The bustling streets of Arveron thrummed with the energy of commerce and conversation. The city, a melting pot of cultures and commerce, was surrounded by high walls that had withstood the test of time and conflict. Tumo melded into the crowd, his sharp eyes observing everything while revealing nothing.
His first stop was the market district, where Garin had mentioned he could be found. Tumo navigated through the narrow lanes lined with stalls, each bursting with goods from across the realm: spices that tickled the nose, fabrics in dazzling colors, and metals that glinted in the sun. Amidst this chaos, he located Garin's stall, piled high with exotic fruits and rare delicacies.
"Tumo!" Garin greeted him warmly, a broad smile spreading across his face. "I wasn't sure I'd see you again so soon. What can I do for you?"
"I'm here to gather information," Tumo replied, his voice low. "I need to understand the power dynamics of this city. Who holds the real power here?"
Garin's eyes darted around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "That’s a dangerous game, but if you're set on playing it, you'll want to start with the Merchant's Guild. They wield more influence than even the duke sometimes. But be careful; they're not fond of outsiders poking around."
Tumo nodded, filing away the information. "And where might I find them?"
"Their headquarters is in the central plaza, the large building with the emerald banners. You can't miss it," Garin advised, then added with a serious tone, "Just remember, they’re as cunning as they are wealthy."
Armed with this knowledge, Tumo left Garin's stall and made his way to the central plaza. The building was indeed impossible to miss, its opulent facade standing out even amongst the grandeur that defined much of the city. Tumo paused outside, contemplating his approach. His instincts warned him to tread carefully, but his ambition drove him forward.
Deciding on a direct approach might arouse suspicion or resistance, Tumo opted to observe first. He found a nearby café where he could watch the comings and goings of the guild's members. Over the next few hours, he noted their interactions with the populace, marked the security around the building, and gauged the best times of entry and exit.
As evening approached, he saw his opportunity. A group of guild members exited the building, seemingly off to enjoy the night’s pleasures. Tumo followed at a discreet distance, eventually overhearing them talk about an upcoming shipment of valuable goods arriving by sea.
Realizing the potential leverage this information could provide, Tumo planned to intercept this shipment. It could be the key to gaining the influence he needed to restore his status and fulfill his quest for vengeance.
That night, under the cover of darkness, Tumo prepared for the morrow. He revisited the docks, studying the best vantage points for observing the arrival of the shipment. As the moon cast its silvery light over the city, Tumo felt a convergence of his past skills and his current needs. Tomorrow would be a pivotal day.
Sleep was fleeting as he rested in a nondescript inn. His mind raced with plans and possibilities, each more daring than the last. By dawn, Tumo was ready, his resolve as sharp as the blade at his side. He would reclaim his noble title, not through lineage or favor, but through cunning and strength, the very traits that had defined his journey thus far.
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Updated 25 Episodes
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