244: Awakened

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Their steps grew slower and slower the farther they were from the cave village.

His pale hands gripped the leather rope attached to his makeshift drawstring bag. It was the best the Merfolk could find after such short notice. He carried food that would last him a week ago most and some freshwater within the only bottle the people could offer him. Although he was short in supplies, Moulin didn't complain. He was grateful enough to receive the tribe's care even when he's an outsider.

It was only the chief who was escorting him. Moulin followed while his vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings.

When they walked past a tree marked with yellow paint, it was then that the man raised his hand to stop.

The chieftain pointed towards a crevice between two overlapping boulders. The triangular opening at the center was dark, cover with snow and throne bushes. He spoke quietly. "Since four years ago, random portals have constantly been appearing all over the lands. Now, it is what we use to travel to places. However, they are also the gateways malibreeds use to enter lands, so you will need to be careful. Between those rocks is one of those portals. Fortunately, you came just in time for its activation."

"Portals? Does anyone know why they appear?" Moulin glanced at him.

The man shook his head, "I'm afraid I do not know. I hard they first appeared in maeruthan city, but the details I am not knowledgeable."

Moulin nodded. He slowly approached the boulders before pausing momentarily. "You said I was in time for its activation... Does it disappear often?"

"The portals revives once a month, and it will continue to do so after two years." The man replied. Moulin furrows his brows in concern.

"Don't worry..." The chief grinned, sensing the youth's discomfort. "We are sure to transfer to someplace safe before the portal disappears. And I doubt my people wouldn't be reluctant to part with the home you have offered us."

Moulin pressed his lips together before sighing. "Alright. However, if I can manage to return to my home, I will ensure I will grant you refuge."

The man's blue eyes softened. "Thank you for everything, young one. And may we meet again..."

Moulin nodded to him with a gentle smile. Finally, he turned and walked towards the dark opening between the rock. Ducking his head, he entered smoothly. He felt a wave of energy engulfed his body, and he disappeared. Closing his eyes, he gripped his necklace.

Although it would be hard finding his way back home, he hoped he would see his beloved people safe and sound.

..................

..................

Whoosh!

The shrill cry of a magnificent eagle filled the hollow skies. Sharply, it whooshed through the stratocumulus cloud, leaving a trail of white behind it. Once again, its cries resounded like a thundering roar. As it glides downwards faster than it was before, exiting the grey clouds, and then he spreads his wings.

The glory of a mighty high-walled city revealed itself before its eyes. A circular city that appeared brimming with abundance. A small palace sits at the center, surrounded by long narrow rivers that stretched to every part of the city. But what was most captivating were the three towers. They appeared like the pointed tips of a crown. The middle tower was taller and more prominent than the two. And as always, a ring of black clouds hovers above the central tower.

Any new survivor would think that a terrible curse was placed on the city, but the people living for more than three years would think otherwise. The ring was a mark of the lord supreme, much like the crest that marked the towering wall of the city.

a gorgeous white by Heather_anareWhere stories live. Discover now