Sunlight painted the dusty floor with streaks of gold at the cavern’s entrance where Sorah, Daichi, and the crew of escapees stood at the threshold, blinking against the sudden brightness as they gazed out at the vista before them. Rolling plains, dotted with clusters of ironwood trees and vibrant wildflowers, stretched out as far as the eye could see.
"By the winds..." Bishane, the elder Windweaver from Isle Cumulus, breathed in the fresh air. "It feels good to be back under the open sky."
“Indeed it does.”
“Nothing beats the freshness of the morning air.”
A chorus of agreement murmured through the group. Some of them had spent days, weeks, even months trapped within the prison's ironclad walls where their spirits were slowly withering under the oppressive regime of the Dune Empire. Now, they were free, if only for a fleeting moment.
Elara turned to Sorah looking tearful. "Mister Sorah, I... I don't know how to thank you. You've given us back our freedom, our hope."
Sorah offered a reassuring smile. "There's no need for thanks, Elara. We're all one people deep down." He glanced at the assembled group, and lingered his gaze on the air affinity brands that marked them as Aerithrans, as outsiders in this hostile land. "But we must not linger here. The Sand Devils will be on our trail soon."
With his bulky figure creating a lengthy shadow in the early morning light, Brokk took a step forward and announced, "We know a hidden path through the mountains that will lead us to the Rendil Temple. It's a treacherous trek, but it's our best chance of avoiding detection."
Sorah considered. "Then let us be on our way." He glanced at the Rice Guru, who was busily corralling a herd of Geoderors - large, reptilian creatures with rocky hides and powerful legs. They were known for their incredible speed and endurance, making them ideal mounts for traversing the rugged terrain.
"I've... procured us some transportation," the Rice Guru announced. He gestured towards the Geoderors that exuded a newfound air of docility. "These fine steeds will carry us swiftly and surely towards our destination."
Daichi stared at the Geoderors in astonishment. "But... how? How did you manage to tame them? They're wild beasts! You didn’t even shackle them."
The Rice Guru explained vaguely with a smile, "A little bit of Boqumu magic and a touch of... persuasion,." He hopped onto the back of the largest Geoderor and addressed the others. "Now, come along, my friends. Let's ride!"
The Aerithrans and villagers, still wary but filled with a renewed sense of hope, mounted the Geoderors. Elara and Anya shared a mount, while Brokk and Plutak each rode their own.
Sorah and Daichi turned towards Woodworm, who was still munching contentedly on a nearby log.
“Kyuuu!” Woodworm emitted a thunderous burp that echoed through the clearing, sending a flock of birds scattering into the sky.
The Rice Guru, perched atop his Geoderor, rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Woodworm, must you always make such a big deal out of your digestive victories??"
"Hehehe!” Daichi chuckled as he hopped onto Woodworm's back. "Come on, fat worm, let's show these rock lizards how it's done!"
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With Sorah seated behind Daichi, Woodworm lumbered forward. Its tiny legs were churning against the ground as it struggled to keep pace with the Geoderors.
“Kyuuu!”
"Faster, Woodworm, faster!" the Rice Guru shouted as he hopped over and playfully spanked the creature's rear end with a thin piece of stick. "We haven't got all day!"
Woodworm let out a indignant chirp and, with a burst of unexpected speed, surged forward, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
“Whoa!” Daichi exclaimed, gripping the fur tightly to avoid being thrown off.
…
As the sun rose higher in the sky, they rode through the undulating plains, the wind slapping at their faces. The scenery was an assortment of browns and greens interspersed with bright spots of wildflowers.
The native Terravolt villagers waved goodbye as they parted ways with Sorah and the others. They wished each other luck, hoping they would all find peace and happiness in this tumultuous world.
The group continued onward, following Brokk's lead as he navigated the hidden paths through the mountains.
"This path... it's treacherous indeed," Sorah remarked as Woodworm scrambled over a rocky outcrop, its tiny legs working overtime. "Are you sure we're heading in the right direction?"
Brokk glanced back. "Trust me, Mister Sorah. I know these mountains like the back of my hand. This path will lead us to the Rendil Temple in no time and away from the prying eyes of the Sand Devils."
They rode in silence for a while, the only sounds were the clatter of hooves against stone and the occasional chirp from a passing bird.
"It's... beautiful," Elara murmured, gazing at the vast expanse of wilderness that stretched out before them. "I've never seen anything like it."
Anya, who was seated in front of her mother, agreed. "It's like a dream, Mama."
Sorah smiled faintly. He had travelled extensively during his youth, accompanying his father on his missions across the realms. He had seen wonders beyond imagination - towering mountains that pierced the clouds, sprawling forests teeming with life, and vast oceans that stretched to the horizon. But the simple beauty of this landscape, the raw, untamed wilderness of the Terravolt Kingdom, held a special charm for him.
"It's a harsh land," Brokk remarked gruffly but not unkind. "Unforgiving and unpredictable. But it's also our home."
"It's a land of contrasts," Plutak added while looking on the horizon. "Of scorching deserts and snow-capped peaks, of hidden oases and treacherous canyons. It's a land that tests the limits of endurance, but it also rewards those who respect its power."
As they rode on, their conversation turned to tales of their respective homelands and the cultures that had shaped them. They spoke of the Aerithra Kingdom's floating islands and Cloud Butterfly steeds, of the Terravolt Kingdom's subterranean cities and Sand Krayt Dragons, and of the ancient traditions and beliefs that had been passed down through generations.
“Back home, on Isle Cumulus, we have these massive bamboo forests with networks of vine bridges spanning for miles high above the open air,” Bishane shared with the others. “These form aerial 'streets' that allow citizens from across the land to gather freely for trade and festivals.”
"It sounds... magical," said Plutak.
"It is," Bishane replied with a hint of nostalgia. "But it's also a land of constant vigilance. The wind currents that sustain our islands can be unpredictable, and we must always be prepared for storms and other natural disasters."
Lukio who was listening intently added, “Yes, we Windweavers play a vital role in maintaining the stability of our islands. We use our Aeromancy skills to guide the wind currents, to ensure that our homes remain aloft and safe.”
“So, you’re like… weather forecasters?” Brokk asked curiously.
Lukio chuckled. "In a way, yes. But our work is far more complex than simply predicting the weather. We must understand the intricate dance of the winds, the subtle shifts in air pressure, and the ebb and flow of Aether Steam."
As they journeyed through the mountains, the landscape began to change. The rolling plains gave way to steeper slopes and rocky outcroppings. The air grew thinner, and the sun beat down on them with an unrelenting intensity.
"We're getting close," Brokk announced, pointing towards a distant valley. "The Rendil Temple lies just beyond those peaks."
In the distance, Sorah could just barely make out the silhouette of the ancient temple, its towering spires reaching towards the sky. A surge of optimism coursed through him. He was almost there. Almost to the portal that would lead them back to the Aerithra Kingdom.