Seeing Eidralore in-game was one thing. But seeing it in real life was truly awe-inspiring. Suspended over a deep chasm via magic, it was almost unassailable for ground forces. The only entrance points were four long stone bridges.
Each is a couple of hundred meters long and leads up to a large stone and metal gate. The four cardinal gates of Eidralore. Ten meters tall and flanked by thick, smooth black walls reinforced by ancient magic to be nigh unbreakable.
Imitations of the legendary Everfrost Wall that cuts all across the northern border of Draumond. Separating the at least somewhat livable areas from Draumond, from the Glacial Plains that represent the North Pole of Nymerel.
"Which gate is that?" I ask Selric over my shoulder. Curious to know which direction I actually came from. Though his answer only affirms what I already believed. "It's the southern cardinal gate. Impressive, huh?"
I nod but don't answer while hanging onto the sled tightly. Though we were already slowing down. Because, of course, we couldn't just ride all the way up to the gate like that. "You see that two-story wooden building with the big fenced-off area? That's our checkpoint. We'll stop there first." Selric comments as he tugs on the reins in his hands.
The sleds had metal blades to easily glide over snow and ice. And they'd probably ruin any street you'd cross with them over time. Not to speak about the blades also getting ruined.
Our first stop instead was outside the southern gate. A place I initially thought was a slum when I first saw it from a distance. But it turns out to be much better kept. All the buildings were built sturdy and to precise specifications.
Everything surrounding the town turned out to be some kind of military barracks or some other kind of checkpoint before heading further into the city. Including trading posts and the like.
But despite being outside the city, I'm surprised to see that the ground beneath our feet turns from loose snow to cobblestone instead of just dirt. `Then again, it is the Capital of one of the big three on Draumond. So I suppose even its outskirts are well kept and in order.`
In fact. There would probably be more crime in the city, considering this place is swarming with soldiers and Outriders. Which explains why no one gives us any weird looks. At least my companions are, after all, all Outriders.
Besides. Everyone obviously has their own thing going on. Marching in formation or doing their daily chores. Everything from shoveling snow to training dogs.
So no one bothers us as we get off the sleds and approach the Outrider Checkpoint mentioned by Selric. A wide two-story building built out of sturdy, dark wood and rock foundations. One side is dominated by a big stable and warehouse, while the back and left are reserved for a fenced-off field. A place where a few hounds are loitering around.
A place, I correctly assume, is for them to have a bit of space to stretch their legs when they are not on missions. My assumption was proven correct when Myra and Garrun took off their reins and led them to the field. Where the dogs begin to frolic around, greeting and playing with what I assume are their family members and friends.
Well, I say dogs. Because they are domesticated and well-behaved. But in reality, they are about the same size as normal wolves. Bearing a strong resemblance to your typical grey wolf. So they are very impressive. So I didn't approach or try to pet them. Out of respect, of course.
`What. Afraid? Who? Me? No way.` My inner monologue is interrupted when Selric motions for me to help him unload the sleds. Which I, of course, happily do. Thanks to the soup yesterday and the hearty breakfast this morning, I felt alive again.
Well capable of unloading some supplies from a sled. A workload that halves once Garrun and Myra return to help us unload. But even without them, it would have taken a few minutes at most.
And Selric unloaded all the heavy things in my stead. So this was actually perfect for me to get back into the groove a little. I'm feeling much better and more clear-minded now that I'm up and moving around relatively normally again.
So we finish unloading the sleds and put everything away just in time for Oswald to return from making his report. "I reported that we are back and have a rescue with us. The old man wants to see us." I quirk an eyebrow at the word rescue. But then again, it wasn't wrong. So I bite back a snarky remark and just shrug.
The four of us are heading into the main building while I ponder. About what to say. After all, I had no memories of this body. Or, differently put, I have no idea who I am. So if I'm questioned, I might have a problem.
Of course, this is something I've already considered before. But now, actually faced with questions like that, I'm wondering anew how much I should say.
`Would they believe me if I told them?` My first thought actually went to the possibility of me just being honest with them. After all, what could lying do for me? Anyone who knew this boy before would instantly figure out that I'm not him.
