It had been a few days since the group escaped The Whisper's clutches from Northwich. The night’s crisp wind brushed against their skin as they rode their trusted mounts, galloping at full speed. Mount Elra loomed closer each day, promising answers they desperately sought. The sound of a calm, flowing river soon became audible, signaling they had arrived at one of the bends of the Vija River.
After setting up camp next to the river, the team relaxed and enjoyed their warm dinner. Nia, engrossed in a small red book, tore off a bite from her steak. The words on the pages transported her into her own mind, seeking the meaning of each sentence. She was captivated by the concept of "Flow," a power she had learned about in Northwich. Shani’s display during the battle with Namazzi had both terrified and fascinated her. How could such a power exist and remain hidden? Nia understood the potential for both good and chaos if it fell into the wrong hands.
“Hey! You there, Nia?” Sebastian waved his hand in front of her face, snapping her out of her thoughts. “We’ve been trying to talk to you for a while now!”
Nia blinked rapidly, recovering from her trance. “Um, sorry about that. What did you ask or want to say to me?”
“Typical,” Sebastian chuckled. “Anyway, we asked why you’re so absorbed with that book.”
“Well, from what I’ve read so far, there’s information on this thing called ‘Flow’ and some mysteries surrounding Nuria.” Nia turned the page, her eyes widening. “Hey, what do you guys know about the four dragons that used to roam Nuria?”
Aiden shifted in his seat, setting down his dinner. “From whit ah know, thay wur guardians that helped shape th' land intae whit it is today. But that’s comin' from a guy wha haes only heard thair stories 'n' legends in song form.”
Camila nodded, finishing her food. “Yeah, they were guardians and also gods in some aspects. How else could they manipulate the elements and change Nuria? That’s why there’s a religion based around them.”
“But we have to also see the wrong they have done,” Sebastian interjected. “Namazzi almost destroyed our boat, and from what I’ve heard, Vukan has caused havoc in the past.”
A short silence loomed over the group, broken only by the crackling fire. Nia finally spoke, “So, we have Namazzi, the Manifestation of Water, and Vukan, the Reincarnation of Fire. Then there’s Zephyr, the Demonstration of Wind who supposedly resided in the mountains, and Terron, the Recreation of Earth that lived in the Prumia Desert.”
“Why are you asking about them?” Sebastian asked, confused. “What did you find out in that book?”
Nia handed the open book to Sebastian. He scanned the pages, reading descriptions of the dragons and summaries of their deeds in Nuria. Towards the end, he noticed some scribbled-out words, but a name remained partially visible.
“Who or what is Anino?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I don’t know,” Nia admitted, taking the book back.
Shani, resting one leg on the other, threw a stick into the fire, watching the smoke rise. “T-There are some things we still don’t know about this world. The best thing w-we can do is keep going and see if we can find out its secrets.”
“I agree,” Nia said, her excitement evident. “I want to learn about and see this world! Imagine finding new information no one knows about—it’s thrilling!”
Aiden laughed heartily, holding his stomach. “A like yer style! I’ll come along juist to find new foods I can try!”
The fire crackled softly as the group settled into a companionable silence, the weight of their discussion lingering in the air. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on their faces, reflecting the curiosity and determination in their eyes.
Aiden broke the silence, his gaze shifting to Sebastian. “Ah’ve been wonderin’,” he began, his accent lilt thickening as he leaned forward, “about how ye managed tae push back Namazzi wi’ yer katana. It wis a sight tae see, but how’d ye dae it?”
Sebastian looked thoughtful, his hand unconsciously brushing the hilt of his katana. “Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. It felt like a surge of energy, like something awakened inside me in that moment.”
Camila, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. “There’s definitely something special about your weapon or the way you use it. Maybe we can figure it out together.” She turned to Aiden, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “How about we help Sebastian train? See if we can replicate it?”
Aiden grinned, his enthusiasm evident. “Aye, let’s gie it a shot. We’ve got plenty o’ space here.”
Sebastian nodded, standing up and drawing his katana. “Alright, let’s see if we can figure this out.”
The group moved a bit further from the campfire to an open space by the river. The moonlight illuminated the area, creating a serene yet mysterious ambiance. Sebastian took his stance, and Aiden and Camila positioned themselves nearby, ready to observe and assist.
Sebastian swung the katana experimentally, feeling its weight and balance. “It’s definitely got a unique feel to it,” he remarked. “Let’s see what happens.”
Camila nodded, focusing intently. “Try to remember what you felt when you faced Namazzi, Sebastian. Any detail might help.”
Sebastian closed his eyes, recalling the intense confrontation. “It was like... I tapped into something deeper, something powerful. A force within me and the katana.”
