"Is there anything left to do?"
"I guess not."
"We stole everything valuable."
"So we're going back?"
"Yeah, let's go!"
The friends were in a great mood after the fruitful harvest. Not only was the devil extremely generous but they even found some loot within the hunting lodge. It was time to thank Therim for the opportunity.
A short while later ten flying mounts gracefully landed in front of the gates of Brobrity. Although flying mounts were gradually losing their rarity, they still attracted attention. A few players walked up, excitedly watching their stars. Fortunately, they didn't block the party's way, allowing them to enter the city.
Liam and his friends almost didn't notice. They were slowly becoming numb to the feeling of being recognized wherever they went. They strolled along the road, engrossed in their own conversation. In no time at all they arrived in front of Therim's magic tower.
"Do you think Therim is already home? Or is he still dealing with Canter?", asked Balm offhandedly.
"We will see. Come on!"
Silver Blade took the lead, stepping through the door. The friends all followed behind her. However, the second Fortune entered the tower as the last person, the world suddenly changed. An invisible force grabbed the friends and pulled them upwards, passing through the ceiling, shooting through the air, until they passed a thick layer of white clouds.
"Woah, what's happening?"
"Did we run into a trap?"
"Damn, Therim must have lost, and Canter took over his tower!"
"Where did those clouds come from? They weren't there when we arrived!"
Chaotic shouts rang out as the friends travelled at an incredible speed. For a moment their vision was entirely filled with white. However, as their eyes cleared up, the scene was not as expected.
Liam and his friends found themselves hovering in the air. Looking down, the white clouds had inexplicably disappeared. Instead, a familiar city came into view.
"City of a Thousand Gales?"
"Did we return to the Duchy of Galebend?"
Out of nowhere the friends felt a sudden stir in the atmosphere. They turned around and saw a massive shadow covering the land. In the air there was a warship quickly coming closer. Its size paled in comparison to the warships seen during the war of the void. However, it was much more luxurious with thick plates protecting its body, the edges adorned with golden linings. Magic circles covered the entire warship, emitting a dazzling light as if a small sun was descending.
At this moment Cyclone and Balm looked at each other. They could see the sparkle in each other's eyes.
"We need such a ship for Dream Avenue!"
"I agree!"
The others smiled lightly. So far there were no news of players obtaining warships. Mass transport was somewhat redundant as long as teleporters existed. Warships might not even rival flying mounts in speed. However, the game had so many possibilities, surely one would be able to buy or even build their own warships.
While the friends were allowing their imagination to run wild, the luxurious flying ship was quickly coming closer. Finally, everyone recognized the figure standing at its very front. A black mage robe, with one sleeve fluttering freely in the wind. Who else could it be but Therim Riverbell?
"Therim? So this is a cutscene? Are we watching him subdue Canter?"
Fortune was immediately excited. She didn't dare to miss even a second. Her viewers greatly enjoyed battles between NPCs. That kind of spectacle couldn't be witnessed in the real world. Only starlight masters might be able to create such a show, but they didn't act often, and if they did the public wouldn't be able to observe.
The party was watching with delight as Therim's warship closed in on the city. Below, all the citizens had already taken shelter. Movement could be seen on the walls as the guards took position. But judging from their expressions they were anything but thrilled. Only a small part was prepared to actually fight.
Suddenly there was movement from the tall fairytale-like castle at the most secure part of the city. Three magnificent eagles rose to the sky, meeting the approaching warship. On their backs where three figures, two of which the players were quite familiar with.
"Eva, Verinam, and...?"
"Regal dress, protected by two powerful warriors. The woman in the middle has to be Lady Essenour, right?"
"Makes sense. But where is Canter? Fleeing again?"
While the friends were speculating, the eagles and the warship met and sparks of tension erupted. Lady Essenour held her delicate chin high, her long, blond hair billowing in the wind. It had to be said that she was indeed quite gorgeous, but her demeanour was not one of a seasoned ruler. Looking closely, one could see the nervousness on her face.
"Therim Riverbell! What an honour to welcome such an accomplished guardian as you to our humble city. You should have sent notice, so I could have welcomed you with a ceremony worthy of your name!"
"Thank you, Duchess Essenour, but there is no need to do so. I am here to apprehend a criminal and return him to the Southern Light Kingdom. I fear the fugitive would have escaped again had I prematurely announced my arrival."
As soon as Therim spoke, Lady Essenour tensed up, her expression souring. She showed a strained smile as she answered Therim:
"So you are here for such a reason. However, even if you are a respected guardian, you are not authorized to apprehend people in my duchy. Guardian, I have to ask you to leave and return after gaining an official notice. We are a respected member of the order faction, after all. Everything has its procedures. Otherwise, we wouldn't be any better than the uncivilised chaos faction. So, please, guardian, return for now, present the evidence, and seek the agreement of other guardians. And if you don't have any evidence, I am afraid we can't accommodate you."
Listening to Lady Essenour the friends discussed quietly among themselves. They were surprised that the order faction had such intricacies. Liam decided to explain a little:
"Such rules exist, but only if a guardian wants to act within a different nation. However, usually no ruler would insist on enforcing the rules like this. As no one wants to be on the bad side of a powerful guardian."
"Lady Essenour.", answered Therim with a kind smile on his face. "Of course, I am aware of the rules. Before coming here, I naturally gathered the necessary evidence. Apprehending this criminal is of the highest priority. I hurried to inform my fellow guardians and received the agreement of three of them. I hope this is enough. Please cooperate with my investigation."
Therim was obviously prepared. He produced an official document and with flick of his wrist sent it floating in front of the duchess. Even without reding it, Lady Essenour was already certain the document was genuine. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her mind reeling. What should she do?
At this moment a sigh rang through the city. A man appeared from Lady Essenour's mansion, rising towards the sky without anything to carry him. He wore plain white robes and had a head full of wavy grey hair. A stubbly beard framed his intelligent face. The man stopped next to Lady Essenour and took her hand.
"My love, it's enough. Let me deal with my problems by myself. There is no need to jeopardize yourself."
"What? How could this be?! Didn't I swear to be yours forever? How could I let others take you away?"
Lady Essenour shivered, her eyes brimming with shock. However, Canter Jourtale's expression slowly turned fierce.
"Taking me away? Therim? There is no need to be afraid. Therim was never on my level. He only relies on his title of a guardian. Watch! I will defeat the oh so mighty guardian. Afterwards we will flee far away. Where no one finds us. An isolated island..."
"Oh, Canter..."
Lady Essenour felt the strong hand holding hers and a comfortable warmth enveloped her body. She looked at Canter, her expression growing soft. So what if she had to give up the title of duchess? It was worth it for being with the man of her dreams.
However, Therim didn't care for their feelings, brutally destroying the atmosphere:
"Canter, do you really think I would allow you to escape again after everything you have done? Colluding with the chaos faction, spreading void corruption. You won't be going anywhere for a very long time."
"Trying to intimidate me, junior? Did the guardian title get to your head? Did you forget whom of us it the more accomplished mage? Let me remind you!"
Canter chuckled lightly. He let go off Lady Essenour's hand and floated even higher. Therim's expression was indifferent as he followed his rival. The two men stared at each other across the air as the surrounding mana became agitated.
"Sir, let's make it quick."
"Let me join the fun."
Suddenly Eva and Verinam laughed and controlled their eagles to rise, intending to support Canter. However they were blocked by two suddenly appearing mages, who were disciples of Therim.
"Gale Army, you dare oppose official orders?"
"Your opponent is me!"