Chapter 3 - The Wanderer's Hand

A human figure, firstly because of the distance i can't see clearly whether it's a human or not. But this was not the time to be too careful. I have to make a gamble and approach the figure in front of me.

 But as a paranoid man, i can't help myself and need to have a plan. Stopping for a while, i open the right front pocket of my backpack and pulled my Customized Mini Uzi . Reason why i have 2 types of gun in my holding is simple. Protection. As a photographer there a times when the wild animals comes sneaking at your back or some poachers and illegal loggers who would want to ''silence' you. I have learn my lesson once and have to bath my hands in blood to preserve my life.

 Anyway. the other gun is on my boots which is a Customized glock 22. These two guns are ''customized'' into my liking so using this weapons are easy. If counting the amount of bullets i have now. Then it would said that i have 2000 bullets in my backpack. Which is 1000 each for my two guns. It may be overdoing it too much, bringing that amount, but as i said. I'm a paranoid man. I rather stay 5 hours discussing with customs and authorities so i can keep these things.

 Moving along, i steadily move towards the human figure and call for attention. The figure seems like it didn't hear and continued moving along with its bull like companion. Then i got even closer and shouted again to the  figure in front of me. Then the figure stop and turn its head into me. Then with a glance i saw the figure's face and realize that the figure is a ''she''.

 Then i wave to her and  slowly come over while still keeping my Customized UZi in hand. Then when i was in front of her. The woman smiled at me and then said

''How may i help you stranger with....such a eccentric  look?''

 The woman spoke but yet her words did not make any sense. I was dishearten, with this language barrier things would be problematic on this world.

''Oh my, it seems you have been cursed by the language eater and have your ability to speak have been impended with rubbish. Do you need some assistance?''

The woman spoke again as if confuse and look at me with pity. Then as if she was asking a question. But since i didn't understand any of her words i just silently nodded to her.

The woman then brought something out of her pocket a decorated stick with a gem on it and pointed at me and starting muttering some eerie words.

 Seeing her actions, i brought my hand tightly to my weapon and aim at her leg. I have no idea what is she doing and stared. But then my eyes widen. Ma....gic? something like that? Or is this some sort of technology in this world?

 Seeing the decorated stick lighten i was left into a daze as the bright green and purple light went into my forehead and cause a severe headache. Seeing my agonized look, the woman in front of me smiled as if she was satisfied.

Then with a glare i asked ''What the hell did you do to me!?'' and slowly pointed my weapon in front of her is makes another move.

''It seems it have work and the curse is broken.'' the woman smiled as if relieved.

''BrokeN? What?--'' I paused and was left in stupor... I can understand her? Why?

''I can understand you now?'' i asked

''Yes, stranger, it seems you have been cursed by the language eater and was unable to speak. A common thing to happen these days to travelers like such as yourself and me'' the woman giggled.

 Curse? Broke? I was left stunned in disbelief as i hear the woman's words and spoke to her.

''Or so it seems, i must thank you for doing such favor to me'' i stand up and gave my thanks.

The woman look satisfied and said ''Don't worry, i have meet and traveled into many places and occurrences of having the language of the soul within you being curse is nothing unusual''

Language of the soul? I was confused, but seeing how it was worded out, i can assume that it's the language that every soul knew right?

 Seeing the face of the man in front of him, the woman calmly ask.

 ''Are you new to this continent?''

I was confused by question and answered ''Yes. this my first time into this world.''

The woman look at me quietly and said '' Is that so? It might explain the eccentric outfit you have''

''hahahhaahahah'' Stian laughed

''Can you show your left hand stranger?'' the woman asked with a serious look.

Seeing the sudden change on her expression. I steadily raise my left hand and showed it to her.

The woman look at my palm and with an expression of relief she said ''Hmmm, it seems you have been blessed with the Wanderers hand?''

''The Wanderer's hand?'' Stian asked with a confused look.

The woman look shock at Stian's question and asked ''Oh my, did you travel this far without using the blessing from the wanderer's hand?

