In the enchanting embrace of Eldoria Forest, the clock struck 6:00 AM, heralding a new day in a realm where ancient trees murmured mystical secrets and fantastical creatures wove ethereal dances. Kyla, a spirited mother adorned with a cascade of silver hair that sparkled like moonlight, broke the morning silence.
"Wake up, Robert! Wake up!" Urgency laced her words as she stood beside a humble tent, marked with ethereal symbols that glowed softly in the dawn's light. "Yesterday, you pledged to win the contest of admission to the academy. Let not your promises be lost to the whims of sleep." Noticing her words had little effect on her son, she added “Hmph! Cheap motivation!”
With a flick of her fingers, Kyla unsealed the tent, allowing the crisp breath of Eldoria Forest to weave its way into the realm of dreams. The 19 year old Robert, reluctantly pulled from the tapestry of slumber, found himself caught between the warmth of his covers and the cool fingers of the forest dawn.
As he emerged from his makeshift bed, clad in humble attire and barefoot, Robert meandered toward a venerable tree trunk. Perched upon it rested a bowl, brimming with water—With a practiced hand, he scooped the liquid and bathed his face, dispelling the remnants of the night's embrace.
humble tent in eldoria forest [https://cdn.midjourney.com/4c9b4835-8de5-423d-ad6f-8f1fbdf892e5/0_0.webp]
A jar with honey, a sweet elixir that bound Eldoria's denizens to the very essence of the forest's heart. Robert dipped a well-worn spoon into it, savoring the taste.
Blast this freezing chill! My god, its bitter cold! Clasping both hands, Robert huffed warm breath into them, attempting to stave off the shivers that ran through his frame. If only I possessed the skill to regulate my body temperature!
Alright! Only three weeks left until the contest. Robert, still groggy from sleep, mumbled to himself while perched on a felled tree. He secured his shoes, then commenced running.
Oh, right! Can't recall how much I ran last week. Today, it's time to step up my game—I've set my sights on running until I reach the Jambodia route.
Aiming to secure acceptance into the Eldorian Academy as a scout, Robert sprinted with unwavering determination. After six months of relentless training, he had honed his skills to the point where he could effortlessly traverse the distance from the Eldorian Forest camp to the farthest reaches of the Jambodia route, nestled at the forest's edge. Forty miles in less than an hour.
Feeling utterly drained, Robert muttered to himself, "Man, I'm exhausted. Blast it all, I forgot my water satchel." Resigned to the situation, he decided to take a brief three-minute rest right there.
As Robert sank down to rest and recuperate, his weary eyes caught sight of a nimble squirrel in the vicinity. To his surprise, the little creature didn't shy away but rather, with cautious curiosity, it approached him. The squirrel moved with a delicate grace, pausing now and then to assess the stranger in its midst. As it drew near, its tiny paws padded softly against the forest floor, creating a rhythmic rustle of leaves. With a twitch of its whiskers and bright, inquisitive eyes, the squirrel seemed to acknowledge Robert's presence, establishing an unexpected connection.
"Hmm, peculiar. Squirrels usually steer clear of strangers," Robert mused aloud as he extended a gentle hand to pet the inquisitive creature. "A female squirrel, and quite aged at that. What brings you here? They typically don't stray far from their young ones," he pondered.
Intrigued by the peculiar behavior of the aged squirrel, Robert observed as she subtly indicated a direction with a gentle nod of her head.
"Is she guiding me somewhere? Could one of her offspring be in peril?" Robert contemplated, his connection with the wild animals sparking an intuition that something warranted attention.
Rising to his feet, the squirrel leapt onto his shoulder, becoming an unexpected companion. As they navigated the labyrinth of thick branches, Robert's keen eyes eventually fell upon a concealed cave, hidden amidst the verdant surroundings. The mystery deepened, urging him to explore further.
"A cave in the heart of the forest! This is unheard of. What's happening here?" Robert questioned aloud. As he pondered the unusual discovery, an abrupt chill enveloped him, and a sudden surge of unease gripped his heart.
