The rest of their journey after the Corrupted Deer encounter passed without further incident. Ryder's steady hand on the Dust Devil's controls made good time, even as the forest paths became less distinct. The hum of the magi-tech engine was a constant as the dense forest gradually thinned.
By midday of the third day since Ryder left Crowpoint, the nature of the sounds around them began to change. The calls of forest birds and rustling leaves were slowly overlaid by a distant, indistinct hum of activity. Soon, cleared land appeared, and the rough track widened into a more defined, well-traveled road. Oakhaven was close.
Relief was clear on Kaela's face while Ryder felt a sense of anticipation. Then, the city itself came into view. High stone walls, far more formidable than Crowpoint's, encircled a large, bustling settlement. As they drew nearer, the air began to carry the faint scents of woodsmoke and cooked food.
"It's even bigger than I remember!" Kaela said, her voice bright with renewed energy as Ryder steered the Dust Devil towards the gate. He took in the organized defenses and the steady flow of people and wagons with a soldier's analytical eye. This was a proper city.
Nearing the gate, where guards in well-maintained leather and steel armor stood watch, Kaela touched a glowing rune on the side of the Dust Devil. With a soft hum and a shimmer of blue light, the vehicle folded in on itself, compacting back into the sleek metallic brick Ryder had seen her take out earlier. She stowed it and its frame neatly on her belt.
"Halt!" a guard called as they approached on foot. "State your names and purpose in Oakhaven."
"Ryder Vance," Ryder replied calmly. "And this is Kaela Rustspark. We're here to register with the Hunter's Guild."
Kaela stepped forward, showing a small, polished metal token etched with an intricate gear-and-anvil crest. "I am Kaela of House Rustspark," she said. "This is my associate, Mr. Vance."
The guard's eyes widened slightly at the crest. His demeanor shifted. "House Rustspark is welcome. Entry toll is five silver pieces per person."
Before Ryder could reach for his coin, Kaela had already taken out the coins from her own pouch. The guard nodded, and they were waved through.
Inside the gates, Oakhaven was a hive of activity. Wide, cobbled streets were thronged with people. Multi-story timber and stone buildings housed shops with colorful signs and market stalls overflowing with goods. The air was alive with a medley of voices, the rumble of wagons, and the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer. The smells of baking bread, roasting meats, and worked leather were much stronger here.
"This is more like it," Kaela said, looking around with wide, eager eyes as they walked. "The wilderness was so tense. Oakhaven! It's always been a vibrant place!" Her stomach then let out a small rumble. She blushed. "And it smells a lot better than dried rations."
A nearby stall was selling fragrant meat skewers and honeyed pastries. The aroma, after days of trail rations, was almost intoxicating. "Oh, that smells divine!" Kaela exclaimed, her eyes lighting up and pointing towards the stall. "Ryder, let's get some. It's on me! After all you've done." Before Ryder could respond, she was already approaching the vendor. "Two of those skewers, please, and two of those pastries!" she said cheerfully, taking out her coin pouch.
They ate as they walked, the warm, flavorful food a welcome change.
"Much better than jerky," Ryder commented, taking a bite of a skewer. Kaela, her mouth full of pastry, nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! Oakhaven already feels like a haven."
"Hunter's Guild first, then?" Ryder confirmed once they'd finished their impromptu meal, his gaze taking in the city's layout.
"Right this way!" Kaela, her energy visibly restored, led them through the bustling main thoroughfare. "The Guild isn't too far from the market district." As they walked, she added, "Ryder, when we get to the Guild, perhaps it would be best if I introduce us? My family name might help smooth things over, especially since you have that letter. Sometimes Guild officials can be a bit particular."
Ryder considered it. He wasn't one for standing on ceremony, and if her name could cut through red tape, all the better. "Good idea, Kaela. You take the lead on this one."
She beamed at his easy agreement. "Ooh, look, Ryder! That's 'The Gilded Griffin' best inn in the city, or so I've heard!" She pointed towards a large, boisterous-looking inn with a beautifully carved griffin sign hanging above its door.
Further on, she pointed toward an alley. "And down there, that's Tinker's Alley. You can find all sorts of interesting components and rare metals, if you know who to ask."