''Yes or it seems so'' as i sigh calmly

''Then let me help you again stranger'' as the woman spoke words, she grabbed my left hand and muttered words that have been lodge directly into my mind as it was there to crack something open.

Then with a sudden pain in my head ,a strange and warm feeling surge from my left hand  and words appeared in my eyes..

''Oh Wanderer, who travels far and wide, the master of land and moves like a shadow you have been blessed''

Then as if  there was something unlock in my brain i feel a new sensation and was startled

Eh, the ability to turn invisible, the superhuman strength to travel far and wide and to move like a phantom? What?

The woman look at  the man's  expression and said ''It seems it work, and since i have help you two times already then let me introduce my  name stranger. I am Ava Wandergovel, a traveling specialist and doctor, may i know your name stranger?''

Stian straighten his back and said ''Yes you can! My name is Stian Peregine, like  the meaning of my name i am a Wanderer and at the same time a pilgrim.''

'It's nice meeting your Mr. stian'' the woman smiled

Looking at the beautiful smile Stian replied. ''Yes it was nice meeting you to Ms. Ava, please accept my sincere thanks for the help you have given me.''

''It's nothing much Mr. Stian, and it's my pleasure for as a wandering specialist and doctor to help anyone..''

Stian, felt great. Happy, for such meeting, even the woman before him have save him from the dilemma of the language barrier, Stian still needs to know more about this world and shamefully asked.

"Umm. Ms Eva, can i trouble you in explaining this ''continent'' to me? It's my first time her and i simply don't know any customs or even the places which civilization is located''

The woman look at Stian calmly and spoke ''Of course, i don't mind at all. The road has been lonely and having a new acquaintance to chat to is wonderful.''

Saying that Stian nodded and move to Ava's side as she begun her tale.

"This is the continent of Valhalla, the blessed  land which the World Tree is located.''

''World tree?'' Stian asked

''Yes, the world tree''  Ava then pointed at the humongous tree in the distance''

"Oh, that's the world tree huh''

Hmmmm , why did i woke up  in the world tree? was it because of that altar? Im not that stupid to realize that the moment i spilled blood and saw it spread on the stone carving.

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The woman look at Stian and calmly asked '' Is there anything wrong?''

Stian wave his hands and said ''Oh its nothing, please continue!''

''As you wish'' said Ava

''The World tree of this continent has been here for years unknown. They say that when the tree bloom and produce seedlings, the seeds scattered and grow steadily within years. Years come and the seeds have grown akin into the image of the tree. And as those seeds grown, civilization followed. Within those seeds, four of them have grown into splendor and the people of this continent, move in the protection of those trees and built their homes into them''

''Built their homes in the tree for protection?'' asked Stian

''Yes, the holy aura of those trees have given the the place it stands as holy. And monsters alike will never venture into them. The city of Feywood, The City of Dawnlen, The City of Dredl, and the City of Wodfel have been  built within the protection of the world tree's seedlings.''

 ''And the ones who who lords over them is the Queen of the Holy City of Valkyries. The leader of the Valkyries. Queen Estella Willow.''

''Estella Willow?'' Stian asked confused.

''Yes, the holy queen that guards the trees from evil. She have reign for years and have led her city into prosperity. Even the threat of the savages are nothing when her might is shown. She is a figure respected in this continent, and it would be best for you to call her ""Queen Estella Willow'' as a respect Mr Stian'' said Ava calmly.

""Yes it seems disrespectful calling her without her title.'' as Stian realized.

''It is for your own good to Mr Stian, after all the people of this continent love their Queen deeply for the years of peace and prosperity she have given. They don't take kindly to people who casually says their Queen's name without her holy tittle. And you will be labelled as a disrespectful being and be antagonized by a crazed mob''

 ''I guess i shall take note of that'' as Stian made a mental note of it on his head.

Having a whole continent antagonize you would be very bad. Well, just in case something like that happens, i better practice all the blessings the the Wanderer's hand gave me.

''Is there anything that you can left you can tell me?'' i asked.

 ''Yes, about the creatures that we are gonna encounter after we pass that border there. The moment we step into that land means that we have left the protection of the world tree.''  as Ava pointed at the barren looking land ahead of them.

