Chapter 971

Jambel’s walls were five meters (16’) high and wide enough that two-armed people could easily walk side by side. They were made of grey stone and smoothed so that during the day they would partially reflect the sunlight and blind the aggressors.

With its nigh-zero crime rate thanks to the Baron’s welfare system, its great scenery, and its rough but friendly inhabitants, Jambel was the perfect place for Lith to show his family the best the north had to offer and pocket a few silver mines.

If the precious metal’s veins were accessible and Zolgrish had given up on them, of course.

“Archmage Verhen! It was already hard to believe a runt like you could be a Great Mage, but now you’re an Archmage and you’ve even accepted my invitation. Well, I’ve seen it all now.” Baron Eiros Wyalon laughed while hugging and patting Lith’s back as if they were long-lost cousins.

He was a man in his late thirties, about 1.78 meters (5’10″) tall, with red hair and a finely trimmed beard. Eiros also had blue eyes as clear as the twin lakes in front of the city and was wearing ceremonial armor which emphasized his lean but muscular build.

The Baron looked and acted more like a soldier receiving a friend rather than a noble welcoming an Archmage. His wife, Mirias, watched at the scene with her green eyes wide open in a mix of horror and embarrassment.