Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 1: The Travel Ahead

"What time is the escort supposed to arrive?" 

 Irritated, Edgard said, "Rune for the last time; they should be here by nine o'clock.".

  After looking through her bag for a moment, Pearl claimed it was eight-fifty-seven.

  "It would be easier if you didn't carry around that stupid bag all the time," Edgard said to Pearl.

 "Hey, watch yourself!" I proceeded to bash Edgar's arm.

 "What in the underworld was that for?" 

 "The guards are approaching, guys. Shh!"

  As they approached the village, we huddled together in the tree house we had built during our childhood, looking ahead with anticipation. Following their steps, a wave of anxiety washed over all of us.

  After the knights made their entrance into the village, my friends and I split ways to our houses in order to prepare for our journey to the academy.

  When I got home, My mother walked over to me wrapping her arms around me and telling me to go and get my things from my room. As I walked down the hallway I could see her wiping away her tears so I wouldn't see her cry.

  I hurried to my room gathering the money I had saved throughout the years, placing twelve silver pieces, five copper coins, and four bronze coins into my Pouch. Making Sure I had everything necessary, I left my room and went to talk with my mother.

  As I entered the living room her eyes met mine, and I could see the sadness within them. She extended her hand out giving me a wrapped gift, her hands trembling as she did. I tore away the paper, my mind filled with curiosity and wonder. And there it was, within the box, a mysterious cloak.

  I couldn't help but feel spellbound. The interior, held a dense, obsidian fur, with an uncanny darkness that whispered of untold secrets. But it was not just the interior that intrigued me; the exterior of the cloak was covered in dark, metallic scales, shimmering with an ethereal shine. It appeared to be stronger than steel itself.

  Looking for some sort of information, my eyes turned to my mother. I hoped that she would have an answer. Yet, as I looked at her, she met me with silence. After a moment my mother's voice broke the silence. "Your father left it for you when you had to leave the village," she said as her voice wavered with sadness carrying unspoken emotions.

  At that moment, my heart felt uneasy with thoughts of my father, whom I'd never met. He had given to me this cloak that is shrouded in mystery. I made up my mind to figure out the truths of this cloak and of my father. 

  With sadness, I say my goodbyes to my mother, unable to find the words to express the emotions inside me. I packed the cloak into my bag and stepped outside. my mother gently closed the door behind me. I couldn't help but hesitate, to leave my home the place so full of memories.

  So I take one last look at my home the place where I grew up and have countless memories of running through the halls and getting in trouble, but mostly I am going to miss my mother.

  I needed to go through the market street before joining back with my friends, thankfully it was still early so the street wasn't too crowded.

  Rushing through the streets I accidentally took the wrong turn into the construction site of Mr.James Bakery.I was a bit upset at the thought of now being able to have some of his fresh bread but needed to get to the town square.

  I was able to get to the square in decent time and found them in the crowd of other people. I walked over to them asking what had happened so far.