Atrum abruptly left his guests, his heart racing with urgency. He knew he had to reach the tear in the veil between their worlds before it shifted and closed. What good was it to have knowledge of the evil that was happening if he couldn't take action? Something strange was unfolding in the realm's, portals required great power to open, and Earth didn't have magic like his world despite the fact that they were parallel. Who or what could be responsible, the though chilled Atrum. Opening or closing a portal between realms took the power of himself and all the other Great Wizards of his world. Yet, lately, mysterious rifts had been appearing, allowing people and creatures to pass through. Now, he found himself racing through the sky with Tasapa towards one of these rifts. Tasapa was a black diamond dragon she was the fastest thing in the sky on any planet, but he still worried about his chances of arriving in time. All the wild portals were unstable, but time was the real issue. How time worked in his world was different than time on Terra Earth making catching the tear a nearly impossible challenge. Each minute on Terra Mana meant ten minutes passed on Terra Earth. But the image of a young girl and a green stone lingered in his mind, compelling him to use his magic to speed them even faster. There was a power within this child, her aura shimmering like his own magic. The ancient carving on the green stone seemed familiar, but how would this child have a transfer stone. The whole situation puzzled him, especially since the Wighte was after her. There was undoubtedly something magical about this girl.
As a child, Atrum had been told stories of the Wighte, a spirit that preyed on naughty children who ventured out after dark. Most dismissed it as a mere tale to scare misbehaving kids, but wizards knew, the truth was far more sinister. The Wighte didn't discriminate – it hunted anyone it pleased, and the more it consumed, the stronger it became. Even the powerful had trouble defending against a spirit with an insatiable appetite? Normally, one could find respite during the day, time to rest and plan, as the Wighte shunned sunlight and only hunted at night. But in Atrum's vision, the spirit attacked in broad daylight, a sight he had never witnessed before. He hoped that the Wighte didn't possess any more tricks up its sleeve, and that it still required rest and sustenance after an attack. Otherwise, his chances of surviving this perilous adventure unscathed were slim. Typically, two or more protectors would join forces against a creature of this power, but this time, he was on his own.
According to the protocols, I should gather the Seven Sovereigns to council and inform them of the Wighte's whereabouts. No doubt, they will argue, as they always have, about the importance of monitoring all rifts until they can be sealed to protect Itaza from potential harm. Itaza is the country I am bound to defend, not Terra Earth. I must be out of my mind embarking on a mission to stop the Wighte and save this girl. Yet, the thought of allowing this creature to wreak havoc without any safeguards or magic sent a shiver down his spine. There is also a sense of curiosity that compels me to see if the Wighte truly seeks this girl. The only way to find out is to witness it for myself. If I am fortunate, I may be able to offer my assistance, earn her trust, and get the answers to my questions. Knowledge is everything and worth any risk. Although, he didn't anticipate much danger from the ordinary people of this world. After all, he possessed immense magical power and a mana pool to rival the gods. He wondered if his acting skills were up to the task. At home, he had no need to hide his identity or power.
The portal loomed ahead, revealing a farm nestled among the trees. Atrum's heart raced as he witnessed the Wighte advancing on a large building. A figure on horseback appeared, radiating with energy, and the Wighte unleashed a bone-chilling roar. That sound always sent shivers down his spine, causing his hair to stand on end and his skin to crawl. Time was running out; any minute now, the girl would emerge from the barn, clutching something, only to stumble and fall.
With a dive, Tasapa and Atrum hurdled through the shimmering portal. Holding his breath, he waited, concerned about the unpredictable nature of wild portals and how much time might pass before he reached Earth. As soon as he materialized above the farm, Atrum's grip on the saddle wavered, and he almost fell as the abrupt time change assaulted his mind. Once his thoughts cleared, he witnessed the scene unfolding exactly as he had seen earlier that day. He watched the girl run, and when he believed she was safe, he conjured a fireball and hurled it at the building she had just left, engulfing it in flames. Two more spheres of fire followed, hoping to slow down the Wighte and divert its attention. Several tense minutes passed as Atrum kept watch, making sure the Wighte had moved on. He would have until nightfall to devise a plan and escape this place. Circling in the air, preparing for a landing, Atrum noticed three more riders arriving on the scene. Their presence would complicate matters. His vision could have included this detail, but nothing is ever so straightforward.
Setting aside his frustration, Atrum focused on his loyal companion, Tasapa. A rush of exhilaration surged through him. There was something magical about soaring above landscapes, witnessing sights that most would never see. He marveled at Tasapa's sleek body, her dark, glistening scales that shimmered as if wet. Although many referred to her as a black dragon, her scales actually displayed a myriad of colors, seamlessly blending into their surroundings. Tasapa had large, round eyes on the sides of her head, prominent nostrils atop her muzzle, and trailing feelers resembling a dangling mustache beneath her snout. Her mouth opened wide, revealing rows of long, razor-sharp teeth. Dragons were colossal creatures, and Tasapa was the largest living dragon in Itaza. The best thing about her wasn't her beauty or size it was their bond.
