After she reminisced the early days of her life as a bandit, she planned to exit. At dawn, Kieron sneaked out of the temple. She opened the door as quietly as possible and stepped out into the desert's sands. She walked to the side of the building, looking behind her as to watch for any possible pursuers. She held out her hand and began phasing. She thought for a moment if she would still be pursued by the shadowy creatures that they encountered earlier. But before she could do anything more, a voice called out to her. "Kieron?" Felkin asked.
"Felkin? What are you doing out here this early?" She asked. Felkin had his sword embedded into the ground. He was kneeling on one knee and had both hands on the handle. "I was keeping watch to see if those creatures would appear even here. And, I was trying to reach underground with my sword." He remarked. "I was just taking a walk outside, going for some fresh air." Kieron said as an excuse. "It looked like you were trying to get out of here. That's fine, you can leave if you want to. But if it were me, I wouldn't leave my place of origin until I had answers." Felkin remarked. Kieron was left silent.
"Plus, those shadowy creatures are back there and not here. You might end up somewhere completely different and find out that they're not there anymore." He added. "I was just.. Trying to see if I could do it." Kieron looked wistfully at her hands. "You two, it seems like you're still here." Said Nox, accompanied by Dagran. "There's something strange about the ground. Last night it was sinking, and its slowly turning the temple into sand." Said Felkin. "You must mean the curse?" Nox asked. "Master, must we reveal such private matters..." Dagran stated. "It is quite alright. For the boy must have spent all night looking for its source." Nox replied. “I actually heard the tale for the first time from Dagran himself. Would you care to recite it?” He slyly pleaded.
“Fine. What I’ve learned and what I know is just passed down from the elders and transcribed by those that came before us. Ehem.” Faint streaks of sunlight rose over the building as sunrise was occurring, the light shone over them as Dagran began his story. “There was a time before these lands were an endless desert, it was a young land, flourishing with life. Instead of empty sands, the earth was packed with plants known as “trees”. These plants were alike the young master’s creations, but tall and rough and had a dark color, like a cross between the sand and the night sky, they had a boundless number of leaves and great long pits of water ran along them. The creatures that dwelt within had their own system and hunted amongst themselves. The supply of prey and predator were equal. Not like the creatures that prowl here today. They are grotesque and starving, their only prey is us, and themselves. They represent the decay of this world; they will soon die out but they cling tightly to life.”
Solis stood and leaned in the doorway of the temple, inspecting, and examining her bow. Nox waved his hand back and forth. “Maybe Solis was just jealous or perhaps disappointed that she did not get the chance to hunt them. She was prepared and willing to hunt one along with the other warriors but was thwarted due to your arrival.” He remarked. Solis gritted her teeth but reverted back to a neutral expression. “Maybe it was the only choice we needed to make, and if we continued to shut ourselves in, we would not be able to survive with merely sand and dust.” She exclaimed.
“Maybe it is time I continue telling the tale.” Dagran asserted. “Please go on, I came out here for a different reason anyhow.” She pointed at Kieron. “We need to have a discussion.” Solis walked back inside but before entering she gave a sad look to Felkin. “Well, the one who created this life was no other than the being that would curse it, a god beneath the earth. The creature was dissimilar to human but was more a creature that spewed forth life based on instinct. The land was teeming with life, and a tribe came to reap these rewards, and be the first to start civilization on it.” Dagran continued. “So, it created humans as well?” Felkin asked. “I don’t know. The stories tell of them wandering, before settling here. No mention of being created or descended from the god.” Dagran replied.
“And thus, Solis’ suspicions are realized. That the people here are of another land, and thus we can escape this “accursed desert”. And so, leads to where you two came from previously.” Nox stared keenly. “You two came from another world, correct?” He asked. “Yes.” Felkin replied. “We could tell as soon as you appeared to us.” Said Nox. “I knew it!” Dagran said loudly. “There was no doubt in my mind that no other human could survive out there. If you two truly hail from somewhere else, then there must be somewhere else to go to!” He turned to Nox. “Master, if you knew from last night, then why did you not inform me right away? So that we can ready ourselves for it.” “Hmph. If Solis were here, she would blame me for that reason.” Said Nox. “Hmm?” Dagran remarked. “Because I am the reason. I believe that this earth can still be remedied, I will not let us abandon it.” He suddenly held his palm against his head in discomfort.
