The Mark of Aether

Another world~Part II

The blossom village was a marvel for the eyes, a feast of beauty for the soul. Fit for its name, blooming cherry trees lined the cobblestone path in front of us. With the stirring zephyrs of the early morning, the small blossoms flew into the air, casting a fragrance that appeased my heart.

Black poles lined the road from time to time, the fire in them dimming by its own. The mansions seemed to have wakened up on the singing of flying birds, the shutters being opened by some servants. On the sides and behind the houses, green grass covered the earth, some speckles of color adorning it.

Occasionally, I saw small kids playing between the nooks and alleys. Some little girls were carrying flowers, handing one to each ambler. In the same while, uniformed boys were handing canteen of waters for thirsty travelers.

Everything here was heartwarming, but it didn't soothe me one bit. My fingers had turned cold as ice, my body long gone stiff. I was afraid. Afraid of what the outcome held for me. I wasn't a bloody murderer or one of those hunting creatures. But how would I convince those people? What if the master-mage didn't approve, if he thought I was lying? I pushed the idea aside and locked it in that corner where I would bury everything that taunted me. A tomb more than a corner. Whatever fell in it, I forced myself to forget it. To not feel it. It was the only way that allowed me to survive all those years. From experience, I'd learnt not to show fear, or to stand lowly. The powerful would eat the weak; it was the law of the jungle. And unfortunately, that's what life was.

I was too engrossed in my own thoughts that I almost didn't realize that we just stopped. Almost. Leon helped me dismount his horse. With one arm on his shoulder, and the other on the one wrapped around my waist, I allowed him to bring me down. My first priority, if I survived this upcoming hour, was to learn how to mount and ride a horse.

I doubted those folks knew about a metro. Magic and science had never been friendly together.

"Wait here,'' the shadow ordered before he turned, taking the mustang with him. I stood still, my eyes taking in the details of the place.

We had stopped in the center, the spot being encircled by endless glamour. This village was much of a city, but it breathed nature. All around, majestic villas and mansions stood. Some wealthier than others, but both equally stunning. Small gardens separated each domicile, trimmed trees and bushes filling everything. But what was more beautiful was the overruling tower.

Glass. It was built from glass. The smooth surface seemed to reflect the light, bathing it in flickers of gold and amber. Like a mighty flame, it illuminated the entire place. It was intimidating by the size, a ticking clock showing time.

I couldn't read the scripture on it, looking like a clock from long ago, but I assumed six or seven in the morning. On the top was a bell and what looked vaguely like a pyre. Perhaps to send an alarm in case of danger. Ardorians seemed to be prepared for these scenarios.

On my immediate side, an immense fountain of marble stood proudly. Wide and layered, it stood majestically, spraying refreshing water. Droplets fell from the high overture, falling like rain  into the basins rippling with golden light. Twelve dragons lined the lowest part, each wide and stretched. All four feet on the ground with wide opened wings and eyes of gold.

I roamed the land with my eyes until I spotted the only familiar person I knew here talking with a boy. Several passing by shot numerous looks at Leon, some of awe, some of pure shock. He finished his talk with a handshake and ruffled the boy's hair before returning, still wearing that smiling mask of his.

"Come this way,'' he ushered, pulling the hood to cover my head. From the reflection I saw, I was a pure mess. Covered in blood and dirt, no wonder he doubted I was some kind of a bloody creature.