"Brrr… Why this sudden cold? And my heart, it's pounding as if it's ready to burst," he muttered, feeling an inexplicable heaviness in the air. Succumbing to the mysterious sensations, Robert dropped to his knees, perplexed and overwhelmed.
The aged squirrel, sensing his distress, urging him to enter the cave with a sense of urgency. The forest echoed with the sounds, heightening the enigma that lay within the concealed depths.
"Mmm… My instincts are cautioning me, but the squirrel insists otherwise. The forest creatures usually recognize our scent and don't pose a threat, thanks to Sage Willow's rituals. I suppose I'll venture in," Robert contemplated, torn between his natural instincts and the peculiar guidance of the forest.
Stepping into the cave, he found himself engulfed in complete darkness. "Guess I'll give my eyes a moment to adjust," he murmured, waiting patiently as the shadows slowly diminished.
After waiting for a few moments to let his eyes adjust, Robert tentatively took a couple of steps into the darkness. However, as he continued, he became aware of the damp earth beneath his feet, and the ominous sound of cracking reached his ears. Instinctively, he tried to retreat, but the unforgiving ground gave way beneath him.
"Shoooot! No, Ahhhh!!" The exclamation of panic escaped him as he tumbled into the unknown abyss in a free fall.
With the sudden danger now a reality, Robert found himself in a state of shock. "Nooo, what should I do? What should I do?" he cried out.
Faced with the imminent peril of the fall, Robert swiftly deliberated on three survival options. The first involved channeling power and focus into his legs, executing an acrobatic roll upon landing. The second entailed striking the nearby wall with all his might to slow down the fall. And the third, sacrificing his legs to absorb the shock a desperate choice to redirect the impending danger.
Opting for the first, Robert made a swift decision. Two seconds before the ground approached, he drew a deep breath, closed his eyes, and vividly visualized the intricate acrobatic move. One second before impact, he exhaled with all his might, and with unwavering resolve, executed the calculated maneuver, aiming to mitigate the potential damage upon reaching the cavernous floor.
"Ahhh! I thought I was a goner. What's wrong with this place? Wait a minute, what the…"
"Ahhh! Mud! I would've been safe anyway, I guess," Robert exclaimed, realizing that the unexpected fall had landed him in a pool of mud, sparing him from the dire consequences he initially feared.
The ground into which Robert had fallen was covered in a twenty-centimeter layer of mud, a cushion that would have absorbed the shock of his fall regardless. Gathering himself, he stood up and spotted a faint light up ahead. Intrigued, he moved towards it, only to discover a small puddle of water glistening in the dim glow.
Amused by the unexpected revelation, Robert chuckled heartily. "Ha ha ha ha! The squirrel knew I was thirsty, leading me straight to a water source. Well, talk about being unlucky! I guess my mother was right; I truly am a black star," he mused with a mixture of laughter and self-reflection.
Approaching the puddle, Robert formed a makeshift cup with his hands and began drinking. To his surprise, the water in the puddle started to glow, and he felt a sensation akin to electricity coursing through his body.
"I'm not even going to bother. I don't know what's wrong with me, and I don't care!" he declared, pushing aside the mysterious occurrences with a determined nonchalance.
"Aghh!! What…" Robert abruptly threw the water from his mouth and clutched his chest, overcome by a sudden surge of pain. "I feel like a knife has been struck into my heart. What is this deep dread I'm feeling?" he wondered, grappling with the inexplicable anguish that gripped him.
"Come closer, come! Everyone is gonna dieee! Unless, unless indeed!" echoed the eerie voices around Robert. Startled, he questioned, "Who are you? What do you want?" A reaction born out of confusion and concern, as the mysterious and anonymous voices seemed to herald an ominous revelation.
"Come closer, and we will tell you. You will find out soon, who we aaaaare!" The haunting voices persisted, inviting Robert into the unknown. Panicked and unsure, he instinctively began to run, but after just three steps, he collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by an unseen force.
