Valestia

“Aedon was founded 130 years ago, five years after the discovery of the labyrinth tier dungeon, Valestia. Upon discovery that the dungeon would reappear once more, large gatherings of adventurers settled around the opening to the dungeon. Over the next few decades, Aedon had turned from an encampment of adventurers to a large city, it’s guild presence rivaling that of the capital,” said Lucille.

“Eventually,” she continued, “it got so big that the King at the time decided it needed to be under the jurisdiction of a noble family, instead of merely the guild’s authority. Thus, the Argos family became the rulers of Aedon. Upon claiming their new position, they passed new laws and regulations along with heavy tax burdens on goods brought from Valestia, all to fund the construction of their manor overseeing the city.”

“The worst of these regulations occurred five years ago. The lord suspended all guild activity within the city, including even guarding Valestia’s entrance. With no one allowed to stand watch, or cull the monsters inside, dozens of monsters spilled out and killed seven civilians before the guild stopped them. To make matters worse, the adventurers that stopped the monsters were arrested for violating the halt on guild activity,” said Lucille.

“What!? What could possess the lord to do such a thing,” asked Sofia.

“The former Lord Argos was well known as one of the most despicable noblemen one could find. Noblesse oblige meant nothing to him, and he believed citizens were merely his personal coin purse,” said Lucille. “He didn’t like the guild bypassing his authority.”

“Former?” I asked. “What happened to him?”

“His younger brother returned from the end of the Drestin war. When he learned of the block on guild activities and the subsequent monster attack, he couldn’t stand by. He stationed his own personal guards at Valestia’s entrance, then, at that year’s High Summit, he petitioned the King to arrest Lord Argos for his **** of power and neglect of his duties. King Zain agreed, and Lord Argos was tried and thrown in the capital dungeons. His younger brother became the next Lord Argos, and lifted the restrictions on the guild,” and answered Lucille.

“That is good to hear. It would not do to have such a despicable man remain as a lord,” said Alice.

“Indeed,” said Lucille. “Ever since House Argos was put in charge of Aedon, relations with the capital have been poor, and have only begun to mend with the newest lord’s ascension.”

“So do you think we’re gonna run into trouble, being from the capital?” I asked. Lucille shook her head.

“Adventurers are heroes to the people of Aedon, so even those from the capital shouldn’t be resented,” said Lucille. “We should, however, keep the fact Ophelia is a noble from the capital to ourselves.”

“That is probably for the best,” said Ophelia.

“Anything else we should know?” asked Flora.

“Not much else. As a town of adventurers, it has all the supplies we could possibly need. It’s home to some of the best armorers and alchemists in Regnica. It even has a hot springs,” said Lucille. “As well as the southern church branch, and the base of the Templar order.”

“Sounds like one hell of a town,” I said, envisioning the hot springs. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun there.”

“For now, we should get some sleep,” said Alice. “We have a long road ahead.”

“Who’s got first watch?” Sofia asked.

“I think I can handle that,” said Ophelia.

“Thanks for volunteering,” said Alice.

“Actually, I have a spell that could take care of it,” Ophelia said. “It’s a warding spell, should keep monsters away from the camp. It’ll last at least the night.”

“Wow. Wouldn’t expect a spellsword to have warding spells,” said Sofia. “I’m impressed.”

“Well...back when, you know, uh, brother would have me place wards around the house when he was out,” Ophelia said, looking down.

“Hey, it’s fine now. He’s not coming back,” I reassured her, gently patting her shoulder. She smiled gently and nodded before heading to the edge of camp to cast her warding spell. The rest of us entered our tents and went to sleep.