The wagon creaked to a halt before the towering stone building, its banners fluttering in the breeze. The emblem of the Adventurers' Guild—a sword crossed with a shield—hung proudly above the entrance. Xavier stepped down from the wagon, his boots crunching against the cobblestones, Aria following close behind with her usual calm grace.
Ostig, the grizzled driver who had brought them safely across the roads, tipped his cap. His weathered face carried the lines of a man who had seen too much, but his eyes were kind. Xavier clasped his hand firmly.
"Thank you, Ostig. For everything. I won't forget it."
The old man nodded, his voice low but sincere.
"Just be careful in there, lad. The Guild is full of wolves. Some wear armor, some wear smiles. But all of them bite. Take care of yourself. "