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"Quickly, Tasapa, over there," Atrum gestured towards a dense thicket of trees with low-hanging branches. Motions which were unnecessary because they could share words, thoughts and pictures in each other's minds. "I'll go on foot, but not too far. I'm not in the mood for a day-long hike." Within moments, they landed safely, far enough from the fire and the farm to remain unnoticed.
Tasapa chuffed, “I fly I walk you too lazy and ride.”
Atrum gathered some herbs and donned his cloak before setting off towards the farm.
He turned to his companion and motioned her to stay, “go check out the hunting but stay close and don’t plan to stay long” He sighed as she flew off in a huff.
He had to decide on a story, one that was believable yet allowed him to retain some mystery and power. He should be careful to not reveal his abilities, so Atrum settled on the guise of an elderly healer. Someone he hoped who would not be seen as a danger and who's help, they might need. He needed to ensure the girl's safety, urge them to leave this place as swiftly as possible and then he could figure out what was going on with all these anomalies.
The forest seemed to come alive as an elderly man emerged, his presence commanding attention. He leaned heavily on his walking staff, his quick paces contrasting with his hunched shuffling. With a keen eye, he observed the unfolding scene before him. Just as he took a step forward, he stumbled and fell. It wasn't the graceful entrance he had envisioned, but it did bring a concerned luminare rushing to his aid. With her help, he slowly regained his footing, brushing off his robe and chastising himself for his clumsiness.
"Thank you, Miss, for your rescue," he said with a self-deprecating smile. "I should be more careful, or my own two feet will be the death of me one day."
He explained that he had been traveling west when he noticed the fire balls, feeling a curious pull to investigate. Spotting the riders, he thought someone might need his herbs and healing. He gestured to his pockets and grinned.
Extending her hand, Cyan introduced herself. "I am Cyan.” She said shyly. When Atrum took her hand and kiss the back her next words came out so faint no one would hear her, “And who might you be?"
Atrum bowed respectfully. "I am Atrum, a traveler and healer," he replied. "Ever since the plague, I have been searching for my family and learning all I can about healing. I had hoped to find a cure and reunite with my loved ones." He limped forward, offering his assistance. "Can I be of help?
Cyan nodded vigorously her cheeks flushed as she lead him to the house. Ali was a healer so this man could help and she liked him. What harm could an old man be.
As he followed behind, he positioned himself to the side where he could feel her aura and those around him. It was only a five-minute walk to the house and soon he was in shouting distance to those inside. The energy around the area was definitely filled with that of the Wighte, those with magic maius, those without luminare, animals and death. He was surprised to find two distinct auras from maius and two luminare. Few people on his world were completely without magic but here he would find many more luminare. He wondered how they did everyday things with such a handicap. Suddenly, a wave of sensations overwhelmed him, tingling sensations crawling under his skin and enveloping every nerve. Colors danced before his eyes, and fragrances of fresh grass and blooming flowers filled his nostrils. Before he could process what was happening, the tingling intensified into a surge of energy, physically throwing him backward. Struggling to regain his composure, he quickly sat up, hoping no one suspected him of any wrongdoing. He dusted himself off, feeling rather foolish, and scratched his head in an attempt to make sense of the experience. His thoughts were interrupted by a cough projected to him from Tasapa, reminding him of the girl.
When he turned, he saw the girl run into the house with one of the luminare following. This was not ideal. They needed to leave soon, or his journey would become a disaster. He looked up and could still feel a disturbance in the distance. The portal was still around at least for now. He couldn’t afford to get stuck here a couple days here would mean nearly a moon back home. Determined, he continued following the young luminare, Cyan, towards the house.
Cyan open the door and yelled, “ Zerin I found some help where is Ali and Willow.”
Zerin grabbed his sister and moved her behind him as he stood in the opened the door a beautifully drawn bow aimed directly at the stranger.
Atrum put his hands up and smiled trying to diffuse the tense situation. The young man holding the bow appeared anxious and unsure, a combination that made Atrum uneasy.
Zerin's voice was stern and angry as he demanded, "Who are you?"
His sister was frantically trying to get around her brother but to no avail, so she complained, “He is a sweet old man stop trying to shoot him. You are such a bully.”
Zerin anger was rising at his sister he blurted, “Go get Ali I don’t trust strangers and neither should you. Now go!”
Atrum contemplated his options, considering his magical abilities, but realized that using them would only hinder his chances of earning their trust.
Instead, he replied, "Is there any chance you could point that beautiful bow somewhere else and we could talk?" Pausing for a response and receiving none, he continued, "I see, can I just sit down. I really should sit for a moment, as my leg requires attention."
Carefully lifting his robe, he gestured to a long cut oozing blood that had mysteriously appeared on his leg. And then, with purposeful intent, he fell to the ground where he stood.