Lost In The Callallis Maze

prelude

There exist flowers loved by all and desired, said to be immortal. They were carved by everyone, with mysterious abilities to cause obsession and hysteria over them. Wars and betrayals ensued over the possession of these divine flowers, said to have fallen from heaven.

These mystical flowers had a variety of effects, both psychological and physical. It has been said that some even granted powers beyond human boundaries. But one such mystical flower is the most well-known, said to have granted godhood to one. Known as "Callallis," it severed the very fabrics of reality and made humanity realize the futility of their madness over the mystical flowers.

The man that had procured godhood, yet bound by his mortal body, lost sanity and went mad.

With the powers others claimed after countless battles and betrayals, everyone realized humanity would be doomed if they didn't unite. Empires, kingdoms, and settlements with great influence banded together to defeat the madman.

Countless kingdoms destroyed, empires led to doom, many deaths, and a decade later, the maddened omnipotent's mortal vessel fell to ruin.

However, at that moment, the vessel's broken parts scattered across the world and were said to have contained Callallis's powers.

"But, Grandpa, how'd they know that the scattered parts had the god's power?" said Maymi.

"Oh, darling, they didn't know, we didn't. It was simply speculated because his body had the power," I said.

"But what if the man had already got the power because he became a god? So, like the body or vessel was useless at that point..?" Maymi questioned.

"We'll never know, darling. Leave it to those searching for the pieces."

"I know, but it feels stupid. I'll never be like them," grumbled Maymi.

"Oh, so what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"Hey! How many times should I say it? I wanna be a wanderer that goes around searching for undiscovered mystical flowers!" shouted Maymi.

"Haha, how's that different from people searching for Callallis's parts?"

"I'm gonna search for mystical FLOWERS that do exist, not some myth no one knows if it's true or not. Just two years ago, Lyhem from the neighboring village found a flower that could give anyone 'ultimate peace' or whatever. He sold it to the nobles and now is working in the capital of Asperjillia," said Maymi.

"The discovery of new mystical flowers is slowing down after all; no wonder he became successful, and that type of flower is well-received."

Maymi's brother walks in.

"Maymi, stop bothering Grandpa. Mother called for you; go help her," Veller said with a stern voice to Maymi.

"I'm not bothering Grandpa! We were talking about the age of wars," shouted Maymi.

"We were simply talking, Vell; you may take her. I want to roam around the village for a bit as well."

"I'll get ready to come along then," said Veller.

"Oh no, you don't have to. I want to be alone for a while."

"But will you be alright? Let me at least escort you," said Veller worriedly.

"You don't have to; I simply wish to walk around."

"Alright... I understand," said Veller hesitantly.

I got up from my bed and exited my room, opening the door, I was greeted by a warm Breeze. With each step, a shiver ran down my spine. The village was beautiful as ever, the river passing besides the river just below the village.

The syunthy mountain, as steep and large as it is mesmerizing. I question why I didn't take a walk all along, my sickness lessening has given me a great excuse to live longer... Just before my time is about to end huh.

Maymi is turning thirteen next week; I should prepare a gift for her. How I long for just a bit more time; must I really go before I can watch my grandkids grow into adults?

Well, enough alone time; the sun's setting, and the hunters are back. I shall go back home.

Walking back home passing by the village centre, a couple of kids ran past me. The four of which having fun, I couldn't be any happier.

"Grandpa! Pap brought a boar," said Maymu, excitedly as I entered home.

"Oh, that sounds fantastic; it sounds like tonight might be a celebration!"

"Father, Veller said that you went out? You know you're getting old; please let him come along if you want to go outside; we don't want anything to happen to you," said Eyown worriedly and a little frustrated.

"I'm sorry, son, I wanted to be alone for a while and give me a break; I'm already old and sick. I don't want to hear nagging from my own son."

"Sorry, sorry, but please take care of yourself; Lufrina is also no longer here, and I'm out hunting in the day too," sighed Eyown.

There was silence in the house after Eyown's words, Maymi barely holding in tears. Time passed, Veller and Eyown were done cooking the meat. Maymi finished dressing up the plates, and we ate silently. Before we all went to bed, Eyown apologized in a whisper and was acknowledged.

A new day came, and an order of knights arrived in our village.

"Pap, who are those people?" Maymi asked Elyown, confused and afraid.

"Okay, Maymi, I want you and your brother to stay tucked in your beds while we check what's going on, alright?" Eyown said to Maymi.

Soon after, we left the house and arrived on the scene.

"I apologize for intruding upon your village, however, may I inquire about a few travelers you may have seen in the vicinity?" said the knight with black armor that had red patterns.

"Father, they're knights from the Astrain Empire," Eyown whispered.

"Yes, there was a group of travelers that rested a bit farther than our village two days ago.. They were spotted when a few hunters were returning late and saw a light," said the village chief hesitantly.

"Are you aware of any specific details about those travelers?" questioned the captain of the knights.

"I did question them... The hunters couldn't identify those travelers because it was too dark," said the village chief.

"I understand. Thank you for the information; we'll leave then," said the knights' captain.

As they departed, I heard one of them shout out that they were too late. However, as with any imperial matters, it's best to ignore them.

Hello, this is my very first work, and I hope you enjoyed it. I sincerely wish to make my work as best as I can and hope for your support.