A Dreamer's Knight

Chapter 2 - Friends

Mikaen stared at the ground previously occupied by One and his tree for a few moments before glancing skyward. The upper branches of the chronoan trees interwove into a mesh that managed to block out the sky while leaving enough light to see from forest floor. It wasn't just the trees that were different, however; the differences in the sounds of the forest, the smells of the verdant plantlife ...even the very feel of the air carried a subtle difference that Mikaen's heightened senses could not ignore. The stranger had been telling the truth in at least that regard: Mikaen was definitely not on Earth.

Where did that leave him now? It wasn't a question of completing his mission; Mikaen needed to get the data back to Misakren, and would tear the universe asunder to get there if he had to. Unfortunately, he was completely at a loss. He was on an alien world, far from any of his friends or contacts, estranged though they may be. He didn't really know where he was other than what he'd heard from One, a source whose reliability was questionable. The only thing he had that might give him some direction was a piece of paper with an arrow on it.

That was when the paper began tugging at his fingertips as though some unseen hand were trying to pluck the paper from his grip. Startled, he let it go. The paper fell to the ground and was still for a few seconds before it spun wildly, eventually coming to an abrupt halt pointing to Mikaen's right. Curious, he knelt by the paper and turned it so the arrow was pointing the other way. After a few moments, it abruptly spun back so the arrow was again pointing to his right.

It didn't feel like magic, at least not like any magic Mikaen encountered. Then again, neither had the strange fellow who took his tree and vanished without a trace. Life had not left Mikaen a trusting soul, but even his suspicion couldn't deny that it was better to have some direction than none seeing as he had almost no knowledge whatsoever of Vinta.

The journey through the forest was pleasant, even if Mikaen wasn't in the mood to enjoy it. The forests of Ircandesta were free of the damage caused by the Devastation and Rebirth that left much of Earth scarred, and the compass showed him a path that was relatively clear.

Still, Mikaen wasn't one to be complacent. He stopped to check his compass frequently and kept his other hand near his weapons. It wasn't just caution that kept him on edge; as time passed, he thought of home. Did they realize he was gone? Did Syrin? Were they looking for him and if so, would they end up here too?"

Ironically, it was the gentle calm of the forest that bothered him the most. He was used to patrolling the redwood forests around Misakren, where Revs made frequent patrols in a vain attempt to find the stronghold of the Knights of the Star. If it wasn't the Revs, it was some magical beast such as a chimera or a behemoth roaming around for food. There were plenty of dangers left in what was once known as the United States to keep a knight on his or her toes.

Mikaen travelled three painstakingly uneventful hours before coming across a well-maintained path of stone. Relieved to find signs of civilization, Mikaen moved to check the compass again only to freeze at the sight of it. The arrow that guided him thus far was now a question mark.

Before he had time to try to figure out what it meant, a green-robed boy with blonde hair, long pointed fuzzy brown ears and a long furry tail stumbled onto the path. His robes were ripped, soaked, and stained with dirt, and his young face bore several scratches along with a look of absolute panic.

Quickly folding the paper and slipping it into his pocket, Mikaen called out, "Hey there! You all right?"

The lad skidded to a halt. His blue eyes widened at the sight of the knight.

"Oh, thank the Creator! Mister, you've got to help me!"

Mikaen blinked. The boy's lips hadn't moved at all, yet he was sure he heard the boy's voice. There was no time to ask questions, however; a spine-rattling roar erupted through the clearing as what was chasing the boy tore through the brush and landed between Mikaen and the boy. The monstrous reptile's reddish scales, eight legs, spiked tail, and wicked-looking fangs made it look like something that clawed its way out of a demonic realm.