The book revealed that Thalyon was once ruled by a single, powerful figure, a monarch named Asketil Eggerl whose reign was cut tragically short by an unexplained death.
In the wake of this calamity, the High Conclave, a five-member council comprising a mage, a merchant, a soldier, a priest, and a citizen representative, had assumed power. However, their rule was fraught with discord, as each member vied for control and influence. They were incapable of reaching a consensus on a new ruler, and so the city remained in a state of political turmoil.
The mage of the council, Lady Hawisia, was the most influential among them. Her knowledge of ancient texts and formidable arcane abilities made her the de facto voice in all matters magical. Her word was law when it came to the use and regulation of magic within the city limits and its surrounding lands.
The laws of Thalyon were a tapestry of wills. Each member brought their own perspective to the table, a blend of self-interest and duty that colored their judgments. The merchant, a shrewd man named Francis Kinge, sought to expand the city's trade routes and protect its economic interests, often at the expense of the common folk. The soldier, a stern woman named Edith Sedlow, focused on the city's defense and military might, her eyes ever-watchful for threats both internal and external. The priest, a soft-spoken yet resolute figure named Brother Godric Roberts, strove to maintain the balance between the sacred and the secular, guiding the city with the wisdom of the ancients. And the citizen representative, a young, fiery voice named Emeline Lymsey, fought tirelessly for the rights of the people, ensuring that their whispers were not drowned out by the shouts of power.
„So much information..." Lucius thought to himself as he scanned the pages. „But I wonder if there are limits regarding what exactly this book can tell me... or if it comes with conditions, rules or consequences." He slammed the book shut and rubbed his temple.
„If I've learned anything from my previous life as a nerd that was into books, games and manga, then it's that such powers are never free, or severely limited. Thinking about it, it's quite strange that it was the first item that appeared to me when I came back from my... death." He mused.
He opened the book again and thought about further questions to confirm his theory. „My true origin..." It was this question that echoed through his mind.
But instead of the quill, he heard nothing. The pages remained as they were, untouched by the flurry of writing that had been so eager to respond before.
"So it can't answer everything!" Lucius felt confirmed for a brief moment, but this feeling quickly disappeared and was replaced by curiosity.
„Why can't it tell me my origin? Is it because I am not from this world? Or does it have some kind of radius and can only focus on one specific thing, like Thalyon in this case?"
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hooves and the jingle of harnesses. A caravan emerged from the forst path, a line of horses pulling heavily laden wagons towards the village.
The travelers looked weary but determined, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. It was a stark contrast to the tranquil scene of the village, which remained oblivious to their approach.
Lucius felt a strange kinship with these people. Like him, they were on a journey fraught with uncertainty. He watched as they grew closer, their faces becoming more distinct. There was a mix of fear, hope, and exhaustion etched on their features.
As the caravan reached the village's outskirts, a commotion arose. The villagers gathered, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar faces. The leader of the group, a burly man with a thick beard and an eye patch, called out for the village elder.
Lucius observed the scene from his vantage point on a nearby hill, the chilly dawn air biting at his cheeks. He sat on a flat stone that felt like a silent sentinel.
"What should I do now?" he murmured as he watched the scenes in the village.
The elder of the village appeared, a man with a stooped back and a beard that flowed like a silver river down his chest. His eyes were a piercing blue, reflecting the light of the rising sun, and his face was lined with the weight of years and the wisdom of countless winters. He approached the caravan with a gentle nod, his hands folded into the sleeves of his simple robe.
"Welcome, travelers," he called out, his voice carrying the warmth of a hearth fire on a cold night. "What brings you to our humble abode?"
The bearded man dismounted his horse with a heavy thud. "Well, what do you think a caravan is for?" He asked in a gruff voice. "We'd like to stay a day or two, restock our supplies and trade."
The village elder nodded in understanding, gesturing for them to continue into the village. "You are welcome here. The market square will be expecting you shortly."
"This is my chance!" Seizing the opportunity, Lucius descended the hill, weaving through the shadows until he was among the trees at the caravan's flank. He moved with a grace that belied his earlier clumsiness, his eyes never leaving the caravan's leader.
As the villagers' attention shifted to the newcomers, he slipped unnoticed by them into the village. He walked at a fast pace until he reached one of the village houses and hid behind it.
He caught his breath, adrenaline pumping through his body. „I'm inside! It was maybe a bit unnecessarily complicated, but who cares... I still shouldn't attract any attention. If a villager asks me who I am, I'll just use the caravan as cover. Or the other way around, either way I shouldn't attract any attention." He thought to himself.
He peered around the corner of the house and studied the layout of the village. It was a simple place, with a stone path that led through the center, flanked by small cottages with well-tended gardens and the occasional shop displaying its wares. The market square was already bustling with activity as the caravanners began setting up their stalls.
The smell of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and he realized with a start that he was ravenous. He hadn't eaten in what felt like an eternity, and the tantalizing aromas made his stomach growl.
He approached the market, keeping to the shadows as much as possible. The villagers were too busy with the new arrivals to pay him much mind, but he still felt exposed.
"I need a job, fast," Lucius murmured to himself. His eyes scanned the square, looking for any opportunity that might present itself. The caravan looked like the best bet, they were always in need of an extra hand, weren't they?