Chapter 154 - 149: The Road to Valenor
Morning sunlight poured through the windows of the Crossroads Inn.
The common room was quieter than it had been the previous evening. Many of the travelers who had shared stories over dinner had already departed before dawn, each returning to their own journey.
John adjusted the strap of his backpack as he walked downstairs.
The innkeeper noticed him and smiled.
"Leaving already?"
John nodded.
"We’ve rested long enough."
She handed him a small cloth bundle.
"For the road."
John accepted it with both hands.
"You don’t have to keep giving us food."
The innkeeper laughed.
"I run an inn."
"Sending travelers away hungry would ruin my reputation."
Lythriel leaned over to peek inside the bundle.
"...Fresh bread."
John immediately closed it.
"No."
She looked offended.
"I wasn’t going to steal any."
"You were thinking about it."
"I was considering it."
"That’s close enough."
Sylvara couldn’t help but laugh.
Even Aerion smiled.
---
After thanking the innkeeper, the group stepped back onto the eastern road.
The weather was perfect for traveling.
The air was cool, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of pine from the forests ahead.
Compared to the roads around Greenhollow, this route was much busier.
Every hour they passed merchants, messengers, pilgrims, and fellow adventurers.
Some offered a friendly greeting as they passed.
Others were too focused on their destination to stop.
John found himself wondering where they were all going.
Each traveler had their own purpose.
Just like he did.
---
By late morning, the farmland gradually disappeared.
In its place stood an expansive forest.
Tall oak and maple trees formed a natural canopy overhead, their leaves filtering the sunlight into patches of gold that danced across the road.
A stone sign stood at the forest entrance.
**Silverleaf Forest**
Lythriel read it aloud.
"Looks peaceful enough."
Aerion examined the road ahead.
"It usually is."
"Usually?"
"The road is safe."
"But forests are still forests."
"Wild animals sometimes wander close."
John nodded.
"We’ll stay alert."
---
The road through Silverleaf Forest was surprisingly beautiful.
Birds sang from the branches overhead.
Squirrels darted between tree trunks.
A family of deer stood in a nearby clearing before quietly disappearing deeper into the woods.
Sylvara smiled.
"It’s so peaceful."
John agreed.
"It reminds me a little of the Hidden Realm."
The Soul Raven, flying silently above the trees, spoke for the first time that morning.
"This forest carries no ancient corruption."
"Only age."
John looked around again.
There was something calming about that.
Not every old place hid forgotten dangers.
Some simply existed.
---
Around midday, they reached a small clearing where several wagons had stopped for lunch.
Smoke rose from cooking fires, and children chased each other through the grass while their parents rested.
A merchant waved toward them.
"Travelers!"
"You’re welcome to share the shade."
John smiled.
"Thank you."
The group accepted the invitation.
---
As they ate, John noticed a little girl staring at the Soul Raven.
She couldn’t have been older than six.
After several minutes, she cautiously approached.
"Mister..."
John looked up.
"Yes?"
"Is... is your bird nice?"
The Soul Raven slowly turned its head toward her.
Its golden eyes were ancient enough to intimidate seasoned adventurers.
The girl froze.
John smiled reassuringly.
"It won’t hurt you."
The raven gave him a slightly annoyed look.
"I rarely hurt children."
John hid a smile.
"See?"
The little girl giggled.
Very carefully, she extended one finger.
The Soul Raven remained perfectly still.
When her finger gently touched its feathers, her eyes lit up.
"It’s so soft!"
The raven puffed out its chest ever so slightly.
"I am well groomed."
John coughed to hide a laugh.
Lythriel failed completely.
She burst into laughter.
"...Did the ancient guardian just sound proud?"
"It stated a fact."
"Of course it did."
---
The girl’s parents hurried over.
"We’re so sorry if she bothered you."
John shook his head.
"Not at all."
The little girl looked up at him.
"Thank you, Mister."
She waved enthusiastically before running back to her family.
The Soul Raven watched her leave.
After a long pause, it quietly muttered,
"...Polite child."
John glanced upward.
"You like kids."
"I tolerate them."
Lythriel grinned.
"That’s the closest thing to admitting it we’re ever going to get."
The raven chose not to answer.
---
After another hour of walking, the forest began to thin.
The road climbed steadily uphill.
As they reached the crest of the hill...
Aerion stopped.
"We’re here."
John stepped beside him.
"What do you mean?"
Aerion pointed toward the horizon.
"There."
Far in the distance...
A magnificent city rose above the surrounding countryside.
Massive white stone walls encircled the settlement.
Elegant towers reached toward the sky.
Dozens of colorful banners fluttered from the battlements.
Beyond the walls, grand buildings reflected the afternoon sunlight, making the entire city seem to glow.
A broad river curved around one side of the city, crossed by several impressive bridges.
Even from this distance, they could see countless wagons and travelers moving toward its gates.
Sylvara’s eyes widened.
"...It’s beautiful."
Lythriel let out a low whistle.
"That’s... much bigger than I imagined."
John remained silent for several moments.
Greenhollow had been warm.
Peaceful.
Personal.
Valenor was different.
It radiated history, prosperity, and importance.
This was a place where kingdoms met.
Where merchants built fortunes.
Where scholars preserved centuries of knowledge.
Where adventurers came seeking fame.
John slowly smiled.
"So..."
"This is Valenor."
Aerion nodded.
"It is."
"We’ll reach the gates tomorrow if we keep our current pace."
John kept his eyes on the distant city.
Somewhere inside those walls...
There might be answers about the Dragon King’s legacy.
There would certainly be new people to meet.
New friendships to forge.
New challenges to overcome.
The peaceful Chapter of Greenhollow had come to an end.
A new one...
Was about to begin.
The four companions stood together for another moment, silently taking in their first glimpse of Valenor before continuing down the road toward the kingdom that would shape the next stage of John’s journey.
---
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