The Blocky World

Chapter 3

As we made our way out of the tunnels, I noticed something watching us. I didn't know what it was, or why it watched us. The path we took was made of smooth stone, and some gravel laid on top making noise when we stepped on it. The glowing mushrooms and fireflies gave enough light for us to see the path ahead of us. The more further we went, the mushrooms unlit themselves and the fire flies left. 

As it seemed like an hour, I decided to sit on a nearby rock. Jason looked back at me with concerned eyes. "What's wrong?" He asked as Jeffrey snorted. "Just exhausted. My legs are tired." I said plainly as I began to rub my feet. "You better get use to this. were going to travel much further." he said as he put Jeffrey down. Jeffrey came to me and began snuggle at my lap. I petted the pink creature. "How far?" I asked. "You mean how near?" He said, as he crouched down to pick up Jeffrey and continued walking. As he progressed, the light followed him as some stayed behind me. I quickly stood up and caught up. By the time I did, I saw the huge opening, revealing the mysterious world in my eyes.

I saw a huge tree, bigger than any castle, and higher than any tower. Its roots, coming out of the ground, making miniature houses. It looked like it was made for mice. The leaves of the tree grew far and wide as I could imagine. It blocked out the heat of the sun, give a cool shade. Mushrooms and other trees had doors and windows, making a perfect living place for whatever creature was here. Other things such as flowers, and stones were scattered around. It began to look like a park, It was peaceful and tranquil.

Jason handed me Jeffrey while I was Awe strucked. Jason walked in front of me as I trailed behind him. As we approached, the doors began to shut and murmurs started. It felt like I was a trespasser on their beloved home. I was nervous that I squeeze Jeffrey, giving the animal a squeak. That squeak stopped the whispers. I heard Jason sighed as we reached the tree.

The tree suddenly twisted, revealing a hidden entrance inside. The entrance wasn't very wide of high. It was perfect for a troll's home. It gleamed with small yellow lanterns, old stumps, making a chair for, once again, trolls. Much less its expecting one. I heard talking behind Jason, since I was behind him. I couldn't really see what was happening in front, but then Jason spoke; "I would like to speak to Elderly." he said as I heard foot steps. Then it stopped. I moved to the side as my sight showed an old woman, who indeed looked like a dead colored tree. She looked tired, yet her face had a gentle pull. She stood tall and proud, not loosing sight of greed, envy and temptaition. She was definitely a queen, if not, the ruler of this place.

"Jason?" She said, her gentle soothing voice, much like a grandmother calling out his grandson. "You're back. "Didn't I tell you to only come back if you brought him here?" She asked, as she searched the room, or... stump. "Where is the boy?" She asked, as Jason cleared his throat. "Here." He said as he stepped aside for the audience to see me. Other old trees came in view. She's a Dryad. I thought as her eyes falling upon me. "Is it this one?" She asked, pointing her wooden, slender forefinger at me. "H-Hello." I said hesitately gave a smile, not knowing on what to do.

"Yes, Hello as well. Where are you headed?" The Dryad said. Jason scratched the back of his neck. "To be honest, I don't know." He answered. "I was thinking of going to Seto, but I don't know here he is." Jason said.

" Seto. His name sounded familiar. The red cape, the purple hood, brown hair, yes. I can give an escort to his place. Trice?" She called as a small light illuminated from the crowd. I heard murmurs of small sorry's and excuse me's. Once it came infront, a small girl, with a turqouise dress made of leaves. Pale short brown hair, tied high up, bright silver eyes and pointed ears. She had wings. Yes wings, transparent white, pointed, shaped like a butterflies. She also had antenas that were white, glowing faintly. "Y-yes?" She answered, her voice being high pitched. "I want you to lead them to the sorcerer's place. Can you at least do that?" The Elderly said, sounding tired. "O-of course! When will we leave?" She said sounding determined. "In an hour. Their pressed in time." She said as "Trice" looked down thinking. "Alright. I'll quickly pack my things now. Um.. Excuse me." She said as she flew away. She sounded worried. "Trice will guide you to him. Pardon her if she's a burden. In the meantime, you may rest in the little broken down town. Trice will be arriving there in an hour. We'll provide with the items for your journey don't worry. It's not much of help, but this is the best we can do." She said as she eyed me. I shifted my legs. "Thanks. We'll be headed there." Jason said as he nodded me to follow him. We left the big tree and the hole closed back.

Jason and I walked along the stone path to reveal an aboandoned old city. Vegitation was growing inside the houses. Cobwebs, dust, cracked windows and broken doors and walls. Jason stood infront of a two story building, a broken hanging sign said; Inn. The door creaked, and the floorboards covered in dust and dirt. A reception table was found, along with old wooden stairs going up. "I'll go upstairs, to see if we can find a room to rest in." Jason said as he went upstairs, his footsteps can be heard down here. I searched the little area, I believed it was a lounge. There was a newspaper on the floor. I picked it up, ignoring the dust and read the article;

Yesterday at eight am, the Southern Kingdom was attacked. around 300 lives were lost, and serveral citizens were injured. The city was burned to the ground, and the enderdragon claimed the burned city as his own and the remaining citizens were left captive. King Adam was nowhere to be found and assumed dead. The enderdragon's forces advanced to the east, and is now on war with the Eastern Kingdom. We suggest you stay indoors and be careful.

I folded the article and placed it in my pocket. I went behind the counter and tried to open the door. It was locked. Just as I was going to Jason, A glinting key caught my eye. I grabbed it as I opened the door. 

click.

I opened it to see a small bedroom for two. a dresser was placed adjactent to a bed. Next to the bed was a small desk and another bed. There was a book and quil next to it. I opened the book revealing a small note.

All of us fled to Carolina. They say it's safe there. To who ever found this, You can use the place as you wish. I doubt that the electricity or water is on. The Keys to the rooms are in the drawer. 

I opened the drawer revealing the contents inside of it. A small picture of a man carrying a little girl. They looked happy, smilling. there was an envelope, and inside was a wath. It was golden and the straps were leather. It stopped ticking at 7:18. Another note was attatched to it. 

Mitch. I've been thinking and I don't really need the money right now. I'm sending you back your watch. I know It's been a prize possesion from your dad, and I couldn't really take this. I'll be working harder to earn the money myself. Your efforts matter to me, don't worry. -Ashley.

I know I know, I shouldnt be reading personal things. Though, their names are familiar. There are different Mitchs' and Ashleys' so I doubt that they're different.I heard some sounds upstairs, Thuds and footsteps. I grabbed the keys and headed to Jason. 

I met up with Jason halfway on the stairs. "Sorry. None of the doors won't budge. Even with the place broken down." He explained as his face looked defeated. I smiled as I showed him the keys. His face lit up as we opened the two nearest doors upstairs.