`Besides. They deserve some honesty.` I think to myself as we head upstairs and enter a room with wide double doors. Clearly, the office of whoever is responsible for this place.
And the person sitting at the desk is just the kind of man one would expect to lead a military unit. Tall and broad-shouldered. With dark hair that has gray streaks in it. A jagged scar goes across his left cheek.
His voice is just like his appearance, authoritative and gruff. "So you are the rescue, huh?" Of course, I'm unperturbed by all of that.
"Yes. My name is Daniel Blackwell. I'm fifteen and most likely come from the south." I begin my introduction with the information I know for sure about this body. But since that was all, and I can already see the questions forming, I continue without pause.
"I woke up in this body around two months ago after an airship crash about two hundred kilometers south of here." I finish while holding the skeptical stare of the man behind the desk with my one good eye. My posture is straight, and my head is held high. So he can see that I'm not lying.
My gaze indeed has the desired effect. The dismissal I could see forming on his lips died in the same breath it formed. "I…." He begins. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously at me while checking me over. "That sounds rather convenient, doesn't it?"
I want to reply that it does indeed sound convenient, but it's the truth. But Oswald steps in before I can. "Hellevik." He interrupts our staring duel while shaking his head. "When we found the kid, he was teetering on the brink of death, half buried in the snow about forty kilometers from here. Do you really think a spy would risk his life pretending to be a dying kid all the way out there?"
Oswald's argument is, of course, quite logical. I could easily play along with it. Or just pretend I lost my memories in the crash. But I won't. I already promised myself I will be honest with all of them. So I tell them everything. Even if I end up locked up or thrown into a mental asylum.
And I mean everything. "I'm serious. I forgot everything in that crash. But that's because I'm not the soul that once resided in this body." My voice rings through the room loud and clear as I reveal my truth. "I'm not from this world. I'm actually a twenty-eight-year-old man from a different planet. Or rather, a whole different universe."
Everyone looks at me in varying states of confusion. But no one can outright disregard my words. Because of how firmly I state things. "I'm aware that you won't believe this. Nor will you take me seriously. But that is the truth. And I will stand by it. Even if I get thrown into prison for it."
My voice is so full of conviction that after I finish my statement, no one says anything for a good minute. Everyone is seemingly working through what I said in their own way. Until the man called Hellevik speaks up again.
"Let's assume that is true." He begins with a deep sigh while rubbing his temples. "Then what do you want us to do? How am I supposed to handle this? How am I supposed to handle you?" He asks with a hint of tired exasperation in his voice.
"Honestly. I don't know." I reply with a shrug. "What I do know is that I wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for Oswald. Myra. Selric. And Garrun." I bow my head slightly at each one of them in turn as I mention them. As a show of respect.
"So whatever happens to me. Don't blame them for bringing me here. And if you lock me away, then I want them to have all my possessions since I won't need them anymore." I slide my backpack off and open it to show Hellevik the things inside.
Well. The few things that are left in it. Though the only things worth anything are, of course, the magical core of the Skjálfhirta and its antlers. Not that I know how much they are worth. Even in the game, prices constantly fluctuated and were player-driven. So I couldn't even guess what the prices in this world were like.
Not that it mattered. As it's looking right now, I probably won't ever make money. Much less need it. So I just hand a stunned Selric my bag and turn back to Hellevik. "My life is theirs. And by extension, yours. So whatever you decide to do with me. I won't complain." I explain matter-of-factly.
My words seemingly stir something within Hellevik. Though it's hard to tell what that is, with confusion and tiredness still clouding his face. "A spy would never come up with an outlandish idea like that. They would have just claimed that they lost their memories in the crash, if anything." He murmurs. More to himself than to me.
So I don't answer. I just quietly stare him down. Holding his gaze steadily. "But you really believe everything you say, huh?" Only now do I nod my head. "Yes. Absolutely." Though I can see I'm fighting a losing battle here. He won't believe me, no matter what.
His next sigh and words only made me more sure of this. "Did you hit your head somewhere along the journey?" A question I answer truthfully. As of now, I know just being honest won't work. But at least I tried. And that's enough to at least still my conscience.
