So, Rovek and I completed our first step on the quest by retrieving an ostensibly unique staff. Rovek commented he had never seen its equal. That made me feel pretty good about this cool root I’d plucked from the enchanted earth.

  Honestly, the thing looked like an ugly stick with mushrooms growing out the sides and one out of the top where I had broken it off. I wondered if the mushrooms would die with the root being pulled up.

  “The staff will take form once enchanted,” Rovek said. “We can perform the incantation ceremony once we arrive in Velasyr. The family of Threnna has an Arcane Table that can fuse your staff with your crystal easier than without a table.”

  “I almost forgot about her!” I said. “Were we supposed to find her first? We didn’t mess up did we?”

  “I honestly believed she would still be exploring the cavern. Since she’s not here, I believe she must be in Velasyr. Hopefully. Just so you know, the order in which quests are completed is inconsequential.”

  “So, you understand quests?”

  Velarion told me not everyone knew about the system or its effects. He told me I should keep it a secret, so I basically wouldn’t be flaunting my abilities. I was hesitant to ask Rovek what he could or couldn’t do.

  “Of course,” Rovek said gruffly, “I know about the interface power you have. It’s not uncommon with mages, although I believe yours would be more advanced as The Emissary.”

  “Yeah, I get a lot of information when I look at things. Sometimes, too much information.”

  I laughed. It felt good. I hadn’t done that for a few days. I remember the days long past. I loved to laugh at any ole ‘dad joke’, but now, I had taken on a more serious persona. I’d have to change that.

  Trust wasn’t easy to earn anymore for me so I still didn’t fully trust Rovek. I was starting to feel a strong teacher/student bond with him, but my guard was still up.

  As we travelled, Rovek eagerly shared his theories of magic with me, guiding me to wield my own power in new ways. He showed me how to control it, how to shape it. He told me stories about his struggle with magic and his rise to magehood. He said it had been one long road of trial and error, teaching himself everything he knew. Even when he finally received “sanctioned” instruction later in life, he ignored most of it.

  His family, like most orcs, believed in force and strength as teaching tools. Rovek had learned to fight with his hands and a battle axe when he was barely more than a child. Orcs believed that if you were strong enough to pick up an axe, you should always carry one. They used corporal punishment to enforce rules, beating their students until lessons stuck.

  Thankfully, Rovek didn’t use those methods with me.

  I soaked up his teachings like a sponge, practicing every chance I got on our short trip from the cavern to Velasyr. We didn’t face any enemies, but I learned how to call up a spell and hold the power in my hands until I was ready to release it. Mana kicked back if not released properly, so Rovek taught me how to pull the spell back to avoid magical recoil.

  When we approached the gates of Velasyr, I thought it looked, at least on the surface, very similar to Serenveil. Not cookie?cutter similar but cut from the same cloth. Both cities were about the same size, so I assumed their populations were nearly equal. Brick and stone buildings lined the streets, and the layout mirrored Serenveil’s so closely, it seemed like the same architect had designed them both.

  Velasyr felt more magical and modern. The city had lights powered not by electricity, but by enchantment. Carriages moved without animals. People floated instead of walking. The market buzzed with life and color, more festive than anything I’d seen so far on Elar. People also seemed… happier.

  I wondered why the attitudes were so different. Serenveil felt…too serious. Maybe it was the leadership. I sure as hell didn’t have a good experience there. I didn’t want to go back after my experience with Karn either.

  As we walked, onlookers stared at me. I heard gasps and muffled gossip. In a world with orcs and elves and other non-human beings, you’d think people would be used to seeing different kinds of sentients. But I had to accept that they saw me as something entirely new. I tried not to let it get under my skin.

  Rovek didn’t care for other species at all. As an orc, he’d been discriminated against and treated unfairly just because of the stereotype. People avoided orcs, labeling them warmongers and fighters. Even though Elar had been at peace for generations, the old bias lingered. I could relate.

  Despite the bias, in the city money talked. Merchants served everyone with gold. Rovek and I bought food from sidewalk vendors, browsed knick?knacks, watched acrobats perform, and tried to relax, and as long as money was being exchanged there were no issues.

