Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 11 - Path to the King

As Ava and the band of Momos traveled on, the dense forest began to thin, and she noticed the towering trees gradually giving way to a wide clearing. Before long, they found themselves near the edge of the Beli Forest River, the same one they had crossed the day before. The river was alive with activity, ships gliding along its gentle currents, their sails catching the breeze as they navigated the winding waters.

Nuaro, walking beside Ava, took her hand as they neared the riverbank. His small paw, warm and steady, offered a sense of comfort in this strange new world. "These vessels," he began, gesturing to the ships moving smoothly through the water, "sail either north to Gatwergul Bay or southward to Doreperth Lake. At the river's mouth, where it meets the bay, lies the hamlet of Kemnton—a place cherished by my kin. There, treasures from distant lands abound, and we find much to delight in."

Ava listened intently as Nuaro continued, fascinated by the tales of this unfamiliar world. "The Momos often linger at the docks, hoping to catch a trinket or two from the Indririam as they unload their goods. We have a fondness for shiny things," he added with a playful smile. Ava couldn't help but think how much the Momos would love the glitter glue back home.

As they strolled along the riverbank, Nuaro shared more of the land's secrets. "This river, the Beli Forest River, is rich with fish, and its shores boast golden sands. As the river flows south, he grand city of Doreperth rises on the lake's eastern banks, a sight most wondrous."

Ava's imagination wandered as she pictured the city described by Nuaro. The path they walked led them past small farms and scattered cottages nestled along the river's edge. She could hear the laughter of children and the shouts of men at work, their voices drifting on the breeze. To her surprise, she understood every word, though she knew it wasn't English. It was as if the meaning of the words reached her directly, bypassing any language barrier.

Reflecting on the day before, Ava recalled how even her own speech had changed. The words that came out of her mouth were not English, yet they flowed naturally, as if she had spoken them all her life. How can I speak a new language all of a sudden? she wondered, deciding she would ask the king when they reached Doreperth. Surely, he would have answers.

As they continued their journey, Ava spotted a pair of small creatures frolicking in a nearby field. "What are those?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she tightened her grip on Nuaro's hand.

"Maglees," Nuaro replied, glancing at the playful creatures. "They are rare in these parts; most dwell in the Miwynd Mountains, northeast of here in the heart of the realm."

Ava watched the Maglees with fascination. Their ears resembled those of a cat, their faces like tiny monkeys, and their bodies were covered in thick, soft fur. They seemed to enjoy rolling about, curling into balls and tumbling across the ground. Ava giggled, thinking how much they looked like the fuzzy toys at the ends of her pens back home.

Seeing her amusement, Nuaro continued, "The Maglees curl up like that to protect themselves from the biting winds in the mountains or to escape from predators by rolling swiftly down hills." He chuckled. "It's quite a sight when they tumble down a slope—they wobble around afterward, too dizzy to stand straight."

Ava laughed along with him, imagining the dizzy Maglees wobbling around, struggling to find their balance.

Suddenly, a familiar sound echoed from behind her, taking her back to memories of Texas. It reminded her of the playful growls of her neighbor's Pekingese dogs, who often engaged in mock battles with whining and grumbling. Curious, Ava turned to see what was making the noise and found Lundas and Armol locked in a playful wrestling match in the grass.

Boondell and Givous stood nearby, their arms crossed, watching the tussling Momos with amused expressions. "We shall give them but a few moments to resolve their quarrel," Boondell said, shaking his head.