Before long, the sight of walls and rock watchtowers rose over the horizon, blotting out the lingering haze of dust that trailed behind their carriage. Barcken—trade centre of the southern reaches—stood proud and unchanging, a hub of commerce and chaos, where voices from across Virencia and beyond blended into one clamour.
For Luke and Ilyrana, the sight was almost like a homecoming. Strange, considering neither had ever called Barcken home, nor could they. Yet after the barren emptiness of the Wasteland, after the weight of shadows and death, the city's noise and life rang like a promise of safety. It was enough to stir something warm in their tired chests. Perhaps it was only the contrast—the relief of the living after so much time among desolation—but even Luke found himself smiling.