  I was warned that thieves lurked even in a place like this. In a world that had balance, there were still those willing to steal instead of work for a living.

  “Though the government tries to make things affordable for everyone,” he said, “unchecked greed still rules the hearts of those unwilling to master it.”

  We walked for several more minutes reaching an ornate building that stood out from the rest.

  “We will stay here for the night. I can sleep almost anywhere, but when in Velasyr, I stay here.”

  I couldn’t help but think of those “Most Interesting Man in the World” commercials. “I don’t always sleep at a hotel, but when I do…”

  The hotel’s windows shimmered in a myriad of colors, like oil slicks on water. Inside, regal décor met arcane flourishes. Columns displayed moving murals that replayed legends or answered questions. Chairs adjusted themselves to posture, tables glided to guests, and dishes appeared pre?set. When diners finished, the table floated away to be reset for the next group.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  “This place is huge! Does Velasyr see a lot of travelers?” I asked, wide?eyed.

  “Velasyr appeals to adventurers and mages,” Rovek explained as we walked to the counter. “Merchants use it as the heart of trade in this region. This is a magical city, filled with enchantment, drawing those in search of enchanted objects, weapons, jewelry, or armor. Some bring mundane gear and a magical item to have them joined, as we will do in the morning. The next closest city with this kind of magic is practically on the other side of Elar.”

  “Are we going to be able to get a room?” I said, thinking the place must be completely booked based on the size and the number of people there.

  “There are always rooms at The Crest.” Rovek replied confidently.

  The clerk greeted us with a sing?song phrase: “Elaré vayn silení? dora Virelenya. The Crest listens to your needs and answers in comfort. Your suite has already begun attuning to your presence. How long will you be staying?”

  Wow. A hotel room that adjusts to your needs? That would make millions back home.

  [Millions of what?] Melorien chimed in my head.

  Dollars…cash…gold…you know…money. We don’t have hotels like this back home.

  [I’ve never been to a hotel! I hope they have varnelings!]

  Always thinking about food. He licked his lips and smiled.

  “We will book two nights with full compliments,” Rovek told the clerk.

  “Fantastic! The cost is 120 gold, please.”

  Rovek handed over a platinum coin worth 50 gold. It was the first platinum I’d ever seen. “You owe 70 gold for you and Melorien.”

  “Okay,” I said, digging into my cloak for my bag of gold. To the clerk I asked, “Can I get varnelings for my friend somewhere as well?”

  “Varnelings are small fish, correct?”

  “Yeah. He likes them alive,” I admitted, grimacing.

  “Oh! Understood. The room will accommodate that. It’s part of the standard suite package.”

  “Thank you! That’s super convenient.”

  The clerk handed us a mana?infused token that looked a lot like an Olympic gold medal.

  As we walked away, I asked Rovek, “Wait. How do they get varnelings into our room?”

  “Magic, Jeremy.”

  I had to ask.

  [You didn’t have to ask!] Mel teased.

  I rolled my eyes.

  We approached what appeared to be a plain wall, but as we got closer, an arch of green and gold runes became visible. Rovek scanned his token, and the arch opened to a hallway leading to a single door.

  I scanned my token to open the room. The suite was magnificent. A common area with gilded trim, floating lanterns, and furniture that moved on its own separated the suite into two sections. My half opened onto a woodland pond. Melorien blinked away, teleporting over the water, cannonballing in. He surfaced grinning, mouth stuffed with tiny, wriggling fish.

  [Vah-nuh-ins!] he declared with his mouthful.

  A bed framed with twisted wood was conveniently placed beside the pond, linens embroidered with leaves. Comfortable. Quaint.

  Rovek’s side was stark stone, dimly lit by moss. His bed was larger, built for his size.

  “Let’s eat,” Rovek said. “I’m tired, but I wish to replenish before I rest. Do you think Melorien will be okay here alone?”

  “He’ll be fine,” I said. “This room is secure, right?”

  “There is no way in without this token, and the token is enchanted to us.”

  “That’s great security! Okay, friend,” I told Mel. “We’re going to dinner. You good here?”

  [Sure! I love this place!] he said, swimming off.

  “Where are all the rooms? I mean, I get this is magic, but where are they physically?”

