After plenty of rest to recover, Bael prepared for his next steps. He finished the last of the ripe fruit his mother had packed, savouring the sweet, juicy flavours one final time before reaching the bottom of his supplies. With just a few dried bits of fish remaining, he felt it was time to move on from the rock wall that had been both a refuge and a training ground for him.
The seeds he had diligently collected from his mother’s fruits and his own meals were safely stowed in his pack. Bael planned to grow some of his own in the future, a way to connect with the land and carry on a legacy of sustenance. With everything packed and his determination renewed, he set off with Fred by his side, stepping out through the familiar path leading over the rock wall.
As they walked, Bael remained vigilant, keeping an eye out for any signs of another Axebeak lurking nearby. The memory of the fierce battle lingered in his mind, and he didn't take it lightly, knowing that the jungle was full of unpredictable dangers.
Thoughts of the fallen Axebeak crossed his mind, and while part of him considered harvesting bits from the dead creature, another part hesitated. He had never eaten bird before and felt uncertain about where to start when it came to gutting something like that. Fish was so much easier for him to prepare; he had grown up fileting them for his family, ensuring the bones and scales were dealt with to their liking not that any of that bothered the Tortuga. In fact, his family always claimed the fish tasted better when Bael handled the prep work.
“What do you think, Fred? Should we go back and collect some parts of that Axebeak?” he mused aloud, glancing at his stone companion for input, though he knew Fred could only respond with silent support and a smile.
He felt a mixture of curiosity and trepidation at the prospect. On one hand, having a source of meat would bolster his supplies and potentially provide nourishment for him and Fred. On the other, he wasn’t sure he was ready to tackle the intricacies of fowl preparation. The idea of brutalizing a creature, even one as fierce as an Axebeak one that gave him the battle of a lifetime and also helped push him into creating Fred, didn’t sit entirely comfortably with him.
As they continued along the path over the rock wall, Bael resolved to keep his options open. If they encountered more wildlife—perhaps something he was more comfortable dealing with—he would consider his choices then. For now, he would focus on the adventure ahead, trusting in his instincts and the knowledge he had gathered throughout his upbringing.
Cresting the top of the rock wall, Bael stood in awe, taking in the breathtaking panorama that stretched out before him. To the left loomed the Kortharine Mountains, vast and imposing, their jagged peaks dominating the northeastern expanse of the continent. The sheer scale of the mountains was staggering, and Bael felt a thrill rush through him as he considered the stark transition from the rocky heights to the sprawling flats and plains beyond.
As he gazed out over the landscape, the prospect of adventure surged within him. Just how large was the world? He thought he understood the concept, but witnessing the scope of the mountains and the endless green of the plains ignited an excitement that overwhelmed him. The barren land that spread out from the foot of the mountains gave way to lush fields dotted with small forests and gentle hills, where packs of wild animals roamed freely in the distance.
Bael had expected to see a village or settlement from this vantage point, a sign of civilization, but the emptiness of the land struck him instead. It was both humbling and exhilarating, a reminder of the untamed wilderness and the adventures that lay waiting in its depths. The vastness was an unspoken invitation, a call to explore the unknown.
“Alright, Fred, time to find some adventure!” he yelled, not just to Fred but as a proclamation to the heavens above. His voice echoed against the walls of the mountains; a sound filled with youthful exuberance. The longing to run and explore surged within him, and in that moment, nothing could hold him back.
The walk down the mountain wall’s base into the flatlands was largely uneventful, the terrain gradually transitioning as they descended. Bael and Fred moved in easy companionship, enjoying the early morning light that filtered through the trees. It was a peaceful journey—until a movement caught Bael’s eye.
Out from its hidden hole poked a Mountain lizard, impressive in size, nearly as large as a horse. Its vibrant scales glimmered in the sunlight as it flicked its long tongue in the air, cautiously tasting the scents around it. Bael's instincts kicked in, a mix of curiosity and caution prompting him to act. Without hesitation, he summoned a spike of earth from the ground, which burst upwards and penetrated the creature's skull before it could even decide whether to retreat or attack.
“That was quick,” Bael muttered, a familiar adrenaline rush washing over him. He felt a mix of satisfaction and remorse for the brief yet brutal encounter. Glancing down at the Mountain lizard, he decided to investigate its cave. There might be something interesting to discover—perhaps a rare natural treasure or items that could benefit his journey as an adventurer. After all, many beasts often collected or built their nests around sources of essence that matched their aspect or element.
