THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Beyond the walls, Valemir unveiled itself in stages. The outer ring consisted primarily of warehouses, stockyards, and modest dwellings—the practical infrastructure necessary for the city's function but kept separate from its grandeur. Gradually, as they proceeded inward, buildings grew taller and more ornate, streets widened, and the population density increased.

The caravan wound its way through crowded thoroughfares until reaching a bustling market square that seemed to serve as a nexus for incoming merchants. Here, Hassim called for a halt.

"This is where we part ways," he announced, approaching their group as they gathered their belongings. "My caravan continues to the Northwestern Quarter for unloading."

Yue and Litty stepped forward, the former offering a small pouch to the merchant. "For your discretion and assistance," she said. "Should you require alchemical solutions in the future, inquire at The Twisted Flask in the Alchemist Quarter."

Hassim accepted the payment with a dignified nod. "Safe travels. Valemir rewards the clever and punishes the careless—remember that."

The parting was brief but not without warmth—shared journeys, even short ones, created bonds of a sort. As the caravan continued onward, Yue turned to David.

"We'll establish our workshop in the Alchemist Quarter as discussed," she said, then proudly fished out an ornate pendant from beneath her clothing. She dangled the gleaming medallion in front of them, its surface etched with complex alchemical symbols. "The Twisted Flask owes me quite a bit for my discoveries and theories over the centuries. Free accommodation, free food, free workshop access—the full package!"

Her childlike face beamed with undisguised satisfaction as she tucked the pendant away. "I prefer not to waste such opportunities. Always nice to be appreciated for one's genius."

Litty sighed behind her mother, her lips moving in a barely audible mutter. "Free-loading, you mean."

"Three days should be sufficient to secure the necessary equipment and materials," Yue continued, either not hearing or choosing to ignore her daughter's comment.

"Agreed," David replied. "We'll meet at the Copper Garden on the fourth evening—casual, public, unlikely to draw attention."

Litty produced a small map, pointing to a marked location. "The Crooked Spire Inn should suit your needs—reputable enough for safety but unremarkable enough to avoid scrutiny."

The mother and daughter departed after a final exchange of information, disappearing into the crowd with practiced ease. David watched them go, reflecting on how Yue's childlike appearance made her virtually invisible in the bustling streets—perhaps her greatest advantage in a city of secrets.

"Shall we?" he suggested to Elara and Luna, gesturing toward a side street that would lead them toward their temporary lodgings.

The Crooked Spire proved to be exactly as Litty had described—a three-story establishment with weathered wooden beams and a slightly tilting roof peak that had given the inn its name. Inside, the common room hummed with the quiet conversation of working-class patrons—merchants, skilled craftspeople, and the occasional off-duty guard.

The innkeeper, a broad-shouldered woman with silver-streaked hair, assessed them with the practiced eye of someone who had seen every type of traveler imaginable.

"Three rooms for how long?" she asked after David inquired about accommodations.

"Just two rooms!" Luna and Elara said simultaneously, then turned to look at each other—Luna with a subtly impressed expression, Elara immediately averting her gaze, a flush rising to her cheeks.

David stood frozen, momentarily speechless. Luna's preference to stay close to him made perfect sense given her role as his Aetenus, but Elara? The dignified Archon of Lysora County wanting to share accommodations?

He cleared his throat. "Actually, just one room will be fine."

The innkeeper's weathered face broke into a knowing smile as she looked between the three of them. "One room, eh? Well, well." She leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You know, my shift ends at midnight if you find yourselves wanting some... additional company."

She winked and slid a large iron key across the counter, leaving David even more flustered than before.

"That won't be necessary," he managed, accepting the key with as much dignity as he could muster.

"Suit yourself, handsome. Room six, top floor, largest bed in the house." She chuckled to herself as she turned to attend another customer. "Some people have all the luck."

The rooms were simple but clean—each containing a narrow bed, a small writing desk, a washbasin, and a window overlooking either the street or the inner courtyard. David's room featured a small balcony barely large enough for a single person to stand comfortably, but offering an impressive view of the city's central spires rising in the distance.

As evening fell, he found himself on that balcony, watching as thousands of lights bloomed across Valemir like earthbound stars. The White Towers gleamed in the fading light, and between them, the waters of the seven rivers reflected the first evening stars.

This city—this vast, ancient seat of imperial power—held the answers he sought. Somewhere within its labyrinthine streets lay the key to secrets that led to the biggest cataclysm and fall of the empire, perhaps even knowledge about the Eye of Ternion that drifted unseen above.

David's gaze drifted upward to the darkening sky. For a moment—so brief he might have imagined it—he thought he saw a shimmer high above, a distortion in the fabric of reality that ordinary eyes would miss. Then it was gone, leaving only questions and the vast canvas of emerging stars.

Seven months until he needed to present himself at the School of the Eternal Flame. Seven months to find what he needed in a city built upon layer after layer of secrets.

Behind him, the door to his room opened softly as Luna entered. She joined him on the balcony, her presence a familiar comfort in this unfamiliar place.

"How are you holding up with the fractures?" she asked quietly, her voice carrying genuine concern rarely displayed in front of others.

David sighed, keeping his eyes on the distant spires. "I'm okay. Managing, for now at least."

Luna studied him for a moment, seeing beyond his composed exterior to the strain beneath. Without a word, she stepped closer and gently rested her head against his shoulder—a simple gesture of support that spoke volumes between master and Aetenus.

They stood in comfortable silence, their silhouettes merging against the backdrop of the illuminated city. The bond between them transcended simple service or protection—it was something deeper, forged through shared dangers and quiet moments like this one.

The night deepened around them, wrapping the city in shadow and possibility. Tomorrow, the real work would begin.