"Think you can runnn, ha ha ha ha! Run from us, from yourself, from your fate!" The haunting voices taunted relentlessly. "Nooo, from your destiny! Hi hi hihi," they echoed, weaving an unsettling tapestry of foreboding around the bewildered and helpless Robert.
"Is the water poisonous? Maybe it's the evil spirits of the forest. Sage Willow spoke about them. I thought the rituals banished them. How do I get out of here? How? I can't move! Damn it! I have no energy!" Robert's mind raced with frantic thoughts as he grappled with the mysterious predicament.
Suddenly, the squirrel emerged once more, approaching him.
"When did you get…? I thought… What… Ahhhh!" Robert's bewildered words were cut short as he crawled to the puddle and aggressively washed his face with the water, as if attempting to cleanse himself of the mysterious affliction that gripped him.
"Just a little bit closer, my deaaaaar!" echoed the haunting voice, sending shivers down Robert's spine as the unseen force continued to play its enigmatic games.
"Oh! I'm not tripping; they are real voices! It's not the thirst! They are really spirits. In this case, I must listen to them. I am in the middle of nowhere; who knows how much dark energy has been gathered here," Robert contemplated, acknowledging the supernatural reality of the voices and considering the potential consequences of his surroundings.
Calming himself, Robert began moving in the direction of the voices. The echoes persisted in both frequency and intensity. As he progressed, he stumbled upon another puddle, significantly larger than the previous one. However, something about it felt peculiar.
"This is no ordinary water! How beautiful!" Robert marveled, sensing an otherworldly quality in the larger puddle before him.
image [https://cdn.midjourney.com/fb033bd6-37fe-441b-a79f-08ecebe530f4/0_3.webp]
The expansive puddle gleamed in hues of pale blue, with the earth surrounding it adorned in soft tones. Upon closer inspection, the bottom of the puddle shimmered with a captivating gold-like color. A moon with the mountains of Eldoria inside it hovered on top of it, casting an otherworldly glow that bathed the cave in a surreal atmosphere.
Robert found himself captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of this mysterious oasis in the heart of the cave.
‘A moon, Beautiful” murmured Robert with an aloof voice.
As he extended his hand toward the moon, he discovered that it was ethereal and didn't adhere to the physical nature of human existence.
As Robert looked at himself in the mystical puddle, the water responded with a swift transformation, morphing into a mirror that reflected his visage. He beheld his face, adorned with long, mud-covered hair cascading down his shoulders. His well-groomed mustache framed his lips, and beneath the earthy veneer, a chiseled jawline and high cheekbones hinted at rugged strength and resilience. Within the mirror's reflection, his brown eyes gazed back at him, revealing depths of both mystery and determination.
Robert stood in silent contemplation, his mind momentarily freed from the burdens of thought.
Abruptly, the mirror underwent a mystical transformation, evolving into a clairvoyant portal. Robert, caught in the unforeseen revelation, witnessed a series of vivid scenes. First, the heartbreaking image of his deceased mother haunted the reflective surface. The once serene Eldorian Forest now echoed with the clamor of war as the people of Eldoria battled amidst the ancient trees.
The Archon of Eldoria, a formidable figure, stood at the forefront, casting intricate magical spells to defend the sacred realm. Robert could feel the intensity of the struggle, a conflict that reached beyond the boundaries of the forest.
Then, the clairvoyant mirror unveiled an intriguing vision—a pair of advisors from the capital. Their hushed conversation unfolded audibly in Robert's mind as they planned to visit Eldoria. Papers bearing the combined sigils of Eldoria and Faurecia, the capital, hinted at significant matters concerning the destiny of Eldoria. The unfolding events painted a complex tapestry of challenges and mysteries that would soon entwine with Robert's own journey.
Tears welled in Robert's eyes as he whispered, "Mother, everyone is gonna die! Unless..."
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"Unless indeed!" echoed the haunting voices once more, reiterating the grim truth. "The King is sick? The advisors took control temporarily? but they want to disturb the self-governance of Eldoria?"