Together, he and Fred dragged the lizard away from the hole, using Fred's strength to allow Bael to inspect the cave without the hefty beast in the way. The lizard’s tough skin and sharp claws made Bael grateful he had dealt with it quickly, avoiding any potential danger it posed.
Once the lizard was removed, Bael stepped into the entrance of the cave. The moment he did, a wave of nausea hit him, and he realized why— the stench of death mixed with the coppery tang of dried blood smothered the air. He felt a sickening churn in his stomach, quickly stepping back into the open air, gasping to rid himself of the overwhelming scent.
“Ugh, no way I’m going in there,” he groaned, his nose wrinkling in distaste. Glancing at Fred, he couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head at his own reaction. “You go check it out, buddy.” He said, giving Fred a friendly slap on back.
With that, he sent Fred into the cave ahead of him. The stone golem moved without hesitation, unaffected by the foul odour that had sent Bael reeling. “You’re probably fine,” Bael reassured himself, reminding himself that Fred was, after all, simply a being made of stone. He hadn’t given him a nose, so there was no way for the stench of death to bother his stalwart companion.
Standing just outside the entrance, Bael listened intently, his heart racing as he wondered what Fred might encounter in the darkness. The moments felt stretched as he waited, but he felt a flutter of anticipation knowing that together, they might uncover treasures and secrets hidden away in the depths of the cave.
Minutes passed in silent anticipation as Bael remained outside the cave, his heart thudding in rhythm with his thoughts. Fred continued to delve deeper into the darkness, his steady figure a reassuring presence amidst the eeriness of the cave. Suddenly, Bael sensed a wave of surprise emanating from Fred, and moments later, the golem emerged from the depths, dragging something with him.
As they drew closer, Bael’s stomach tightened at the sight. It was a human body, or rather the skeletal remains of one, clad in remnants of armor that held the bones together in a macabre embrace. His curiosity mingled with unease as his eyes were drawn to the small leather bag firmly clasped between the fingers of the skeleton. Without thinking, he stepped forward, inching closer to inspect it, only to find his heart drop as he tried to pry the bony fingers away. They crumbled under the pressure and fell to the ground with a hollow clatter.
Bael felt an intense wave of nausea wash over him, a visceral reaction to the unsettling sight. He dry retched, unfamiliar with this sense of repulsion that gripped him so fiercely. “Get a grip, Bael,” he muttered, forcing himself to shake off the revulsion, though it lingered in the back of his mind.
Once he had the bag firmly in his grasp, resolute in his determination to explore its contents, he quickly told Fred to strip the armor and any other belongings attached to the lifeless body. As Fred worked with a meticulous efficiency, Bael took a moment to catch his breath, wrestling with his emotions concerning the tattered remains of the human figure before him.
The armor fell away to reveal a simple-looking blade attached to the body’s side. Unfortunately, it was rusted and in very poor condition, clearly beyond salvage. Bael sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment, but he pushed it aside as he refocused on the bag in his possession.
Taking a seat at the cave entrance, he carefully pulled the strings of the leather bag to open it, revealing its contents. Inside lay a few different coloured pieces of metal, but the focal point was a single gem that glowed softly in a brilliant red hue. As Bael held it up to catch the slanting light streaming into the cave, he sensed a flow of essence coming from the gem, a warmth that resonated deeply with him.
He paused, and a familiar warmth washed over him, reminding him of Lorkiia. “Could this be connected to the Flame Element?” he wondered aloud, fascination overtaking his earlier discomfort. The very essence of the gem whispered promises of power, potential, and perhaps secrets yet to be uncovered.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Gently tying off the satchel, Bael secured it into his pack, feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity about the gem within. He turned his attention to the items that Fred had carefully pushed aside. Although he couldn’t see the skeletal remains any longer, he knew they had been shoved back in the cave, a chilling reminder of what lay hidden in darker corners.
Aside from the hard and caked leather armor, there was the rusted and pitted blade. Bael debated whether or not to leave it behind, its condition decidedly poor, but ultimately, practicality won out. Even if he didn't intend to use it, the blade might come in handy for something in the future—perhaps a tool for crafting or as a backup weapon if he found himself in dire straits. He set it aside away from the armor with a nod of finality.
Continuing to rummage through the pile of items Fred had collected, Bael soon came across three rings and a brooch. Observing them closely, he noted that two of the rings and the brooch bore the same symbol, intricately carved into their surfaces. While they appeared to be simple pieces of golden jewelry, Bael felt a flicker of recognition; he had seen something similar before.
