The three young people entered the cabin, still impressed by the magic that surrounded them. The interior was cozy, with finely crafted wooden furniture and soft rugs on the floor. On the walls, there were shelves filled with books and curious objects, likely treasures the dwarf had accumulated in his adventures.
- Please, have a seat. - Einkill invited, indicating some chairs around a small wooden table. - I'll prepare something for us to drink.
The old dwarf headed to the kitchen while the three friends settled into their seats. Rachel was still lost in thought about what she had discovered about her gift, but she also felt grateful to have found such brave allies willing to support her.
- Mr. Einkill is truly amazing, isn't he? - Augusto commented with a smile.
- Yes, he's quite peculiar, but he seems to have a good heart. - Arkos replied, looking around the cabin with curiosity.
- And the story of the power crystals is fascinating. - Rachel added, still processing all the information she had received.
As they chatted, Einkill returned with some mugs of beer, serving each of the young people with a smile.
- Enjoy, it's dwarf beer, one of the best you'll ever taste. - the dwarf said, raising his mug in a toast.
A door that had been closed until then suddenly burst open.
- Hey, old man, can't you see they're underage? Just because they're twice your size doesn't mean they can drink alcohol. Patience, you know. - said the boy who emerged from the door, sporting a pair of wings on his back and floating instead of walking.
- Are you a fairy? - Augusto asked, astonished.
- Yes, congratulations, Mr. Know-It-All! I'm a fairy, my name is Thistledown, and I'm one of the crystal hunter apprentices under the old man's care.
Then, from another door that appeared to be the bathroom, emerged a tall and beautiful woman with purple skin and hair, as well as pointed ears. She was busy brushing her teeth and seemed completely oblivious to her surroundings. Tripping over something, she lost her balance and fell.
- Hey, watch where you're going! - came a thin and irritable voice.
- I'm sorry, I didn't see you there, Mardnab. - the purple woman replied, visibly embarrassed.
With a sigh, the fairy boy made a face.
- All right. - he huffed. - Took you long enough to show up and startle the guests!
A small girl with white hair, as white as snow, entered the room. Surprisingly, she was even smaller than the old dwarf, but her curious expression betrayed a sharp intelligence. She watched the new faces closely as they entered the cabin of Mr. Einkill.
- Forgive me, Leshanna. I was checking to see if they were as troublesome as Thistledown. - the little girl complained.
Master Einkill, a dwarf with a weathered appearance, chuckled with amusement.
- You're all as lively as ever!
Thistledown intervened with an explanation.
- By the way, this purple-skinned woman is Leshanna. She's a Night Elf, but she lost her memory a few years ago and doesn't remember her exact origin. And, as you'll notice, she's not very talkative. - the fairy boy introduced Leshanna.
- And I'm Mardnab! A gnome from the Wind Country. I'm always on the lookout for adventures and valuable items!
The three friends observed the scene with fascination, absorbing the peculiarities of the new beings they had encountered. Master Einkill's cabin was now filled with extraordinary individuals, each with their own story and motivations.
They all fell into a brief silence, studying each other. It was evident that this cabin was a meeting place for people with unusual stories and unique abilities. The old dwarf, known as Master Einkill, seemed to be the common thread binding these diverse individuals together.
Leshanna, the amnesiac Night Elf, finally broke the silence with a timid nod.
- Nice to meet you. I'm sorry for the incident; I'm not usually this clumsy.
Arkos, Augusto, and Rachel smiled, understanding that even extraordinary beings had their moments of vulnerability.
Mardnab, the young gnome from the Wind Country, grinned mischievously.
- So, do you have an interesting story to share? After all, those who enter Master Einkill's cabin are usually not ordinary.
Thistledown, the fairy boy, floated closer to the group, displaying an attitude as if he had seen it all.
- True, this cabin is a refuge for those with extraordinary destinies. And, from the looks of it, you're also involved in something bigger than you imagine.
Arkos exchanged a glance with his friends, thoughtful, before responding.
