them. "What's all this commotion?"

A tall, imposing man in richly decorated clothing approached them. He had a stern expression and a neatly trimmed beard. Drake recognized him as Lord Valerius, one of Silverstream's most influential nobles.

The attendant quickly bowed his head. "My lord," he stammered. "This… this person was asking for directions to some… unsavory establishment."

Lord Valerius turned his attention to Drake, his eyes narrowing. "And who might you be?" he asked, his voice cold.

"Just a humble traveler," Drake replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Looking for a place to… enhance my career prospects. You know, slay some dragons, rescue some damsels, maybe even find a decent cup of coffee. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find such a place, would you?"

Lord Valerius's eyes narrowed further. "You speak with a strange tongue, traveler," he said. "And your attire suggests you are not of noble birth. I suggest you state your business quickly and be on your way."