The Plights of Wallace Noble: A Memoir Alkenstar's Most Wanted

Chapter 5- The Concerned Criminal

I began to spend time with the people of this ruined settlement and as I did so, Durmal told me the lore of this heck of a ruin.

It turns out it's a ruin of one of the prosperous settlements before Nex and Geb waged their century-long immature war that spawned the Mana Wastes called Amaran, ruled by the Hightower family. Originally from Taldor, Lord Hightower sold all his possessions and went south to the continent of Garund and built the settlement, named after his wife Amar Hightower. A Vudrani monastery used to stand in this settlement, along with a philosophy school and a fortified tower known as "The Rook." All of a sudden, the immature war happened, the Mana Wastes was born, the green became sand and everything (and almost everyone) became funky. And it stayed as a ruin until today...for now.

I decided to name the settlement "New Amaran" as homage to what was once a great settlement, in hopes of making it great again. In addition to that, my vision for this settlement is that this will be a haven where mutants and non-mutants live in peace, harmony and security, but that is something I am still working on.

Libnar approached me and told me he has to go back to Geb, and he will leave one of his servants with me, but she has no name. I decided to name her "Salam"- the Keleshite word for "peace." He told me that she specializes in trade because Libnar is a trader himself. He then said goodbye to me and left to the land of Geb.

Somewhere in the middle of the day, Medel and his boys came back to New Amaran, fully armed and packed with supplies of their own. I saw a look on their faces as if they knew what I've done in Alkenstar and, honestly, I thought it's my time to surrender. Thankfully, they decided among themselves that they'll live here with us as watchmen, with Medel as town sheriff, making the people happy. They happen to show me a copy of The Clockwork Chronicle, Alkenstar's official newspaper, with the front page news of "Wallace Noble attacked the Temple of Brigh with armed men," and as a result, they increased the bounty on my head to 800 gold coins. It seems Hourglass is not happy that I didn't finish their job, so they decided to frame me. Also in the news is shocking news that uncle Martin was called to Alkenstar from Cloudreaver Keep to answer for my "crimes." This caused me to pack my things and head for Alkenstar to try rescuing my uncle, but before that, my people asked me what needs to be rebuilt first. After asking for advice, I told them to build the barracks first as a way to defend the settlement and at the same time, give the guards a place to stay. I later left with Tordek and Salam on our way to Alkenstar on a wagon, with me being disguised as a pile of junk.

We successfully entered Alkenstar unnoticed and the three of us split up- Tordek going to Dongun Hold for a personal matter while Salam does the shopping. I decided to pass by our apartment and see if my uncle was on house arrest.

As I arrived near the apartment, the entrance is heavily-manned by Alkenstar Militia. I fired an arrow at one militiaman and he didn't see it coming. It was a hard fight, taking on around 7 guards doing their duty, killing them in the process. (Dear goodness, I should have a sap next time I take on guards so I will not kill them.)

The fight ended when I shot one guard point-blank, and SURPRISE! My uncle is not here, but he did left healing potions, which helps me. If he is not here, then he might be in the Alkenstar Jail in the Skyside District.

Little info on the Skyside District: If Hellside is the poor part of the metropolis, you can figure out what kind of district is this. The Alkenstar Castle is built here; that beautiful park known as Graeson's Fingers is also found here, and the airship bay known as "Pilot's Square" is just nearby, not to mention beautiful houses that show the social status of these people. Oh, and if the Mana Wastes is a magic-dead area, this is the only part of the land where magic exists, which I really don't care at all. If magic exists here, then the temples are set here... especially the Temple of Brigh. But before you enter the district, you need to pay the toll.

Going back to the story, I happen to pass by the area via killing those stupid extortioners. They charged me for one gold coin when in reality they charge for one silver coin. Knowing these people are extorting money from people, I had no remorse. Again, it's the alleyway for me and guess who I saw? Yes, Gaspar Llanalir, Gaston's father flanked by what seems his son, shouting orders at people outside the Temple of Brigh. I guess they tracked me by scrivening. (And dear reader, this is why I hate magic- they don't play the game honorably, plus we live in the Mana Wastes- there is supposed to be NO MAGIC.) I had to run away for my safety, though and when some of the men from the Temple saw me, they chased me, with people heading for the old bridge. Now, the bridge is really old, made out of wood, plus the weight of people running away in panic causes the bridge to give out. I was able to get into the other end just in time; my chasers weren't lucky enough.

We had to make a run outside via the Western Gate, and we left not knowing where our wonderful government kept my uncle.

Ineed to get him out and into safety. He's the only family I have left.