Elysium was the grandest city of Sigil kingdom. It was where all the royals and the nobles made their home. The most important trade centres, institutions and markets had been established in the city owing to its prime location next to the Emerald Coast.

Maple town had nothing on the size or splendour of the Elysium Mill, a market nestled right in the centre of the city. Rows upon rows of traders hawked their wares in loud voices. There were even the faint strains of the lute and it came from the bards who walked the streets of Elysium selling their music.

Alka led them through the crowded market at a leisurely pace. They had stopped to look at a giant shining fish kite that floated by above them when Milky took off and disappeared inside a shop called ‘Tonja’s warehouse.’

“Milky come back!” Syryn shouted and ran after the fur ball. He left the others behind and rushed into the shop which was medium-sized and just crowded enough to cause the customers a mild discomfort. Syryn pushed to the front of the shop when he couldn’t find the runaway kitten. There he heard an interesting conversation between the owner and nephew.

“You best forget about even showing up here if you dare leave Sarah on the day of your marriage just so you can compete in some sodden potion-making competition that you know you’re not even going to win! Have you taken leave of your senses, Tomas?! It’s your wedding day!”

“Aunt Daga, I paid 5 crowns for an admission ticket. It took me a day of waiting at the booth to secure one. Please, I want to compete!” Tomas whined with his hands clasped together in a plea.

“Tomas Oferstagor! Get out of my sight right now!”

It was a very awkward situation, to say the least. The customers shuffled away when aunt Daga threw an account book at Tomas.

“I’ll buy the ticket from you for 6 crowns.” Syryn offered at the moment Tomas fell to the child’s feet.

“No! Who said I’m selling??”

“Done. Give him your ticket Tomas before I break off your wedding with that poor girl. She’ll do better than to marry a man like you who cannot even show up to his own wedding!!!”

With a sigh, Tomas handed Syryn a rolled-up sheet of parchment. ‘Clink’ Syryn dropped 6 crowns and snatched a ball of white that was attempting to get inside one of the barrels in the shop.

“Fish flavoured whiskey?” Who the hell was buying such disgusting alcohol? “Milky! Stop struggling! You nasty piece of work. Fish whiskey, really?” The tussle between kitten and master continued till they were outside the shop.

“Where are Magnus and Luci?” Syryn asked Alka who was in the adjacent store perusing through a stack of tomes.

“Buying apple sauce and dried fruit candy. They’ll be back soon.” No sooner had he spoken, Magnus and Lucien walked in holding identical paper bags filled to the brim with colourful sweets. Lucien’s cheek was bulging from the size of the candied apple that was buried in his mouth. Magnus didn’t look a single bit ashamed for spoiling Lucien rotten.

“What’s that you’ve got there?” The fire mage asked.

“A ticket to some competition it seems.” Syryn unfolded the parchment and took a look at what was on it. Two prominent seals were stamped on the parchment, the Royal seal in gold, and a guild seal in red.

“How did you get that? The admissions are always sold out in a day.” Alka’s green eyes shined with interest.

“Is it a big deal?”

“Mmhmm, the 3 winners get contracts with King Hill, Winter Fortress and Saint’s Moon. How did you get this ticket Syryn?” Tell me your ways oh master, Alka whispered in his heart.

“I bought it from someone who couldn’t attend. I just got lucky.”

“Well, I guess that solves your problem then,” Magnus commented.

Alka paid for a brand new tome on ‘Exotic plants and a treatise on their summoning.’ The group stepped outside and made another small stop at an impressive looking place. At its doorway hung a very important signboard. ‘Queen’s Solutions – J. Vendi, Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, and insurance agent.’ Alka asked his friends to wait while he stepped inside for some work.

“This is quite authentic, no doubt about it. It’ll get you right through the gate of the competition.”

“Thank you Jarl, I’ll be stopping by when I get time.” Alka thanked the man and exited the shop.

“Syryn, I hope you’re prepared. The competition will be held tomorrow at the 9th hour of the morning. So, we’ll have to get there around the 6th.”

“What? Isn’t that too early?” Syryn protested. A whole 2 hours before the competition assigned timing.

“This is a very important event Syryn. We cannot be late.” Alka’s tone left no room for argument. “Anyway, we have to test your knowledge tonight. Given that the event attracts so many excellent alchemists, I’m certain that there will at least be 2 master potions on the crafting list. We have to hurry!”

“Slow down Alka, you’re out of breath.”

“You’re not worried at all are you Syryn?”

“No, I’ve got Magnus to fall back on if I lose.”

“What if I told you that there would be a beautiful princess who will hand out the awards?”

“Which one?” Syryn’s interest was sparked.

“Lillith”

“Not excited.” She was Rowan’s future wife anyway. Syryn had no business ogling his friend’s beloved.

“Can we leave already? I want to take a nap.” Magnus complained like a petulant son out shopping with his parents.

______________

“I don’t care that you bought a ticket! You don’t have a license, kid. No admission.”

“That’s not mentioned in the rules.” Alka disputed.

“That’s the way it’s been done. How about this? I’ll refund the ticket AND give you some extra spectators tickets, for free!”

To sell Syryn’s ticket off at a higher price to some waiting alchemist? No way! Syryn was not a patient person so he was glad to have Alka speaking on his behalf. His fingers itched to set the man on fire.

“If that’s the case then I’m afraid I’ll have to call my lawyer. Jarl will be pleased to have a conversation with the Guild master since they’ve known each other for many years. Let’s go Syryn, we have time before it starts.” Syryn was so glad that Alka had dragged him here early.

“Wait, I’ll allow it this once. Don’t come back here without a license the next time you compete.” Alka’s bluff had worked.

“There won’t be a next time.” Alka coldly informed the man. With an icy glance at the name tag on his robe, Alka swept out of the room.