On the Marvels of Ironpeak: Chapter 10 Part 1

Kniv wasn't kidding when he said that the detour to Diobri was worth the while. While Diobri itself is already a fascinating place, with its streets buzzing with energy, I can't wait to get to the Everforge, reaching for the skies in the center of the city. Even from afar, it is the most astonishing construction I've ever seen.
 
Let me backtrack a bit: At the gates of Diobri, for a short while it seemed like getting into the city might prove a challenge. It seems that the guilds of Ironpeak use flat, circular emblems to identify guild members. When the border guard checked our caravan, I found out that Orin, ever the equally charismatic and enigmatic character, is of Noble blood! His family members are the administrators of Attensham, a settlement somewhat nearby. I hope I didn't behave in an inappropriate way, even though he assures me that he doesn't mind or even desire the usual royal decorum.
 
After entering the city, we traded the magical lens from the tower with Torben and said our farewells. I hope it's not the last time we see him, I'm very curious if he finds a way to mend the chipped artifact. Afterwards, we found lodging in a strange - fey-touched? - tavern. When we went back onto the streets and by pure coincidence (or so it seemed?) went into a store trading in jewellery and magical relics, we made two very strange discoveries.
 
The first was a letter that was left here addressed to Zephyras. It contains a warning about a necromancer called Avorath, who Zephyras remembers essentially nothing about but his name. The author claims this Avorath sacrificed many innocent souls and warns Zephyras about loosing his humanity in the search for more power. Avorath has previously captured Zephyras, but has somehow lost his grip on him again? It's all very mysterious. The letter ends with the call to destroy Avoraths "Phylactery" (what is a Phylactery? I need to do research into this) and to seek Lyria Moonshadow here in Diobri, who supposedly will know what to do. We'll try to find her this afternoon. Hopefully she can help Zephyras, I'm still very concerned about him.
 
The other discovery was more... personal. One of the items on sale was perfectly matching what Bean saw in her vision about me! We went out and bought it, it has a lightning-like effect within that is active whenever stormy weather is close. I don't know what to make of the witch and her visions, but the fact that the stone is actually in my hands now leads me to believe that she actually possesses many, although confusing, powers.