Abby's irritation simmered as Carl offered his repeated apologies. Although he had extended the invitation, her frustration lay more with Nat, who had withheld knowledge of the traps surrounding their destination. Soon after departing from their camp towards the mountain base, Abby triggered a concealed trap that plunged her and Nat into the ground. The subsequent slide entangled Abby in her current restrained position. Torchbearers assisted her, escorting her to the Grand Firespeaker, the organization's leader, who found amusement in her predicament and assured her that Carl would be released shortly.
Presently, Carl was securing her release into his custody. Outsiders entering this sacred place were taboo, and the punishment typically entailed exile through an ancient Auctian portal device. A device that, in most cases, Auctians couldn't activate. However, the Torchbearers had harnessed the dormant volcano spirit's power to make it functional. Abby struggled to comprehend the cryptic mutterings of Carl.
"Listen," she interrupted when finally freed. Displaying two tentacles to convey her non-hostile intent, she spoke, "Let’s start anew. I’m Abby, Erik Tiller’s sister."
As Abby regained her freedom within the Torchbearers' den, the cavernous space revealed itself, bathed in the perpetual glow of flames. Ancient energies mingled with the scent of embers, and murals adorned the walls, depicting flames in various forms—a testament to the Torchbearers' affinity for fire.
“I see,” acknowledged the Grand Firespeaker, donned in a mask resembling blue and green flames. His muffled voice echoed with authority as torchbearers tended to the eternal flames. "This is why Carl invited you. Custom states that the invited must be freed by the inviter."
“Your brother was restrained for two weeks. The one who invited him had a massive area to ignite,” Nat whispered, a reassurance that an hour here was relatively short.
Curious about the place, Abby inquired, “What exactly is this place?”
“Allow me, Grand Firespeaker,” said Carl, lowering his hood. Abby observed a man in his late forties, his face etched with weathered lines reflecting a lifetime dedicated to fire mastery. His eyes, determined, met hers. “We are in Ember Mountain. Outsiders are taboo here, and we operate a unique portal device fueled by the dormant volcano spirit.”
Abby, still grappling with the Torchbearers' customs, sought clarification. “Okay, so you all play with fire, secluded from the rest of the world. You travel to barren worlds via a magical portal, only to light torches because they'd go out without you?”
“Somewhat, yes,” Carl explained, sitting down and offering Abby some tea. “We illuminate the way for all. Ever wonder why ancient ruins still have lit torches? It’s because of us. We have chapters on other worlds, and we communicate through our portal device. Some are even in digital worlds.”
“And your boss is the old volcano spirit in here?”
“Yes, Incinera. She found a piece of Auctian transportation technology, made it work, and the Eternal King granted us this volcano. Our order wouldn’t exist without him.” Carl bowed his head, forming a circle with his hands. “The Sun and Lightning will strike the Earth. Thus, to the Eternal King’s rebirth.”
“Even your great spirit worships the Eternal King?”
“Yes, and if you want to know more, perhaps you could visit our library. We buy new books at least once a month. Though we travel to other worlds, we don’t bring material back with us. But otherworldly food is quite good.”
“I might,” Abby replied, glancing at Nat, who was sampling the cafeteria-like offerings. “So, you invited me to train here. What will I be doing?”
“Well, mostly you’ll be following me around, much like Erik did. However, as a fire soulbound user, you can train like us. Just be aware, some worlds we visit have no magic, making it harder to use your abilities.”
“Did Erik help?”
“Battle training mostly. He was one of the best swordsmen I’ve seen. Many times, he helped other worlders keep up their skills. Played the invader, and they kept him out. I think Janice had a crush on him.”
“Janice? That name sounds familiar.” Abby pondered, a tentacle to her chin.
“She’s a Lich Lord on a planet where dungeons are built by god-spirits. A lot of worlds have this system too, it seems.”
“What’s a Lich Lord?”
“A leader of undead.” Carl mused.
As Abby processed the information, her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Undead? Like corpses that move after death? That's... unsettling."
Carl chuckled, "It can be, but on her world, it's part of the natural order. The undead there serve a purpose and are bound by their god-spirits' designs."
Abby frowned. "I'm glad we don't have to deal with that here. The thought of reanimated corpses is... disturbing."
With a reassuring smile, Carl added, "Rest assured, Luminastra is quite unique. We haven’t found another world like it, though we Torchbearers may travel to different universes. However, every world or universe has its challenges, and that's what makes our work vital."
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
As the conversation unfolded, Abby found herself drawn to the prospect of exploring different worlds and joining the Torchbearers. Carl, acknowledging her brother's request, chuckled and assured her that, with her abilities, an exception could be made. Abby's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Training in different worlds, dealing with various challenges—sounds like an adventure!"
“Listen Abby, if I follow you, my abilities get kinda wonky in other worlds,” Nat nervously declared. Abby shrugged, making Nat gulp.
"Indeed," Carl agreed. "We've faced worlds where magic is scarce, and adapting our abilities becomes a true test. But you, Abby, with your fire soulbound abilities, have the potential to be a great Torchbearer should you choose to stay."
“We’ll see.”
Embracing the Torchbearers' training, Abby ventured into realms beyond her imagination. Carl, her mentor, led her through the portal device—a mechanical marvel pulsating with lights. The portal connected to unused doorways or cave entrances, offering glimpses of other worlds. The first cosmic journey transported Abby to a world where physics danced to an alien melody. The sky, a tapestry of shifting hues, showcased trees with leaves made of living flame. Beings from distant galaxies traversed the terrain, from pure energy entities to cosmic giants.
