“Just recently achieved,” Alavin confirmed.
“Advanced Mage? You’ve broken through?” Lucan exclaimed, surprised. “When did this happen? How did I not know?”
Felir and Dainis exchanged looks of astonishment. Advanced Mage? Had Alavin advanced without a whisper? Such a prodigious pace was astounding!
Daman laughed heartily, pleased. “Excellent! He wasn’t mistaken about you.” He had been told that if Alavin reached Advanced Mage within half a year, there would be no more dissent within the family. Now, with the breakthrough achieved, Alavin's potential to become an Archmage someday was clear, and Daman would return with good news.
“Let’s not linger here. Let’s enter the city,” Balder beckoned the caravan.
Lawren, ever the diplomat, quickly resumed his smile. “Ah, if you're friends of Alavin, then you are friends of ours. Forgive my earlier conduct, please come in.”
The Mollen family’s caravan entered the ancient city. Their wagons were laden with food, clothing, and vital herbs, just the first of many shipments meant to help Stormcast through the impending winter, to rebuild homes, and to restore the city to its normal rhythm.
Lawren had never expected Alavin to enlist such a formidable alliance for aid and realized he had underestimated Alavin's influence and resources. He secretly gave Dainis and Felir strict orders to keep a close eye on Alavin, ensuring they wouldn't be caught off guard again.
The siblings began to keep Alavin company, offering him warm greetings and friendly conversation. Alavin managed their attentions with ease, while meandering through the town, checking on how the people were faring, assessing the mood of the populace, and inspecting the condition of the city walls.
As evening approached, the siblings grew anxious. Alavin seemed guarded, and they couldn't pry any useful information from his lips. Felir had considered trying to coax some words from Balder, but the rotund fellow was even more sly, chuckling and talking a lot, yet revealing nothing of substance.
"Alavin, someone is looking for you," Oda told Alavin as soon as he entered the town hall.
"Who is it?"
"A beauty!" Oda said, pulling him along with a grin.
Felir and Dainis exchanged glances, following Alavin. Dainis joked, "Which maiden has followed you here?"
"A fine beauty indeed! Hurry, she's just arrived!" Oda urged Alavin to move faster.
"Why the excitement?" Alavin asked with a chuckle, shaking his head.
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