He took a deep breath, centering himself. He swung the katana again, this time with more intent, trying to channel the energy he described. Aiden and Camila watched closely, analyzing every movement. Minutes passed, with Sebastian repeating various swings and strikes, each time trying to replicate the mysterious force. Camila offered pointers, adjusting his stance and grip. Despite their efforts, the same powerful surge remained elusive.
Frustration began to creep in, but Sebastian remained determined. “I can feel something,” he said, panting slightly. “But it’s not quite there yet.”
Camila placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get there. Sometimes, these things take time. It’s about finding the right connection.”
Aiden, observing from the sidelines, offered a suggestion. “Maybe it’s not just about the physical action. It could be tied to emotions or intent. When ye fought Namazzi, ye were desperate tae protect all o’ us. That might have triggered it.”
Sebastian nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He closed his eyes, focusing on the emotions he felt during their recent battles—the fear, the determination, the desire to protect his friends.
When he opened his eyes, there was a new resolve in them. He took another swing, and this time, a faint, almost imperceptible glow seemed to emanate from the katana. It wasn’t as powerful as the display during the battle with Namazzi, but it was a start.
Camila’s eyes widened. “Did you see that? There was a flicker of something!”
Sebastian grinned, a sense of achievement washing over him. “Yeah, I felt it too. We’re on the right path.”
They continued their training, each session bringing them closer to understanding the mysterious power within the katana. The bonds between them grew stronger, fueled by their shared goal and the unwavering determination to unlock the secrets of their abilities.
Days had passed since their attempt to replicate the power that had helped them fend off Namazzi. The group had continued their journey, their bond growing stronger with each shared struggle. The terrain had shifted from the open plains to the foothills of a mountain range. The towering peaks loomed to the north and east, while a dense woods stretched out to the west, providing both cover and challenge.
Sebastian, Camila, and Aiden had been dedicating hours each day to training, their efforts focused on harnessing the mysterious force that had emerged during their confrontation with Namazzi. Despite their determination, success remained elusive.
“Come on, Sebastian, ye can dae this!” Aiden encouraged, his voice echoing through the clearing they had chosen for their training session. “Remember how ye felt when ye faced Namazzi. Focus on that.”
Sebastian gripped his katana tightly, trying to recall the exact sensation. He closed his eyes, envisioning the moment when he had stood against the colossal serpent. He swung his blade, but the energy he sought to summon failed to materialize, leaving him frustrated.
Camila, standing nearby, watched with a mixture of concern and curiosity. “Maybe it’s not just about the feeling, Sebastian. It could be about the circumstances too. We were all in danger, desperate. Maybe that’s what triggered it.”
Sebastian nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. “You’re right. It’s hard to recreate that kind of pressure.”
Meanwhile, Shani had been observing Nia from a distance, noticing her struggles with Flow. Nia had been poring over the small red book, trying to understand the principles of Flow. Despite her dedication, she had yet to succeed in manipulating the elements.
One evening, Shani gathered her courage and approached Nia, her voice soft and hesitant. “Y-you’re overthinking it,” Shani said gently, watching Nia attempt another failed maneuver. “Flow isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about connection. Y-you have to feel the element, understand its essence.”
Nia looked frustrated. “I’ve been trying, but it’s like there’s a block in my mind. I can’t seem to get past it.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Shani fidgeted with her bracelet, removing a bead of Obliriumite. The dark black rock with small light blue cracks glinted in the fading light. “H-here, take this,” Shani said, handing Nia the bead. “Y-you need Obliriumite to use Flow. It helps you c-connect with the elements.”
Nia took the bead, feeling its weight in her hand. “Thank you, Shani. I didn’t realize this was needed.”
Shani placed a reassuring hand on Nia’s shoulder, her touch light. “L-let’s start with something simple. W-water. It’s everywhere around us. Close your eyes and listen.”
Nia did as instructed, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She focused on the sound of the nearby stream, the gentle rush of water over rocks. Shani continued, “W-water is not just liquid. It’s ice, steam, mist. Feel its presence in the air, in the ground.”
Slowly, Nia began to sense the subtle shifts in the air, the humidity rising from the stream. She moved her hands in a slow, deliberate motion, mimicking the flow of water. The Obliriumite bead in her hand began to emit a faint light from its cracks. For a brief moment, a small droplet of water lifted from the stream and hovered in the air before falling back.
Nia’s eyes snapped open, a look of surprise and excitement on her face. “I did it! It was small, but I did it!”
Shani smiled, her own excitement mirrored in her eyes, though she still appeared somewhat timid. “Th-that’s a start. Remember that feeling, and w-we’ll build from there.”
