The group set off into the city. Some things were easy to agree on; others they would argue long into the day. One thing they certainly agreed upon was the need for more people in their group. They were going to locate the wizard’s device to translate the letter; it was miles upon miles away, and their journey would take them through an unpredictable wilderness. Though Nequmus was a powerful wizard, and Keplin was a notable hunter, Teauria was really only good for talking her way through things, and her pet would be challenged to injure a block of cheese. They needed more muscle, and a healer, if they were going to survive the trek.
Though smaller than the enormous jewel of the Serphep Empire, the capital city of Rinthcor, this bustling town was still a labyrinth of layered architecture, generation encrusted upon generation, streets growing and fading like paths in the forest. As they made their way they discussed their plans and needs; the hunter had many practical insights while the wizard knew where to go.
Their first stop for a companion was led by Nequmus Iniqus; he knew just the place, and just the man. An old friend that owed him a favor and was always up for adventure; plus he was all but immortal, a good quality in a companion.
All at once, it seemed, they came to a view of the castle where the King lived; it soared above the squalor, pinnacles of white stone the secured the royalty from the filth below. In truth, the King was no arrogant elitist, and was beloved the people in general; but the castle itself had the same effect, regardless.
It was getting on evening when they finally came to it, a charming shop nestled in a tight alley, already lit by lanterns in gathering gloom. The sign hanging above the entrance labeled it as an Alchemist’s establishment.
Stepping inside, they were transported to a glittering world of bottles and vials full of every variety of color, along with bins of powders, rocks, drying herbs; the air smelled of incense and chemicals.
A strange looking old man was perched behind the counter. He was massive, more than a foot taller than the diminutive Nequmus Iniqus, and looked comical perched on a tiny stool. He wore an odd mixture of robes, and a series of necklaces bearing various lockets and trinkets.
Their conversation was brief. It seemed only moments later the man was locking the door, shouldering a pack jingling with bouncing glass, and the group was walking onwards together, now with the inclusion of The Alchemist. He would admit no other name, and the wizard would not reveal it either, so to Teauria and Keplin this was how they knew him.