It reminded him of a single piece his mother owned, beautiful in its own right. His father had told him stories of how he pulled elements from deep within the earth, near the UnderRealm, to craft it. He remembered the day they had spent together, pouring over his father’s techniques as he shaped the metal into a small tortoise figurine, delicate enough to fit in Bael’s palm. The shimmer of blue with flecks of gold and silver had entranced him, a memory etched in his mind.
His thoughts shifted as he examined the final piece of jewelry—a simple-looking silver ring. Unlike the others, this one emitted a faint wisp of essence, delicate and intriguing. Bael paused, feeling an unfamiliar sensitivity to his surroundings, sensing the whispers of essence that flowed through the ring. It was a new sensation for him, still getting used to the subtle shifts in energy around him.
With no real way of inspecting the nature of the ring further, he carefully packed all the bits and pieces into the leather satchel, making sure to arrange them thoughtfully. The treasures he had collected felt like small tokens of fortune, and he wondered about their stories.
Bael snapped out of his reverie, realizing he had been standing in the open, lost in thought for longer than he intended. The sun was nearing its zenith, closing in on midday. With a renewed sense of purpose, he turned to Fred and nodded, indicating it was time to continue their journey. The world stretched before them, and there was much to explore.
As they moved past the last remnants of the rocky terrain at the base of the mountain, Bael felt the landscape shift beneath his feet. They stepped into the vast grasslands that sprawled out like a sea of green, ripe with the promise of new adventures. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air that swept through the plains, a stark departure from the scents of the ocean that had permeated the cove or the damp, earthy notes of the jungle.
This new aroma was pleasant and soft, the breeze carrying the welcoming scents of grass and the fragrant blooms of flowers he had never encountered before. Each whiff felt like a gentle caress, invigorating his spirit and filling him with a sense of possibility. The allure of the open sky and surrounding plains contrasted with the confines of his previous environments, instilling in him a curiosity that fluttered in his chest.
“Wow, Fred, can you smell that?” Bael exclaimed, grinning as he looked at his stone companion. Although he wasn't sure if Fred truly could perceive scents, the golem’s steadfast presence felt reassuring. “This place is incredible!”
The grass swayed in rhythm with the wind, creating a mesmerizing dance that beckoned Bael to explore further. Without a second thought, he took a few bounding steps into the grasslands, feeling the soft blades brush against his legs. Each step seemed to echo with the thrill of discovery, urging him onward to uncover the secrets the vast plains held.
As he walked, Bael kept his senses attuned to the environment, eyes scanning for any signs of wildlife or hidden treasures. The serenity of the open space brought a sense of freedom—an exhilarating departure from the shadows of the jungle and the confines of the cove.
As Bael moved deeper into the grasslands, the tall blades reached nearly to his knees, swaying in the gentle breeze and creating a mesmerizing sea of green that flowed around him like the ocean. He swept his hand through the grass, enjoying its softness and the feel of nature enveloping him as he continued his journey. Though he wasn’t entirely sure where he was heading—having lost the path when they crossed over the stone wall—he felt liberated wandering away from the mountains.
Glancing back at Fred, who followed closely behind with his usual stoic demeanour, Bael noticed something new. Fred had donned bits of leather armor, including pants and a set of shoulder pads that he had dragged off the skeletal remains they had encountered. For a moment, Bael was taken aback, surprised by the change in his companion’s appearance.
“Looking good, Fred!” Bael exclaimed, attempting to muster enthusiasm in his voice. It was a strange sight to see a golem outfitted in armor, yet Fred’s upright posture and the gleaming black stone of his body donned in leather made him look somewhat formidable. Fred simply returned Bael’s gaze with his glinting black stone eyes and that ever-present simple smile.
In a playful gesture, Fred responded by giving Bael two thumbs up, his smile seemingly widening behind the action. The sight pushed the smile on Bael’s face even wider, and he couldn’t help but chuckle at the personality Fred exhibited, even if it was limited to simple expressions.
“Who would have thought you’d be the one to get armored up before me?” Bael joked, shaking his head in amusement as he returned his focus to the grasslands ahead. They looked ready for anything, this unlikely duo—one made of stone, the other a young Tortusa with an adventurous spirit.
Feeling buoyed by Fred’s light heartedness, Bael decided that the armor was a good call. “I mean, it can’t hurt to be prepared,” he added with an approving nod. “Let’s keep an eye out for anything interesting. Maybe we can find some supplies or something to add to our growing collection.”
Days passed pleasantly as Bael and Fred made their way across the sprawling grasslands. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm yet gentle light over the landscape, creating an atmosphere that was neither too hot nor too cool. Each step felt light as they moved in tandem, the rustling grass embracing them in a soothing rhythm.
