>>6134176“They wouldn’t get very far.” Cassius remarks. “Though they may have the numerical advantage, the mages of Morfis have enough power to scour the continent several times over. The capital also has the ability to magically produce both food and water, leaving those that live outside the city completely dependent on them for valuable resources. An uprising against the Royal College could very likely lead to the end of our nation as we know it.”
“So, the entire country is dependent on one city.” Cuthbert remarks. Though he’d still seemed irritable throughout your journey, he was at least making efforts to join in on the conversation every so often. “Makes you wonder what the city of Morfis even gets out of the relationship.”
“Though our country is scant in natural resources, they do exist.” Cassius answers. “Those that live outside the city contribute in a variety of ways, including herding animals and salt mining. Perhaps most interesting of all are those that hunt for artifacts. Morfis is an ancient country, with a history dating back prior to even the Sorcerer King’s arrival. There are all sorts of wonders buried underneath the sand, waiting to be uncovered. I’ve heard of the Royal College paying thousands of gold coins just for one artifact alone.”
>“What kind of artifacts?” You ask, somewhat interested.“Anything as mundane as a clay pot to a newly discovered tome of magic or ancient blade.” Cassius says. “In some cases, new technologies have been found that have changed our very way of life. Our destination, Ithaca, was created for the sole purpose of containing artifacts until their true nature could be worked out. Not everything found in the desert is necessarily safe to bring back into the city. Part of the responsibility of the researchers at Ithaca is to work tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of these ancient items. As such, the camp normally denies entry to any who lack the necessary permissions from the Royal College. Though I would have preferred if we embarked upon my route, I must say, it is good fortune we became acquainted with Alvin. Even I have never been to Ithaca, and I must admit, my curiosity is piqued.”
Cassius had your attention at ‘ancient blades’. The thought you might find some sort of powerful weapon to aid you in your quest was an exciting prospect, doubly so with the confirmation that you were unlikely to run into other contenders at Ithaca. You began to feel as though you made the right choice in sticking with the Adjunct. You’d hardly spoken with Alvin these last few days. He seemed to be more preoccupied with leading the caravan, head always on a swivel for potential trouble. Perhaps he wished to avoid a situation similar to the pirate attack on his ship.
