William ignored the intrusive stare and enjoyed the evening with his new friends. They ate, drank, and finally retired for the night to their rooms on the second floor of the tavern.

“Are we really going into the desert?” Stuart complained. “I don’t like the idea of being in the desert.”

“I don’t like the idea either,” William admitted, “but we must go if we want to earn money. Plus, I want to go to that northern region of the continent.”

Stuart was confused. “You mean the most dangerous region that Louise said demons used to live in? Why do you want to go there?”

The little rat didn’t know about William’s demonic powers yet. William pondered whether he should tell him or not, and decided to be truthful. They had a contract, and lying didn’t seem like a good way to start their partnership.

“I have some sort of demonic bloodline,” William revealed. “That’s why I want to go there.”

Stuart’s jaw dropped. “Demonic bloodline?! You’re kidding, right?” He scurried closer to William, his tiny nose twitching. “What kind? Can you, like, summon flames? Or maybe control shadows? Do you have horns? Wait, can I see your teeth?” He practically vibrated with excitement, his questions tumbling over each other.

William chuckled at the barrage, finding Stuart’s enthusiasm endearing. “Whoa, slow down, Stuart. I don’t have all the answers myself. To be honest, I don’t know much about it at all. That’s actually why I want to go to that region – to learn more about my heritage.”

Stuart, though still bursting with curiosity, seemed to accept this. He settled down, his eyes gleaming with a mix of awe and excitement. “Wow, this is incredible! A real-life demon! I mean, not a real demon, but you know what I mean…” He trailed off, muttering to himself about the potential for amazing stories.

With a smile, William finally bid his companions goodnight and drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with visions of the mysterious Ancient Lost Valley and the secrets it might hold.

The next morning, William and Louise set out to explore Whisperwind, the city waking around them with the sounds of vendors setting up their stalls and children chasing pigeons through the cobbled streets. Their first stop was a clothing shop, a quaint little place tucked away on a side street. Inside, bolts of fabric in a rainbow of colors lined the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh linen and dyes.

Louise, with her keen eye for fashion and practicality, guided William through the racks, helping him choose clothes suitable for the upcoming desert journey. They settled on loose-fitting trousers made from a lightweight, breathable linen in a pale sand color, along with several long-sleeved shirts in shades of ochre and terracotta.

These would protect him from the harsh sun while allowing air to circulate. He also acquired a wide-brimmed hat woven from dried reeds, its underside lined with a dark cloth to reduce glare. Finally, he chose a sturdy pair of leather boots with thick soles to insulate his feet from the scorching sand.

Leaving the shop, they ventured into the bustling market square, a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. Stalls overflowed with exotic fruits in vibrant hues, fragrant spices piled high in woven baskets, and handcrafted goods of every imaginable kind. William marveled at the intricate silver jewelry, the beautifully painted pottery, and the colorful textiles woven with intricate patterns.

Louise, who had visited Whisperwind several times before, led him through the maze of stalls, pointing out the best places to find durable travel gear. They replenished their supplies with sturdy waterskins made from tanned hide, sacks of dried fruits and nuts, and coils of rope. William also purchased a finely crafted knife with a bone handle, a tool that could prove useful in a variety of situations.

As lunchtime approached, their stomachs rumbling, they made their way to a charming restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted from the open windows, promising a delicious meal. They found Alfred and Karla already seated at a table by the window, engrossed in conversation.

“Ah, there you are!” Alfred greeted them, a rare smile gracing his weathered face. “Karla and I have been gathering some information about the desert.”

Karla, who had been studying a map spread out on the table, looked up. “We’ve learned that the safest route is to follow the old trade roads, even though it’s a bit longer. Apparently, there are hidden oases along the way where we can replenish our water supply.”

“We also talked to a few merchants who recommended hiring a desert guide,” Alfred added. “They say it’s worth the expense to have someone who knows the terrain and can navigate the dangers.”