The clairvoyant mirror's revelations left Robert with a chilling realization. "Something is going to happen to Eldoria. Wait a minute! I thought the tribute was paid to Faurecia at the end of each month. Why would they visit now?" he recognized the papers held by the advisors as the contractual agreement between Eldoria and Faurecia.
A sense of urgency gripped him as he thought, "I should notify the chief scout." Robert felt a responsibility to notify the authorities.
Robert instinctively navigated his way out of the cave. Though exhausted, he persisted until he finally emerged back into the forest. The exhausted Robert was startled by the distant sound of a SandVehicle approaching.
Shielding his eyes from the sun's glare, he squinted and saw a large vehicle drawing near. Three men occupied the back, while one sat in the front. The vehicle came to a halt near him, and the passenger in the front addressed him, "Excuse us, young man. Which way is Eldoria city?"
"Just follow the path straight; until you spot the small tents. Continue in the same direction, and you'll reach a crossroad where a mountain will appear on your right. Take a right turn, and Eldoria will come into view," explained the thirsty and exhausted Robert, his recent experiences making him less wary of strangers.
"Alright, just go straight, past the tents, then straight again, and when you see the mountain, take a right, correct?" confirmed the traveler, seeking reassurance from Robert.
"Yeah," responded Robert.
"Okay, that was helpful. Thanks a lot, young man. Have you been running?" inquired the traveler seated in the front.
"Yeah, I'm hoping to join the Eldorian Academy."
"Alright, nice, the Ragon academy. Good luck, and thank you once again," said the traveler as he closed the door of the SandVehicle.
"euh! Do you have some water, please?" requested Robert.
"Sure. It's the least we can do for you," replied the traveler seated in the front, handing him a water bottle.
"Thank you," Robert said, eagerly drinking the refreshing water.
"I know, you probably already know this, but, you need to be careful. Sometimes those crazy rebels in Jambodia run and end up here; some of them are psychos, they don't really have a goal, but to loot and plunder" the traveler cautioned, expressing genuine concern for Robert's safety.
"Rebels in Jambodia? What happened? I thought Jambodia was stable under the rule of Michel," Robert inquired.
"Hmm, everything has its time, young man," remarked the wanderer. He glanced at the highly focused Robert, who displayed keen curiosity and fascination with the narrative.
Continuing, the traveler added, "I can't provide precise details, so take this account with a grain of skepticism. Let me share the inside story."
Swinging open the door of the sand vehicle, he settled into the seat for added comfort and then retrieved a cigarette.
"Jimmy, got a lighter?" he inquired of his companions at the rear, engrossed in lively discussions about the women they anticipated meeting in Eldoria.
"Hey, Jimmy!" “Ahh! Yes boss, here,” and he tossed him the lighter. Snatching it from the air with one hand, he lit his cigarette and then leaned back, saying, “Yeah, what were we saying?”
“Guess I'll share what happened while I enjoy this cigarette; I like to take my time when it comes to smoking.”
“They say that the king is ailing, so, naturally, the upper echelon in the capital saw it as a prime opportunity to plunder the mines in Jambodia.”
“They always desired that, but how did they manage it?” inquired Robert.
“Well, it's quite simple. They demanded an upfront tribute, explaining that they urgently needed funds to wage a defensive war in the east against Vornvegr.”
“Michel, the lord of Jambodia, viewed it as a temporary financial shortfall and preferred not to escalate tensions. He agreed and provided an advance tribute, despite his financial constraints.”
"But the advisors didn't honor the agreed-upon date to return the money. They kept stalling and came up with various excuses."
"Michel, the elected leader, instructed the Freedom and Power party to advocate for patience. The people of Jambodia grew angrier; some even faced starvation, as you know."
"Yeah, Jambodia lacks agriculture; without money, they can't sustain their food supply," remarked Robert.
"Exactly. Most of the lower-class individuals who worked simple jobs in the mines were left starving without food. And so, Michel sent dozens of complaints to the capital."
"The capital finally responded by dispatching money in a small sand vehicles, and this is where the stories diverge."
