The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 229

Lawren, with his entourage in tow, greeted the arrivals at the city gates with a smile on his face. “Lord of Golden Scorch, Lawren, at your service. May I ask what’s...?”

Daman, tilting his head to inspect him, replied, “What’s this? Where’s the rest of your sentence?”

Lawren's face twitched in annoyance at the brusqueness. He didn't want to stir trouble with The Thousand Treasures Commerce, nor this formidable fellow, so he said with a smile, “I am currently in control of Stormcast. Are your caravans here to rest or to engage in trade within the city?”

“You? Did Cobalt Strike grant Stormcast to the Rocke family as well?” Daman's tone was harsh, his towering three-meter stature imposing.

“No, no, you misunderstand. I am here to assist. Alavin is preoccupied with the affairs of the keep, so I'm tending to the city in his stead.”

“Who is the Lord of Stormcast?”

“Why, Alavin, of course.”

“I wish to see Alavin,” Daman stated, his stern and stoic face revealing no emotion.

Lawren, rapidly losing patience, replied, “That’s not possible right now. If you want to trade, you’ll deal with me. Without my consent, you won’t enter the city.”

Daman frowned, then bluntly inquired, “Why are you puffing yourself up?”

“I aim to protect Stormcast.”

“Since when were Golden Scorch and Stormcast kin? I don’t recall that,” Daman said, knowing full well that the historical bond between Stormcast and Golden Scorch was tepid at best. Having braved the journey to be stopped at the city gates was infuriating enough, but to be challenged by Lawren, of all people, was utterly absurd.

Lawren suggested, keen to avoid a feud, “If The Thousand Treasures Commerce desires to trade, that's fine. But it must be with my approval and under my terms.”

“I want to see Alavin,” Daman repeated, single-minded and not one to dwell on complexities. “I came for Alavin, everyone else be damned.”

Lawren, stern-faced, insisted, “As I said, not now.”

Daman slammed his iron staff into the ground, glaring, “I will see Alavin.”

“Has The Thousand Treasures Commerce resorted to forceful trade now?”

“Who said I’ve come to trade? I’m here to deliver goods.”