Alden’s eyes wandered across the rolling hills, drifting off the numerous boulders that dotted them. On his shoulder Bob shifted, his slumbering form radiating a comforting heat. Aden’s hand darted up and started to stroke his crown of feathers, mouth twisting slightly. Glancing down at the book in his other hand he cocked his head slightly. His finger tapped a beat on the aged paper, tracing out the swirls and dashes that made up the words. He hrrmmmed for a second before flipping the book closed and flicking his wrist. The book vanished. He came to a halt a few steps away from a large outcrop of rock. With a few steps and a small leap, he was sitting on the outcropping, legs dangling downward.

He twisted his fingers slightly. A dull green stream twisted around his hands and fingers, twirling and pulsating. He clenched his fist and the dull river disappeared. He looked up and locked his eyes farther on the path. There was nothing but the blue horizon and towering mountain peaks in the distance. A grin danced on his lips. It called to him and soon he- a black silhouette interrupted his contemplations. Alden glanced up at Bob. “It’s go time buddy. You about ready for this?” A single eye flickered open before the chicken snuggled in, deeper into his shoulder. Alden chuckled. “All right, all right. I’ll wake you in case I get in trouble.” With a swing of his legs, he hopped off the stone outcrop, dropping into a squat as he landed. Standing up he began to stroll towards the approaching figure.

The dull silhouette on the horizon soon turned into the robed form of a women. Dark silks and fabrics hung around her lithe form, accents of red creating half-formed sigils and pictures. She only spared him a single glance before resuming her march down the path. Alden raised a hand and stopped around 10 meters from the mysterious stranger. “HO! Mind a bit of company traveler?” The woman came to a halt, her charred staff grinding into the dirt. “Never.” Her voice was low, rough. It wiggled into his ears and mind. Alden shivered a little bit before quickly taking a few steps forward. “Where are you headed?”

“Azal.” Alden grinned. “Is that so? As it happens, I just came from there. If you wish I can tell you about the happenings of the city?” The woman threw back her head and laughed. “Thank you dear, but I believe that I will investigate it myself. It is so much more interesting that way.” Alden nodded with her. He began to move past her still form, pausing when he was only a few feet behind her. “Oh, the names Alden by the way. If you ever need any help, just ask around. Someone will know how to contact me.” The robed figure just chuckled and began to walk away-“Will do dear.” A gentle, dull green spark leapt from Alden’s hand onto her. With a nod he stepped back onto the path, feet treading rapidly over the worn soil.

Alden remembered reading a book about a famous traveler. The author had described with astounding detail every amazing sight and sound they had discovered. At the time Alden had questioned the author. No longer. He couldn’t point to one sight, one vista or view that stood above the rest. Yet every sight combined into something magnificent, something that he feared forgetting. So, he did his best to commit that natural beauty to memory. It made every passing step precious. Soon enough he stood at his next destination.

Alden surveyed at the field ahead of him. Behind him the Skypiercer pierced the sky that they lay underneath, a solid presence. The field ahead had lush, green grasses stretching high. A low mist clung to the ground, emitting an ethereal grace that was beyond depiction. If he had not known what this place was, his eyes would have skipped over it. But some burdens had to be carried. Slowly he crossed into the tall grass, of to the side of the dirt path. He waded further and further in, kneeling on the rich soil on the side of a hill. Gently he shifted through the soil, letting the moist black dirt fall through his fingers. His eyes traced the descent of each particle as they impacted the ground. In his smudged hands a small piece of metal revealed itself. He held it up to his eyes, slowly rotating it around in front of himself. It was rusted and pitted, but Alden could see where once it had been a part of something greater. He stood silently, tucking the metal shard away. Neither he nor Bob spoke until they were once more onto the path, heading towards his next stop. Some places deserved the respect of the living. Some places deserved their final rest.

