After parting ways with Old Man Gerald, I found myself alone once again. Ironhaven was nothing like I had ever seen before. The city was massive—far larger and more crowded than anything I'd experienced. Even when walking in a straight line, it was nearly impossible not to bump into someone. The buildings towered like mountains, each one as majestic as a painting.
Everywhere I turned, I heard merchants shouting their deals.
"Fresh vegetables! Come get your fresh vegetables!"
"Pork! Beef! Whatever you want!"
I'd been to a few cities in Valdoria before, but this... this was on a completely different level.
For the first time in my life, I saw elves and dwarves. Their appearance was similar to ours, yet distinct. Elves had long, flowing hair and sharp ears, and most seemed deeply connected to nature. Dwarves were shorter than the average human, but far more muscular. Almost every dwarf I saw had brown or red hair and walked like they had something to prove.
Since I knew next to nothing about Ironhaven or the world beyond my village, I tried to learn from the locals. I set my sights on a man selling books and writing materials—an elf with glasses and neatly tied-back silver hair. He looked like young adult.
"Hello, mister," I said. "May I ask your name?"
He adjusted his glasses and gave a small smile. "My name is Calenor. Calenor Grey. And what's yours, little one?"
"James. James Caolerin," I replied. "I want to ask you something."
"Go ahead. How can I help?"
"I don't know how things work around here. If you could explain a bit, I'd really appreciate it."
He nodded. "Alright, kid. Sounds like you're new in town. Listen carefully."
He began listing the danger zones of the city.
"First is Bloodback—a gang-ridden area behind the old slaughterhouse. Don't go there unless you want to disappear. Second, Crowhollow. It's filled with abandoned buildings, haunted inns, and secret passageways. Very few return once they wander in. And the worst of them—Bladewalk. Death is common there. It's crawling with assassins and rogue sorcerers. The streets are narrow, the danger is real. Stay away."
That was… a lot. I could barely keep up.
"Now," he continued, "the safe zones. Goldroof is the luxurious part of the city. Grand stone houses with golden roofs, noble families, and heavy guard presence. But unless you're rich or of noble blood, you won't be stepping foot in there."
He moved on.
"The area we are in is Cistern Square is the city's commercial heart—guildhalls, inns, merchant stalls. It's always lively during the day, calmer at night. Oakshade is quieter, home to priests, mages, and scholars. It has hidden libraries and ancient temples. Then there's Stonepass—a working-class district with craftsmen, laborers, and retired soldiers. Honest folk. Solid community."
"Got all that, kid?"
My head was spinning. I thought the list would never end.
"Hey, kid. James!"
I snapped back to reality. "Sorry, Mister Calenor. That was... a lot to take in."
He chuckled and repeated the key points more slowly.
Once I understood, I asked, "Mister, do you know anything about magic?"
"Of course! I'm an elf, aren't I?" he replied with a grin. "I'm not expert, but I know a few things. Actually, I have a magic book you might like. Interested?"
I knew this was coming. He was a merchant, after all.
"How much?"
"Just 50 silvers."
Fifty? That was more than I expected,I've already lied to driver because even ten was too much. I had 70 silver total after leaving the village—barely enough for basic needs.
"Thanks, Mister, but I can't afford that. I really appreciate your help though."
"Not a problem, kid. Just remember—more magic, more money."
"I'll repay your kindness someday," I said.
Later, while wandering through merchant stalls, I ran into—what was his name again? Walfver? No, Willer... ah, Wilfred! That was it.
He was selling food products.
"What are you selling?" I asked.
"Erkenwalf products," he said proudly.
"Erkenwalf?" I'd never heard of such a name. But then again, I had almost never left my village.
"Can you tell me more?"
"Buy something first," his friend said.
"Is it legal to buy beer?" I asked.
"How old are you?" Wilfred raised an eyebrow.
"Ten."
"Sounds old enough to me," his friend joked.
I bought a beer and some dried meat. Wilfred then began explaining.
"The Erkenwalf family has controlled trade in Arkenwald for over 200 years. They dominate almost every industry—from farming to blacksmithing, even magic. Their total assets place them in the top five richest families in the world."
I was stunned.
Even though I'd learned a few things, I still knew very little. Night fell. I found myself lost in thought about all I'd heard. I needed a place to stay, so I looked for an inn.
Inside, a beautiful woman was tending the counter.
"I need a room," I said.
"Sorry, we don't rent to kids."
"I'm a customer with money," I pleaded. "Please, I just need a place for the week."
After some convincing, she relented. I paid 2 silver for the night.
That night, the nightmares returned. The incident still haunted me. I needed to find my mother and Cedric, but first—I had to survive.
The next morning, I rose before the sun. Washed my face. Ate the meat I'd bought. Tried to write a poem but failed. Eventually, I went out looking for work. I couldn't afford to let my money run dry.
I had two options: a butcher shop or a clothing store.
Just as I was about to choose, I remembered Calenor. I rushed back to his shop.
"Mister Calenor, do you need help?"
"Why so sudden?"
"I need a job. I'll do anything. I owe you, remember? This could be my chance."
I picked his store because it held something more valuable than food or money—knowledge. If I worked there, I might be allowed to read the books. And knowledge meant survival.
After a pause, he agreed.
"Alright, James. You'll be my assistant. Sweep the floors, organize the books, handle sales when I'm away."
"Understood, sir."
"Also, sometimes my wife and daughter drop by. Just giving you a heads-up."
He handed me an apron. The shop's name was stitched on it: The Ink and Ember.
"Welcome, kid. Should I call you James or stick with 'kid'?"
"James, please."
"Alright then. Let's start with a quick briefing."
He launched into a long explanation. I couldn't stop him until nightfall—but I nearly memorized the job by the end.
When the shop closed, I thanked him and returned to the inn. As I lay in bed, I thought, Things are looking up... for now.
But deep inside, I knew better. Life had taught me—things could change in an instant.
The next morning, I got ready for work and set off once more.