“The Great Grass Sea is said to be the home of the Elves, and strange magics.” - History of the Theocracy

Though the night was brisk, George was drenched in sweat. His fingers raw, but still holding firm on the cliff side. His mind raced as his foot found a crack. Wedging it inside, he slowly shifted as his muscles ached and throbbed. George was thanking the Gods for the cool night and its gentle breeze. Climbing down this cliff for several hours now, he knew he needed to rest soon, though that was easier said than done on this almost sheer cliff. It was then that George’s amber eyes glanced at what he hoped was a crack in the cliff face he could squeeze into. Scrambling down as quickly and safely as he could, he made it to the opening, smiling wide as he peered inside.

“Looks like I should fit.” He said, huffing his weight inside, shifting with just barely enough room to twist and gaze out at the vast empty sea of grass he was heading towards. Not seeing far as the thick clouds rolled across the night sky, George could have sworn he heard a soft rumble coming from above. He closed his eyes trying to take in the night air when the rumbling turned louder and soon into flapping. George’s eyes snapped open to see a mass of black fill the crevasse before him. He had only moments to raise his arms as the bird's face lashed forward, its razor sharp beak tearing at his silk robes and flesh. George yelled in pain as he fought to push the beast back

“Damn Valicon!” George hissed as he finally got the bird away from his now blood soaked sleeve and arm. He quickly pointed his finger at the still screeching Valicon, his amber eyes starting to glow softly as he spoke. “Thüm-ga!” he said, his voice a choir, its volume increasing as he spoke the words. The air around his extended finger twisted and came into a shape, clear like a bubble but solid like stone. The formed air shot forth with great speed, the Valicon was barely able to react as it tore through the beast's chest leaving a gaping wound of guts and blood. The huge bird gurgled and fell to the plains below, a few moments later a loud thud echoed up the mountain walls.

“Well, that's one way to do it.” He said, chuckling to himself as he leaned back and closed his eyes. Flashes of blood and empty faces with no features filled George’s mind, one turned to him its smooth face writhing as if trying to speak. His eyes opened once again gazing out to a peaceful night sky.

“How long?“ He thought, starting to stir while gazing out at the night sky “It hasn't changed much.” thought George as he moved to resume his descent. Another hour passed and George finally collapsed into the cool soft grass of the sea.

“Finally at the bottom.” He said softly with a wicked smirk “ I did it.” He said starting to chuckle, his amber eyes looking back up at the mountain. Its peaks hidden by the thick clouds rolling over them, snow snaking down in several places that melt away into gentle rivers carving paths down the mountain's side. George sighed and rolled back over onto his hands and knees. Getting up, he started to wipe his robe but figured it did not matter.

“Alright, it's time to do this, no turning back after all.” he said, starting to walk into the grass sea. “It should be a day and a half, maybe two if I use those enchantments.” He thought as he walked farther, another rumble came from up the mountain followed quickly by three loud pops. George was about to question it when he thought better, turning his light walk into a light jog.

An hour or so later George stood on the top of a hill gazing out to the expanse before him. Even in the dim moonlight, the vast greens and yellows still popped out brightly, though George’s raven black hair wasn't making it easy for him. He pushed the greasy and sweat filled locks to the side, freeing his eyes to scan the horizon. Off to the south he spotted a few tree-like objects and nodded. His hand reached into the inner pocket of his robe, his fingers tracing over a small leather pouch. He sighed with relief and resumed his jog down the hillside, the moon still high in the sky from what George could see. The clouds were thick but did give way to clear sky every now and then. George started up another hill, groaning at how this ‘flat’ land seems to not be very flat. At the top all he could see for miles were more hills and small shrub like objects doting them occasionally. After several hours of the ups and downs of the hills, George’s legs screamed and moaned for a break. As he reached the peak on another hill, he fell onto his back side sighing. It was after he stopped panting that he heard the soft roar of running water, prompting George to snap up straight at the noise.

“The River of Göthur?” he said softly looking left to right “The trees of Kubal are getting thicker on the horizon. Maybe I am finally getting close?” He pondered getting to his feet “One way to find out.” He said with a smirk, starting down the hill with new vigor. As George jogged he started to think back on his classes about the Grass Sea, and what his professor always said about this place.

