Codex

16 - Journey to the Dark Basin

The hooves beat into the beige dirt road; the neighing of the horse reminded me I wasn't dreaming. The carriages' wheels provided some non-harmonious coupling with the occasional singing of the morning birds. The beautiful trees breaking the harsh beams of sunlight into gentle and caressing warmth spelled for a cosy and relaxed trip. Ah yes, today was the perfect day of tranquillity. Why then, did I feel an illicit murderous intent emanating from Dawn's ghastly eyes? Right, because Donna–the damn queen of this country–leaned onto me so shamelessly.

Dawn rubbed her forehead in a stressed manner, "So, let me summarise. Donna Maxwell, the queen, died studying immortality. Before her death, she sealed her mind in a book. You found that book and her consciousness slipped into you for seven years. She could see and hear what you think and see what you see, hear what you hear from the outside." With every sentence Donna and I nodded our heads a little, earning even more glares of suspicion, "The witch knew she was in your mind and agreed to teach you how to, resurrect her, of all things. She reunited with her family, but instead chose to chase after you, here, in Aquan."

Again, we nodded and earned an "okay" from Dawn. After that she didn't say much to me or Donna. Pyro and Kira pestered me about it for a while, but Volt remained silent. Well, he did have experience with such situations. Meagan and Keagan were shocked at first, but concluded to themselves that Donna wasn't the real queen due to her lack of guard and her easy-going personality. I wasn't sure what kind of band I stitched together, but I certainly regretted allowing Dawn to come.

This expedition would take us a month to get to a place called the Dark Basin. It was a great crater supposedly carved by the nearby volcanoes and Ashfur as well. I'd heard it was originally a peaceful creature, but about six or seven years ago, it became quite hostile and attacked the local towns and villages, further expanding its territory of barren wasteland. There were many adventurers who sought to slay the beast–be it for fame and glory or money–but grossly underestimated it. These unfortunate deaths became widespread knowledge and Ashfur's legend began, solidifying his place as the sovereign of the Dark Basin.

At Dusk, we camped in a cave deep in some forests and got a stew going. Keagan wandered off to go hunting and Pyro joined him for the fun. A few minutes later some ruckus was heard and the forests lit up every few seconds. The strongman mage returned with a dead buck snug around his shoulders. Pyro had a couple rabbits and ultimately looked disappointed. "The forest isn't on fire," Volt commented, "that's good."

"Maybe I'll set you on fire," Pyro hit back, "that'll be good!"

We laughed at their shenanigans, but the moment Dawn and my eyes met, her smiled disappeared and she averted her eyes elsewhere.

"Hmm, you really messed up this time." Donna said. I didn't react to it at first, but when my mind registered that I shouldn't be hearing her but somehow was, my body jumped up.

"What's wrong?" Meagan asked, looking at me strangely.

"N-nothing! She just poked me, is all," I said laughingly, pointing at Donna. Yo, what the hell? I asked, but got no response.

I squinted my eyes in puzzlement and she chortled. "It's like a spell, idiot. Channel mana and try talking to me."

Like, this?

"Yeah, like that."

This is damn weird.

"It is, huh?" she stretched her arms out and yawned, "I guess so. Usually I'd see everything from your perspective, but now I've got my own view, yet we can still talk like this. By the way, I'm not helping with Ashfur. I'm just here for the adventure!"