''Ms Ava, why does no one try to settle near the  world tree?''

Ava look at Stian with a calm smile and said ''It's obvious, the borders and land of the world tree is too holy. No creatures,humans or any specific race dares to settle here. Simply because its holy ground'''

''But why did the other city made settlements into the world tree's seedlings?'' Stian asked.

''It's because the seedlings are an exception, those seedling was said to be release by the world tree into the lands so the humans and alike find peace when the monsters swarmed the land like a calamity.''

''Monsters?'' Stian asked

''Yes, the  monsters of this continent  are rather terrifying. Creatures like draugr's , Norsen Wolves and Northern Dragons are one of the most terrifying things in this land.You also have to deal with Were Beasts and Blood Stalkers.'' said Ava with a  look of fear.

Then she continued ''So please when you encounter any of them, run with all your might, it would be easy for you to do that for you possess the wanderer's hand. So please don't be reckless.''

''Understood'' i weakly replied. Honestly, if do encounter such creatures then my first instinct would be to run and hide. Then if i can, then take a picture of it.

''Is there anything you want to ask?'' said Ava

''Oh yeah, Ms. Ava, what is a ''specialist?'' you are one right?''

''Ah, yes a Specialist is someone who cures curses and anything that is cause by monsters and alike''

''So does basically a doctor of all kinds?''

'''Well you can say that'' Ava laughed.

 Then she look at Stian and asked ''Could i know more about you Stian? Your clothing and equipment's especially your weapon is something i have never seen before.''

 Stian listen to her words and said ''You could say, i came from a long distance away. It's due to special circumstances that i am here on this continent.''

Ava only nodded and said '' I see, well it has been the fate of anyone who have possess the wanderer's hand to be thrown away into a random place whether he likes it or not''

''Thrown away?'' i asked sternly.

''Yes, it has been said that those who have made a blood offering at the altar's of the  giving to grant the giver of blood the wish they keep in their heart. It seems you Mr.Stian have so much wanderlust that the God of giving granter your wish.''

"Altar's of Giving?'' asked Stian

'"Yes, its an  altar of the Giving god that is found under a holy ground and what lies there is a small altar that houses the miniature of the world tree. Once your blood has been spread into its carved writing, you will be granted any wish you hold deep in your heart.''

Stian paused, he then  realize that the altar that prickled his finger was the one they call ''The Altar of Giving''! So that was it!

Then Stian asked. ''Ms Ava, what should i do if i want to return to my home? What if i want to go back on my wish?''

''Impossible, the god of giving only  gives one wish. If you truly want to go home, then you need to wander and wander until you find your way back home...Im sorry, but that is the usual fate of the people who possesses the Wanderer's hand.''

''I see'' said by Stian Dejectedly. Wander.....is that it? That's all i need to do? How? How do i wander back to my own world? Is there anything out here in this place ....wait.

''Miss Ava, so if i somehow found another altar of the giving? Can i still wish on it?'' asked Stian

'"Of course, it isn't called the ''altar of the giving'' if it doesn't'' Ava giggled and continued' 'But finding another altar will be difficult...i don't intent to crush your hopes but wanting to find the altar would quite difficult'' as Ava said softly.

''It's okay, knowing that altar's like that exists calms my heart'' as Stian sighs in relief. Anyway, its not like Stian really want's to go home right now! He was already use to being far away from his family and friends. As long as he can remember them would be enough. Missing out to explore this world would be a waste. And wandering this new world, i might find another altar in my travels  and use it when the time comes.

''Anyway, do you any plans Mister Stian? asked Ava

''Umm, can you please lay off with the ''Mister''?'

''Sure, if you do the same and stop with the ''Miss''.''

''Hahahahah of course, i won't call you miss as long you don't call me 'mister!''

''Then, that settled, so would you like to travel with me for a while'' as Ava straightly asked.

''Sure why not, it's more fun when you have someone you can talk to'' as Stian ask with a smile.

''Then, shall we go now?''

''Sure, lead the way Ava''

 Then the two nodded their heads as they continue  moving towards the land unprotected by  the world tree.