World Of Worlds (Arula: One)

Chapter 2

The Orina Field was breathtaking. Tall grass swayed gracefully with the wind, creating a rolling sea of green. Deer grazed peacefully, while field mice scurried about, making homes among the roots. At the center of the field stood a towering oak tree—the only tree that had ever grown there. No one dared to cut it down.
Omar sat on one of the tree's massive roots, his bow resting across his lap, a carving knife in his hand. He carefully etched intricate designs into the wood of his bow, his focus unwavering.
Above him, the rustling of leaves caught his attention. He glanced up, watching as something small scurried through the branches. Suddenly, a branch snapped, and a small brown creature tumbled from the tree, landing just a few feet away.
The creature shook its head, dazed. It was a ferret—but not an ordinary one. This ferret had long, thin saber teeth protruding from its mouth and razor-sharp claws that glinted in the fading sunlight.
The ferret looked up at Omar with its black eyes, and he stared back, intrigued. Slowly, he pushed a button on his carving knife, retracting the blade into the handle. Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out a small piece of bread and extended it toward the creature.
The ferret hissed, wary of the offering. "It's all right, little one," Omar said softly. "Je suis un amico—I am a friend."
The ferret cocked its head, considering his words. After a moment of hesitation, it took a cautious step forward before snatching the bread from his hand, devouring it hungrily.
Omar chuckled as he watched the tiny creature eat. It amazed him how something so small could devour food so quickly. Once finished, the ferret wiped its snout with its paws, then turned its attention back to him. It slowly crept closer, sniffing his boots before climbing onto the tree root beside him. Sitting back on its haunches, it gazed at him expectantly.
"You want more, eh?" Omar smirked, scratching the ferret lightly under its chin. The ferret purred in response.
Boom!
A thunderous sound echoed across the field, sending the grazing deer fleeing into the trees. The horses neighed in panic, their ears flicking back in alarm. The ferret let out a startled squeak and darted up Omar's arm, taking refuge in the hood of his cloak.
A sudden burst of blinding light erupted a few yards away, forming into a swirling oval of energy, hovering inches above the ground. Omar stood, laying his bow against the tree. His eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, cautiously approaching the glowing portal.
A lone figure emerged from within. As the light dimmed, Omar's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"And here I thought you'd never come," he said as Karma stepped forward, meeting him halfway.
Karma exhaled sharply, adjusting her hood. "It took some time to sneak out of my house. You know how it is."
Omar chuckled. "Oh, I know."
"I'll tell you what, though," she continued, brushing off her tunic. "This whole magic wardrobe-switching thing is getting on my nerves. The dumb spell still can't seem to get my clothes on properly."
She tugged at her fur vest, adjusted her belt, and straightened her leather boots, ensuring her dagger was secure. Finally satisfied, she turned back to Omar, who simply grinned at her frustration. Together, they walked toward the old oak tree and sat down on the roots, the stars beginning to appear above them.
"I'm guessing I should start a fire and set up camp?" Omar asked, motioning toward a pile of wood he had collected earlier.
Karma nodded. She slid down from the tree root and settled onto the soft grass. She couldn't believe it had been five years since she had last been here. She had truly missed this place.
Omar grabbed some of the wood and arranged it in a precise manner before adding dried grass to the pile. Taking two stones from his satchel, he struck them together until sparks ignited the bundle. Within moments, the fire flickered to life, crackling as it consumed the wood. Satisfied, Omar sat back, joining Karma beneath the towering oak. The warmth of the fire spread between them, pushing away the evening chill.
Karma watched the flames dance, their golden glow reflecting in her eyes. She had always found fire mesmerizing—beautiful yet deadly. Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the crisp spring air.
Four years... she thought. Maybe things would have stayed the same if I had never left... She opened her mouth to speak, but something in Omar's hood shifted, catching her attention. Her hand instinctively went to her dagger as a small head peeked out.
In a flash, Karma had her blade drawn. Omar swiftly caught her wrist, lowering her hand. "It's all right, Karma," he reassured her. "This is my new friend."
He released her wrist and lifted his hand toward the small creature. The ferret sniffed his fingers before climbing onto his palm. "See?" Omar said, placing the creature on his lap and stroking its back. The ferret arched in response, letting out a soft purr.
Karma narrowed her eyes, studying the animal. She tried to recall if she had ever created a saber-tooth ferret. She remembered designing a saber-wolf, but not a ferret. Then again, she had created so many creatures, it was possible she had overlooked some.
Curious, she reached out to touch it. The ferret hissed and snapped at her. "Hey! You little devil!" Karma yanked her hand back, checking for any sign of a bite.
Omar chuckled. "I guess he doesn't like you, Karma." The ferret scurried up Omar's arm, rubbing its body against the back of his neck before curling around his shoulders. Within moments, it closed its eyes and dozed off.
Karma scoffed. "I didn't know I created those things. They're evil." Omar smirked and scratched the ferret's head.
"I think I'll call him Shari." His smile faded slightly as he turned his gaze toward the fire, his expression thoughtful. "So...do you know what we should do?"
Karma stared at the flames, their flickering light dancing in her eyes. She remained silent for a moment, lost in thought.
What could they do? She had never been in this position before. She had spent years believing her world was safe, only to return and find it in shambles. I put my world into the wrong hands, she thought bitterly.
The answer came to her in an instant. "We need the Clans," she said finally. "We can't do this alone. We need an army." Omar listened intently as she continued. "We head for Abaddon. I believe King Curlus might be willing to help us. We'll gather an army, and either Termis surrenders... or we take Shurli by force."
The firelight gleamed in her determined green eyes. Omar leaned back, considering her words. It was a daunting task, no doubt.
"You know you're always welcome in Abaddon," he admitted. "But do you really think King Curlus will help? Elves don't go to war unless there's no other choice."
Karma nodded. "I'm positive. King Curlus is reasonable. And with everything Termis has done to his people, I think he'll be more than willing to fight."
Omar tossed another piece of wood into the fire, a slow smile creeping onto his face. "I think I know someone who would love to help." Karma turned to him, intrigued.
"Who?"
"Dagner."
Karma grinned at the mention of the dwarf. Dagner had been a close ally on many of their past adventures. Quick with an axe, always ready for a fight, and never one to back down. He was strong, fiercely loyal, and a brilliant strategist—one of the best in all of Arula.
She laughed, shaking her head. "That's actually a great idea." Memories of their first meeting played in her mind. Dagner had been feisty and distrustful, ready to fight anyone who challenged him. It had taken a lot of convincing—and showing him her book—to prove she was truly the Creator of Arula. After that, he had become an irreplaceable part of their group.
She leaned back, gazing up at the night sky. "Maybe we should stop by some of the villages, see if we can get more to join us," she mused. "Though, last I heard, Dagner was in Nogorum."
She smirked, picturing the dwarf's reaction when they arrived. He would be thrilled to see an old friend—likely with a tankard of ale in hand, ready to celebrate their reunion with a feast.
Omar chuckled. "Well, I don't know about you, but we've got a long journey ahead if we're heading to the Dwarf Clan and Abaddon. We should get some sleep." He flipped up his hood, letting it shadow his face.
Karma remained awake for a while longer, watching the stars twinkle above them. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and sleep took her before she even realized it.