Morning sunlight filtered through the bustling streets of Lockeheart as Towan and Elliot followed Leon through the marketplace. Stalls lined both sides of the wide street, their vendors calling out to passing customers, advertising everything from fresh produce to handmade trinkets. The scent of grilled meats and baked bread mixed in the air, making Towan's stomach grumble.
Leon walked with a casual confidence, weaving between merchants and shoppers, occasionally stopping to inspect goods. The brothers followed closely, still adjusting to the sheer volume of people compared to Heartwood. The city was lively, more so than anywhere they had been before.
"This place is huge," Towan muttered, eyes darting between stands. "Heartwood was nothing like this."
Elliot nodded. "It feels like a festival, except it's just… normal life here."
Leon chuckled. "Lockeheart is a trade hub. People from all over come here to sell, buy, and make deals. You can find almost anything—if you know where to look."
They passed by a stall filled with colorful fabrics, another with shining metal trinkets, and yet another where a burly man was sharpening a variety of knives. Every step they took revealed something new.
"Do you actually have business here?" Elliot asked, watching as Leon exchanged a few words with a fishmonger, though he didn't seem interested in buying anything.
"Of course. But today, you two are part of it," Leon answered. He stopped at a fruit stand and picked up an apple, inspecting it. "Consider this your first lesson: observation."
Towan raised an eyebrow. "Observation?"
Leon took a bite of the apple, chewing thoughtfully before nodding at the crowd. "Anyone can swing a fist. Anyone can throw Essentia around like a reckless fool. But knowing where to be, when to act, and who to trust? That's just as important as knowing how to fight."
The brothers glanced at each other before scanning the market again, this time with more intent. Merchants haggled with customers, pickpockets subtly weaved between distracted crowds, guards kept a watchful eye from the edges, and there were even a few figures who seemed oddly out of place—standing still, observing rather than shopping.
Elliot frowned. "There are people just watching, like us."
Leon smirked. "Good. You noticed." He finished the apple and tossed the core into a bin. "Keep your eyes open, boys. We're about to have some fun."
Towan opened his mouth to ask what he meant, but before he could, Leon abruptly turned and started walking toward a different section of the market. The brothers hurried after him, weaving through the crowd.
After a few minutes, Leon slowed his pace and subtly gestured toward a small, worn-down shop nestled between two larger storefronts. The sign above it was faded, barely legible, but the door was open, and a faint scent of parchment and ink drifted out.
"What is this place?" Towan asked.
"A little bookstore," Leon said casually. "But the owner sells more than just books. Information, rumors… and occasionally, things that aren't supposed to be for sale."
Elliot narrowed his eyes. "So… we're spying?"
Leon laughed. "Spying is such an ugly word. Call it… gathering insight."
Towan and Elliot exchanged glances before stepping inside. The store was dimly lit, shelves packed tightly with old tomes, scrolls, and even some strange artifacts tucked between the books. Behind the counter stood an elderly man with sharp eyes and a knowing smirk.
"Leon," the man greeted, his voice smooth but tinged with amusement. "Didn't expect to see you so soon."
Leon leaned on the counter, grinning. "I need a little information. And maybe something extra if you have it."
The old man chuckled, eyeing Towan and Elliot. "New apprentices?"
"Something like that," Leon said. "They need to learn how the world works."
The old man's gaze lingered on Towan and Elliot, his smirk deepening. "Well, well. Leon doesn't take on students lightly. You two must be special."
Towan shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, but Elliot met the man's eyes with quiet defiance. "We're just here to learn," Elliot said.
The bookseller chuckled, turning to Leon. "Straight to the point, this one. I like that." He reached under the counter and pulled out a small, leather-bound ledger. "Now, what kind of information are you after?"
Leon leaned forward, his tone dropping to a murmur. "Rumors about Imperial movements near the eastern border. And any whispers about Essentia artifacts hitting the black market."
The old man's eyebrows rose. "That's specific. And dangerous." He flipped open the ledger, running a finger down a page filled with cramped handwriting. "The Empire's been quiet lately—too quiet. But there's talk of a shipment being intercepted near Veldros Pass. No details on what was inside, just that it vanished without a trace."
Elliot's eyes flicked to Leon. "You think it's connected to Heartwood?"
Leon didn't answer immediately, but the tension in his shoulders was answer enough.
The bookseller snapped the ledger shut. "As for artifacts, there's a collector in Lockeheart who's suddenly very interested in Essentia relics. A woman named Selene. She's been asking around, paying top coin for anything 'unusual.'" He paused, then added with a sly grin, "She's also asking about you, Leon."
Towan stiffened. "What does she want with him?"
The old man shrugged. "That's the real question, isn't it?"
Leon tossed a small pouch of coins onto the counter. "Keep us updated." He motioned for the brothers to follow him outside.
Back in the bustling market, the sunlight felt harsh compared to the dim bookstore. Towan hurried to keep pace with Leon. "Who's Selene? And why is the Empire—"
"Not here," Leon cut in sharply, his eyes scanning the crowd. A group of city guards had paused nearby, their attention briefly drifting toward them. He forced a casual smile. "Let's grab lunch. I know a place."