“The River of Göthur is considered the halfway mark of the Great Sea.“ He remembered the professor saying with a dull tone. “Though it is not truly centered within the Sea, it is the easiest and less likely landmark to move.” The old man turned and pointed to a map behind him “The Great Grassland is called a Sea because it moves like it has a current.” George came back to reality on this thought.

“Wait, wasn’t there something else?” He thought starting to scratch his chin, cursing himself for not paying more attention. He walked up and down a few more hills as he struggled to grasp the memory that was just out of reach. He remembered that the sea is wider than tall, that only grass, small tree-like things, and shrubs called vine bushes can survive here. He stopped walking up the next hill as the thought and memories finally collided together.

“The Sea will morph and change, and this causes loops.” His words were slow and cold as he started to take in his surroundings. The noise of the river was the same, not louder or quieter but the same. He looked to the horizon and to his horror, the same few tree-like figures dotted it.

“Am I” he started “no, it can’t be. Everything just looks the same is all.” He started up the hill again, running down its side and up the adjacent one. He did this several more times before falling to his knees cursing

“No, No NO!” He yelled now looking up to the night sky, faint colors of purple and orange starting to appear. Moments passed before he shook his head and rose back to his feet, walking forward once more.

“Well if I am stuck in a loop, all I can do is keep moving.” He thought as he braced himself for the worse. His professor once again starting to eek back into his mind:

“The Grasslands are dangerous and unforgiving.” The old man’s voice still fresh in George’s mind, “If you do find yourself trapped within a loop. You can only do one thing, and that is to keep moving.” George remembered the tone the man had when speaking, cold and careless. “If you do not move, time will forget you.” The old man continued, “Keep moving or die.” George came back to his endless walking up and down these hills. Hours had passed as the sun was now starting to peek over the horizon, the clouds rolling away and thinning as it did.

“I need to get out of this.” George hissed as he overcame another hill

“I can’t waste more time!.” he said, growing angry at the situation. Upon cresting the next hill, George stopped and fished in one of his robes pockets, pulling out a small bar wrapped in cloth.

“Shame I couldn’t have swiped more.” George said unwrapping the cloth to reveal a small dense bar of grains and what George assumed was honey. He took a bite of the hard bar, chewing it with a bit more effort than George liked.

“ All you ever need on the road huh?” He said mouth full as he peered down at the bar, “All but flavor.” He swallowed, “But beggars can't be chooser I suppose.” He walked on while finishing the bar, several more hills went by and still nothing had changed. Half way up the next hill George fell to a knee, his breath heavy and muscles weak, he struggled to try and rise again. He pushed himself up but sadly fell back and rolled down the hill, laying at its base as he cursed to the heavens. The sun was now above the horizon and morning was fully upon him, he knew his time was running low and it wouldn’t be long now.

“I need to get up.” George yelled in his mind “I have to keep going.” With that thought he pushed up and was able to sit up straight, a small chuckle of victory escaping his dry lips. Falling forward slightly he rested on all fours before shifting his weight and springing to his feet in a single motion. Fighting to stay standing, he balanced himself out and was preparing himself to resume when something caught his attention. He stood there listening for a moment when it finally clicked in his mind; the sound of the water was louder now. His head snapped up to the hill's crest and with new energy, George attempted to dash up its side. After several minutes he got to the top and with a smile etching across his face, he began to cheer. Before him was now a horizon painted with trees, old and tall with deep green leaves that filled the horizon’s edge.

“Yes!” He exclaimed “I’m free of the loop!” He said as he walked down the hillside, as quickly as his exhausted body would allow him to climb the next hill. As he crested the hill, George was met with a new sight, a massive lake of royal blue waters. The lake was a few miles in diameter and deadly calm, yet the sound of rushing water echoed from its shores.

“Ah the River of Göthur, how you still confuse me.” He said walking down the hill and to the gravel shore. “How can an enclosed lake be called a river and make all this noise?” He asked as if someone would respond. Now standing at the edge of the still water, George peered into it, and all he saw was the morning sky.