The plains around him began to fall away, revealing gently rolling hills and sparse trees. In the distance those sparse trees gradually turned into a forest, thicker than a mule’s skull. A smile lingered on his lips as they closed onto the forest. Bob ruffled his feathers, clucking questioningly. Alden chuckled and reached up to stroke his waddles. “We’re almost there. Just have to take one last stop before we continue onwards. You remember what I told you?” Bob squawked and fluttered his wings. “Alright, alright. Yes, you are perfectly capable of remembering your dumb human’s suggestions.” Bob clucked once more as he settled down, Alden snorting at the uppity bird. “It’s only cute the first-time buddy.” Ignoring Bob’s verbal riposte Alden stepped into the thick brush, and off the trail. Time to make his greeting.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Life was something no one really understood. Alden had seen a wider variety of creatures than most his age and he could say with complete confidence, that it was weird. Some animals made sense, in how they behaved and looked. Others didn’t. Aether enhanced some creatures, blessing them with greater intelligence and thought. For others it didn’t. And still, the question had to be asked, how much of a role was Aether playing? Could sapient creatures arise on a world without Aether? What would such a world look like?

All that was to say, that there were certainly a lot of explanations and questions about the Squil. As Alden traipsed through the forest he could feel their eyes on them, shadowing him from the trees. They were hard to keep track off, and in fact without Alden’s certain-advantages- such a thing would be nigh impossible. Even with his unique abilities, keeping one eye on them as they leaped and glided from tree to tree was an exercise in frustration. Still, it was an enjoyable exercise, nonetheless. Alden paused as the trees seemed to warp in front of him, eyes glossing over the area. His mind wanted to wander, and a thousand different worries and plans sprung to the forefront of his mind.

Alden grinned and reached out, a small bit of mana funneled into the tree beside him. The ward in front of him wavered for a brief second- and in that second Alden stepped through it onto the other side. He could feel it attempting to hold onto him, drag him backwards, yet he cared little for it. The wards were well made but not Expert quality. Alden continued onwards, dodging through three different sets of wards, a couple of traps, around a venomous plant or two, before finally reaching the inner reaches of the trees. Here the massive trees turned into monoliths- towering monuments that reached far into the realm above. Alden paused before entering into the ring of the largest of the Elder Trees. “I petition the Herald for his time.” The singing of the birds paused. The wind began to slow, even as the rustling of leaves resounded louder and louder. Then a voice echoed out. Squeaky, and high pitch- yet powerful. “The Herald greets the entrant.” Alden schooled his expression before his foot crossed the threshold into that inner glade. He could feel a tingle over his skin, even as his eyes squinted at the power of the Ward around him. The others had been well made, yes, but Alden was confident in making as good or even better. Yet this one- this one’s maker he would humble himself before, to glimpse the barest secrets of this Ward.

Alden entered and took three crisp, deliberate steps- before kneeling. He swept his hands out from either side of him, a small object in his right palm. The Herald waited, eyes hidden behind a pale white mask. Only when Alden had completely stilled did he step forward and reach into Alden’s outstretched hands. Those furry paws tickled his hands as they picked up Alden’s gift. The Herald stepped back and Alden smoothly transitioned upright, hands on his thighs. The Herald- a small furry creature most similar to a squirrel- held up the dark acorn up to his eyes. “I give to the Herald a Tenebris Custos, one of my most prized possessions. It is a seed, a seed that- if properly cultivated- will hide and protect you far better than any Ward every could.” The Herald’s whiskers quivered.

“A bold claim. One that we will test thoroughly.” He set down the acorn and turned his attention upon Alden. “But that is of far lesser concern than how you found Us. Few are those who are aware, and those that are know better than to send a guest unaccompanied.” Alden shrugged. “I muddle my way here and there.” The Herald just stared at Alden. Alden grinned back unashamedly. “Don’t worry too much about it. Let’s just say I have my ways and leave it at that.” One of the Herald’s 4 arms stroked its whiskers. “Very well then. What have you come to do?” Alden stood up completely. “Nothing. Other than to introduce myself. I have a hunch that things are going to get interesting soon enough, and I suspect that your people do not have many to call upon.” Alden turned, as if to leave, before pausing. “Oh, and I also wanted to make sure I had a way to get rid of the Curse.” The Herald’s mask flared with bright light. For a brief instant Aether rushed towards the Herald- before the light abruptly cut off. “Is that another hunch, mysterious stranger?” The Herald’s voice was cautious now. Alden turned completely around and began to step out of the circle. “You could say that.” Alden completely stepped out of the circle, and let his feet carry him all the way back to the trail. Bob stood up on his shoulders, claws piercing through the thickened leather pad. Alden patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry buddy. Soon you won’t have to worry about mages like that.” With a smile, and a clucking Bob, Alden moved forward onto the path.