Dawn of the Unknown

Chapter 6: Hidden Sanctuary

They were driven away by the creatures out of the forest, forced to venture into unfamiliar lands. This was especially true for Avril and Adelia, who had never left the Land of Eldoria since they were born.

Mathilde, clearly exhausted, looked back at her home, now ravaged by corruption and invaded by unfamiliar creatures, with one final hope of salvation.

"It looks like the damage has only been on our land. There might be towns or even neighboring kingdoms that remain unaffected by this. We'll find shelter there."

Adelia and Avril exchanged glances and nodded at Mathilde.

With no clear direction, they followed Mathilde, placing all their trust in her and clinging to the hope that there might be other people who could help them. Their adventure continued, traversing countless rivers, fields, and mountains. Each day, they survived on whatever food they could find, without any permanent shelter.

There were days when hope seemed lost, and they wondered if their efforts were futile, if there was no salvation in these times of despair. Yet Adelia, determined to rebuild the kingdom in memory of her father, never failed to boost their morale.

Months passed in this grueling journey until one day, while navigating an unfamiliar desert, Mathilde spotted a young boy riding a horse. With renewed hope, they shouted, calling for the boy's attention. The boy approached, dressed in simple clothes suitable for travel.

"Aren't you all unfamiliar faces? Where have you come from?" 

The boy asked.

"We have come from lands far from here."

Adelia answered, pausing. 

"We seek refuge, for our lands have been ravaged by unknown creatures. We are the only ones left."

Adelia continued

"I see... Our home is not far from here. Perhaps you should speak with the elder about your situation." 

The boy replied.

"Thank you." 

Mathilde said.

"Follow me." 

The boy instructed.

He dismounted his horse and led the way. After a few minutes of walking, they reached a small village in the middle of the desert. It was eerily empty.

"Where are the people?" 

Avril asked.

The boy remained silent, leading them to the center of the village where a well stood.

"Stand around me." 

He said, taking out a unique coin from his pocket they'd never seen before.

"What is that?" 

Adelia asked.

"It's a ticket." 

The boy smiled, tossing the coin into the well.

At first, nothing happened, but then the ground beneath them began to move, descending slowly to reveal a large, bustling town hidden from the surface.

They gazed around, astonished by the sight.

"Welcome to my home." 

The boy said proudly.

The platform reached the ground, and as they stepped off, it ascended again, sealing the town from above.

Villagers murmured among themselves as they passed.