Shiv Settlement

     Shiv Settlement. The name intrigued Ferris. It promised danger and excitement. He followed the arrow and walked on. Pretty soon the streets got narrower. A network of alleyway wound off in every direction. Ferris stayed on the main road for fear of getting lost.
     As he went on, fewer and fewer people could be seen. The road narrowed even more and, though it was only midday, no light from the sun could be seen. Shadow belonged here. Strangely, Ferris felt at home in the dark. Everyone he came across wore dark cloaks with their hoods up and never looked directly at him. They walked briskly from alley to alley never looking up or around.
     Then Ferris bumped into a man without a cloak, who wasn't afraid to show his face.
'Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there,' Ferris apologised.
'No need to be sorry,' the man drew a dagger from his belt. 'Just pay me for the inconvenience and we'll be on our way.' The man motioned behind Ferris and sure enough two cronies with swords stood behind him.
     'What should I do?' thought Ferris, 'What coin I have I shall need to start my grand adventure.'
Should Ferris run away, fight or continue talking?

Opportunity City

    The dock was alive with activity when Ferris's ferry arrived in the city of Taglas. Freighters were being unloaded, bringing the spices of distant lands to this trader hub. 'Such smells,' thought Ferris, his boots hitting the sturdy dock. 'This is why I'm here. The best of the seven lands gather here. Here my journey begins. Here I find my destiny.'

    He set off to the heart of the city, his small pack to his shoulder. There was not much from his old life to bring to the city. A few clothes, trinkets and memories. The accumulation of his teenage years can all fit in a small bag. Ferris didn't know how to feel about that. Sad, because he hadn't amounted to much yet, or excited, for it meant the best years of his life still lay before him.

    As he walked and took in the sights and smells of Taglas, a measure of anxiety grew in his heart. Ferris had always known he would do great things with his life though he was always lacking in direction. What great things would he do? How would he accomplish them? What should he do with his life? He had always taken it on faith that if he came to the city, his destiny would find him. Now he was here, he was unsure what to do next.

     It was in this haze of indecision Ferris came upon a signpost with three directions. Ranger Barracks, Mana Row and Shiv Settlement.

    Where would Ferris find his destiny?