“That’s a good idea,” Louise agreed. “A guide could also help us avoid sandstorms and other hazards. Do you have any leads on finding one?” Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire

“Actually, yes,” Karla replied, pulling a crumpled piece of parchment from her pocket. “The innkeeper mentioned a man named Kadir who’s supposed to be one of the best guides in the region. He’s often found at the Golden Oasis tavern, just outside the city gates.”

“Kadir, you say?” Louise pondered, tapping a finger on her chin. “Hmm, I’ve heard that name before. But is he trustworthy? We don’t want to end up with a guide who leads us astray or, worse, tries to rob us.”

Karla nodded in agreement. “That’s a valid concern. According to the innkeeper, Kadir has a solid reputation. He’s known for his knowledge of the desert, his tracking skills, and his honesty. Apparently, he’s guided many caravans safely across the sands.”

Alfred, ever the pragmatist, interjected, “But what about the cost? These experienced guides usually come with a hefty price tag.”

Karla sighed. “That’s true. The innkeeper warned us that Kadir’s fees are quite high. We may end up spending more than we anticipated.”

A shadow fell over their table, interrupting their conversation. They looked up to see a tall, imposing man with an air of wealth and authority standing before them. He was dressed in fine silks, adorned with glittering jewels, and a meticulously groomed beard framed his stern face. His attire, though luxurious, had a distinctly desert flair, with flowing robes and a turban adorned with a shimmering emerald.

“Excuse me,” the man began, his voice deep and resonant, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I am Lord Jabari, and I am in need of assistance. I seek individuals with… certain skills… to undertake a task for me. It is a matter of some urgency, and I am willing to pay handsomely for your services.”

Intrigued, and with their need for funds fresh in their minds, the group exchanged glances. William, sensing an opportunity, spoke up. “We are indeed skilled travelers, Lord Jabari. Perhaps you could tell us more about this task?”

Lord Jabari’s eyes swept over them, assessing their potential. “It is a delicate matter,” he explained, lowering his voice. “I require a group to venture into the desert and retrieve a valuable artifact that was stolen from me. It is being held by a band of dangerous outlaws who are hiding in a remote oasis. The journey will be perilous, but the reward will be substantial.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “I understand that you are planning to hire a guide named Kadir. I know him well. He is indeed skilled, but as you mentioned, his fees are exorbitant. If you agree to undertake this task for me, I will cover the cost of hiring Kadir as your guide, in addition to a generous reward upon successful completion of the mission.”

The offer was tempting, especially considering their financial constraints. William, ever drawn to adventure and intrigued by the prospect of retrieving a stolen artifact, leaned forward. “Tell us more, Lord Jabari. What kind of artifact are we talking about?”

Lord Jabari leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. “The artifact is an ancient relic, passed down through my family for generations. Its loss is a grave matter, not only for its monetary value but also for its historical and… spiritual significance. I cannot divulge its true nature just yet, but suffice it to say it is of great importance to me.”

He paused, his gaze fixed on William. “I sense a certain… aura about you, young man. A strength that goes beyond the physical. I believe you possess the qualities necessary to succeed in this endeavor.”

William felt a surge of unease. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, especially not to his combat abilities. He needed to maintain a low profile, at least for now.

“You are mistaken, Lord Jabari,” William replied, forcing a casual shrug. “I am just a simple traveler, seeking my fortune in these lands.”

Lord Jabari raised an eyebrow, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. “Are you sure, young man? I have a keen sense for these things. I rarely misjudge a person’s potential.”

William held his ground. “I appreciate your confidence, Lord Jabari, but I assure you, I am nothing special.” He hoped his companions wouldn’t contradict him. He had been careful to conceal his true strength from them, and he wanted to keep it that way, at least for the time being.

Lord Jabari studied him for a moment, then gave a slight nod. “Very well. Perhaps I was mistaken. Nevertheless, I still believe you and your companions are capable of completing this task for me.”

He continued, “I will provide you with a map to the outlaws’ hideout and a letter of introduction to Kadir. Meet me at the Golden Oasis tavern tomorrow at dawn, and we will finalize the details.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep