Astrid's Suggestion and the Caravan Reaches Silverpeak
In the town of Frostfall, inside the quant little shop, we all know as the Everfrost Greens shop. Three people sat around a table in the backroom. The oldest of the group, spoke in a confused manner, "So you are saying that the knight we saw a couple of months back from that little House called Snow has advanced to a level 3 Squire (Tier 2)?" he asked Thorne who was sitting beside the young lady.
"Yes, it is so, the shadows told me they had spotted him a few times traveling between their base, Silverpeak and here. The squad leader tells me that the knight named Solen is already at level 2 and not only that, the last time they visited two more Squires (Tier 2) attended, but both of them were only newly advanced." Thorne reassured the old man.
The old man sat in silence thinking. No words were spoken until Astrid spoke up and asked, "Grandpa, do you think they are part of the royalist or the duke's faction. I know we didn't know a couple of months back but just so; it was a few months. If 'they' knew, we were here they would have already moved, and considering that the information they could already be a [Sanctuary] ranked House. Since they possess such strength, with our current forces spread out in the wilderness and with Grandpa still injured they could have already captured us if Commander Thorne was not present. Even if Commander Thorne hides his strength father instructed him to only unleash his greatest strength when 'they' find us." Astrid spoke confidently.
"You indeed have a point, then what is it you are thinking pea?" the old man asked. "Well, i was thinking if we could maybe try and see if we could rope them in?" Astrid spoke her thoughts. Both men stared wide-eyed at her, and Thorne in particular was about to flare up before she spoke quickly, "I know we can't reveal ourselves. Let us first see what their House is all about? If they are really a House, we can try and rope into onto our side? Besides we would need every help we can get." she added swiftly.
Both men fell silent upon hearing her speak and after a long and thought-provoking silence the old man spoke first, "Very well if you believe we can do it then i suggest you try" he agreed and with a solemn tone said," Be extremely careful. Until i can heal a bit and gather a bit more strength I am unable to help" he warned.
"Yes Grandpa!" she shouted in excitement.
The trio soon departed and just when Thorne was about to leave a voice echoed in his head softly, "Thorne, you can unseal a bit of your strength. Do not make it too obvious otherwise we risk the chance of exposing ourselves even in this hinterland. Protect her at all costs!" the voice sounded concerned.
Thorne did not even turn around to look who it was and spoke back, "Yes, General Tyrus!"
***
On their way to Silverpeak, a large caravan and knights traveled. They wore the iconic high-lined fur, steel-wintered theme armor of the House of Snow. The caravan had around 14 knights riding sway-backed horses and four wagons of supplies were being hauled by four late-stage Dire Cubs Stoneback Black Bears.
In the front of the caravan, there was a carriage led by two knights who exuded a powerful aura. They were the two Squires (Tier 2) and just behind them in the carriage were Eamon and the other two merchants. Meanwhile, since the House did not yet have enough resources for transportation to create the 5 clerks had to sit on the last wagon riding along with late-stage Man-at-arms (Tier 1) to protect them if need be. The rest of the knights were stationed alongside the caravan as they marched forth.
They had already traveled for four hours and in 3 hours they would arrive to see the white marble walls of Silverpeak.
Time passed and soon the three hours were gone. The two squires in front reigned in their auras to conceal themselves as best as they could. As the caravan approached the two the two knights in front observed the town closely. The town's gate stood as a formidable yet welcoming structure, constructed predominantly from sturdy oak, known for its strength and resilience. The gate is adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments.
The oak gate is reinforced with iron bands and fittings, providing both durability and a touch of rustic elegance. Flanking the gate are twin towers, constructed of something similar to what seemed to be marble. Each tower is adorned with the town's emblem - a depiction of the House of Silver, the silver sword - intricately carved into the stone.
The whole caravan made it through without much trouble, it was only small problems like what resides in the wagons and so on but after they checked the guard let them through. The knights that guard Silverpeak wore armor that was forged from sturdy steel, the armor is polished to a lustrous silver sheen, giving it a reflective and gleaming quality. The steel is subtly accented with a deep blue trim, reminiscent of the clear, azure skies that often hover over the town.
The motif of the armor is inspired by the town's owner, the House of Silver, with a silver sword intricately etched in silver against the steel plates. The knights' helmets feature a simple yet striking crest depicting a silver sword rising against a backdrop of deep blue. Their shields proudly bear the emblem of Silverpeak.
The Knights of Silver were what attracted the two knights in front of the caravan's attraction the most. The two knights who examined them at the gates were both late-stage Man-at-arms (Tier 1). This means that Silverpeak potentially had Squires (Tier 2) stationed here.
Both of them looked at one another and the same thought ran through their minds. They sighed in relief thinking of the potential endless harassment and trouble it would have caused if they sauntered in there with their strength on full display.