He saw merchants hawking wares from colorful stalls, children chasing each other through the legs of shoppers, and artisans working in open-fronted workshops, the sounds of their crafts adding to the city's liveliness. It felt like a different world.
The Hunter's Guild was an imposing stone building, its heavy oak doors scarred by age and battle. Inside, the vast entrance hall echoed. Banners of monstrous beasts hung from the high, beamed ceiling.
They approached a long, scarred wooden reception desk where a harried-looking woman with spectacles perched on her nose was shuffling through parchments.
Kaela stepped forward confidently, just as they'd discussed. "Good day. I am Kaela of House Rustspark. This is Ryder Vance. He wishes to register as a Hunter, and I am here to vouch for his character and abilities."
The Guild official looked up, her eyes flicking from Kaela's earnest face to Ryder's stoic one. "House Rustspark?" she said, a hint of surprise in her tone. "Well, that is a notable introduction. For new registrations, the standard procedure is an assessment and practical examination, Ms. Rustspark, regardless of referrals..."
Before she could continue, a gruff voice from a nearby table drawled, "Well, well. Looks like another noble brat, Ms. Rustspark there, thinks her family name can buy her new peasant boytoy a fast track through the Guild. Probably wants to skip the actual grunt work." The speaker was a burly Hunter with a scarred face, smirking at his companion.
"Figures," the second Hunter chimed in, his voice carrying. "Some people just flash a bit of coin or a fancy name and expect the red carpet. Bet he's never even tracked a corrupted monster through a swamp."
Ryder's expression remained impassive, though he noted the men. Kaela, however, flushed a deep red, indignation flashing in her eyes. She turned towards the hecklers.
"Excuse me!" she declared, her voice ringing with surprising force. "I am not trying to 'buy' anything. Mr. Vance is a capable individual who has proven his mettle. I am here as his associate and to offer my technical expertise as a magi-tech smith. My family name, Rustspark, simply attests to the fact that we do not associate with the incapable or the untrustworthy!"
The two Hunters who had made the comments looked taken aback by her fierce retort. Their smirks vanished, and the surrounding murmur in the hall quieted.
Having made her point to the room, she turned back to the official. Ryder then calmly placed the sealed letter from Captain Hessa on the desk. "I also have this letter of recommendation."
The Guild official, who had watched the exchange with a carefully neutral expression, now focused on the letter. Her gaze fell upon Hessa's distinctive seal. "A letter from the Chief of Crowpoint's Defense," she murmured, her eyebrows rising slightly. "Such a direct commendation, especially from a settlement captain, is unusual."
Ryder felt a brief flicker of surprise at Kaela's spirited defense. Technical expertise for me, huh? When was that decided, Betsy?
"Just now, looks like, Boss," Betsy's voice replied in his mind, a definite twang of amusement in her tone. "She's a firecracker, ain't she? And apparently, you've got yourself a one-girl fan club who's also your go-to for techy stuff. Might as well roll with it, could come in handy, sugar."
The Guild official tapped the sealed letter thoughtfully. "Given this, and Ms. Rustspark's endorsement, this matter should go directly to the Guild Master." She glanced at Kaela. "Your family's standing is well known, Ms. Rustspark. Combined with Captain Hessa's word, this certainly expedites matters. The Guild Master often reviews candidates with such commendations personally."
Kaela gave a satisfied, sharp nod. "We would appreciate an audience with the Guild Master at his earliest convenience."
The official nodded. "One moment." She scribbled a note and handed it to a young runner. "Take this to Attendant Valerius. Inform him Guild Master will want to see these individuals, and bring this letter." She handed the sealed letter to the runner as well.
A few minutes later, a stern-faced attendant in neat Guild livery approached them. "Mr. Vance, Ms. Rustspark? This way, please."
He led them down a quieter, wood-paneled corridor. At an imposing dark oak door, simply marked "Guild Master," the attendant paused. "The Guild Master will see Mr. Vance now."
Before Ryder could speak, Kaela stepped forward again, her chin held high. "I will accompany him. As I stated, I can speak to his abilities and my intended role as his support. House Rustspark always sees matters through."
The attendant looked like he might argue, but a determined glint in Kaela's eye made him reconsider. He sighed faintly. "Very well."
Ryder and Kaela stood before the Guild Master's door. Ryder exchanged a quick glance with Kaela, then raised his hand and knocked firmly.