“Reflective as ever I see.” He kneeled down, left hand extended to the lake “Now if I remember correctly.” His fingers dipped into the cool waters, the small ripples exploding out from his touch. He watched as the ripples traveled almost the whole length of the lake before disappearing and returning the calm stillness. As he watched his fingers swirled in the liquid, a warm and refreshing feeling slowly started to trace its way up them.

“So it is true.” He said, smirking as the feeling now reached his arm and began spreading to his chest. As it did, he could feel the stress and exhaustion leave his body and mind, it was true that these waters held magic properties. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling and the warmth of the morning air until a small prick caused him to jerk his hand free of the lake's embrace, his eyes darting open and down to the water. There, he met the stare of a small snake-like creature with silver skin bobbing on the surface, its deep blue eyes gazing hungrily into George’s.

“Damn, is that a Mana Snake?” George said, pulling his hand back into his chest before standing up.

“I don’t like that look.” He said, turning to take a step away from the shore.

George made it two steps away from the edge of the water before his mind became fuzzy and the corners of his eyes grew dark. He stumbled a few more inches before collapsing face first into the gravelly shore.

The Darkness soon gave way, and visions of bloody halls and mangled bodies filled George’s mind. He could see some had heads but none had faces. The smooth creatures writhed and festered as George walked by, as if trying to call out to him.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Where am I?” He asked “ What is this place?” He continued down the hall, not able to will himself away

“You have to go.” A voice eked out from the darkness around George

“What?” He asked looking around

“You are not safe.” The voice hissed, its tone cold yet warm.

George tried to speak again when the voice boomed out from all sides in an ear deafening roar

“LEAVE NOW! DEATH IS HERE!”

George’s eye snapped open and he groaned as he lifted his head from the ground, several small rocks falling from his cheek. His vision was still blurred and he tried to shake it away, now sitting up straight as he gazed around. Sight returning in full, he looked over at the still calm lake.

“Oh yeah, the river! I got bit by a Mana Snake. Bastards pack a punch I guess, just glad it can’t get on land.” George said looking at the small pin hole bites on his finger. Resting for a moment, George now noticed the heat and the high sun.

“Damnit! How long was I out? It's already noon?!” He said, jumping to his feet, looking around searching for his bearings once more. He froze, his heart starting to race as he focused on a distant but distinct humming.

“It can’t be.” He said turning towards the mountains at his back. In the distance he could make out three large and odd shaped objects floating high above the grasslands.

“Shit, those are definitely the War-Barges.” He thought while making a dash around the lake. George knew that the Barges were massive blimp-like airships that used magic to carry a chunk of earth beneath it. Usually a fort or other structures are placed upon that and it can easily carry six hundred troops along with siege equipment. George cursed under his breath as he rounded the lake and began to hike up the hills once more. Though the humming of the magic stone that powered those monstrosities was low, George knew those things could travel far and fast.

“Please don’t let a loop happen, or me collapsing!” He prayed to gods as he continued his journey up and over the hills.

A few hours had passed and George grew tired once more, but he continued to press onward. At the top of yet another hill, he found a small group of bushes and trees, if you could even call them that. Walking over to the small two foot tree with stumpy branches and prickly leaves, George sat and rested against its thin trunk. The small branches gave decent shade to him as he peered back out the way he had come. The Barges were still there moving about but they had not gotten any closer to him. This made George wonder if they were just looking for him, or maybe others as well. He started to push the thought from his mind, but quickly stopped as a distant boom echoed out. George looked to the Barge on his far left, it was attacking something or someone. Every few minutes a puff of smoke could be seen followed by an echoing boom.

“Interesting.” George thought “I wonder who they found?” He shrugged softly, leaning back once more, closing his eyes.

“Just a moment's rest.” He thought, starting to drift off into a dreamless slumber.

George stirred, his back ached from sitting against the tree so long and the sun kept hitting his left eye. He stopped for a second, turning to face the west and with horror he saw the rising sun.