“Master, what’s wrong?” Dagran asked. “It's Solis. She’s cut ties with my thoughts momentarily. Right before they started their conversation, probably about our departure from here.” Nox remarked, referring to Kieron and Solis. “Should I-“ Dagran asked. “No, our discussion here must continue.” Said Nox.
“So with Kieron’s appearance and presence here, you two figured that she was the key to travelling between worlds. But we only travelled here by accident, and to flee from pursuers. Creatures not alike the beasts that roam here.” Dagran continued. “All the more reason that we should stay here.” Said Nox whilst still clutching his head. “But that is still a risk Solis will be willing to make.” He added. “Master, the sun is rising, soon it will be hot enough to be dangerous outside.” Dagran remarked. Nox put his hand above his eyes and stared over the horizon.
“What being lives in their own world but cannot even enjoy the sight of it. Confined to a dark tomb for the entirety of the day. Even as this land is decayed, there is still beauty in it, is there not?” Felkin and Dagran turned to the direction where Nox was looking at. They stared at the great expanse, empty save for mountains of dunes stretching even further than the eye can see. “I believe that the two of you coming here is not an opportunity for escape, but a chance for a solution, instead of simply running away from the problem.” Nox remarked.
“Is this “god” still alive?” Felkin asked. “We don’t know for certain; the texts simply state that we fled from it once the curse was enacted.” Dagran replied. “Why did it curse the world in the first place?” Said Felkin.
“I believe, that the coming of the settlers was not meant to be. That the land cursed them because of their mere presence or the way they lived were as intruders to the being’s existence.” Dagran’s expression became serious. “Maybe their greed got the best of them and they attempted to harm the creature in any way. I dislike blaming my own kin, but their largest palace was built on the curse’s origin, and that the survivors began a long march to reach haven. In the end, we were the only ones left, taking refuge in one of the tallest temples constructed. We were wiped out nearly, until we found the young lords.” His expression loosened.
“Well, maybe I’ve told too much to some outsider. But its clear that you have remarkable ability and that you have the master’s trust, don’t lose it.” Dagran patted Felkin on the shoulder. “Never knew you were quite the intellect.” Said Nox, taking his hand off his head. “I like to think you take well from me. Shall we go back inside now?” Said Dagran. “Yes. Their conversation is now over, I can now perceive Solis’ thoughts as normal.” Nox remarked.
As they entered back in through the stone door Dagran offered to shut it, but Felkin put his hand on it, signaling for it to remain open. “Which way is the palace again?” Felkin asked. “It’s been long enough for us to forget exactly where it was. But the elders know which direction they were in the march, and from which way they came.” Said Dagran. As they entered, Nox and Solis gazed at each other, he looked contemplative and she looked uneasy. Kieron shared Solis’ expression as well, standing cross-armed in the corner looking off at the wall to the edge of the room.
In the morning hours inside the structure, the children were still asleep, the other elders sat around, and the warriors were sparring with each other, although some half-heartedly. Felkin walked over to one of the elders, a man with thick grey hair and a beard, sitting contently. “Hey old man, do you remember the direction you marched from? Do you remember the capital is?” “Hey!” exclaimed Dagran, surprised. The old man laughed. He laughed as if he hadn’t done so in a lifetime’s worth. “It’s alright Dagran.” The old man sighed, a deep long sigh. “Straight to the point, young man. I like it.” He strained as he slowly stood up.
