The road to Mooncrest wound through dense forests. The alliance moved cautiously. The sun had come down two hours ago and the night was eerily silent, the only sound was the rustling of leaves and their breathing.
As they traveled, Alon felt uneasy. "Do you think we're being followed?" he asked.
Volt glanced around, his eyes scanning the darkness. "I wouldn't be surprised. We need to stay vigilant."
Trouble came just after midnight. As they crossed a narrow bridge over a rushing river, a group of ethereal beings emerged from the mist-shrouded trees. The entities blocked their path.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the leader sneered.
"People from other realms, trespassing our territory." Another one said.
Volt clenched his fists. "Tabi. Muagi ra mi. Our business has nothing to do with you. Please, let us pass, and we'll be on our way."
One of the beings laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "I'm afraid it's not that simple. You see, we protect these lands from trespassers like yourselves. So, if you don't mind, turn back and leave."
Alon felt the Lumina in his pockets. "We're not turning back," he said. "We don't intend to trespass, we're just on our way to see someone"
"Stubborn travelers," the leader murmured. "Very well then."
Sensing that the entities were about the attack, the alliance sprang into action before the enemies could. Volt and Isabella charged forward facing the entities head-on. Lightning crackled around Volt's fists, while Isabella's attacks were magnified with torrent.
The entities were no match for Isabella and Volt's relentless attacks. One by one, they fell. Volt lifted the one curled on the ground by the neck.
"Tell your other friends," Volt growled, "to let us pass, or we'll litter more of your bodies on the ground". The entities conceded and they disappeared back into the shadows.
Volt breathed a sigh of relief. "That was close. Everyone, okay?"
Isabella nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We're fine, but we should take a rest"
The group found a safe spot and settled down to rest. The tension gradually eased as they caught their breath. Alon, still wide-eyed from the battle, looked at Volt and Isabella in awe.
"Grabeha," Alon said. "How did you learn to control your powers like that?"
Volt chuckled, leaning back against a tree. "Lots of practice. It didn't happen overnight. I've been working on controlling my electricity for years."
Isabella nodded. "We all start somewhere. I myself wasn't always good at controlling my forcefield and energy. But with time, you figure out how to guide it."
Alon looked thoughtful. "I feel like I'm not doing enough. I once flung the seat of a toilet cover, but that was it. I wish I had elemental powers too."
Volt clapped a reassuring hand on Alon's shoulder. "Hey, we've all been there. You're doing great, especially for someone new to this. Just keep at it, and you'll get stronger."
Isabella added, "We're a team. We help each other out, and we all have different strengths. You'll find yours."
Alon smiled, feeling more at ease. "Thanks, guys. I'll keep trying."
Volt stood up and stretched. "Alright, let's get moving again."
They continued to travel through the night until the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon.
***
Mooncrest was a small, charming town that felt like it came straight out of a book. As they approached, the group could see colorful smoke rising from some buildings and hear mechanical sounds from the nearby houses and buildings.
They made their way to the town square, where a beautiful fountain shaped like a mythical creature stood in the center. The water sparkled under the sun and a few townspeople were already busy with their morning routines.
"We should ask around about the craftmaster," Isabella suggested. "Someone here must know where to find him."
They approached a vendor setting up her stall, a kindly young woman with black hair and of remarkable physique. Her booth was filled with strange herbs, glittering powders, and bottles of colorful liquids. "Excuse me," Alon said politely. "We're looking for a craftmaster named Essence. Do you know where we might find him?"
"Ah, Essence. Yes, I know him well. His lab is just on the edge of town, in a tower covered with glowing vines. Follow the main road, and you'll see a cobblestone path leading off to the left. That's where you'll find him. Just be careful of the magical plants along the way; they can be a bit tricky.
YOU ARE READING
Alon
FantasyI always had these made-up characters in my head for the longest time. I can't remember all of them, but they are buried deep in my thoughts. At some times in a day, faces, and details of the characters I imagined would pop in my head, only for them...
