The streets here were narrower and the buildings older, with ivy climbing their walls and moss growing between the stones. A sense of age and mystery hung over this part of the city, contrasting sharply with the bustling market district they had left behind.
After some searching, they found Alistair's shop—an ancient building with a weathered sign that read "Alistair's Antiquities and Lore." The door creaked open as they entered, and a soft bell announced their arrival.
The interior was filled with the scent of old books and parchment. Shelves lined the walls, filled with dusty tomes and strange artifacts. At a cluttered desk sat Alistair, an elderly man with a long white beard and sharp eyes peering over round spectacles. He looked up as they entered.
"Welcome," Alistair said, his voice firm despite his age. "How can I assist you?"
Aric stepped forward, pulling out the medallion. "We need your expertise. This medallion belonged to my father, and he said it was important. We've encountered some troubling symbols related to it."
Alistair's eyes narrowed as he took the medallion from Aric. He examined it closely, his expression becoming more intense. "This is quite significant," he said, turning it over in his hands. "The markings on this medallion are from the Order of the Eternal Flame—a secretive group that vanished long ago."
Aric's heart raced. "The order? What can you tell me about them?"
"They were guardians of ancient knowledge and relics," Alistair explained. "They protected secrets that many would kill for. Their artifacts were said to be powerful, and their knowledge vast. If this medallion is part of their collection, then it's more important than you realize."
Aric felt a surge of hope and anxiety. "So what does it unlock? How do I find the others?"
"The medallion is a key," Alistair said, placing it carefully on the desk. "But it's only one piece of a puzzle. There may be other medallions, each holding a piece of the larger mystery. To find the others, you may need to locate a hidden sanctuary where the order stored their most precious items."
"Where is this sanctuary?" Aric asked eagerly.
Alistair retrieved an old map from one of his shelves and spread it out on the desk. He pointed to a rugged mountain range to the north. "Mount Kael, in the Frostspire Peaks. The sanctuary is said to be deep within the mountain, protected by ancient wards. It's a treacherous journey, and few who have sought it have returned."
Aric studied the map, noting the harsh terrain and the remote location. "I'll go there. It's my only lead."
Alistair nodded, a look of concern on his face. "Be cautious. The medallion is valuable, and others may seek it for their own purp—"