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All conversations and actions stopped and everyone turned their attention to him. He slowly walked to the entrance with Felkin following behind. “Listen young man, I’ve lived a very long time. I spent all of it trying to escape from death. Living this long has been a blessing to me, I’m content to sit down, eat and sleep, I talk infrequently as I am not needed. Either if its by the curse or just my age, I could die any time. I am useful now, if it’s the only I can do for the young ones and for their future. And I haven’t forgotten where I came from, where we came from.”
As he exited the door he breathed deeply and held his hand over his eyes. He walked forward a few steps and pointed eastward. “There.” After he did this, he wiped away a tear and walked back in; all looked at him as he slowly walked to his spot of resting and sat back down. Felkin went back in after him. “What’s wrong?” He asked Dagran. “Well, it’s just that we haven’t heard him speak for a year, we thought he couldn’t do it anymore.” He stated, stunned.
Felkin then went to Nox and Solis who were watching the interaction. Dagran went to the old man and scolded him, saying: “Old man, why didn’t you tell me you just decided to stop talking? The others were worried sick about you! Plus, I became leader because you stepped down.” The old man simply shrugged. Overhearing this Solis and Nox burst out laughing. Felkin didn’t know why, but he could not help but smile. “Now that I know of the direction of the curse’s source, I’m going to journey towards it.” He remarked.
The two were concerned but not surprised by his announcement. “Even if the old man’s direction is correct, we don’t know where exactly it is, or what are you supposed to do about it.” Solis pondered. “Additionally, it’s a long journey there, and the curse is active more prominently in that area, it’s possible that there are no safe places left to go.” Nox added. “Even if it is underground, I have a way of determining where things are, even if they are out of sight. I can traverse great distances, and I can go a duration of time without necessities. As for the curse, I’ll figure something out.” Stated Felkin.
“We can still prepare you supplies even if they won’t last very long.” said Nox. “What’s a good amount of time to set off?” Felkin asked. “Until what?” Solis replied. “I’d say about five days’ time before the people here can leave through Kieron, if its possible.” Said Felkin. “So, you figured our plan, can’t say it was not obvious to think about.” Remarked Solis. “If you’re worried about the multi-armed creatures, it seems that they pursue only me. So, if they would chase me between worlds, it would be better if I wasn’t here.” Felkin reassuringly stated.
“This is well planned…” Nox exclaimed. “But still terribly reckless. You’re going to get yourself killed.” Said Solis. “I… accept the risk. But… I am asking for all the help I can get.” Felkin bowed his head. He did it instinctively as a sign of respect. He didn’t feel bravery or recklessness, rather it was more of a lack of fear of concern for himself in his actions. “Raise your head. We’ll prepare whatever we can. For now, just rest here.” They stated. Felkin sat down on one of the stone benches, gazing at his sword awaiting their preparations.
He looked at his own reflection, he found himself strangely calm at the prospect of risk and traversing into unknown territory. When the old man pointed beyond the horizon, he felt a strange pull towards it, it was merely another direction to go next in. “Um. Mister… Felkin?” A few children shyly approached him, some were hiding behind the one who talked to him. “Yes?” “We want to thank you but… The only things we have are the meat you gave us, and whatever Nox and Solis can give so…” “You beat that scary monster; we were afraid to go outside to go anywhere because of it!” another chimed in. “Its fine, you gave me clothes, food, and shelter. That’s enough for me.” Felkin replied.
One of the warriors came up to him, as excitedly as the children in their approach. “Your weapon, we haven’t seen anything like it! The way it moved and the force it made when you cut up the beast’s body, its like one of the young masters’ magic!” Few more joined in with: “Both of you are so impressive! You both survived through the hot sands, we didn’t think anybody could with the creatures and the curse.” “We’d never thought we’d meet someone else when we met after we met them, and we heard you might be leaving…” “I thought that you might train us! Or at least spar…”
Although maintaining a calm expression, Felkin was slightly flustered at the attention given to him. Dagran chuckled and said: “There’s still some time before you’ll go right? Maybe you can at least spend some time training?”
