As Aurelion left the bench, his steps were calm, but his mind was a beehive. He had succeeded. Controlled energy, sparks... He had pried open the door to his inner potential, and even the scraps of information he'd gleaned from Vespera were drawing a new road map.
But now there was a more pressing problem. He hadn't gone to the Silverfang Clan, but he had to appear as if he had. Especially when Roric returned.
As he walked towards Roric's house,he quickened his pace slightly, as if he were a child returning from a pleasant visit, a little tired but content.
When he reached the heavy oak door, he stopped, took a deep breath, and plastered a smile on his face. He even tried to make the golden glint in his eyes seem more... childlike and curious. He quietly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Sigrid was the first to notice him in the hall. Seeing Aurelion, she stopped her work and walked towards him with a warm smile.
"Welcome back, Aurelion!" she said cheerfully. "How was the clan visit? Was it nice? Did you get to meet Ylva?"
Aurelion, nodded eagerly. "Yes, it was very nice, Sigrid! Their clan... is incredible! So big, and there are interesting carvings everywhere. I met Ylva too, yes, we only talked for a short while but... she's an interesting person. That was very different place."
Just then, Brynja appeared at the kitchen doorway. She had also heard the conversation. She looked slightly surprised, but the serious expression on her face didn't change much.
At this moment, with both women's attention on him, Aurelion's smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by an eager yet slightly regretful expression. He turned directly to Brynja.
"Actually, I was so interested, that I want to go back right away! Brynja, the two hours you mentioned were really too short, I felt like I couldn't fully take it all in, and my conversation with Ylva was cut short!"
He continued quickly, not giving Brynja a chance to object: "Besides, I told them I had a small errand but would be back soon. If I don't go now, I'll have broken my word, and I wouldn't have fully responded to Clan Leader Viggo's invitation, which would be rude on Captain Roric's behalf."
Brynja's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Right away?" she said. "But you just got back, Aurelion. And for you to go out so often while the Captain is away..."
"But Brynja," Sigrid interjected immediately, supporting Aurelion. "Look how eager he seems. And this is the Clan Leader's invitation, it wouldn't do to refuse or break his word. Let him go, just for a little longer. What could happen?"
Aurelion immediately backed Sigrid's words. "Yes Brynja! Just for an hour or so! I promise I'll be back earlier this time. Besides, I promised them..."
Brynja hesitated for a moment. The child's insistence, Sigrid's support, and most importantly, the thought of being disrespectful to the Clan Leader... If Roric found out upon his return that Viggo's invitation hadn't been fully honored, there could be trouble. She let out a deep sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"Alright," she said wearily. "But only for an hour! Not a minute more, not a minute less. And no wandering around, go straight to the clan and come back. Understood? I can't answer to the Captain if something happens to you."
"Understood! Thank you, Brynja! Thank you, Sigrid!" He quickly turned around and waved to both servants as he headed for the door. "I'm off!"
The moment he stepped out the door, the cheerful, childlike expression on Aurelion's face fell away. It was replaced by his usual cold, distant look. He let out a deep breath. The plan was working perfectly. But again that was humiliating.
He began to walk towards the main thoroughfares of the Upper District. His steps were more determined now. Viggo's invitation was an unexpected opportunity, and he had to make the most of it.
The inner workings of the clans, power dynamics, perhaps a new clue about the Seals...
After walking for a while, he felt the atmosphere change again. The buildings began to look more monolithic, less ornate, but sturdier. The air seemed sharper. And on the walls, banners proudly fluttered in the wind.
A silver, sharp lined claw embroidered on a black background... The Silverfang Clan. This was their territory. High walls, separating it from the rest of the city, surrounded the area. The same banners waved at regular intervals on the walls. This wasn't just a district. It was a small, fortified castle within the city.
Aurelion headed for the main entrance of the walls. Before him rose a massive, double winged steel gate.
On either side of the gate stood two tower like figures, motionless. These were not city guards. Their posture, armor, and weapons were different. Both were Northerner, about one ninety in height with harsh facial features. The steel armor they wore was identical. Shiny, well crafted, with shoulders and collars covered in white wolf fur.
Aurelion stood right in front of these two giants.
The guards first looked at each other in surprise, then back at Aurelion. A High Elf child, alone in this area... It was an unexpected sight.
The one with the shield leaned forward slightly, "Lost your way, lad?"
Aurelion didn't flinch. He tilted his head up slightly "I am Aurelion. Clan Leader Viggo invited me to the clan, so I came."
The guards were even more surprised by this answer. They looked at each other again meaningfully. The Clan Leader's guest? This child?
Aurelion noticed their hesitation. "I am staying at Captain Roric's house and Clan Leader Viggo invited me here when he came to see the Captain." His references were strong. When the guards still seemed unsure "Are you going to keep the Clan Leader's guest waiting at the gate?"
This last sentence, a direct reference to Viggo's authority, brought the guards to their senses.
The longsword wielding guard glanced briefly at his companion and turned to Aurelion. "Alright... Come on in, lad,"
He creaked open one of the heavy steel gate wings. He turned to the other guard. "I'll take the boy inside and confirm the situation. You stay here. I'll be back shortly."
Aurelion resolutely passed through the opening the guard had made. He was now in the Silverfang Clan.
"This way," the guard said, beginning to escort him.
The inside was much different than he had expected. This wasn't just a place with a few manors. It was truly a separate city within the city.
Wide, stone paved roads, lined on both sides with sturdy buildings, most at least two stories high... Some clearly looked like residences, but there were also barracks like structures from whose windows training sounds could be heard, blacksmith forges where the sounds of bellows and hammers echoed, and even small shops or warehouses.
There was a constant bustle. Warriors of different ages arming themselves or training, women busy with household chores, clan children running around, artisans moving from one place to another with tools in hand...
But despite this crowd, the chaos of the city outside was absent. everything seemed more orderly, more disciplined. On every building, on every warrior's armor, or on every child's clothing, that silver claw symbol showed itself in different forms.
Clan members who saw Aurelion looked at him curiously, some whispered, but no one block his path or ask questions.
The guard led him away from these bustling main roads to a quieter area where the houses were larger and the gardens more spacious. This was clearly where the clan's ruling class lived.
Finally, they arrived at a larger, more magnificent manor at the far end and highest point of the area. It was three stories high, a harmonious blend of dark wood and grey stone. With its wide windows, carved balconies, it presented both wealth and solidity.
The guard led Aurelion through an impressive door. The interior was incomparably quieter and more orderly than the outside. A wide, marble-floored hall, stern-faced portraits of former clan leaders and massive battle axes hanging on the walls...
Right in the middle of the hall, stood a middle aged woman with silver hair elegantly gathered. She was tall, her posture straight and self assured. The dark blue, dress she wore, adorned with elegant silver embroidery on the collar and sleeves. Her face was beautiful, but her expression was serious and distant.
The guard escorting Aurelion stopped instantly upon seeing the woman and slammed his right fist hard against his heart in a sharp salute. "Lady Eira!"
Eira, acknowledged the guard's salute with a nod. Her gaze first fell on the guard, then on the small child beside him.
Her eyes lingered on Aurelion for a moment longer than normal. In the depths of those dark eyes, just for an instant, a very slight intensification appeared, then it quickly vanished.
Her gaze returned to the guard. "You may return to your post, guard."
"As you command, Lady Eira!" He quickly turned and walked away in the direction he had come.
Aurelion was now alone in the middle of the hall with this woman. Her eyes were still on him.
Eira was the first to break the silence. "You must be Aurelion," she said. "My father mentioned you."
"Clan Leader Viggo?" he asked, his voice holding an innocent curiosity seeking confirmation.
Just as Eira opened her mouth to answer, a familiar, imposing figure appeared from the passage further down the hall.
Viggo Silverfang was walking towards them with heavy steps.
"So you've come, young man," Viggo said, his voice carrying a fatherly warmth. His eyes were on Aurelion, as if he were not just seeing him, but weighing him on a deeper level.
Eira immediately turned to her father, her posture instantly becoming more respectful. "Clan Leader."
Viggo smiled at his daughter, then his gaze flickered between Aurelion and Eira again. "So you've met, our guest,"
"Yes, father," Eira replied respectfully. She inclined her head slightly towards Aurelion. "When I saw him, I understood why you invited him. He seems like a clever child."
Aurelion tried to make sense of this veiled assessment between them. "I understood why you invited him..." What had they seen in him? Or was it just the importance that came with being under Roric's protection?
"Isn't he?" Viggo said with a smile, indicating his agreement with his daughter's observation.
Aurelion wanted to step out of this mutual assessment and regain control. He turning directly to Viggo.
He put on that innocent, curious expression again. "Actually, I wasn't expecting to see you here, Clan Leader. I heard the attack on Ashstone Village was serious."
Viggo's smile didn't fade, but his eyes grew serious for a moment. "Yes, it is, son. The attack is serious and worrying. However, that village is under the responsibility of another clan. Of course, we want our neighbors to be safe, and we are closely monitoring the situation, but this is a situation we should not directly interfere in." His explanation was clear
"If they ask for our help, then we will gladly provide support. But right now, our duty is to protect our own borders and our own people."
Aurelion listened intently. "Interesting" But that inquisitive side of him didn't stop. "Even if people are going to die?" he asked in a whisper.
This question changed the atmosphere in the room for a moment. Eira's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Viggo, on the other hand, paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. He took a deep breath.
"Everyone has their own areas of responsibility and their own battles, son,. We are obligated to protect our own people. Interfering uninvited in others' wars can sometimes lead to bigger problems. Maintaining balance is important."
Aurelion, though he didn't find the answer entirely satisfactory, had gotten the message. In this world, there were borders, responsibilities, and perhaps, ignored sufferings. He slowly nodded his head.
Viggo turned to Eira. "My daughter. Would you show Aurelion around a bit? This is a new world for him. Perhaps he'll encounter something that piques his interest."
"Of course, father," Eira said immediately.
Viggo turned back to Aurelion. "Stop by my study after you've looked around, son," he said. "For now, I have some matters to attend to. Eira will take good care of you." Without another word, he headed towards the wide staircase further down the hall.
Aurelion and Eira were alone again. Eira's eyes turned back to Aurelion.
"Well then, Aurelion. Firstly is there anything you're curious about? About the manor or our clan?"
Aurelion had expected this direct question. His plan was ready. "Actually... yes," he said, His eyes drifted to Eira's silver hair. "Your hair... it's very different. Why is it this color? Are there others like you? Clan Leader Viggo's and Warchief Varkas's hair was like this too..."
His question seemed innocent, but it directly focused on the top figures of the clan and their common trait.
Eira wasn't surprised by this question. Hhe had probably encountered similar ones before.
"This color," she said calmly, gently gesturing to a lock of her own hair, "is a sign that we carry the blood of our Clan's Founding Ancestor. We are his direct descendants. That's why we share some common features in our appearance."
Aurelion listened intently. "Founding Ancestor... Direct lineage... So this is a status symbol," he thought.
He nodded as if understanding, then continued his innocent curiosity. "So... everyone whose hair is like yours... are they important people?"
Eira smiled faintly. "Yes, you could say that. They hold important roles in the future of our clan."
Aurelion filed this information away as well. Then he moved on to the topic he was truly curious about. "So what's special about this place, Lady Eira? Yes, it's clearly different from other places in the city. More orderly, more disciplined... But what is the real difference between your clan, Silverfang, and other clans or other powers in the city? What makes you special?"
This question made Eira pause for a moment. Her eyes briefly drifted to an old banner in the hall or a relief on the wall. Then she turned back to Aurelion.
"Our traditions. What makes us different are our traditions, stemming from our roots, Aurelion. How we fight, how we live, how we use our energy... Even how our artisans work metals, how our weavers choose fabrics... Everything we do is based on ancient teachings and principles, passed down from generation to generation, tested by time."
She paused, as if waiting for the meaning to sink in. "Yes, other clans in the city are also strong, and artisans are also skilled. You can find and learn many things from them. But none... none bear our signature. That depth, that deep rooted understanding that makes us who we are... that is the difference."
Aurelion listened carefully to Eira's words. He slowly nodded his head as if to indicate he understood.
Eira noticed Aurelion's thoughtful state. "Alright. Let me show you around, Aurelion. Witnessing our clan's life with your own eyes will be more effective than me telling you about it." She took a step forward, ready to go.
However, Aurelion quickly interjected. "Actually, Lady Eira," he said, a respect and an urgency in his voice. "If it's possible...there's a particular place I'm curious about."
Eira raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And where might that be?"
"Your combat training," Aurelion said directly. "You mentioned it just now. That your clan has its own unique methods... Could you show them to me? I want to see how your warriors are trained."
Eira was surprised for a moment. She studied Aurelion carefully. She saw that great curiosity in that small body, that obvious hunger for power. She smiled faintly.
"Come this way then. What you're about to see... will surely gonna pique your interest."