- Our stories are intertwined with recent events in our village. It was attacked, and our parents are missing. Something dark is happening, and we believe that only the power crystals can help us unravel it.
Thistledown's eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and interest.
- Power crystals, you say? That's much more interesting than I expected. You're braver than you look.
Mardnab approached, curious.
- Power crystals? That's a topic that grabs attention. It's not every day you hear someone talk about going after them.
Leshanna kept her distant gaze, as if trying to remember something.
- I've heard something about these crystals somewhere, but my memory is fragmented. Maybe, over time, I can piece it together.
Master Einkill remained silent for a moment, as if assessing the young people before him. Then, he finally spoke.
- What do you wish to do now? Are you willing to embark on the path of crystal hunters? It's not an easy journey, and you'll face many dangers. But if you choose this path, you'll be fighting for something much greater than you imagine.
The friends exchanged glances, each pondering the dwarf's proposal. The journey ahead was filled with uncertainties, but also possibilities and discoveries. Together, they needed to make a decision that would shape their destinies and could change the course of events in their world.
- How can we become crystal hunters? We're just merchant's children; we're nothing special. - Arkos asked, addressing everyone.
A brief silence filled the cabin, leaving the three friends with downcast looks.
Mr. Einkill then pulled up a chair and sat down. There was a lit fireplace to his right, which made his eyes gleam.
- Well, I can't promise that you'll become excellent crystal hunters with sheer willpower alone. It won't depend solely on me but on you as well. How do you intend to fight? - the small man asked.
The three extraordinary beings listened attentively, excited by Mr. Einkill's words.
- I'd like to wear cool armor and wield a huge sword! - Arkos exclaimed as he stood up and struck a pose, as if holding an invisible two-handed sword.
Augusto thought for a moment, fingers on his chin, while Arkos returned to the small table.
- I want to be able to protect my friends and heal their wounds, if possible, of course. - he explained calmly.
Leshanna became excited and was about to say something, but the little dwarf waved his hand, asking her to wait a moment.
- And you, Rachel?
- I... I don't know. - Rachel said, seeming lost in thought and afraid.
Then Arkos put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a wide grin.
- It's okay! You're not alone. Look at how many friends are around you. You're capable, if you want to be.
Everyone, including the old dwarf, was surprised by Arkos's attitude. He might not have known it at that moment, but he had what it took to be a great leader.
- I'm enchanted by the magic Mr. Einkill has shown so far... could it be that? - Rachel said.
Einkill lowered his head slightly, gazing at the table.
- Tomorrow, we'll begin the preparations. Mardnab, could you show Rachel to her room? And...
- I've got it, old man. I'll show the empty room to the two boys. - Thistledown interrupted the dwarf before he could finish speaking.
It was already very late, and everyone needed to go to bed, especially the three new residents of the cabin, who had been through a lot that night.
Rachel's room was shared with Mardnab, who was thoroughly delighted to have a new roommate. Leshanna slept in a separate room, and nobody knew the reason.
The fairy boy led the two young men to a practically empty room, containing only a bunk bed, a small wardrobe, and a desk.
- Well, make yourselves at home. If you need anything, my room is next door. Good night, and please, don't make too much noise.
Augusto settled into the bottom bed, and Arkos climbed to the top bunk. They both lay there for a few seconds, staring up at the ceiling without saying anything.
Arkos broke the silence first, with a heavy sigh. - Augusto, I can't believe how everything changed so quickly. It feels like we were playing in the village just yesterday.
Augusto nodded. -I know, Arkos. It's like we've entered a completely new world, full of magic and dangers.
Arkos furrowed his brow. -And this thing about power crystals... Do you think we'll gain enough power to save our village?
Augusto pondered the question for a moment. - It's hard to say, Arkos. But something tells me we should follow this lead. Maybe it's the key to understanding what's happening.
Arkos agreed, though his expression was thoughtful. - And Rachel... She's taking a big risk with her gift. We need to help her learn to control it.
Augusto nodded with a thoughtful look. - Absolutely. We're all in this journey together, and that includes protecting our friends.
