Harkin could tell Dori wasn't lying when he said "with all its might."But one thing kept bugging him.
"Y'know," Harkin began slowly, "last time I went to Craigspine, it was just a bunch of neatly lined houses and the occasional tavern. That's it."
Dori burst out laughing. "My, my, are all you longlegs such fools?"
He shook his head with mock sympathy. "That's Craigspine Lower Town," he said wisely. "That doesn't even scratch the surface of Craigspine Court itself."
Aylin was grinning ear to ear. "Don't tell me this whole time you thought Craigspine was just that little village," she said, practically doubling over.
"Whaaaat," Harkin muttered. "I woul—"
Barek shot him a sharp look, smirking as he cut him off. Even Lettuce, who'd just woken up, chimed in groggily:" That's a very stupid thing to think."
"Yeah alright my fault for not being as educated as the rest of you guys." Harkin scoffed.
Harkin stood still for a long moment, his eyes wide as he took in the breathtaking sprawl of Craigspine.
Towers spiralled upward like twisted horns, carved directly from the surrounding cliffside or reinforced with blacksteel and stone. Bridges and walkways wove between them like threads in a great tapestry, some glowing faintly with enchanted sigils, others rattling as carts rolled overhead. Steam hissed from bronze pipes embedded in the rock, while deep below, rivers of molten light shimmered like veins in the city's flesh.
In the far distance, near the heart of Craigspine, loomed a cluster of towering, ornate structures—imposing and undeniably majestic.. Arched windows gleamed like crystal eyes in the dark stone, and columns rose high like spears of judgment. Harkin could only guess, but he figured that had to be the Court proper.
But what drew his attention most was suspended high above the city: a massive glass sphere, held in place by a delicate web of blacksteel and chain. Inside it burned a great flame, radiant and golden, casting a warm, unwavering glow over the entire expanse of Craigspine.
"What is that?" Harkin asked, eyes fixed on it.
"That," Barek said, following his gaze, "is the Eternal Light of Craigspine."
He spoke with quiet reverence.
Only the major cities are able to sustain something like that. It requires a tremendous amount of flame to keep it burning, and they have to transport a massive quantity of flame shards from the lower mines to keep it running continuously. which is why only the major cities ever truly rely on them. For cities like Craigspine and others, it's a matter of pride."
They kept walking, boots crunching over metal grates and stone paths carved into the cliffside. To their right, a roaring river surged through the canyon—its waters dark, deep, and fast as thunder. Yet despite its violence, It flowed nearly parallel to the city's edge, skilfully guided and shaped by carved aqueducts and ancient channels.
"That's called the Upper river of Moiseion," Dori said, nodding toward the crashing water.
"Moiseion?" Harkin echoed. "Like the saviour of the Eastern Cradle?"
"Aye," Dori replied, a bit of pride in his voice. "The very one. Greatest long legged hunter this side of the world has ever bred and it's been like that since his death well over a century ago."
Dori adjusted his helmet one last time and gave them a brief, two-fingered salute. "Well, this is where I take my leave. The Craglines won't patrol themselves, and I've already stretched my legs longer than I meant to."
He turned to go, but paused for a moment. "If you lot end up staying in Craigspine for a while, chances are you'll run into me again. Try not to get yourselves killed before then." Dori grinned.
Aylin's smile faltered slightly as she watched him go, a faint pout tugging at the corner of her lips. "I kinda liked that tiny loudmouth."
Before Dori could take more than a few steps, Coco pounced again—blurring through the air and slamming into him with her usual chaotic affection. Dori let out a yelp of horror, flailing as she clung to his chest.
"BY THE FLAMES, NOT AGAIN!" he shrieked, staggering under her weight. "GET THIS MONSTER OFF ME!"
Aylin burst out laughing while Barek simply shook his head.
After Coco finally slunk off him with a smug mrrp, Dori shot them all a murderous glare, dusted off his gear, and huffed off down a side path, muttering dwarvish curses the whole way.
With Dori gone, the group continued onward. Aylin and Barek took the lead, navigating through the dense, winding streets of Craigspine like seasoned locals. The city buzzed with life—shopkeepers calling out wares, steam vents hissing from under cobbled roads, and the faint hum of magic in the air.
Eventually, they turned down a quieter lane lined with crooked buildings and narrow shops, each one squeezed tightly against the next like teeth in a mismatched grin. At the far end of the street stood a modest two-story house, its shutters creaking softly in the wind.
Barek stepped forward and pulled out an old iron key, slipping it into the lock.
"Home sweet home," Aylin chimed with a grin as he pushed the door open.
