The next morning, the sun was still timidly rising on the horizon when Rand was already on his feet, watching the activity among the ruins that would soon become his legacy. The air was thick with dust and subtle magic, and the sounds of hammers, saws, and muffled voices formed a symphony of birth—the birth of something grand.
Rand wasn't alone.
A rather peculiar team moved among the rubble with an efficiency that seemed almost supernatural. They were goblins—short creatures with pointed ears and ever-watchful eyes. Known for their prowess in engineering, alchemy, and construction, they were also masters of discretion. Through powerful magical illusions, they all appeared as ordinary human workers: rough-talking carpenters, focused engineers, sweaty laborers. But beneath the illusions, sharp eyes and brilliant minds worked at full speed.
The leader of the team was named Ajax—a tall goblin by his race's standards, with gray eyes and a rigid posture. He had the respect of everyone, including Rand.
"We've mapped out the entire original structure, Lord Rand," Ajax said, unrolling a scroll with detailed diagrams. "Some parts can be reused, but we'll reinforce everything with Mont'Reith stone. It's resistant to fire, magic, and even explosions. In four days, everything will be ready."
Rand nodded, arms crossed over his chest.
"Remember, Ajax… no one can know who you really are. We're walking on eggshells. If they find out what we're doing, the Queen will never allow the construction to continue. Use a powerful rune formation. I want everyone who looks at this place to believe this hotel has always been here."
Ajax smiled, revealing his pointed teeth.
"Leave it to us. We've also placed some of our own inside the local guilds. If anyone gets too suspicious… we'll take care of it. Discreetly."
Rand walked slowly through the construction site, envisioning what the place would become. His project wasn't just grand—it was bold. The hotel, still unnamed, would be the most imposing and luxurious on the entire continent. But it wouldn't just be a symbol of comfort. It would be a haven for those who lived in the shadows: informants, assassins, exiled nobles, mercenaries.
The place would have everything.
Inside the hotel, there would be specialty shops: blacksmiths crafting custom weapons, boutiques for refined armor, ateliers of noble clothing, artisan shoe stores, jewelry shops, game halls, and arenas for private duels. New exotic drinks, rare tobaccos, and even an Information Hall, accessible only to VIP members.
These VIPs would need to sign magical contracts. None of them would know the true terms—hidden clauses would ensure loyalty and silence. Only the chosen ones would gain access to classified information, special services, and certain "hidden benefits." The hotel would be more than a shelter. It would be a neutral ground, like that legendary hotel Rand had seen in visions from another life—a place where deals were made, but betrayal was forbidden.
"Besides that," Rand continued, stopping at the area that would become the main entrance, "we're building something more. Beneath the hotel, we'll create a secret district. A magical city."
Ajax raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"A city?"
"Yes. An improved version of Diagon Alley. When I arrived in Camily, the Quill of Acceptance wrote hundreds of names into the Book of Magic. They're young people between 11 and 16 who were born with magical affinity. We'll need to train them. And for that, they need supplies, guidance, a school."
"And the families?" Ajax asked, already imagining the complications.
"The goblins will approach them in secret. Those who accept the offer will have to part from their families. It's cruel, yes. But necessary. The secret of magic must be preserved. The world still isn't ready for the return of true arcane art. There could be conflict with the Aes Sedai."
Rand knew he was stepping into dangerous territory. But it was a calculated risk.
Beneath the city, Rand planned to build the Ministry of Magic, with different departments: Rune Research, Arcane Training, Magical Defense, Advanced Alchemy, and a sealed library containing ancient books. Beside it, a School of Magic would be built—a safe, underground place protected by anti-intrusion enchantments.
In the hotel's main atrium, Rand envisioned enchanted marble columns, living stained glass that changed with the time of day, and a chandelier made of floating crystals suspended in the air like stars trapped on the ceiling. Ethereal music would fill the space at certain times of the day, coming from enchantments hidden among the stones.
"I haven't chosen a name yet," he murmured, thoughtful.
Ajax, beside him, was reviewing another set of blueprints and diagrams.
"That's alright, sir. The right name will come at the right time. But I must warn you… the more power we gather here, the more attention we'll attract. And attention can be dangerous."
Rand gave a slight smile, his eyes glowing with restrained ambition.
"Then let the risks come. This will be my first step. I plan to build my hotel in every major city around the world. It will be… continental."
Rand returned to the Queen's Blessing Inn. Helena was still seated with several papers. Since they'd begun their plans, she had been helping as much as possible.
"The excavation has reached the third level. Soon, we'll be deep enough to begin constructing the Underground City," Rand told Helena.
"I'm glad we're moving quickly," Helena said, hesitantly. "I know this might sound selfish, but are you sure about taking in so many people? Even with magic, there are risks. What if one of them rebels?"
Rand looked out at the horizon, thoughtful.
"They're young, not fools. They'll feel the power of this place and understand they're part of something greater. But if necessary… we'll have containment protocols. For your safety—and everyone's."
A brief silence fell between them.
"And what about the magical contracts for future guests?" Helena brought the subject back. "I've already drafted some. They'll be bound to hidden runes. Even if they destroy the paper, the bond will remain active."
"Perfect," Rand said. "I want the VIPs to feel like they're part of an elite… but never forget they're being watched."