Pillars of Age

From Beyond the Light

RIVAR

The sun hovered just below the eastern horizon, casting a soft glow that transformed the sea from a murky green to a warm, inviting orange. Dawn was on the brink of breaking. The tranquil scene of the sea, gradually bathed in the early morning light, promised a new day filled with potential.

Rivar carefully placed a wooden box in the town hall square, his gaze drawn to the first rays of sunlight piercing through the endless desert, casting long, golden shadows. He then turned westward, observing the light on the sea deepening to a richer shade of orange.

"Master Gaelin, Rivar, it's a pleasure to see you both at this early hour," Yunnas greeted, his fresh face and rosy cheeks standing out against the backdrop of the still sleeping city.

"Lord Yunnas, here is the leaf potion you ordered. Handle it with care; rough handling will alter its taste," Gaelin advised, his tone both courteous and firm.

Yunnas examined the box, then glanced at Rivar with a hint of amusement. "Master Gaelin, your knack for discovering hidden talents is remarkable. Who would have imagined that the scrawny boy washed ashore would grow into this?"

Gaelin smiled subtly, while Rivar, oblivious to the comment directed at him, continued with his task.

"His slender frame is surprisingly adept at handling fragile items where burly labourers often struggle."

Rivar finally turned, recognizing the familiar phrases 'slender frame' and 'adept.'

"Still a bit slow in the head, aren't we? Or as Master Gaelin likes to say, 'Simple Mind'," Yunnas teased, gesturing his laborer to take over.

"Lord Yunnas seems in high spirits after the ship brought news of the Sky Sage and Khuzma's announcement in the south," Gaelin remarked, his tone light. "And another ship confirming that ValMyra wasn't submerged by the sea."

"Of course, trade is resuming, and more importantly, our world isn't ending anytime soon!" Yunnas laughed heartily.

Yunnas's laughter abruptly stopped, his expression turning serious. "Aren't the Forest Elves and Khuzma close allies? Why were you just as surprised as the rest of us when the news arrived?"

"To be honest, Lord Yunnas, I'm disappointed as well. Despite my many Khuzma friends, not one mentioned this," Gaelin replied, his gaze steady.

Yunnas nodded sympathetically, turning back to the deepening light on the sea. He followed his laborer, bidding farewell to Gaelin and Rivar with a lingering look of curiosity.

Gaelin watched Yunnas supervise his laborer handling the wooden box, then turned to Rivar. "You haven't mentioned the voice you heard at dawn to anyone, have you?"

"No, sir, just as you instructed."

"Very good."

Gaelin pondered for a moment before deciding to share. "Actually, I've received some information from our Elder Library about the words you heard."

Rivar's curiosity was sparked.

"'Gharii' translates to 'Witness.' It comes from an ancient, extinct tongue whose origins remain a mystery. 'Nasbara' likely means 'Mortal Being,' but 'Thaka' is not found in any of our extensive records," Gaelin explained.

"Why could I hear that voice?" Rivar asked.

"We have no idea who used it, let alone why you could hear it," Gaelin replied seriously. "You must keep this a secret, at least until we find concrete clues."

"Yes, Master Gaelin," Rivar agreed obediently.

Gaelin nodded in relief, a light smile playing on his lips. "You are too obedient. For now, that trait is very good but..."