Chapter 4: Chapter 04: Arrival at Shadowmire Isle
As Seren stepped onto the rocky beach of Shadowmire Isle, a pop-up appeared from his system window. He resisted the urge to open it, fearing that the old man might notice his strange behavior. Instead, he focused on the task at hand, wary of drawing attention to himself.
The old man, with his bandaged eyes, introduced himself with a voice that carried authority and wisdom. "I am Thalor, the chief of the exiled community on this island. I will be your guide for the day, to help you understand this place."
Seren nodded, following Thalor as they walked slowly from the tattered port towards a massive Moorish wall. The wall was adorned with a mix of metallic and wooden elements, its grandeur marred by age. The door, equally imposing, stood closed, unguarded by any sentinels.
As they approached, Thalor touched the door and inscribed the word "open" in the ancient language of the First Empire. The door creaked open, releasing a scent of decay that lingered in the air.
"Welcome, young exiled one," Thalor said, his voice carrying a hint of knowing. "Or should I call you Seren Astralis?"
Seren was shocked. They had walked in silence for thirty minutes, and now, at the entrance to this mysterious town, Thalor had spoken his name and his mother's family name. Fear gripped Seren, his back damp with sweat. He took a step back, his mind racing, before calming himself. Closing his eyes for a moment, he reopened them with a newfound resolve.
"Thank you," Seren replied, his voice steady. "I am Seren Drakoria on the continent, but here in exile, I am Seren Astralis. Never just Seren, as my father demanded." His eyes shone with hatred and anger.
Thalor chuckled softly. "Chill, young one. I knew of the Astralis family because all who live in the Exiled Land are followers of the Astralis lineage. You bear a striking resemblance to your mother, so I surmised her fate and your origin. I don't know how you survived, but let's discuss this further inside my home."
As they entered the town, Seren observed the surroundings. The streets were reminiscent of an ancient Arabic style, clean yet tattered, with old fountains and wells scattered throughout. The houses, though worn, displayed vibrant colors, with flowers and greenery softening the harsh sunlight. Small tapestries adorned the walls, while malnourished children played alongside fragile cats and dogs.
The townspeople watched Seren with sad yet hopeful eyes, their expressions a mix of curiosity and recognition. Seren couldn't comprehend why he felt a connection to these strangers.
They arrived at Thalor's home; a structure reminiscent of a merchant's house from Abbasid Baghdad. Like he was living in the game of assassin creed Mirage ( the game at the Abbasside period) Inside, Thalor gestured for Seren to sit, offering him a cup of bitter tea and a glass of yellowed water.
"Drink," Thalor said, his tone gentle yet firm. "We have much to discuss."
Seren took a sip, the taste unfamiliar and unpleasant, yet he drank out of respect for his host.