"Yes. When I fought that Skjálfhirta (Skal-fitra), I hit my head. Multiple times. And afterward, when I tried to learn magic, I had a few mishaps and crashed into a couple of ruined walls." I respond with a grin. Which only causes more sighs from those around me.
Now, Myra and Selric also chime in on the conversation."Commander. The kid is obviously traumatized by what happened to him and is just talking nonsense." Myra starts. Before Selric continues the argument. "Yeah. Myra is right. He is probably just recounting a book he read somewhere or something."
But even so. Even though I know telling the truth won't help convince them of anything. I still refuse to lie, even about the smallest thing. Not to them. "No. I'm not. But I can see that you all won't believe me. I wouldn't either if I were you. My story sounds more than a little far-fetched." I comment while shaking my head. Myra and Selric obviously want to argue back.
But before they can, Hellevik speaks up again."Whatever the truth is. I only care about one thing. And that is the safety and well-being of everyone in Eidralore." He begins while rising to his full height. "So, if you can promise me that you won't cause any trouble or hurt anyone on purpose, then I don't care who you really are." Finally, telling me what really matters to him.
Which is something I understand and agree with without hesitation. "I promise." And then I catch on to what it was I had seen in his eyes before. It was trust. My honesty clearly matters to him. The fact that I was willing to give his subordinates everything I have, including my life, moved him to trust me. Or at least believe my intentions are pure.
Which they are. And he evidently can see that. So with another sigh as he sits down again, he continues. "Alright. Then, as far as I'm concerned, you are free to go. Enter the city or do whatever you came here for." *He replies with a nod that is meant to convey acceptance.
However. I'm not done with him. After all, I have no idea what I actually want to do. Sure. I had a recommendation letter for one of the schools in Eidralore in my pocket. But I wasn't even sure if I wanted to go to school.
Sure. I could learn magic from them. But all the schools in the capital are expensive. I doubt I could attend any of them, even with the recommendation letter. Since it does not exclude me from having to pay tuition. So, unlessIi had someone to provide the tuition fees, there was no way for me to attend the schools.
"Actually. I have no idea what I want to do now. I have no plans. I have no home. Or people I'm connected to or need to meet. So. As said. I would give my life to all of you if you requested it. I owe you as much." My words. My offer, however, was just as I expected. Met with resistance.
Led by no other than Myra. "No. I already told you, Daniel. This is our job." Words everyone agrees with. A round of nods goes through the room. This obviously is a point of pride for Outriders. But my pride does not lag behind theirs.
So I'm quick to shoot back. "Even so. I owe you all more than I can ever give back. So let me do something for you. Anything. Even if it is just taking the materials and turning them into money." I point my chin at the backpack in Selric's hands.
But it's precisely then that he hands me the bag back. Shaking his head. "No. You fought hard for this. You almost died for this. So it's yours." He points at the bandaged side of my face as he does.
The gesture is obviously referring to the wounds I now carry with me. But wounds and scars don't matter to me. Not as much as my pride does. And my pride demands I pay them back somehow.
So I argue some more. And they argue back. Even Oswald and Garrun join in to shoot me down. "Huh. Why can't you guys just accept at least that much?" I complain with a roll of my eyes. I rub the bridge of my nose in annoyance. Because none of them are giving in. And I've long since run out of reasonable or good arguments.
Sounding more and more like a child as things go on. At which point, I just stop and throw my arms into the air in defeat. Since I loathe being unreasonable. "Ugggh. Fine. Whatever. I'm not going to argue any further. I'll keep my damn things. But only because I don't want to waste any more of your precious time. But I'll find a way to pay you all back one day."
So I accept the backpack Selric has been holding out on me for a while now, with a grumble. "Good." A collective sigh of relief went through the room. One louder than the others.
"So? Finally done arguing in my office? Then can you all get out? I have other things to do." He waves his hand at the door to shoo us out. But I wasn't actually done just yet.
There was one more thing I needed from him. Though I wasn't sure if he even was the right person to ask. Probably not. But since I'm already here, and he was already annoyed. I might as well ask. Since his mood probably couldn't get much worse.