“Welcome to Shamsake!” someone shouted.
“I have business to take care of while we are here,” said Alma as she scanned the perimeter. “Do what you will and we will regroup by the fountain when nightfall arrives.”
***
Ing quickly learned the layout of Shamsake. It was split into several different sections: one for gambling, one for houses, one for inns, one where the Lord and Lady lived, one for various vendors, and one for the treasure vaults. While walking upon the cobblestone streets, he noticed a man at one of the vendors who was watching him intently. The man-- who seemed like some sort of person of noble bloodlines due to his attire—began to walk towards him.
“I would like to welcome you to my city, Shamsake,” the man said. “I am Lord Dhoulus Rama. And if I’m not being too presumptuous, I would say you are Ing Roan--the boy who seeks to fight against Slithzalien.”
“Er…How did you know?” asked Ing.
“You weren’t aware?” said Lord Dhoulus. “Word about you has reached far and wide. You matched the description well enough. Please, come to my home. There are matters I would like to discuss with you there.”
“Ok,” replied Ing.
Lord Dhoulus and Ing crossed the crowded streets off to the back left corner of Shamsake where they came upon a worthy home for one who ruled over a city. First they entered through an iron gate, and then they walked across a small bridge that stood above a pool of water. Dhoulus ushered Ing in through the door and past several rooms, where they came out into the living room.
The walls were magnificent white there, matching the rest of the home, giving Ing a feeling of majesty. Sitting on one of the couches was a woman whose beauty enchanted him. She had soft, delicate features and an equally delicate white dress; placed gently upon her head was a silver circlet which kept her blonde locks from falling down.
“I would like to introduce you to my wife, Lady Helena Rama,” Lord Dhoulus said to Ing.
“Has the day finally come?” the woman asked.
“It has, Helena,” replied Dhoulus. “This is Ing Roan, the one who will save Eclestia; the shining light in the dark that we’ve been waiting for.”
Getting up from the couch, Lady Helena greeted him. “I had hoped that we would cross paths in your journey. For far too long have the people of Eclestia lived in fear of the Dark Lord.” Ing discovered that Lady Helena was just as pleasant as Lord Dhoulus; it was something about the way she spoke.
“It is an honor,” said Ing, bowing before her.
Dhoulus joined his wife, who was now seated back on the couch, and asked Ing to please sit on the one opposite them.
Lady Helena started off the conversation by saying, “So, Ing, what do you think of the city?”
“It is quite an impressive place,” said Ing. “It’s more heavily guarded than any other town I’ve been through so far. Why is that?”
“It houses a great treasure here,” said Dhoulus. “One so ancient and powerful that it would be disastrous if it were not kept safe. Do you know what I’m talking about?”
Ing thought about what Lord Dhoulus was implying for a short while before answering, “I met a man named Hector in Alanhom. He was carrying a piece of Bolsee’s Rod with him. Do you mean to say that the other fragment is here?”
Lord Dhoulus smiled. “That is correct.”
“We have kept it safe here for many years,” said Lady Helena, her eyes seeming to wander to a time long past. “It seems that its time here is at an end. While the land and its people have gone through changes over time, it has remained unchanged. Would you please take it with you? I fear it is no longer safe here.”
It will be a burden to have to carry it, thought Ing, but I suppose I have no choice.
“If that is what you wish of me, then I will do so,” he said.
“That is very noble of you,” said Dhoulus.
“It is decided then,” said his wife.
“I have to tell you though,” said Ing, “my hometown, Ganwin, is in danger. I do not know if I can leave it in the state it is in. My people are dying under the rule of our new king. A rebel force has been formed, but they cannot protect the people forever. Will you allow me to attend to this matter first?”
“Yes, you may,” said Lord Dhoulus. “I understand your plight. A man’s home is his heart, as some say. I could not bear to see my city perish.”
“Furthermore,” said Helena, “it is us who seek help from you. We are not here to tell you what to do. Whatever matters you have to attend to, you can do so.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Nay, thank you,” the Lady continued. “We have not come across someone like you in far too long. We cannot display our thanks enough. You have given us hope to believe that there are people who will fight with their lives for this land.”
“I have a question,” Ing said. “Who are the Illusionists? I know they are magical beings under Slithzalien’s control, but that is about it.”
“The Illusionists,” said the Lord in thought. “The question is more of ‘who were they’, rather than ‘who are they’. Regrettably, I am not the most knowledgeable on the subject. If you wish to know more, you would do better to seek out Gretta in the Forest of the Mother.”
“I see,” said Ing. Unfortunately, the question will have to be answered later.
“Please return here whenever you wish, Ing,” said
