Excitement grew within Rudeus as Gnobby led him towards a light in the fog. Silhouettes first appeared, and then grew in definition. Suddenly, they broke through the fog, as if it were being held back by an invisible wall. What Rudeus saw stole his breath away!

Rolling pastures flowed out towards the lazy river, coated generously in lush green clover. Shaggy cows wandered freely around, their long hair flowing down as they leaned forward to eat. Massive turtle shells dotted the place, though these were more than that; Pockets were dug out in the earth beneath them, and chimneys spewed smoke that disappeared when it joined the fog above. The whole hollow was cast in eternal twilight.

The only things stranger than the scenery were the villagers: One of them was milking a cow, another was splitting firewood, one was pulling a cart over the path. Rudeus had to dodge some giggling children who chased after a shrieking goose. Things were peaceful, so what did he find strange about these villagers?

Well, they all had translucent horns sprouting from the corners of their foreheads: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, everything! Their horns came in all sizes too, some small that barely poked out from their hair, some massive that curled up and around beside their ears like a ram.

As Rudeus was led through the village, he couldn’t help but feel like he didn’t belong here. Sure, this was a very unfamiliar place, but it was more than that; Every villager had a stoic expression upon their face as he passed through, their eyes watching him with distrust and perhaps even a little fear.

Rudeus asked in a hushed voice: “Are you sure it’s okay for us to be here?”

Gnobby puffed out his chest slightly as he replied: “Not a problem. I’m chummy with the chief. Just stand back and let me do the talking.”

Gnobby led him to the biggest turtle shell of them all, on a hill overlooking the river. Stairs stepped down like a basement suite, and through a doorway blocked only by a breezy blue curtain.

The inside was unlike any hall he was used to: Overlapping carpets covered the floor, cushions were arranged around numerous floor height tables, the domed turtle shell ceiling was polished and painted black with white constellations, and foreign flags of all varieties lined the walls.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

At the back of the hall, the chieftain sat upon her wooden throne with a bored expression. Her translucent red horns sprouted from the corners of her forehead, curling up and around her ears; Of all the villagers Rudeus had seen so far, her horns were by far the largest. Matching the color of her horns, her long red hair was tied in a bun, and her shining red eyes carefully examined Rudeus and Gnobby.

Gnobby started the conversation casually. “Yo, chief! How've ya been?”

She sighed. “Gnobby. Have you finally returned to pay off your debts?”

Gnobby averted his gaze, sweat forming on his forehead.

Her eyes switched to Rudeus. “Who is the boy?”

Rudeus bowed, taking a step back with his right foot, clenching his left hand in a fist in front of his belly button, and clenching his right hand in a fist behind his back. “Rudeus Aurelios, first prince of the Aurelios Kingdom. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

If you looked very closely, you might've seen the chief’s eyes light up, just a little. Maybe. “Hmm. I understand. Tell me boy, what is the most important quality for a leader?”

The question took Rudeus by surprise! Honor? Loyalty? Strength? Maybe he should ask for a hint? Maybe-..

The chief interrupted his thinking. “No matter. You shall stay the night, and answer my question tomorrow evening.”

The chief looked back to Gnobby, who was standing as stiff as a statue. “You. I'll decide what to do with you later.”

Gnobby relaxed a little, letting out a relieved sigh. The chief continued: “But know this…”

Gnobby shot up straight. The chief finished her sentence: “You will pay for your debts.”

Gnobby nodded profusely, a shiver running down his spine: “Of course, ma'am! Thank you, ma'am!”

The chief snapped her fingers, and a girl appeared from behind the wooden throne. Her silver eyes matched her silver hair, which flowed beautifully over her shoulders and down her back, and she looked to be about the same age as Rudeus. She certainly seemed like an average human, by the fact that Rudeus couldn't see any horns poking out from beneath her hair. Maybe that's why she was a servant.

The chief commanded: “Friesia. Show them to the guest house.”

Friesia nodded, and hurried towards the door. Her voice whispered like honey and golden bells: “This way please, Rudeus, Gnobby.”

Friesia led the duo out of the hall, and towards the guest house.