Three days had passed since Obrem sent the response to the merchants. During that time, the silence of the road seemed to echo Lygni's absence, but I didn't allow the void to turn into inertia.
I was in the courtyard under the relentless sun, feeling sweat trickle down my temples while Obrem accompanied me, watching my every move with the critical eye of a veteran.
"Gaia's Barrier!"
I shouted the technique, feeling the Web's energy vibrate through the soil. In an instant, a wall of earth and compressed rock, slightly taller than me, abruptly rose in front of me, blocking the view of the courtyard.
Obrem walked up to the structure, pounding the hardened earth with his fist to test its resistance.
"Very well, my Lord. The density is improving," Obrem said, analyzing the wall with a nod. "But in a real fight, shouting the name of your techniques is a mistake that could cost you your life. The enemy will know exactly what you're going to cast before the earth even moves."
I took a deep breath, trying to control my racing pulse.
"Try saying the name of the technique only in your head," he continued, stepping closer. "It's the same channeling process, but instead of shouting to the world, shout in your mind. Let the element respond to your will, not your voice."
I closed my eyes and focused. I imagined the Web expanding beneath my feet, connecting me to the foundation of Valenreach. Gaia's Barrier, I shouted internally, visualizing the wall rising again. The ground trembled slightly, but nothing happened.
"Frustrating, isn't it?" Obrem commented with a half-smile. "Lygni makes it look easy because her control is absolute. You are still learning how to talk to the energy."
Before I could try again, the sound of wagon wheels and horse hooves echoed through the courtyard entrance. Two men in fine linen clothes, contrasting with the dusty simplicity of Valenreach, approached accompanied by a small escort.
"I see the merchants have accepted the conditions," Obrem said, stopping by my side with his hand resting casually behind him.
I looked at them, narrowing my eyes against the afternoon sun. They looked out of place, like peacocks in the middle of a battlefield.
"Yes," I said to Obrem. "Let's welcome our visitors."
I looked at the barrier and touched it.
"Undo."
The earth barrier crumbled, collapsing into a cloud of dust that settled at my feet. Obrem went ahead of me, clearing the way with agile steps, while I maintained an upright posture, wiping my dirt-stained hands on my training tunic without taking my eyes off the merchants.
It's time to make Valenreach prosper a little more.
"Welcome to Valenreach, gentlemen," Obrem said.
They measured Obrem from head to toe; despite being old, he still looked like a formidable warrior, which clearly put them on edge.
"We wish to speak with His Highness, the Prince," one of them said, addressing the veteran.
"I am here," I said, appearing from behind Obrem. "Let's negotiate," I completed with a smile.
It's time to make money.