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the group gathered around their campfire. The day's training had been challenging, but it had also brought progress. They were learning, adapting, and growing stronger together. Sebastian, still reflecting on his own struggles, glanced at Nia and Shani. “Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way. Instead of trying to force it, we need to understand it. Flow with it, not against it.”
Camila nodded in agreement. “We have a long way to go, but we’re not alone. We’ll figure this out together.”
The night was calm, the fire crackling softly as the group settled in for the night. Each of them carried their own hopes and doubts, but they also carried the knowledge that they were not alone in their journey. The mysteries of Flow and the elements were vast, but they were determined to uncover them, one step at a time.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow across the landscape, the group pressed onward, the sound of their mounts' hooves echoing against the stone path. The towering mountains flanked them, their rocky faces gleaming in hues of gold and amber, while the dense woods whispered secrets in the gentle breeze to their left.
Nia took a deep breath, savoring the fresh scent of pine mingled with the earthy undertones of the approaching town. "Howahkan is just ahead," she announced, pointing towards a clearing where the trees gave way to the outskirts of the town. The rooftops of quaint stone cottages peeked through the foliage, their chimneys lazily puffing smoke into the fading light.
Camila squinted against the sunlight, a smile spreading across her face. "It looks charming," she remarked, excitement dancing in her eyes. "I can't wait to explore!"
Sebastian nodded, his grip tightening around the reins. "Aye, it should be a good place to rest and gather supplies for our journey. I hope they have a decent inn." He cast a sideways glance at Aiden, who was already eyeing the distant market stalls with keen interest.
As they rode closer, the bustling sounds of Howahkan became more pronounced—lively chatter, the clattering of carts, and the distant laughter of children. The town seemed to thrive under the watchful gaze of the mountains, and the air buzzed with the promise of adventure.
Shani, still recovering from the prior day's training, looked around in awe. "It feels… alive," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The timid girl’s wide eyes reflected the vibrant atmosphere of the town, her excitement evident despite her shyness.
“Thit it does!” Aiden exclaimed. “A good place t’find a meal 'n' some tales, eh?”
As they dismounted and led their horses toward the town center, the cobblestone streets began to fill with townsfolk. Merchants called out their wares, colorful banners swayed in the breeze, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing them closer to the market square. At the center of the town stood a grand statue of Zephyr, the revered wyrm of the wind. Carved from white stone, the dragon's long, sinuous form was adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered in the sunlight. It symbolized not only the power of the winds but also the protection the townspeople believed it provided.
“Look at that!” Nia exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. “It looks magnificent!”
Sebastian nodded, a sense of awe filling him. “Seems like they take their legends seriously here.”
Shani paused, glancing at the statue. There was a hint of nostalgia in her expression, as if she felt a connection to the ancient wyrm. “I’ve heard stories of Zephyr... about how he would guide lost travelers and calm the storms,” she said softly, her shyness evident in her tone.
Aiden chuckled, his accent adding a playful lilt to his words. “Aye, and I’d say he’s still doing his job, keepin’ the skies clear for us.”
The Dragon’s Rest Inn stood proudly in the heart of Howahkan, nestled between the towering peaks to the north and east, the dense woods to the west, and the distant silhouette of a dormant volcano. Its sturdy stone walls, weathered by years of mountain winds and woods whispers, spoke of a history as rich as the town itself. As the group approached, they were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns hanging from wooden beams, casting a welcoming light onto the cobblestone street. The entrance was adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, their sinuous forms curling around the heavy oak door, a nod to the town’s reverence for the legendary wyrms.
Inside, the inn was a haven of rustic charm and comfort. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread, mingling with the faint scent of pine from the woods. A large stone fireplace dominated one wall, its crackling flames casting flickering shadows that danced across the room, creating a cozy ambiance that invited weary travelers to rest and relax. The common room was furnished with sturdy wooden tables and benches, each carved with motifs of mountains, woods, and dragons. Colorful tapestries depicting scenes of local legends and landscapes adorned the walls, adding to the inn’s homely atmosphere. A well-worn bar stretched along one side, behind which an assortment of bottles and casks promised a variety of hearty ales and fine wines. A staircase led to the upper floors, where the guest rooms offered simple yet comfortable accommodations. Each room featured a large bed with thick quilts, a wooden chest for personal belongings, and a small window that provided a view of either the majestic mountains or the tranquil woods. The walls were adorned with more tapestries, each telling a different part of Howahkan’s storied past.
The inn’s owner, a burly man with a kind smile and a twinkle in his eye, bustled about, ensuring every guest felt at home. He greeted the group warmly, his voice carrying the rich accent of the region. “Welcome to The Dragon’s Rest! Make yerselves comfortable, and if ye need anythin’, just holler.”