"They say, route the vehicles would take to reach Jambodia was leaked to Michel's opposing party, and you know what happened."
"The money inside the vehicles was stolen by Michel's opposing party?" said Robert.
"No one knows for sure." He responded.
"We only drew conclusions, considering that Justice and Glory acquired most of the mining contracts in Jambodia. They say, they propagated lies and rumors, claiming that Michel had received the money but hidden it. They say, they fueled rebellion and chaos, further exacerbated by arming small gangs in Jambodia."
"With the chaos, and rebellion. A group of members funded by invisible elites in the capital, took control of the mines, and now they are ruling Jambodia like a gang of thieves. It's truly a sad state!"
As the traveler spoke, Robert's mind raced, drawing unsettling parallels between the tale and the visions he had witnessed in the cave. "The visions I saw in the cave, a similar fate is gonna bestow Eldoria? who are these elites? they waited until the king fell sick to spread their roots and gain more wealth by creating conflict," Robert thought to himself.
His expression shifted, a mix of sadness and disbelief. "That's a tragic turn of events. I had no idea Jambodia was facing such turmoil. How come these news didn’t reach Eldoria?"
The traveler shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, to cross the desert surrounding Jambodia is no small feat. Normally, the news of a country is spread and controlled by the capital. It's a shady story no matter how you look at it. I guess they wanted to hide it."
"I think you just saved Eldoria. What’s your name?" said Robert.
"Ha ha ha, what are you talking about? Asta, is my name. Eldoria is unconquerable; your Archon Aldeen is the strongest man in the country. No way they outwit him," Asta laughed confidently, dismissing any notion of Eldoria falling to the schemes of external forces.
"Not really. Everybody knows that Aldeen has a connection with the king. That is why we enjoyed a peaceful life until now. But if the king is sick, Aldeen no longer has any weight in the capital," Robert thought.
"Anyway, we have to go now, young man. Just be careful; on our way, we saw many rebels heading this way! He he he" Asta warned, his laughter replaced by a seriousness that underscored the urgency of the situation.
"Concerning they are already on their way to her" Robert added, with worried face, he then points to his sculpted, strong legs and hits them with his palm while smiling. "One kick out of these legs, and he will never walk again," he declares confidently, a mixture of humor and self-assuredness evident in his demeanor.
The other person starts laughing too. "You must be from those, umm, what do they call them?"
"The Sylvan Vale forest," Robert responds.
"Yeah, you guys are known for your strengths," the other man acknowledges, and Robert nods in confirmation.
"Except those rebels don’t play fair; they have weird weapons," the traveler remarks, turning to his companions for confirmation. They were bantering behind in the SandVehicle, and one of them turns to him and says, "What did you say, boss?"
"What is the name of those strange weapons those crazy rebels from Jambodia have?" the Asta asks, seeking information from his companions.
"ChronoTechnology, or Xeno-Arcanery, I don’t know, something like that," he utters.
"ChronoTechnology. I thought we only had that. Eldoria is much known for its ChronoTechnology prowess, the situation is looking dire." Robert thinks to himself, recognizing the significance of the information.
"What a crazy day. I should've just chosen the beehive work. Damn becoming a scout," Robert thinks to himself.
"I'm not even a scout yet, and it's only bad news after another - rebels coming your way, information you can't verify, and crazy experiences in nature," Robert laments.
"Alright, young man, good luck with your training. Now we've got to go," Asta interrupts Robert's inner thinking.
"Can you give me a lift? As compensation, I will guide you in the forest," Robert proposes.
"Win-win. This is why I love Eldorians. Hop on in," Asta agrees, appreciating the mutual benefit of the arrangement.
The exhausted Robert sat in the back of the SandVehicule, engaging in platonic conversations with the travelers. The motive for their journey into Eldoria became evident—they sought to obtain a permit to work in the mountains of Eldoria.
"I can't believe how big these mountains are," remarked one of the travelers as the trees inside the forest briefly stopped blocking their vision, granting them a glimpse of the colossal mountains that flanked Eldoria.
