As the night carried on, Kalalii followed Svyyn across the fields to the edge of Sondast. Once they reached the wall a noticeable dark area appeared where a weak spot had collapsed which caused an opening to the other side of the city. They paused at the hole and waited.
"He should have been here already," Svyyn mumbled, looking around anxiously.
"Who is he?" Kalalii asked.
"What does it matter?"
"You don't know his name?"
"Who has the time to remember names?"
"Svyyn, I thought you said he was a friend." Kalalii said nervously.
"Well, it determines what your definition of friend is. Besides, we've come this far already, no point in turning back now. Unless you're scared," She taunted.
"I'm not scared. I'm just not comfortable taking the word of a stranger and being guided outside the walls of Sondast."
"Whatever. The point is, if he really found something extraordinary, don't you think you'd want to be the first one to see it with your own eyes?"
Kalalii remained silent. She didn't want to appear cowardly in front of Svyyn, but at the same time a wary feeling washed over her. Right on cue they heard the sounds of pebbles falling and immediately turned their attention to the shadows of the wall.
Out of the darkness appeared a not much older looking hybrid. Though, Kalalii found suspicious is that his face was partially hidden and that he was lurking about without making his presence known sooner.
"It's about time you showed up!" Svyyn snapped at him.
"Who are you?" Kalalii asked.
"Forgive my ambivalence about wanting to give out my name, Narkanai. This is a treacherous act by taking you beyond these city walls."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's move on with it." Svyyn interrupted impatiently.
"Wait," Kalalii stalled, "first, I want to know what it is that you're taking us to see that is so spectacular."
"An ancient artifact of old," the stranger spoke in a mysterious tone, "in an old cave just beyond these walls. Though, I was not able to reach it alone."
"If you weren't able to reach it, then why bring Svynn and myself along?"
"That is the question, isn't it? Because I believe that it requires royalty to obtain what once was lost. You, Narkanai, are the key to unlocking the treasures hidden there."
"What would I need with treasure?"
"Do you not wish to take back the treasures once owned by your ancestors? It very well could tell us more of the history of your people and give us a better insight of the past. If not for riches, why not for truth? Does it not strike you odd that the legends told seem to be missing some vital details? Why not find out what the artifacts have to say? Let us hear the story of our ancestors. The truth, Narkanai."
Kalalii was stunned into silence. The strange character spoke in such a persuasive manner. Though, as he mentioned it, what does she truly know and understand about the most important historical facts of her people? She's always just accepted everything that the elders have told her. What if she were to discover true evidence of history? Would it make much difference? Or will it make a large impact on what they know now...or rather think they know?
She just nodded her head in compliance.
"Finally!" Svyyn said exasperated, "Can we go now?"
"Lead the way," Kalalii faltered, not knowing what to call him.
"You can refer to me as 'Drago' for the time being." He said.
"Yes, of course, Drago. Please, lead on." She motioned for him to go forward.
He climbed through the rubble first, followed by Svyyn, then herself. She glanced back one more time at Sondast before ducking her head through to the other side.
To be continued...
I'm enjoying the heck out of your story. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing. You write very well.
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