The two friends shared a comforting smile and finally closed their eyes to sleep, eager for what the new day would bring
***
The day dawned, and everyone, except Leshanna, woke up late.
- Good morning. - Arkos yawned as he left the room.
- Good morning? More like good late morning. Who's making so much noise at eleven in the morning? Do these people ever sleep? - grumbled the old dwarf.
Leshanna then opened the front door of the cabin, holding a hammer and a bronze breastplate. She entered silently and looked calmly at Master Einkill.
- Master, the noise in the forest was...
- HELLO, MY OLD FRIEND!" came a powerful, booming voice from outside the cabin.
- Oh, it's you. You arrived quickly. - Einkill complained.
Everyone left Master Einkill's cabin to see what was happening. They noticed a figure towering at three meters in height, far from human in appearance. This creature vaguely resembled a giant ant, with an exoskeleton that seemed to be made of metal. On its back, there was an immense two-handed sword.
- What's under my foot? Feels like I stepped on something. - the large creature complained.
When it lifted one of its feet, everyone noticed a small golem made of stones, which was voicing its displeasure about the situation. The little golem measured no more than thirty centimeters in height and bore a slight resemblance to a disgruntled baby.
- Watch out for Little Pebbles! He's my pet. - the old dwarf complained.
Augusto hurried over to the small golem to check if it was okay.
- Are you all right, little one?
Pebbles was too heavy for Augusto to carry, but he grabbed a cloth and began cleaning some of the dirt that had stuck to the little golem's body.
- It's the first time I've seen a golem, and it's actually quite cute. Come on, let me finish cleaning you up.
Pebbles's stone eyes gleamed, appearing to genuinely like the young Augusto. The two of them headed to the back of the cabin, leaving the rest of the group with the new visitor.
- Well, old friend, I received your spiritual message. You said you had a job for me, so I came as quickly as I could. - the large creature said.
- You arrived quickly. - Einkill complained.
- It's not common knowledge among other races, but we Danians have underground tunnels spread throughout most of Alcaria. Movement is faster than on the surface. I left my home as soon as I received your message last night.
Arkos and Rachel were impressed by the imposing creature. They had never seen anything so different in their short lives.
- Well, children, this is Drilinac, a great warrior of the Danian race. He and I went on adventures as crystal hunters many years ago. - the old dwarf explained calmly.
- HA! I fought, and he just sang; that was basically it. - Drilinac explained, laughing.
The little dwarf appeared genuinely annoyed by his old friend's simplified explanation.
- Anyway... Arkos, he'll be your swordsmanship master from now on and will teach you everything you need to know about being a warrior. - the old dwarf said.
Arkos was a bit frightened but also excited. The giant creature carrying a massive sword would be his mentor, and that could work out well.
Augusto returned to the front of the cabin, drying his hands on a small towel to better understand what was happening, with Pebbles following him awkwardly.
- Does this mean Arkos has to leave us? - he asked, full of questions.
- I'll send you three for intensive and rapid training, so you can become crystal hunters as soon as possible. In three months, you'll return to this same cabin and begin your journey. - the grumpy Einkill explained.
- Wait, does that mean we're going with Drilinac as well? - Rachel asked, not quite understanding the explanation.
Leshanna then joined the conversation after remaining silent since they left the cabin.
- No, I've been assigned by the master to take Augusto to the cathedral where I trained as a paladin, so he can find his path as a cleric. - Leshanna explained slowly.
Augusto got lost in thought for a few seconds. Being a cleric encompassed everything he yearned for at that moment, and he had many questions about the god of merchants, Hermes.
- And what about me...? - Rachel asked, appearing helpless.
- I will enroll you in the best magic school I know of, and when you reunite, you will be young adventurers ready to face your challenges. - the little dwarf said with conviction.
The three friends hugged each other, sharing excitement and the feeling that they were about to embark on an exhilarating adventure full of challenges. Even though they had to part temporarily, they knew they would be together again in three months, ready to face the world and protect their village.
Comments (1)
See all