"But they are very dangerous. They are a mystery. Tales but only tales, say hidden within those mountains, ancient relics of Xelar. Though nobody know what that means anymore" said Robert he then adds;
"Work in the mountains is available, but it is very risky. I heard bears, 7 feet tall, show up from time to time, Magical birds also show up from time to time" Robert warned, highlighting the dangers associated with mining in the formidable Eldorian mountains.
The SandVehicle, with wheels one meter in radius and an engine fueled by a special type of sand, continued its path. Occasionally, people from the forest cast wary eyes on the travelers, but upon seeing Robert among them, a sense of reassurance washed over the onlookers, and they grew at ease.
"Alright, here is the crossroad I told you. Now you continue to the right, and you'll be able to see Eldoria. I have to go now," Robert guided the travelers, preparing to part ways.
"He he he, thanks a lot, young man. What is your name? Sorry, how rude of me not to ask for it in advance. Apologies."
"He he he, don't worry about it. My name is Robert."
"We would appreciate the help of one of the people of the forest. If you want to work with us, you are welcome," the traveler extended an invitation, acknowledging Robert's assistance and offering potential collaboration.
"Nah, I appreciate your offer, but I want to become a scout. Though I am having doubts lately, he he!" Robert responded with a mixture of appreciation and self-reflection, acknowledging his current path and the uncertainties that came with it.
"Alright, finally home. I guess I'll take a spoon of honey and go to sleep," Robert muttered to himself.
Exhausted, tired, and filthy with mud, Robert's worn appearance told a tale of a day filled with unexpected challenges. His shoes, now destroyed, while his legs showcased bruises from a harrowing fall. His disheveled hair and the grime on his face reflected the physical toll of his journey.
The weakening of his spirit was evident, having just witnessed the death of his mother in the mirror and foreseeing the impending war that would engulf his city. The profound impact of these events had left an indelible mark on Robert.
Just as he was to enter the tent, he hears the shouting of his mother.
"Robert, Robert! Oh my god, what in the... mud, water, bruises, what happened to your clothes? They're all filthy and torn!"
She hurriedly grabbed a wooden bucket filled with water and aggressively started pouring it on Robert.
Robert was somewhat numb to this, finding relief in the fact that he had finally reached home. "Take off your clothes; here, wear these," she said as she handed him new clothes.
His mother came from behind and started drying his wet hair with a white blanket. "Mother" said Robert; a tear rolled down from his eyes.
His mother, unprepared and bewildered, couldn't fathom why her lazy, cozy, strong, and cheerful child would cry. With perceptive eyes, she sensed something was amiss and simply hugged him. "It’s going to be okay, Robert" She knew her normally talkative son would share what happened. She couldn't contain her curiosity and inquired, "What happened to you? Our neighbors told me they saw you with travelers. Did they harm you?"
"No, Nothing happened! I’m fine!" he replied, attempting to mask the emotional turmoil that weighed on him, choosing to keep the burdensome visions and experiences of the day to himself for the moment.
"Mother, I met some travelers who are coming to work in the mountains. They say advisors from the city are coming. Please, notify the chief scout. Tell him to prepare for the worst," Robert urgently conveyed.
"Oh, those pesky travelers, what have they done to you? Are they the ones who caused these bruises?"
"Nothing, Mom, I fell, I'm just exhausted. And, I ate a Mushroom in the forest, that's all. Don't mind me, but please notify the chief scout" Robert said, offering a plausible excuse for his weak and unexplainable change, choosing to divert attention from the unsettling visions and experiences that haunted him.
"Ahh! Finally, I can sleep."
Usually, his mother would nag him whenever he would go to sleep, but this time she didn't.
"Wake up, Robert, dinner is ready."
He wakes up, drags a rock, and puts it near the stove where the dinner was cooking, he sits on it, puts his hands near the fire to warm them. Then, his mother hands him a wooden scoop of the dinner made of rabbit meat, vegetables, and mostly healthy mushrooms from the forest.