They stepped outside but went to the side of the building into the shade. The warriors stood in a cluster, and they collectively nudged each other until one stepped up with their wooden spear. The curious children watched from the entrance of the temple, whilst Felkin held out his sword. “To spar is to fight, yes?” He asked. “Well, its just a test of skill, no serious damage will be done to either combatant.” Dagran replied, as a spectator and possible mediator. “The fight stops if one fighter yields or before any serious damage is done to either combatant.” He added.
Felkin nodded and the two fighters walked to face off against each other. The warrior steadied their spear, and assumed a stance, holding it up with both arms towards his opponent. ‘I… wanted to do this. To test my strength against a powerful opponent, it means I’ll grow more as a warrior.’ The warrior charged at him at full speed, Felkin watched him and was slightly impressed at the distance he covered in such a short time. With little effort, Felkin caught the spear in his hand and slowly put the sword to the other combatant’s neck. “Don’t worry, it’s just a blunt blade.” He remarked.
The warrior then threw a handful of sand in Felkin’s face, causing him to block it with his sword hand. As Felkin had both of his hands occupied, the warrior let go of the spear which remained in Felkin’s hand, and swiftly drew a sickle previously hidden from sight. Felkin’s sword shot out and struck like a snake, extending, and intercepting the attack and breaking the sickle’s blade cleanly. He turned the spear around and held up both weapons to the warrior, leaving him no other choice but to hold both of his hands up in surrender.
Felkin walked away, looking at the wooden spear he held in his hand while the warrior picked up the broken blade as Dagran walked to him, laughed, and patted his shoulder. “That was impressive. If it were a slower combatant, they may have been taken off guard.” Said Dagran. “And?” The warrior asked. “Relying on your opponent to not attack you when you threw sand at them was risky, and willingly giving up your weapon and relying on one strategy to win without backup is reckless.”
Felkin gazed at the spear, remembering Metas who used to sharpen a metal chain-spear when he was idle. “He is right but, I’ve defeated many fighters who would be fooled by that trick and overcome by your speed alone, it’s important to use every advantage you have in a fight. You remind me of another spearman I know.” Felkin handed the wooden spear back to the warrior. “Raln!” “Hmm?” Felkin remarked. “It's my name. It was a pleasure to train with you!” The warrior bowed. “Hey wait! We want to train too! Please fight with us!” The other warriors cried out.
“Preparations are done.” Said Solis, watching from the temple’s entrance. Felkin simply bowed and made his way back inside despite the pleas of the others. She handed him a cloth pack with a drawstring, reminding him of the packs carried by Ellyn and Yuria. He took it and inspected its contents. It was quite spacious and contained food and water, meats wrapped up in paper and tied with rope, and water containers filled with the lunar water. He walked over to Nox who was waving at him as he sat in his throne.
“Can I leave now?” Felkin asked him. “Well, we just wanted to say a formal farewell.” He responded. “And here.” Solis handed him one of their spears, made of wood with a stone tip. Felkin refused the offer saying: “I… already have my own weapon.” “Take it, what was that about “take every advantage in a fight”? And you’re already wearing our garb.” Solis exclaimed. “We only have a few warriors, one more addition would be beneficial.” Nox added.
Felkin then grabbed the spear and wore the pack on his back, attaching the spear to a strap on his back. And then Nox and Solis laid one hand on both of Felkin’s shoulders, a faint glow emitted from them. “It should temporarily ward off the curse, but not for long.” They then both lowered their hands off from him.
“I’m off then.” He announced. He walked off, with all the attention turned towards him. He turned around briefly to wave at them and the others slowly waved back. “Wait.” Nox stood from his seat and ran swiftly, stumbling once partway to the worry of others, including Dagran. Felkin turned around and lowered himself as Nox furiously whispered something in his ear. Felkin simply nodded and then continued to slowly make his way outside.
Dagran helped Nox up from the ground. Before the exit, Felkin turned around and faced Kieron who still stood in the corner, he nodded to her direction and she nodded back. As he exited, the rays of orange sunshine hit him, as well as the tremendous heat that followed. He closed the stone door behind him and began the journey to the curse’s source.