Upon arriving in the Frontier Kingdom, Merslin and his companions made their way to the kingdom's library. They decided to look for materials there to learn about the paper with the strange symbol left behind by the Dark Knights.
"We should be able to find the clue we're looking for here. The library of the Frontier Kingdom holds the most extensive knowledge in this region," Adeon said.
Entering the library, Merslin and the party looked through the archives where various ancient documents and records were kept. The library's interior was filled with high ceilings and long rows of bookshelves, and scholars were engrossed in their research in the quiet atmosphere. They moved busily, searching for books and records about ancient symbols.
Just then, an archivist approached them. "Are you looking for something?" the archivist asked.
"Yes, we'd like to know about this paper with this symbol engraved on it. The Dark Knights had it," Merslin said, showing him the paper.
The archivist examined the paper closely and then nodded. "This symbol belongs to a very old, ancient race. Have you ever heard the name, the Shadow-kin?"
Merslin and his companions shook their heads. "We've never heard of the Shadow-kin. Who are they?"
The archivist began to explain. "The Shadow-kin are an ancient race that operates in the shadows of the Luminaria continent. They have long threatened Luminaria through dark magic and stealthy ambushes. They primarily operate deep within mountains and forests, forming a secret and reclusive society. They are ruled by a small number of powerful leaders and possess the ability to shapeshift into various forms."
Kaila said in surprise, "So that's why the Dark Knights had this symbol. Now that we know they are connected to the Shadow-kin, we must prepare to stop them."
The archivist nodded. "That is correct. The Shadow-kin are extremely dangerous beings. You must ascertain their purpose and stop whatever it is they are planning."
At that moment, a bard entered the library. It seemed he had overheard their conversation while playing his music. "If you wish to hear tales of the Shadow-kin, you should ask me. I know many songs and stories."
Merslin and his companions approached the bard and greeted him. "Hello. We would like to know more about the Shadow-kin. Could you tell us the stories you know?"
The bard smiled and replied, "Of course. The Shadow-kin have existed in this land for a very long time. They use dark magic and neutralize their foes with secret ambushes. Their abilities are often mentioned even in legends."
The bard took his lute in hand and began to sing. The song spoke of the origin of the Shadow-kin and their power. It told the story of the Shadow-kin transforming into mighty warriors through dark magic and achieving victory by ambushing their enemies.
"The Shadow-kin form a secret and closed society. They follow their own rules and laws and minimize contact with the outside world. But their appearance always signifies a great threat," the bard added in explanation.
Listening to the bard's story, Merslin's resolve hardened. "We must prepare to stop the threat of the Shadow-kin. We have to thwart their plans and protect Luminaria."
Based on the information from the library and the bard's tales, Merslin and his companions began to formulate a plan to counter the threat of the Shadow-kin. They steeled their resolve to face new threats and challenges.
***
Episode : The Stables of the Frontier Kingdom
To prepare for their next journey, Merslin and his companions decided to acquire better horses. Adeon said he knew a good place and led the party.
Merslin already had a horse of his own but decided to go along to help his other companions choose theirs.
"We'll need good horses to travel, and I know just the place. It's the most famous stable in the Frontier Kingdom," Adeon said.
Kaila agreed. "Good, Adeon. We'll need good horses if we're to explore more towns and cities."
Merslin looked around and remarked, "So this must be the most famous stable in the Frontier Kingdom. We should be able to get good horses here."
Adeon led his companions to the stable. Located on the outskirts of the kingdom, its scale was immense. A wide field where horses galloped freely spread out at the entrance, and the interior of the stable was clean and well-organized. The spirited neighing of horses could be heard, and the well-maintained facilities caught their eyes.
The stable master greeted them warmly and began to show them various horses. "Welcome! This is the finest stable in the Frontier Kingdom. What kind of horse are you looking for?"
"We need horses that are fast and strong. We intend to use them for a long journey," Adeon replied.
The master nodded and began to introduce a variety of horses. "All of these horses are maintained in peak condition. The one you see here is fast and has great stamina, and that one over there is incredibly strong."
Merslin and Kaila examined each horse closely, discussing which would be the most suitable. Adeon, concealing his identity as a prince of the kingdom, focused on choosing a horse.
"This one looks good. It seems fast and strong," Kaila said, pointing to a horse.
Merslin agreed. "Yes, I think this one would be the most suitable for our journey."
Adeon spoke to the master. "We will purchase this horse. What is the price?"
The master smiled and replied, "An excellent choice. The price is as follows..."
Adeon paid the required amount and purchased the horse. They left the stable with their new steed and began to prepare for the next leg of their journey.
"With this horse, we'll be able to travel faster and more safely," Merslin said.
Kaila stroked the newly purchased horse. "It's a truly magnificent horse. Now we can explore many more places."
As they left the stable, Merslin thanked the master. "Thank you very much. These horses will be a great help on our journey."
The master smiled in return. "I wish you a safe journey. Please come back anytime you need help."
