They didn't need any long debate to decide their next destination. As Galahad, who had most experience with these things, examined the facts Edward told him, it seemed evident that the first place to go was the Istir forest. While it was true that Dragthor was not far off either, it was definite that the Istir would be easier to approach. Dragthor lied on the peak of a mountain, which was surrounded by dangerous hills and no one seemed eager to go mountaineering so soon after they had returned from the northern mountains. Moreover, the area was now occupied by the drakes, whose allegiance was another thing to question. Mel hoped they would be helpful; it didn't sound pleasing to fight an army of fire breathing beasts.
They bought a reddish maroon hooded cloak for Tei'jal for two reasons, the first being that she had already started complaining about the harsh sun and the second that vampires mostly wore clothes from their death day, something that looked horribly out of place. In the end, Galahad too sacrificed his old armor and the drape of Sedona and donned a thin plate mail covered with a bluish cloak. He, however, didn't wear a hood, feeling heavenly as the sun struck his face after the years passed.
The Istir forest was situated at the north-westernmost part of the mainland and the area was usually covered with snow, and it was known impossible to cross in winter. Even in summer, few ever traversed it right to the center, where the castle lay. Trade to the lands were rare and there were no organized trips or means of transport that led there.
They stocked up their supplies in Harburg, hoping to get anything they missed in Thais. Having Tei'jal and Galahad was an asset: they could carry huge loads with seemingly little effort. After making sure they had enough to last for many days, they took leave of the town, making way for the brightwood forest. It took them some convincing to make sure Tei'jal rode a horse too, to make sure no one suspected anything strange.
They rode slowly, something against which Tei'jal protested a lot, but the majority won. As a result, it took them almost more than half a day to reach Thais. By now sure that they hadn't missed anything, they didn't stop, for there seemed to be a good time of some four hours of light. In the end, they stopped at the merchant city of Ralora, still a good way from the border.
Ralora marked the center of the Thial territory, while the capital fell a bit to the east. The city served as a junction to the hundreds of travelers that went across the kingdom. Being located at the center also meant safety, which in turn led to huge amounts of wealth being stashed away into the houses. The city was heavily armed and was a strategic fortress for Thais. Like the capital, it had a wall and legend said it had once sustained a ten year siege from the west.
The city was worth witnessing, Mel realized as they trudged along the roads. The buildings were flashy and gleamed red in the setting sun, along with the numerous colors they were painted with. They were tall, reaching four to five storeys in some cases, though they weren't as beautiful as the ones in the elite parts of Thais. It seemed to be busier than Thais, for the roads were crowded even at this time. Merchants with slaves and horses pulling carts were the commonest sight to be seen. A quick inquiry revealed that most of the merchants were headed to the center of the city, where the union's warehouse was located. Merchants would use it in harmony and it served as a storage for anyone who was willing to afford it. The five travelers walked slowly along the red tiled path as they experienced the grandeur of the rich city.
The inn and the tavern seemed to be no different than the one they usually went to in Thais. Mel and Stella sat quietly together, while Edward seemed to be trying to have some conversation. Tei'jal had insisted not to come while Galahad was in deep conversation with a strange looking man on the other end of the large room.
'Mel' Stella said, returning from her lost look. 'How did you ever meet Tei'jal?'
'She saved me from Gyendal' Mel said. She explained the events of the night in full detail. She still could remember the stench in the water laden sewer.
'And then she brought you to Thais?'
'Yeah, and I was forcefully enrolled into the academy'
'But' she frowned. 'Didn't you tell anyone in Harburg that you were leaving?'
Mel shrugged.
'There isn't really anyone like that, though I did owe ten coins to Boden, my employer. I guess I should have returned those yesterday... I'll probably do it the next time we go there'
'What of your family?'
'I don't have any' she said. 'Or at least, none that I know of' She told her everything she had told Ted and Steven all those days back. She hoped Ted wouldn't be mad at her when she went back.
'I'm sorry' Stella said as she finished.
'It's long gone' Mel said carelessly. She paused. 'Do you remember anything of your family?'
'No' Stella said quietly. 'I wish I could, though. I don't know, but maybe we'd have a small house on the hill, a small stream that runs by. Maybe I'll have a sister, just like you. You're so nice to me, Mel, even though I've never done anything for you. I really wish we had met before'
She smiled innocently and suddenly, unawares, Mel realized her eyes were slightly wet.
'Well we have us, at least' she said, looking away. Mel smiled like she had never before, for there was something in her eyes that had just touched her heart.
'There is news' Edward said taking a seat opposite to Mel. 'And it isn't good'
He picked up a small cherry from a bowl of fruits that had somehow ended up on their table and put it in his mouth.
'There has been unnaturally heavy snow near the Istir since several months and the road is practically blocked for everyone'
'Who told you this?' Mel asked, leaning ahead.
'He says he's a regular merchant to the region and business has been suffering due to this snow' He eyed a man wearing a furry coat a few tables away. Mel frowned, unknowingly taking a cherry from the basket too.
'What choice do we have anyway?' she asked. 'What does the man say?'
'He says there is a way to get in, bypassing the block through the caves, but the path is dangerous and dark. Anyway, he says that now this path is blocked too, which is the reason why he's still here'
Mel went back in her chair. Before they could talk any more, Galahad put down his glass, which still was full, in front of them.
'The road...' he began.
'Is blocked' Edward completed, nodding.
'Very well' Galahad said, looking surprised. 'Now it seems that we must take a bit of deviation first'
The three leaned ahead.
'The man I was just talking to says that there is someone who is a master of the ways of the Istir. I had to buy him many drinks to extract this, but it seems that this particular man resides in Stormbend'
'I've been there' Edward said, straightening up.
'Well and good' Galahad said again. 'Now this drunkard says that the man has extensive knowledge and hence, he can lead us right to the capital. However, he also mentioned that he has been acting strangely from late and may not accept payment in means of money'
Mel bit her tongue.
'That could be a bit of hassle' she said.
'It could, for all we know, but let's hope otherwise. Anyway, this seems like the only way ahead for us. Does anyone have any other suggestion?'
No one spoke.
'It's finalized then' he said, getting up. 'Tomorrow, we change route and make instead towards west, heading for Stormbend'
'Where are you going?' Mel asked.
'I've to hunt down a vampress before she does anything bad' he said. She noticed the slight grin on the corner of his lips.
