The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Lawren, with his entourage in tow, greeted the arrivals at the city gates with a smile on his face. "Lord of Golden Scorch, Lawren, at your service. May I ask what's...?"

Daman, tilting his head to inspect him, replied, "What's this? Where's the rest of your sentence?"

Lawren's face twitched in annoyance at the brusqueness. He didn't want to stir trouble with The Thousand Treasures Commerce, nor this formidable fellow, so he said with a smile, "I am currently in control of Stormcast. Are your caravans here to rest or to engage in trade within the city?"

"You? Did Cobalt Strike grant Stormcast to the Rocke family as well?" Daman's tone was harsh, his towering three-meter stature imposing.

"No, no, you misunderstand. I am here to assist. Alavin is preoccupied with the affairs of the keep, so I'm tending to the city in his stead."

"Who is the Lord of Stormcast?"

"Why, Alavin, of course."

"I wish to see Alavin," Daman stated, his stern and stoic face revealing no emotion.

Lawren, rapidly losing patience, replied, "That's not possible right now. If you want to trade, you'll deal with me. Without my consent, you won't enter the city."

Daman frowned, then bluntly inquired, "Why are you puffing yourself up?"

"I aim to protect Stormcast."

"Since when were Golden Scorch and Stormcast kin? I don't recall that," Daman said, knowing full well that the historical bond between Stormcast and Golden Scorch was tepid at best. Having braved the journey to be stopped at the city gates was infuriating enough, but to be challenged by Lawren, of all people, was utterly absurd.

Lawren suggested, keen to avoid a feud, "If The Thousand Treasures Commerce desires to trade, that's fine. But it must be with my approval and under my terms."

"I want to see Alavin," Daman repeated, single-minded and not one to dwell on complexities. "I came for Alavin, everyone else be damned."

Lawren, stern-faced, insisted, "As I said, not now."

Daman slammed his iron staff into the ground, glaring, "I will see Alavin."

"Has The Thousand Treasures Commerce resorted to forceful trade now?"

"Who said I've come to trade? I'm here to deliver goods."

"Are deliveries not trade?"

"They're free of charge. Is that a problem?" Daman, temper flaring, gesticulated with his staff at Lawren, "Move aside, Lauren!"

Lawren twitched, irritated, "My name is Lawren!"

Daman countered, "I am Daman the Bold! Step aside!"

Their conversation had reached an impasse. Lucan watched the scene with a grin, while Grima and Godfred chuckled, taking a liking to this bullheaded Daman.

Suddenly, Daman's mood shifted, and he broke into a wide smile. "Ah, Lord Alavin!"

Lawren turned to see Dainis, Felir, and Alavin approaching from the city gate.

Was this Daman? The personal guard of the Mollen family patriarch? Felir and Dainis had heard of him, but witnessing his exaggerated frame and fierce aura firsthand was quite another matter. What exactly did the Mollen family intend? Sending a caravan was one thing, but dispatching the patriarch's personal guard was quite another.

"Daman!" Balder greeted with a cheerful smile and a respectful bow.

"Lord Balder!" Daman's voice boomed as he bent forward in salute.

"Lord Balder?" Dainis and Felir echoed in disbelief, staring at the rotund figure beside them. Was he a member of the Mollen family? Lord Balder? They were thoroughly confounded. Daman bellowed, "This is the Mollen family's second son! Open your eyes!"

Lawren was stunned, then glanced at Alavin and Balder, noting their apparently good rapport.

Alavin explained, "The Mollen family has come to aid the reconstruction of the ancient city. I've been in seclusion lately and hadn't the chance to explain."

"So, you are Alavin!" Daman pointed at him.

"Greetings," Alavin replied, also bowing respectfully.

Daman scrutinized Alavin closely, and then his brow furrowed. "An Advanced Mage?!"