As they settled into their seats near the fireplace, the group couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. The inn, with its blend of history and hospitality, was the perfect place to rest and gather their strength for the challenges ahead.
The group found a table near the hearth, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on the rustic wooden walls. The aroma of hearty stews and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of lively chatter and clinking mugs.
A friendly innkeeper approached their table, her smile welcoming. "What can I get for you folks tonight?" she asked, her voice carrying the warmth of genuine hospitality.
Sebastian glanced at his companions before responding. "We'll take a round of your best stew and some of that fresh bread we smell."
The innkeeper nodded, jotting down their order. "Coming right up!"
As they waited for their food, Nia leaned forward, her eyes thoughtful. "I remember from Cecilia’s book in Northwich," she began, her voice steady, "the poem said that the herb grows at the top of Mount Elra. Hopefully, the healing properties are not some myth."
Shani nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Y-yes, I remember that. The herbalist said it was a rare find," she added, her fingers drumming lightly on the table.
Sebastian, leaning back in his chair, crossed his arms. "The poem described it like some sort of magical cure-all."
Nia’s eyes gleamed with determination. "I know it’s a difficult climb, but we have to try. That herb could make all the difference for my dad."
"We'll need proper supplies—ropes, climbing gear, warm clothing. The weather up there can be harsh." Camila said as she put a spoonful of stew into her mount.
Aiden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Aye, but we don’t have any money for all of that. How are we supposit tae buy it?"
The group fell silent, each of them pondering the challenge ahead. The innkeeper returned with steaming bowls of stew and a basket of warm bread, placing them on the table with a smile. "Enjoy your meal!"
As they dug into the hearty food, the warmth and flavor lifted their spirits momentarily. "Th-this is really good," Shani said softly, savoring a spoonful of stew.
Sebastian glanced around the room, his eyes landing on a notice board near the bar. It was covered in various posters and announcements, one of which caught his attention. "Hey, look at that," he said, pointing. "There's a bounty on some creature causing trouble to food caravans."
Camila followed his gaze and nodded. "If we take on that bounty, we could earn enough money to buy our supplies."
Nia's eyes lit up with excitement. "That could be our solution! Let's go check it out after we finish eating."
The group finished their meal quickly, the rich flavors of the stew providing them with the energy they needed. As they stood up and made their way to the notice board, the inn's lively atmosphere buzzed around them, filled with the promise of adventure.
The poster on the notice board detailed the problem: a creature, described as a massive, menacing beast, had been attacking food caravans traveling through the woodsnear the base of Mount Elra. The reward offered was substantial, enough to cover all their needs and more.
Sebastian tore the poster from the board and held it up. "Looks like we've got ourselves a mission. Let's gear up and take down this creature."
Nia nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "And once we have the supplies, we'll climb Mount Elra and find that herb."
After giving the poster a good look himself, Aiden went up to the innkeeper standing behind the bar. "Tha' food was grand! We’ll be needin’ a room fer the night as well," he said, his accent rolling off his tongue.
The innkeeper nodded, tallying up their bill. "That'll be three silver pieces for the meal, and another five for the room," he replied.
Aiden handed over the coins, and the innkeeper led them upstairs to a large, albeit modest room. As they entered, they noticed it was simple yet cozy. The wooden floorboards creaked underfoot, and the stone walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of mountain landscapes and woodland creatures. A small window on one side of the room offered a view of the darkened sky outside, the silhouette of Mount Elra barely visible in the distance.
The room contained four sturdy beds, each with a thick woolen blanket and a lumpy pillow. A wooden chest sat at the foot of each bed for personal belongings, and a small table with a flickering candle provided some additional light.
Aiden glanced around and then grinned. "Looks like we’ve only got four beds. I’ll tak the floor. I’ve slept i worse places."
Shani shook her head slightly, a look of concern on her face. "A-are you sure, Aiden? I-I don't mind taking the floor."
"Nah, lass. I'll be fine," Aiden assured her with a wink. "Besides, a bit o' hard ground will keep me sharp."
Nia smiled, appreciating Aiden's willingness to sacrifice his comfort. "Thank you, Aiden. We'll get an early start tomorrow. We have a long climb ahead of us."
Sebastian stretched, already feeling the day's weariness settling in. "Let’s get some rest, then. We’ll need all the energy we can muster."
They each chose a bed, Aiden rolling out a spare blanket onto the floor and making himself as comfortable as possible. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the soft sounds of the inn gradually quieting down lulled them into a sense of peace. One by one, they drifted off to sleep, their minds focused on the challenge that awaited them atop Mount Elra.