Loa walked to the front desk and handed over Yale's letter, which bore the emblem of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce.
The attendant at the desk took the letter and glanced at it, her manner immediately becoming more respectful. She sent her colleague to announce his arrival, then led Loa inside, settled him in a reception room, served tea and pastries, and withdrew.
Loa had been waiting for less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea when hearty laughter rang out beyond the door.
"Hahahahaha..."
The door opened, and a brown-haired, middle-aged man strode in with a commanding gait and the air of someone long accustomed to authority. His gaze fell on Loa as soon as he entered. He looked him up and down, and his smile broadened.
"Young Loa, I've heard so much about you!" The man approached in a few strides. "My Yale told me ages ago that he knew a gifted warrior who had reached level seven at such a young age. Now that I've met you, hearing about you a hundred times really couldn't compare."
Loa rose, but before he could speak, the man smacked his forehead.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself." He smiled and offered his hand. "I'm Yale's second uncle, Myron Dawson."
"Hello, Lord Myron." Loa shook his hand, his tone neither servile nor overbearing, his manners impeccable.
"Oh, come now!" Myron waved a hand. "What's this 'Lord' business? You and Yale are good friends. Just call me Second Uncle, like he does."
Loa readily obliged. "Then I'll do as you ask, Uncle Myron."
"Hahahahaha! Good!" Myron laughed heartily, patting his shoulder and inviting him to sit. "I've heard about your situation. As it happens, my caravan has a shipment bound for the Black Lion Kingdom, so I'll have