Tarquin and Lexi are sitting in a tavern, eating fresh bread and drinking old wine when a woman in a blue tabard with the badge of three white dragons and a white cape walks in. She stands on a table and beckons for attention. "I am Avaleras Harthos! I come from Vestraea! The great southern lands! I am looking to reclaim Yageris under Vestraea's control, just as my father did years ago. Who will join me?"
Looking over at her Tarquin looks around the room to see how people here will respond.
Everyone in the tavern appears to be staring at Avaleras, many shaking in fear of the speaker of the word 'reclaim'.
Avaleras gives off an air of dignity. She stares at the crowd with fierce eyes. "Some of you are scared of my words! Why?" Vestraea does not wish you harm! She only wants to bring back prosperity to this land and make it a part of the empire once again.
Looking at Lexi beside him Tarquin comments, "Do you think this will impact our travels?"
"War is never good business for adventurers and travelers." she replies. It seems we have ended up in the middle of an ongoing conflict with the locals of Yageris. It may affect our travels and plans. The locals are likely going to retaliate for our mere presence here due to their loyalty to this land and their independence. it would be in our best interest to stay away from any area in which there is fighting or political disputes."
Avaleras continues to stare at the crowds and then finishes her recruitment speech. The crowd still looks uneasy and fearful of the speaker. As Avaleras steps down from the table some in the crowd whisper about how they should avoid Avaleras.
As she walks past, Tarquin speaks up, inviting her to sit at their table.
Seeing him, she smiles warmly. "Why not? This day was long and hot, so a drink would be most delightful."
Tarquin orders a round for the three of them. "My name is Tarquin," he says, "and this is my companion, Lexi."
She sits next to Tarquin. "Lovely to meet both of you. I do believe we have quite a bit to talk about. Did you hear my recruitment request?"
Tarquin replies, "At this point we don't plan to get involved in your war, but I did have a few questions if that is ok?"
"Of course," she said! "Ask away, and I shall answer to the best of my ability"
Tarquin asked, "How much of the region do you intend to claim for your country?"
"The entire country once belonged to Vestraea before the rebellion that occurred many years ago. I'm here to return this land to the empire that I hold a great deal of pride for." she commented with complete certainty in her voice.
"We have a legion of a few hundred soldiers on route. They have already traveled from the southern ports. In addition, I have hired mercenaries to act as front-line soldiers in my ranks." She looks around the room. "A fair amount of the people here seem afraid of me. I do wonder why?"
Lexi explained, "This part of the country has lived in peace for many years. The prospect of war will be unsettling for many."
Avaleras replied in a disappointed tone, "I simply wish to return this land to Vestraea. it is a waste to let a prosperous nation such as this exist independent of its empire. The locals should be grateful to have me here as they will be protected from outside invaders by the empire. If not by me, then who?"
"While battles may have been fought in the port cities, there have been no invaders here in many generations. They don't see the risk you speak of as being real. All they see is you taxing them and taking their wealth overseas.
She clenches her fist. "Perhaps if I explain more clearly and take action, they will come to realize that they cannot remain independent and free of the empire."
"Perhaps," Tarquin spoke up, "but my advice would be to ignore this part of the country, focus on the southern ports and the west. Control those areas, and these parts will just follow the lead of the others."
Avaleras considered Tarquin's suggestion and sat back in her chair. "Your words are not without merit. Perhaps you are right. I have never considered a soft approach to people. Only to their Leaders. I shall certainly consider this and make a decision accordingly." She looks over at the two of them, "Thank you for your insight and advice."
"Your advice seems very well informed; you speak like someone who knows this place very well. What exactly brings you and your companion to this land?" she asked Tarquin.
"We are adventurers, returning from a quest to the north, we are passing through on our way home." Tarquin explained.
Avaleras' brow raises, "Adventurers? I assume your quest to the north was a challenging one then. I have heard rumors that monsters lurk around the north borders of the land, and that bandits are rampant there. Were the rumors true? Did you face many hardships during your quest?"
"The rumors are true," Tarquin replied, "we had our challenges, but we were successful.
"I am curious as to why you would risk your lives by journeying into such a dangerous region?"
"I am a sorcerer and seek knowledge, without effort, knowledge cannot be gained." Tarquin explained.
"A sorcerer? If I may inquire, how many years have you spent studying the arcane? What type of magic do you practice?" she asked. "I imagine the north is not a place many would venture, even for knowledge. Perhaps that is how you managed to remain hidden for so long."
Giving a frown, Tarquin replied, "I assure you; we have no fear of being found and have never hidden from anyone.
"In our country we have a temple dedicated to magic. Some of my royal ancestors were among the most powerful sorcerers this land has ever seen. In fact, if you are interested, I could take you to the ancient temple that my ancestor built many years ago. it is located at the top of Mount Heursos and holds many secret teachings for masters of arcane knowledge. The temple is quite majestic in its own right and contains many scrolls and texts." She went on, "It is a full day right from here, you can decide if it is worth it to you to make the trip. I find that the journey is almost as exciting as the destination."
"If we make the trip, would I have access to the scrolls?" Tarquin asked.
"Indeed, the temple is not one that requires any payment or approval from myself or any other ruler. However, I must warn you that the temple contains many terrifying and mystical secrets that could lead one to go mad. You come and go at your own risk."
Tarquin looks at Lexi who gives him a nod, "We would love to travel to the temple with you. When do you think it will be possible to go?"
Avaleras smiles warmly. "My legion is scheduled to depart in the morning. We will be marching west and northwest toward the western border of the nation. It is possible for you to join us for the journey. The temple is located to the north of the legion's planned camp so we could pass it and visit the temple."