Harper

The city walls of Dunlam loomed ahead, golden in the light of the late afternoon sun. Even from a distance, the place exuded a kind of restless energy. The outskirt villages had been quaint, brimming with charm, but this, this was something else entirely. The gates stood wide open, a steady stream of travelers and merchants filtering in and out, their voices blending into a vibrant symphony of city life.

As we brought our horse into the stables just inside the entrance, I couldn’t help but drink in every detail, the colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, the scents, the sheer diversity of people moving through the cobbled streets. It was intoxicating, and for a moment, I forgot why I am here.

Thorin’s voice snapped me back to reality. “Have you never seen a city before? You look like a child walking into a sweet shop for the first time.”

I blinked at him, quickly masking my wonder. “I’ve been in cities before… just none quite like this.”

He gave a nonchalant shrug, casting a glance around as if unimpressed. “Looks a lot like many cities in this kingdom, if you ask me.”

I scoffed internally. Maybe to him, but to me, Dunlam felt like finding a new checkpoint in an immersive RPG, where every street corner hid a potential quest, and every stranger could either be an ally or a hidden antagonist. The thought made my pulse race. Was this all part of the simulation? Will I be the author of my own journey or will I be guided towards a certain goal?

Shaking off the intrusive thoughts, I followed Thorin deeper into the city. The energy was electrifying. Merchants called out to passersby, their voices rich with persuasion as they advertised exotic wares. A fruit vendor sliced a ripe peach open with a flick of his knife, the scent sweet in the warm air. Stalls displayed everything from finely woven fabrics to gleaming trinkets, even vials of shimmering liquid promising magical effects. I wanted to see everything at once, touch everything, experience it all.

We passed a stall covered in peculiar artifacts, I slowed and an elderly merchant caught my gaze. He stepped forward, his hands adorned with rings of different metals, each one glinting in the sunlight. In his grasp, he held an ornate amulet, its golden chain coiling like a serpent in his palm.

“This,” he said, his voice smooth and knowing, “will help you discover true love.”

An image of Ethan surged into my mind. A familiar ache spread through my chest, a mixture of longing and sadness. I clenched my hands into fists, trying to shove the memories away. The merchant’s gaze flickered, his knowing smile deepening.

“Perhaps,” he continued, as if sensing my hesitation, “this one would suit you better.” He lifted another amulet, this one smaller, simpler. “It grants strength when you need it most.”

I reached out, hesitantly letting my fingers brush against the cool metal. Warmth spread through me instantly. This amulet felt important. My heart rate slowed, the tightness in my chest easing just a little. It felt… safe. Familiar, even.

“I don’t have any coins,” I admitted reluctantly.

The merchant closed my fingers around the amulet, his touch gentle yet firm. “Keep it,” he said, nodding toward Thorin, who had stopped ahead, watching with wary eyes. “You’ll need it more than you know.”

I slipped the amulet into the pocket of my dress before turning to catch up with Thorin. His sharp gaze flicked from me to the merchant, then back again, his expression unreadable.

“You must be cautious of some merchants,” he muttered as we walked. “Their agendas aren’t always pure.”

I arched an eyebrow at him, my pulse still thrumming with excitement. “How much longer until we meet the others?”

Thorin’s smirk took on a cryptic edge. “Here’s the thing. I need you to wait while I speak with them first.”

I frowned. “Wait…why?”

“It’s unlikely they’ll turn you away,” he admitted, “but you are an outsider. I’ll have to do some convincing to keep you.”

I let out a short laugh, trying to ignore the unease curling in my stomach. “Keep me? What happened to this debt I owe you?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he led me toward a small bakery nestled between towering buildings. The scent of fresh bread and cinnamon filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Inside, a kind-looking woman smiled as she kneaded dough behind the counter. The homey atmosphere made my shoulders relax.

Thorin gestured toward the counter. “Malva here makes the best pies and cakes in the city. Sit here and eat something while I handle the discussions. You’ll be safe with her until I return.”

Malva wiped her hands on her apron, her eyes twinkling as she waved me over. “Come, dear. You must be starving.”

I hesitated, glancing back at Thorin. “How long will you be gone, Thor?”

He smirked, the expression teasing yet reassuring. “Not long, Harper of Earth.”

And with that, he disappeared into the bustling market, swallowed up by the sea of people. I exhaled, settling onto a wooden stool as Malva placed a warm pie in front of me. I wasn’t sure if I felt abandoned or relieved, but one thing was certain, the flutter of anticipation in my chest wasn’t going away anytime soon.