**
Episode : Rumors from the Inn and Tavern
Having acquired good horses from the stable, Merslin and his companions headed to an inn in the Frontier Kingdom. The inn was bustling with travelers, and they decided to rest there and gather information.
"If we want to get the information we need, it would be best to listen to the rumors in this inn and tavern," Merslin said.
Kaila nodded. "You're right, inns and taverns are always good places to get information."
Adeon approached the innkeeper and greeted him. "Hello, we'd like to get a room. And by any chance, are there any recent rumors or interesting stories going around here?"
The innkeeper kindly showed them to a room and said, "Of course. Since all sorts of travelers stay here, there are always interesting rumors. Recently, there's been talk of strange movements outside the town."
Merslin and his companions were assigned a room and sat down in the inn's lobby to start conversations with other travelers. Travelers were gathered in the lobby, enjoying their dinner, and a fire crackling in the hearth added to the warm atmosphere. They made an effort to gather rumors from the town and the surrounding area.
"Have you experienced anything interesting during your travels?" Merslin asked a middle-aged traveler sitting next to him.
The traveler smiled and replied, "I've been to many places, but recently I heard a story about a strange light being seen around here. The light seemed to be coming from an ancient ruin."
Kaila showed her curiosity. "Do you know where that light came from?"
"I don't know the specific location, but I heard the light was seen deep in the forest north of the town," the traveler answered.
That evening, Merslin and the party headed to the tavern. The tavern was crowded with people, and various stories were being exchanged. Adeon approached the bartender and asked.
"Are there any interesting rumors going around here lately?"
The bartender laughed and replied, "You hear all sorts of rumors here and there. Recently, there's been talk of a strange light seen outside the town, and also a story about some ancient ruin being discovered. They say it's a place that has been hidden for a very long time."
Merslin and Kaila tried to get more information by talking to the people around them. "Do you know anything about the people active outside the town?"
A villager nodded. "Yes, strange people have been lurking around the village recently. I don't know what they're looking for, but everyone is on edge."
In a corner of the tavern, Kaila spoke with several travelers and heard more rumors. "Do you know what's been happening in the forest recently?"
A young traveler replied, "I've only heard stories, but there's a rumor that some ancient power has awakened deep in the forest. A few people tried to investigate that power, but they never came back."
Merslin committed the important information to memory and said to his companions, "We need to investigate this further based on this information. It seems like something big is happening."
Adeon nodded. "Right. We need to make a plan based on this information. It might be connected to the clues we've already found."
Merslin and his companions began to formulate their future plans by piecing together the rumors they had gathered from the inn and the tavern. They resolved to uncover more of the truth through these new clues and information.
***
Episode : In Search of the Truth Behind the Rumors
The next morning, based on the information they had gathered from the tavern and the inn, Merslin and his companions decided to head out of the village to investigate. They set out to find the location of the strange light and the ancient ruin the villagers had spoken of.
"We need to find out what these rumors we've discovered mean. This could be an important clue for our journey," Merslin said.
Kaila agreed. "You're right, and we might be able to get more information. Perhaps it's a clue related to the Shadow-kin."
Adeon took the lead on his horse and said, "If we go a little further north from here, we should come across the ruins mentioned in the rumors. We must approach with caution."
They rode out of the village. The path grew rougher, and the trees became dense and overgrown. They moved slowly, staying alert to their surroundings. The forest was quiet, but it seemed as if a strange sound was coming from somewhere.
"Over there, I see a strange light!" Kaila said, pointing with her finger.
Merslin watched the light and said, "Be careful, it seems like something is happening here. Let's be prepared."
They approached the source of the light, thoroughly scouting the area. There was an ancient ruin, and strange symbols were carved around it. In the center of the ruin was an altar made of old stone, and on it lay a glowing crystal.
"This symbol is the same as the one we found on the Dark Knights," Adeon said.
Merslin examined the symbol. "You're right. This ruin might be related to the Shadow-kin. We need to investigate further."
They investigated the area around the ruin, documenting the strange phenomena occurring there. Merslin used his magic to analyze the energy of the ruin, while Kaila searched the area around the altar for hidden secrets. Adeon kept watch, preparing for any potential danger.
"There's some kind of energy flowing here. This isn't just a simple ruin. It looks like some kind of ritual was performed," Merslin said.
While examining the area around the altar, Kaila discovered a small hole. "There's something hidden here. I'm going to try to open it."
She carefully opened the hole and took out a small box. Inside the box were ancient documents along with some strange objects. The documents were written in the ancient language of the Shadow-kin.
"These documents might contain the secrets of the Shadow-kin. We need to translate them and find out what they say," Adeon said.
They took the documents and objects they had found in the ruin and returned to the village. Merslin decided to ask for help from the village's sages or scholars to decipher the contents of the documents.
"Now we know more about the threat of the Shadow-kin. We must prepare to stop their plans," Merslin said, his voice filled with determination.
Kaila and Adeon agreed with Merslin's words and solidified their future plans. They were ready to fight against the threat of the Shadow-kin to protect the continent of Luminaria.