World Of Worlds (Arula: One)

Chapter 3

Does that thing have to come with us?" Karma asked as they rode through Unra Valley. The saber-tooth ferret, Shari, sat proudly on Omar's stallion's neck, his head held high and his chest puffed out as if he were the leader of their small company. Karma glanced at the creature with disdain.
Omar, however, was delighted. He smiled and petted Shari on the head. "Oh, come on, Karma," he said. "We could use an extra traveling companion."
Shari scurried up Omar's arm and perched on his shoulders. Karma rolled her eyes. She had been traveling with the little creature for nearly a day now, and she had yet to grow fond of it.
They continued west toward Clan territory, a journey that would take at least a week and a half—possibly two, depending on how many times they had to stop or restock supplies.
The nearest village, Arkum, was only a day and a half away. Few villages were built in Unra Valley due to its lack of natural resources, but the Unra River provided just enough sustenance for settlements like Arkum and Bergen. Arkum, the larger of the two, was well-known for its rare Numberries—berries unique to this world, capable of being made into ale, pies, cakes, and other delicacies.
Karma had never created the berries herself. She found it fascinating that Arula had begun producing resources on its own, evolving beyond her initial designs. She had tasted a Numberry once before and could hardly imagine eating any other berry after that.
The journey was long and hot. Summer was approaching, bringing with it the beauty and traditions of each Clan. Karma's favorite season was spring, especially in Abaddon, the Elven capital. The colors, the rebirth of nature—it was always a breathtaking sight. She smiled at the thought, remembering the times she had visited during that season.
Her mind then wandered to the Sprite Clan. Summer was their time of celebration, when they emerged from their sheltered homes to bask in the sun. The summer festival in Yunalla was a spectacle of color and magic, one that Karma had attended many times before.
Next, she thought of the dwarves. Fall was their season. They honored it by gathering fallen autumn leaves, stringing them together, and decorating their village—a ritual symbolizing the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
Finally, winter brought thoughts of the Goblin Clan. They revered the cold, sculpting beautiful creations from icicles and snow. Their village, Ertum, was a sight to behold, though goblins were not particularly welcoming to outsiders.
Karma sighed, shifting in her saddle as she pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. The world had grown and changed in ways she hadn't foreseen. And yet, despite everything, it was still her world. And she would fight to protect it.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the valley. The air had begun to cool, and a gentle breeze brushed against Karma's face, offering some relief from the heat of the day. She raised a hand to shield her eyes, squinting ahead.
"How much farther until we reach Arkum?" she asked. Omar glanced at the setting sun, then surveyed their surroundings.
"I'd say we'll be there by nightfall, but not before," he answered. "As long as we keep heading west, we shouldn't miss it."
Karma nodded, lowering her hand to rest on her mare's neck. Her horse, a white mare speckled with black freckles, was fittingly named Pepper. Omar's horse, a light brown stallion with white ankles and a white stripe down its face, was called Jack. "A simple name for a simple horse," Omar had once said.
An hour passed before the distant sound of rushing water caught Karma's ears. The Unra River. She smiled at the familiar, soothing noise. There was something about the sound of moving water that always felt like music to her.
Omar clucked his tongue, signaling for her to follow. Soon, they reached the riverbank and decided to take a short break. Their horses eagerly drank from the cool water while Karma knelt by the edge, refilling her waterskin. She took a long drink before filling it again. Omar did the same, then adjusted Jack's saddle, making sure it was secure. Karma followed suit, checking Pepper's reins before mounting her horse.
As Omar swung himself onto Jack's back, he flipped his hood up over his head. Karma frowned. "What's with the hood?" she asked as she settled into the saddle.
Omar's hazel gaze met hers. "We're getting close to Arkum," he said. "It's best if no one knows I'm an elf. That could end badly for both of us."
Karma stared at him, momentarily taken aback. For a brief moment, she had forgotten. Forgotten that Termis had shattered the treaty—a treaty that once ensured peace between the Human Kingdom and the Clans. A treaty that allowed free movement, protected trade routes, and guaranteed safety for both humans and non-humans alike.
And now, it is gone. The realization made her chest tighten with anger. How did I let this happen? she thought bitterly. How did I allow my world to fall into the wrong hands?
She shut her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to push down the guilt clawing at her. A gentle hand on her shoulder made her open them again.
Omar was watching her with a small, reassuring smile. "Do not blame yourself for this," he said, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. "It is not your fault."
"But it is," she whispered. "I'm the one who put my world into the wrong hands. I trusted Termis, and he betrayed me."
Omar shook his head. "Blame won't get you anywhere," he said firmly. Then, nudging Jack forward, he added, "Now come on. Arkum awaits."