"Are you okay?" his mother inquired, still concerned.
"Yes, I am okay. More importantly, did you notify the chief scout?" Robert asked, his mind still preoccupied with the urgent information he had learned from the travelers and his mystical experience.
“Eat, and be quiet! I can’t believe you! Hmph… I thought you knew bad mushrooms from good ones!”
Concerned Robert, intensified, “You didn’t notify them?!”
"Of course, I didn't. You would think they would believe a high person on mushrooms?" his mother retorted, dismissing the idea that sharing such information would be taken seriously.
He puts his palm on his face in utter disbelief, and for a moment, considered sharing his mystical experience. The knowledge that his mother hadn't taken the warning seriously left him grappling with a sense of urgency and uncertainty.
"Fine, guess I'll do it myself!" In one full swoop, he drinks and aggressively eats his dinner, stands on his feet, and goes toward the location of the scouts.
In awe, his mother becomes even more confused, starting to consider that her son has begun to show signs of insanity.
On his way, he passes near the huge tent of Sage Willow, a revered old woman in the Sylvan Forest. Her words are of utmost importance, and her instructions are carried out to the letter. Not even the elected archon dares to oppose her or question her decisions. Her tent stands as a symbol of wisdom and authority in the Sylvan Forest.
Two huge iron pottery containers containing burning woods and herbs that emitted smoke. One of the guards had specific instruction to notify Sage Willow whenever the color of the smoke changes. And, upon passing by the pottery, Robert caused containers to burst with flames of violet and green. Unaware of this small detail, Robert continued toward the scouts' headquarters.
Upon reaching his destination, a guard shouted, "Hold!" The abrupt command halted Robert in his tracks, demanding an explanation for his urgent approach.
As Robert approached the scout headquarters, a palpable tension filled the air. The entrance, guarded by vigilant scouts, seemed like an insurmountable barrier.
"State your business," one of the guards demanded, eyeing Robert with skepticism.
"I need to speak with the chief scout urgently. It's a matter of utmost importance," Robert replied, urgency lacing his words.
Laughter erupted among the guards, and another scoffed, "Utmost importance? You look like you've been through the forest wilds. What makes you think the chief scout would bother with someone like you?"
Undeterred, Robert pressed on, "I overheard travelers speaking of advisors from the city planning to demand an advance payment. Eldoria might be in danger!"
More laughter ensued, and a sarcastic voice chimed in, "Oh, so you're the town crier now? Eldoria's in danger because you heard some bedtime story from travelers?"
Robert's frustration grew, but he maintained his composure, "I saw it in a vision, and it's not a joke!"
The guards exchanged incredulous glances, and the one in front sneered, "A vision? We've got a mystic in our midst, lads!"
The ridicule continued, making Robert's mission to convey the impending threat an uphill battle.
Then, out of nowhere, came the right-hand man of Sage Willow, Alistar.
"What are you doing?" Alistar's authoritative voice cut through the mockery. "The scouts' job is to transfer information. No matter how insignificant they are to you, they could hold the stability of the nation. Let him in now!"
The guards' demeanor quickly changed, their skepticism giving way to a more serious tone.
"This kid? What even Alistar is backing him?" one guard muttered, now realizing the potential gravity of the situation.
After conveying the crucial information to the chief scout, emphasizing the urgency, the chief scout swiftly dispatched the fastest scout to notify the Archon. Robert finally felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.
"Thank you, Sir," Robert expressed his gratitude to the chief scout Jung, who nodded in acknowledgment. "You did the right thing, lad. Information is our greatest asset," Jung remarked.
As Robert turned to leave, Alistar called out to him, "Hold on, lad. You've earned yourself a seat at the fire tomorrow. I want to have a word with you." Alistar announced, his tone carried a mix of respect and curiosity.
Robert hesitated for a moment, not accustomed to being the center of attention. "Uh, sure. I'll join." leaving Robert wondering about the purpose of this unexpected meeting with Alistar; the right hand man, of the revered Sage Willow.