Abby, awestruck, questioned, "What kind of world is this? And how do they not notice us?"
Carl chuckled, "This is a place where Torchbearers are known. They expect our presence and welcome it. We're here to perform a task that may seem mundane to them but holds immense importance. Our role is to light the nighttime roads, ensuring safe passage."
"Safe passage? This place seems... ominous," Abby remarked, heightened senses detecting an undercurrent of tension.
"That's the beauty of it," Carl explained. "The creatures here understand the significance of our presence. The road we light guides them and keeps them safe from the shadows that lurk in the unknown. We may not fully comprehend their ways, but we respect them, just as they respect the light we provide."
As they journeyed along the nighttime road, Abby marveled at the sprawling path, feeling a subtle pressure in the air akin to a horror movie atmosphere. Torchbearers moved efficiently, flames illuminating the path. "Safe passage in an ominous place? Why do I feel like there's more to this?" Abby whispered to Carl.
"Your instincts serve you well," Carl replied, acknowledging the unspoken truth. "This world tests us. The pressure, the fear—it's intentional. But rest assured, they won't harm us. The road is a pact between their kind and ours."
Abby, glancing warily at the shadows, persisted with her questions. "Why do they stay away from the road? And why do we have to light it?"
"The road is a boundary, a sacred path meant for Torchbearers. Lighting it ensures safe navigation," Carl explained as they continued their journey, the unsettling figures in the shadows maintaining a respectful distance.
The journey along the nighttime road became an immersive experience for Abby. Eerie whispers and shifting shadows played on her nerves, casting doubt and suspicion on the environment. Every step resonated with uncertainty—a crackle in the shadows, an unexpected sound. Abby, was kept on edge, anticipating the unknown that lurked beyond the illuminated path. It forked, one lit, and one shrouded in darkness. Looking towards the unlit part of the fork of the road, Carl handed Abby a special torch. Its flames emitted an ethereal glow, and the creatures in the shadows receded. "This is your task, Abby. Keep the torch burning. It's a responsibility, a test of your mettle."
Abby gripped the torch, feeling its warmth. Despite the oppressive pressure and whispers, she advanced, flames of her abilities intertwining with the ethereal light. Shadows encroached, creating a horror movie ambiance. "I don't like this, Carl. What if they decide not to leave us alone?" Abby whispered, her tentacles retracting slightly.
"They won't harm us. The road is a pact between their kind and ours. But the pressure, the fear you feel—it's intentional. It's meant to test your resolve," Carl reassured, handing her the torch as a symbol of her responsibility.
Abby, empowered by determination, pressed forward along the road. The creatures, once observers, now acknowledged her as the keeper of the flame. Little did Abby know, this world's peculiar crucible was designed to fortify Torchbearers and reveal the strength within. As the night progressed, Abby's fire burned brightly, and the creatures, bound by the unspoken pact, continued to watch from the darkness, acknowledging her as the guardian of the flame.
As Abby continued her solitary journey along the mysterious road, the oppressive atmosphere persisted. Her torch cast a flickering glow, revealing the unsettling figures that lingered just beyond the illuminated path. The ethereal whispers continued, a haunting symphony that echoed through the alien landscape.
Despite the unnerving surroundings, Abby pressed on, her determination unwavering. The flames of her abilities intertwined with the mystical light of the torch, creating a radiant aura that pushed back the encroaching darkness.
Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through Abby. It started as a subtle warmth in her core, gradually intensifying with each step. Unbeknownst to her, the unique energies of this world were triggering an awakening within her kah.
As Abby raised her tentacles, she felt an unfamiliar power surging through them. The flames that danced at her fingertips transformed, growing in size and intensity. Each tentacle now bore a massive fireball, a manifestation of her newfound strength.
The alien creatures in the shadows recoiled, sensing the unleashed power radiating from Abby. The whispers grew frantic, their dissonant tones echoing a mixture of awe and trepidation.
Carl, who had been walking alongside her, noticed the transformation. He marveled at the sight of Abby wielding fire on a scale beyond what he had witnessed before. The road, once shrouded in an unsettling atmosphere, now basked in the brilliant light of Abby's colossal fireballs.
"Wow, an Awakening on the first week! Abby," Carl declared, his voice carrying a blend of pride and realization. "This world has granted you a gift—an extension of your abilities."
Abby, still coming to terms with the newfound power, looked at her tentacles in awe. The fireballs danced with an elemental fervor, responding to her will. A sense of empowerment surged through her, and the fear that had gripped her earlier now transformed into confidence.
"Use it wisely," Carl advised. "Your flame now has the strength to illuminate even the darkest corners of this world. Embrace this gift, for it is a testament to your resilience."
Emboldened by her awakening, Abby advanced along the road, her colossal fireballs casting a radiant glow that banished the shadows as they orbited her head. The alien creatures, once observers, now acknowledged her as a force to be reckoned with. As they traversed the strange world, Abby's fireballs became a beacon of defiance against the oppressive pressure. The whispers, now subdued, spoke of a newfound respect for the Torchbearer who wielded fire in its most majestic form.
Little did Abby know, this night on the endless road was not just a test—it was a pivotal moment in her journey. The awakening granted her a glimpse of the boundless potential within, and with each step, she forged a connection with fire that transcended the confines of her world Luminastra. The road stretched ahead, and Abby, now illuminated by the colossal flames at her command, ventured into the unknown with newfound purpose.