Forge of Fate

The next morning, Kalem woke to the first rays of sunlight streaming through his window, and the sounds of the bustling city already in full swing outside. Maelon was a city that never seemed to rest, and it was clear that time was not to be wasted here. He quickly gathered his things, packed a few herbs from his collection, and set out into the maze of streets to begin his search for Arithon.

Stepping out of the inn, Kalem took a moment to get his bearings. The city was still as overwhelming as it had been the day before, with throngs of people moving in every direction. Vendors had already set up their stalls along the main street, selling everything from fresh produce to intricate crafts. He needed to get a sense of direction, so he stopped at a nearby herb vendor who had a small but well-organized stall.

"Morning," Kalem greeted the vendor, a middle-aged woman with weathered hands and a sharp eye. "I'm new to the city, and I've got some herbs I'm hoping to sell. Do you know any places that might be buying?"

The woman looked him over, her eyes lingering on the pouch slung over his shoulder. "Herbs, huh? We've got a few apothecaries around. Depends on what you're selling. Rare stuff?"

Kalem nodded, pulling a small bundle of dried moonshade from his pouch. "Collected this on my way here. Should fetch a good price."

The vendor whistled softly. "Moonshade's not bad. You'll want to visit Seran's Apothecary, near the east market. They've got buyers for rare plants like that."

Kalem smiled and thanked the woman, slipping her a coin for the advice before heading in the direction she'd pointed. The east market was a good place to start, not just for selling herbs but also for finding information. If Arithon was as well-known as the traders back in his village had said, someone here must have heard of him.

Navigating the streets of Maelon proved to be as tricky as he expected. The city was a maze of alleys and avenues, with markets springing up in every available space. As he wound his way toward the east market, Kalem passed countless stalls, each one offering something new—a tinker selling mechanical devices, a baker peddling sweet pastries, a blacksmith displaying ornate blades.

After nearly an hour of wandering and asking directions, Kalem finally reached the east market. It was a large open space filled with vendors of all kinds, from potion sellers to craftsmen. The apothecaries were located along the edge, in sturdier buildings made of stone and wood.

Kalem found Seran's Apothecary nestled between two other shops, its sign painted with images of herbs and vials. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of dried plants, potions, and other concoctions. Shelves lined the walls, filled with glass jars containing everything from common remedies to more exotic ingredients.

Behind the counter stood Seran, a thin man with sharp features and spectacles perched on his nose. He looked up as Kalem entered, his gaze immediately shifting to the pouch on Kalem's belt.

"What brings you here, traveler?" Seran asked, his voice brisk and businesslike.

Kalem approached the counter, pulling out the bundle of moonshade. "I've got some herbs to sell—moonshade, fresh from the wilds."

Seran's eyes gleamed as he examined the plant. "Good quality," he muttered, inspecting the leaves. "Moonshade isn't easy to come by these days. I'll offer you ten silver for the lot."

Kalem considered for a moment, then nodded. It was a fair price, and he didn't have time to haggle. He handed over the herbs, and Seran counted out the coins, placing them in Kalem's hand.

"Anything else I can help you with?" Seran asked, his tone more casual now that business had been handled.

Kalem hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask. "Actually, I'm looking for someone—Arithon, the scholar. Have you heard of him?"

Seran's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Arithon, eh? You're not the first one to come looking for him. He doesn't see just anyone, you know. What's your business with him?"

Kalem shrugged, keeping his answer vague. "Just need something appraised. A rare find."

The apothecary studied him for a moment, then sighed. "If you're set on finding him, you might try the Scholar's Quarter. He's got a place there, though he's not always easy to reach."

"Where's that?" Kalem asked, eager to finally have a lead.

"Head north from here, past the artisan district. You'll find it—it's quieter than the rest of the city, full of old buildings and fewer people."

Kalem thanked Seran and pocketed his coins before heading out into the bustling streets once more. The Scholar's Quarter—at last, he had a direction.

As Kalem walked, he kept an eye out for more opportunities to sell his herbs along the way. Every now and then, he stopped at small shops or spoke with vendors in the markets, earning a few more coins here and there. His pack grew lighter, but his purse steadily filled as the day wore on.

By midday, Kalem had reached the artisan district. Here, the streets were lined with workshops and galleries, filled with the sounds of craftsmen at work. The buildings were taller and more ornate, with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that cast colorful light onto the cobblestone streets. It was a stark contrast to the bustling markets he had passed through earlier.

As Kalem continued north, the noise of the city began to fade, replaced by a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. The streets grew narrower, and the buildings older, their stone facades covered in ivy and moss. This, he realized, must be the Scholar's Quarter.

He wandered through the winding streets, searching for any sign of Arithon's residence. Occasionally, he stopped to ask a passerby, but most people simply shook their heads or offered vague directions. It seemed that Arithon was as elusive as Seran had suggested.

Kalem was beginning to wonder if he would ever find the scholar when he spotted a small building tucked away at the end of a narrow alley. Unlike the other buildings in the quarter, this one had no sign or markings. It was unassuming, almost as if it didn't want to be noticed.

Something about it caught Kalem's attention. He approached the door and knocked, his heart pounding with anticipation.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, the door creaked open just a crack, revealing a narrow-eyed man with a long, gray beard. His eyes flicked over Kalem, taking in his appearance with quick, calculated glances.

"Yes?" the man asked, his voice low and gravelly.

"I'm looking for Arithon," Kalem said, trying to sound confident.

The man stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Come in," he said, opening the door wider. "But don't waste his time, boy."

Kalem stepped inside, his pulse quickening. He had finally found Arithon. Now, he just had to hope the scholar could give him the answers he sought.