“How long did I sleep!?” He exclaimed, trying to get to his feet, his legs like jello from sitting cross legged for hours. He clenched his teeth and pushed forward, finally getting up onto his knees before shortly standing fully. As George stretched out his aching muscles, he took note of the increased humming that permeated the air. Looking back to where he last saw the barges he felt his blood run cold. Not only were they still there but one of them was high tailing it straight for him. Cursing, he turned quickly south and started off in a full dash. As he cleared the small patch of shrubs and trees, the humming increased in volume.

“They definitely saw me.” He spat in anger, now at a full sprint.

George pushed himself as hard as his freshly awoken body would allow, but it was no use as the barge continued to close the distance. Now only a few hundred feet from George, a new noise started to echo from the massive chunk of earth beneath the blimp. George tried to focus on his movements, not wanting to trip and fall. As he did, he began to pool his mana within his body towards his legs.

“I’m only gonna get one shot at this.” He thought, trying to block out the noise of the War-barge. Focusing hard as he ran up and down the hills, he could feel the mana starting to build up in his legs and feet.

“Just a little more.” He thought before a screech tore him from his thoughts. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see a huge steel ball crash into the ground thirty or so feet behind him. The shock wave from the impact caused George to stumble and lose his footing as he tumbled down the hill. As he hit the bottom facing towards the sky, the steel ball behind him started to pulse a bluish green aura. Runes etched into its smooth surface appeared before a bolt of lightning crackled and ripped forth into the heavens. Reaching well above the ground the bolt shifted and turned a deep red before vanishing.

“Shit, a distance marker?” George said, flipping over and scrambling back to his feet. Quickly, he resumed his task, pooling all the mana he can into his legs.

Another scream echoed out shortly followed by a crashing boom and hiss of crackling lightning. George grinded his teeth in frustration, as another shot landed closer to him.

“Now or never.” He thought, claiming his mind. In a low tone he spoke “Māt Shurĝav.”

As the words left his lips, he could feel the muscles in his legs bulge and strengthen, his breath growing steady, and with one good dash forward he was off. George ripped out chunks of earth as his speed increased and the distance between him and the barge quickly grew, the sound of the distant shells also growing faint.

“Hahaha! Eat that!” George yelled as he tore across the grassland, the Kubal forest starting to fill the horizon. His laughter was short lived as the barges hum turned violent and angry. George groaned, glancing back at the massive beast that was once again gaining on him.

“Stubborn little….” George cursed, pushing more mana into his legs increasing his speed as he did.

After several hours of running, the Kubal forest was right in front of George and a grin appeared across his face as he continued towards it. His friend the barge right behind him, its massive magic crystal screaming from the strain as the crew forced it to carry on. It wasn't until George was moments from the forest edge when he realized he was going too fast to stop.

“Shit!!” He yelled, crossing his arms over his face as he smashed into the tree line. Vines and bushes crashed into him as he tore through the underbrush, only coming to a stop as he met the trunk of an old tree. Slamming into it, he bounced off spinning to the side, bark flying through the air. Hitting the ground, he rolled a few times before coming to a complete stop. George began to laugh softly, groaning as he sat up. He peered out through the opening he had made in the dense vegetation, the barge was quickly coming up but began to slow as it reached the forest edge.

“Yup, don’t wanna fly over here huh?” George mocked, getting to his feet dusting himself off.

“Come get me if you dare.” He chuckled, turning and walking into the depths of the Kubal Forest.

Though the sun was still fairly high in the sky, the forest was in twilight. The thick canopy of the trees blocked out most of the light from above, causing George to slowly make his way deeper. The Kubal forest was an ancient one, home to magic beasts and old gray trees. As a result, no paths were to be found here and George cursed for not bringing a machete. Another hour passed and George pushed on, the sound of the barge and voices could still be heard behind him.

“ I need to move faster, but I need to be able to see.” He said, searching the ground for a few moments. Finding a small stick that was fairly straight, he used his finger nail to carve a few runes into it. With a small chant and gentle blow,the tip of the stick glowed a soft white, illuminating a few feet around his person. “Better than nothing.” He said continuing his walk deeper into the trees.

Another hour passed and the sound of voices had died away, leaving only the sounds of nature. He smiled to himself knowing no soldier nor mage would follow him into the forest.