  “The door functions like a portal. We’re transported to a magical space. I don’t know how it works, but The Crest never runs out of rooms or food.”

  In the dining area, two chairs walked up to us. We sat, and they carried us to a table covered in food—meats, vegetables, fruits, and desserts. I sampled everything, savoring each bite. Everything tasted amazing except for one soap?flavored vegetable. Rovek liked it though.

  As I ate, I felt reenergized, like I’d downed an energy drink. My limbs felt lighter. I was still sleepy, but my body felt relaxed like I’d been to a masseuse.

  “Is the food enchanted?” I asked. “It’s delicious and feels infused with mana.”

  “Yes,” Rovek said. “It restores life force and mana. You can eat as much as you like without potion sickness.”

  “Then why not take this food with us? Or feed the whole world?”

  “The enchantment is bound to this location. Outside The Crest, it fades. As for feeding the world, why is it someone else’s responsibility?”

  “Charity, maybe? Wouldn’t you help someone in need?”

  “Have you seen anyone poor in your travels so far?”

  “No… I guess not. Why?”

  “Because poverty is nearly impossible here. Food and shelter are accessible to all. A decent wage is guaranteed. Some are wealthy, but none are poor.”

  “What about the sick or injured?”

  “Why would they not get healed?”

  Of course. Healing magic. I thought of Earth, how different things might be with healers instead of over-priced hospitals and clinics.

  “What about the elderly?” I asked. “Do people die of old age?”

  “People can die of many things if they do not receive healing. Elar is not perfect. Disease exists. Accidents happen. But death usually comes only to those unprepared or—”

  “—stabbed in the back,” I muttered before he finished his sentence, bitterness creeping in.

  “That sounded personal. Is there something you wish to share?” Rovek asked, softer than usual.

  I hesitated, then looked down. “I… I’m not sure I can. A friend of mine was murdered. It’s why I wanted the staff so badly. The crystal might help me know who I can and can’t trust.”

  “I’m sorry about your friend’s passing,” Rovek said, and for once his voice carried a note of sincerity. “Maybe you should turn in for the night…unless. I mean, I don’t mind listening if you wish to share more about your friend. If not, I want to consult the columns to gain some information about Threnna and her whereabouts.”

  “I’m okay,” I told him. “Actually, I’d like to watch the column thing.”

  “Let's go then.”

  We walked up to one of the vacant columns. I’d seen other customers talking with them, and it looked like a holographic Alexa or Siri. As we drew closer, a graceful female orc avatar shimmered into view, her voice ringing clear and melodic.

  “Welcome to The Crest’s informational help center. I am Elana. I’m happy to assist you.”

  I couldn’t help it. She was hot.

  “Are we the only ones who can hear you right now?” I asked.

  “Yes!” she replied in a pleasant tone. “Privacy is paramount at The Crest. Your conversation is yours alone. Nothing is recorded without your consent.”

  “Cool,” I said automatically.

  “You wish it to be cooler?” she asked, tilting her head. “Is the temperature unsatisfactory?”

  “Oh no, sorry. I meant…never mind. The temperature’s fine,” I stammered, feeling my face heat.

  Rovek cleared his throat, rescuing me from my awkwardness. “If you would be so kind, we are looking for a fellow traveler. Can you please do a search for Threnna Vask?”

  “There is no public record of a Threnna Vask staying at The Crest,” the avatar replied.

  “She would not have stayed here,” Rovek said. “Her family lives in the city. Can you search the archives for her presence in the last five days?”

  “A record for Threnna Vask exists in the archives. A drone captured her image four suns past. That is the only record.”

  “How?” I asked, astonished. “How did you know that?”

  “I have access to all the city’s archives. Velasyr tracks residents and travelers for safety purposes, but personal privacy is always respected.”

  “Does the city have a record of her leaving?” Rovek asked.

  “There is no public record of Threnna Vask departing Velasyr.”

  Rovek turned to me. “Then she must still be here. I don’t understand why she stayed. Whatever her reasons, we shall go to the Vask house at sunup and ask her.”

  He started to walk away. “Wait,” I said quickly. “I want to ask it some more questions.”

  “It is not a plaything, Jeremy,” Rovek said, ignoring me as he headed back toward our room.