The interior was modest yet cozy. Wooden beams spanned the ceiling, and a subtle scent of herbs hung in the air. Signs of wear were evident—scuffed floors, dusty shelves—but the space carried the undeniable essence of a home that had been cherished.
Barek didn't linger long. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a heavy pouch of coins, tying it tightly to his belt. "We're heading back out," he said, glancing at Lettuce.
They left the house and made their way through the upper tiers of the city until they arrived at a tall, distinguished building with high pillars and an arched doorway engraved with symbols of quills, tomes, and staves. The sigil of an open book crossed with a staff glimmered faintly above the entrance.
Waiting outside was a man in flowing robes, his hair streaked with silver, and a calm, thoughtful expression behind round spectacles. Barek approached him, exchanged a few quiet words, and passed him the pouch of coins.
The man weighed it, then nodded approvingly.
Barek turned to Lettuce and gave a solemn nod. "As I promised."
"This place will teach you the basic fundamentals—education, trade skills, Hunter techniques if you're inclined. Real tools for a real future."
He paused, then his tone grew heavy.
"And if you ever think I spoke wrong about what those treacherous bastards did to you—if you believe I lied, twisted the truth, or used you—then kill me. Kill me the second you feel it's right."
Lettuce stared at him for a long moment, silent and unreadable.
Then he nodded once and stepped forward, following the robed man through the grand doors without a word.
As they made their way back through the winding streets of Craigspine, the afternoon light casting long shadows across the stone roads, Barek gently tugged Harkin aside, letting Aylin walk ahead with Coco.
He stopped just out of earshot, crossed his arms, and fixed Harkin with a knowing look.
"I know there's another reason you came with us," Barek said quietly. "Who is she?"
Harkin blinked. "Wh—what?" he stammered, caught off guard.
Barek leaned in slightly, voice lowered but teasing. "Come on. Don't play dumb. It was too obvious."
Harkin scratched the back of his neck, avoiding Barek's eyes. "It's not like that," he mumbled. "I mean… it doesn't really matter now. I haven't seen her in over a year. Maybe two."
Barek raised an eyebrow. "But she lives in Lower Town, doesn't she?"
Harkin hesitated, then gave a slow nod. "Yeah. Last I knew."
"That's only a couple miles from here," Barek said with a faint smile. "You gonna look for her?"
Harkin didn't answer right away. His gaze drifted toward the lower peaks in the distance, where the city sloped downward toward the humbler districts—the ones with weathered rooftops and crooked chimneys.
"I don't know," he said finally. "I guess I just wanted to know if she'd still remember me."
Barek clapped a hand on his shoulder, firm but not unkind. "Only one way to find out."
"And before you wish to do that you can reside in our humble abode.." Barek finished off.
As they re-entered the home, the wooden door creaking shut behind them, the familiar scent of old stone and faint herbs settling in the air, Barek turned and clamped a heavy hand on Harkin's shoulder.
"So," he said with a sly grin, "what's the name?"
Harkin let out a sigh, pulling off his coat and tossing it over a nearby chair. "You're not gonna let this go, are you?"
"Not a chance."
He hesitated, eyes scanning the wooden floorboards like the answer might be hidden in the grain. Then, quietly, like the name itself carried too much weight, he said:
"Solène."
Barek nodded slowly, as if the name alone confirmed everything he already suspected. "Pretty name."
"Yeah," Harkin said, almost under his breath.Barek didn't push. He just gave Harkin's shoulder a firm squeeze before letting go. "Well, you've got time. If she's anything like what you remember, she won't have forgotten you."
Harkin offered a faint smile but said nothing, the silence saying more than words could.
"So, is this brute"—Aylin jabbed a finger at Harkin, eyes twinkling—"going to one of the Guild halls or something?"
Barek shook his head with a calm finality. "Nope. He's staying with us."
Aylin let out a dramatic sigh, placing a hand over her heart. "Aww man… why must we keep this violent brute under our roof?" she said in a tone of mock despair—though her grin betrayed every word.
Harkin chuckled, matching her grin with one of his own. "You wound me, truly."
Without another word, Aylin spun on her heel and rushed off toward one of the back rooms, calling over her shoulder, "I guess I'd better prep a room before he breaks one!"
Barek shook his head, amused, then turned to find Harkin watching her go.
Harkin leaned slightly toward him. "Is there a place nearby where I could challenge myself a bit? See how I'm doing physically?"
Barek raised an eyebrow. "Test your strength, huh?"
Barek gave a knowing smile and patted him on the back. "I'll show you tomorrow. There's a spot for that—not far from here. You'll enjoy it."
Harkin nodded, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.
"Until then," Barek said, heading toward the kitchen, "just try not to punch holes in the walls."
Harkin grinned. "Alright then, but no promises."