“Safer out there than here.” He whispered to himself.

It was around this time George realized he was utterly lost, and he sighed deeply as he looked around.

“Everything looks the same. How can anyone find anything here?” He said, still gazing around. His eyes scanned a few bushes to his left, as he moved his gaze he could have sworn he saw movement in them. Shrugging, he put the thought behind him and picked a direction he thought was right and he was off once more.

“It should be in the South-West part of the forest.” He said, stepping over a rotting log. A twig snapped behind him, causing him to spin on his heel. He scanned the forest and froze as his eyes met with two peering milky white eyes. George’s heart started to race, he dared not to move. The eye’s twitched and darted back into the bush they emerged from.

“Nope!” George yelled in his mind. Finding his feet, he turned back around dashing away from whatever that was. He thought it wasn’t following, but shortly after he heard the rustling bushes, something gave chase. The creature got closer as George tried to wind his way around the trees and underbrush.

“Not good, not good.” He said, panting hard as he ran around an old broken gray tree. His mind focused on the thing behind him and not on what was ahead. Before George could react, his foot slammed into a rotting trunk and he tumbled over it barely getting his hands in front of him before crashing into the damp soil. Seeing stars, George fought for purchase on the earth, his amber eyes frantically searching the bushes around him for the creature. He saw nothing, his left hand holding the light stick raised and he moved it forward like a makeshift weapon.

“Where are you?!” He yelled out, still looking around

A soft clicking was soon heard off to his left, then shortly after, it was joined by one on the right. George swallowed hard, realizing now there was more than one. He waited for a moment listening to the clicks, slowly getting to his feet. The noise stopped the moment he was up right, his mind raced as he turned and ran once more.

George wasn’t sure when the things gave up or atleast stopped making noise. He now stood sweaty and out of breath on the edge of a small clearing, one of the few that dotted the old forest. Inching his way out into the opening, he looked around, checking the tree line first before peering to the heavens. Purple and orange streaked across the sky, George figured it was dusk now.

“Well, I can’t go any further.” He said taking a step out of the woods “This looks like the best spot to set up camp. Maybe not from the barge, but..” He said trailing off as he peered back into the darkening woods.

Shaking his head he walked into the clearing. Walking the area, he found a hefty stone as big as his hand and with a more or less sharp point.

“This should do nicely.” He said with a smirk

It took longer than George thought it would to dig a two inch deep trench around the clearing. Using the rock again, he went around the trench and every few feet kneeled and carved a rune into the earth. After that, he stood in the center and gave a small chant, the runes glowing a soft white before turning green.

“There, no one should be able to sneak up on me now.” He said

George sat down and used the rock to dig a small fire pit, a foot or so deep and maybe that in diameter. He tossed in a few leaves and small twigs into it, and rested his hand over it before chanting again. This time, his eye glimmered slightly and the pile burst into a small flame.

“Thank the Gods for Magic.” He chuckled, warming his hands on the fire. Glancing up, he took in the night sky, the stars now fully out.

George was still gazing at the night sky when a bush on the edge of his clearing shook gently. A soft clicking followed, and George gazed down and over to the bush. His eyes locked onto the swaying leaves as another cracking of a twig echoed from somewhere behind him. George instinctually stood up and turned to the noise, preparing for the worst.

“Who’s there?” He asked before quickly cursing himself for doing it

The sound of his question caused the movement to stop and the forest went still once again. He stood there for what felt like an eternity before letting out a small sigh.

“Stop worrying, the circle will activate if something tries to get in.” He said to himself as he turned back towards his fire and froze. His face turned pale, heart racing as he gazed upon an old man. An old man who shouldn’t be there sitting on a log that wasn't there moments ago. George took a step back, the old man tilted his head slightly, his long white beard shifting as he did.

“Why hello there.” The old man spoke in a raspy tone

George stopped his slow movement back, the old man's deep purple eyes peering into George. George shook his head, standing tall trying to appear not to be frightened by this odd and sudden appearance.

“W-Who are you?” George asked, trying to keep the fear from seeping into his words.

The old man smiled at this, his teeth rotting and yellow stained, a small dry chuckle started to escape through them.