During their journey, Bael found himself eagerly chatting with Fred about anything and everything that came to mind. “I wonder what the first human we meet will be like,” he mused aloud, turning his head to gauge Fred's reaction. “Do you think they’ll be friendly? What if they’re like the Bloodboone? Or what if they’re super nice? Maybe they’ll have exciting stories to tell!”
Fred tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting in the sunlight as if considering Bael’s words. While he couldn’t speak, the slight movements communicated a sense of attentiveness, and Bael couldn’t help but chuckle, knowing that Fred was fully engaged in their conversation.
“And what about food?” Bael continued, the thought of flavourful dishes filling his imagination. “My father told me about all sorts of spices and flavours that humans work with. I bet they have things that are so much tastier than what we have back home!” He paused, picturing vibrant markets filled with colourful fruits and the rich scent of spices wafting through the air.
Fred gave him a thumbs up, signalling his approval of Bael’s enthusiasm, but then Bael noticed a slight shift in Fred’s demeanour. Perhaps it was the way he tilted his head just a bit more, a telltale sign that paired with a curious expression. It was moments like these that made Bael grin wider, appreciating the connection they shared through simple gestures.
“Of course, when it comes to flavours, I still need to figure out what’s good to eat in this world. I mean, fish is pretty easy to prepare, but have you ever seen a human gut a bird?” he laughed, recalling his earlier hesitation at the thought. “Dad told me a story about watching a man try to prepare a live Bird, swinging his blade in the air as the Seagull avoided his thrusts ,I don’t even know where to start with that!”
In response, Fred raised both thumbs, his stone expression seeming to pulse with excitement at the humorous image Bael painted in his mind. Bael laughed, feeling buoyed once more by Fred’s energy. “Yeah, that’s right! We’ve got to find some bird first before I can even think about gutting one.”
Their journey was filled with moments of exploration, weaving through the small groups of trees and clusters of foliage that dotted the otherwise expansive landscape. Each day brought new excitement, and as night approached on one such occasion, Bael decided to make camp beneath the protective canopy of a nearby grove.
As they set up their small camp, Bael's keen eyes caught sight of a fascinating group of creatures nearby—a gathering of large Rabbits adorned with antlers on their heads. There were about fifteen or twenty of them, varying in size, with some reaching up to Bael’s waist. The sight was both enchanting and surreal.
The hares appeared peaceful, grazing lightly on the grass, but as Bael took a tentative step closer, he sensed their unease. Their large eyes widened, and they shifted nervously, clearly uncomfortable with his presence. Respecting their feelings, Bael decided against approaching any further and retreated to the safety of his camp. There was a certain beauty in witnessing them from a distance, allowing the creatures their space while still appreciating the wonder of nature unfolding before him.
Another night, as Bael and Fred settled down by the fire, a flicker of movement caught his attention. Perched on a low branch, he saw a small bird with disproportionately large, expressive eyes. The creature was captivating, its eyes glowing in an ethereal purple hue that seemed to pulse with essence. Entranced, Bael found himself watching intently, unaware of the world around him.
Suddenly, he was jolted back to attention as the bird, now alert and focused, prepared to dive. He narrowed his gaze, trying to discern what it was targeting. To his astonishment, a small rodent creature nearby began to blink in and out of existence, an unsettling display of its ethereal nature that made it seem both elusive and vulnerable.
Bael was mesmerized by the encounter unfolding before him. As the owl-like bird swooped in, he noticed something extraordinary—it grew spectral claws from its own talons, expanding larger and larger as it neared the rodent. The magical vision was almost dreamlike, the claws casting a shadow across the ground as they reached for their prey, creating a surreal contrast against the soft glow of the bird’s eyes.
Just before the rodent could blink away to safety, the spectral claws enveloped it with swift precision, knocking it out of its fleeting space. The movement was something Bael could hardly wrap his mind around, the seamless blend of essence and physical action showcasing the intricate dance of survival in the wild.
“Did you see that, Fred?” Bael whispered in awe, his eyes wide as he turned to his companion. The golem remained stoic but watchful, both his thumbs up in pleasure.
As the bird consumed its hardy meal, Bael felt a sense of reverence for the delicate balance of life that surrounded them. Nature was filled with wonders he had yet to comprehend, each encounter offering lessons in the interconnectedness of every being. It was these moments of discovery that deepened his appreciation for the adventure and the vast unknown that awaited just beyond the horizon.
