Kalem and Lyra finally arrived at Eryndale, the sprawling city that housed the famed Arcathis Academy. Calling it a city felt like an understatement—it stretched as far as the eye could see, with towering spires that seemed to scrape the sky and streets bustling with life. For Kalem, it was both awe-inspiring and utterly overwhelming.
The city streets pulsed with energy. Merchants called out from colorful stalls, hawking everything from enchanted trinkets to exotic spices. Street performers displayed feats of magic, drawing small crowds with bursts of flame and illusions that shimmered in the air. The inhabitants were a kaleidoscope of diversity: humans, dwarves, elves, and even a few beastfolk mingled together, their voices blending into a symphony of chatter and laughter.
Kalem clutched Onyx's reins tightly, his head swiveling to take it all in. "This place is... it's too much. My head is spinning."
Lyra chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Don't worry; it happens to everyone their first time in Eryndale. Just take a deep breath and try to focus on one thing at a time."
Onyx let out a low gruff, as if echoing Kalem's discomfort. "Are you mocking me too, Onyx?" Kalem muttered, earning another amused laugh from Lyra.
Navigating the labyrinthine streets, Lyra took the lead, guiding Kalem through the bustling market district. "This is where you'll find anything you need," she explained, gesturing to the countless stalls and shops lining the cobblestone roads. "Though fair warning, some of these merchants will try to swindle you if they think you're new."
"Noted," Kalem said, though he was still distracted by the sheer chaos around him. "How do people even live here without going mad?"
"You get used to it. Besides, there's a rhythm to the madness," Lyra replied. "You just need to find your pace."
They passed by a grand fountain in the heart of the market, its cascading waters sparkling with a faint magical glow. Children played around its edge, while an elderly dwarf sat nearby, sketching the scene with practiced strokes. Despite the chaos, there were moments of serenity, and Kalem couldn't help but feel a small spark of excitement beneath his anxiety.
Their next stop was the gates of Arcathis Academy itself. The towering structure loomed in the distance, its intricate architecture radiating both grandeur and mystery. Even from afar, Kalem could sense the power emanating from it. "So, this is where it all happens," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Lyra nodded. "That's where we'll be in a week—assuming we pass the admissions test."
"Wait, a week? Isn't that cutting it a bit close?" Kalem asked, his brow furrowing.
Lyra smirked. "Relax. The registrar told me the schedule while you were lying on the ground like a jabbering mess back there. We've got time."
Kalem flushed with embarrassment. "I wasn't that bad."
"You were," Lyra said, her tone teasing but fond. "But don't worry. A week's enough to get our bearings and prepare."
They spent the rest of the day exploring more of the city. Lyra introduced Kalem to a cozy inn where they could stay—a place called The Wandering Hearth. The owner, a stout, jovial man named Breth, welcomed them warmly and even offered Onyx a spot in the stable, though the massive bull seemed reluctant to part from Kalem.
"I'll be back soon," Kalem assured Onyx, giving him a reassuring pat. The bull snorted in response but eventually allowed himself to be led away.
Later that evening, Kalem and Lyra sat by the inn's hearth, sharing a modest meal of stew and bread. The warmth of the fire and the hum of quiet conversation around them helped Kalem feel more at ease.
"So, what's the plan for the week?" he asked, breaking a piece of bread in half.
Lyra leaned back in her chair, thinking. "First, we'll need to get permits for our gear—at least for what we managed to bring through the checkpoint. Then, it's probably a good idea to scope out the academy grounds and maybe talk to a few locals about what to expect from the test."
"Sounds like a lot," Kalem said, though his tone was less anxious and more determined.
"It'll be fine," Lyra said with a grin. "And hey, if nothing else, you've got me to keep you out of trouble."
Kalem rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. "I guess I should be grateful for that."
As the night wore on, Kalem found himself feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. The journey to Eryndale had been long and challenging, but now that he was here, standing on the cusp of something entirely new, he couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning.