***** Chapter 3 - The Search *****
Ever since the Seru had gone from the world, magic was disappearing. Travel, as many other activities, had to be done by conventional methods. A few things, like healing potions, fortunately still held part of their abilities, but it was clear that a new era was dawning, where technology would prevail.
To Gala's relief, the journey to Jeremi did wonders for Vahn, whose mind was made up, finally having a goal to pursue. Noa might not return his feelings, but at least he would know for sure. Whatever the outcome, she needed help, and he still considered her as a close, and dear friend.
They stopped in Jeremi for supplies, incognito so as not to stir-up another witch (or rather demon-baby) hunt. When they finally reached the foot of the mountains, Gala made camp, and addressed his traveling companion.
"You're on your own now, Vahn. I believe that she is somewhere in those tall peaks you see to your left, they're treacherous to climb, and an excellent place for someone that doesn't wish to be found. I will wait for you here."
It was worst than trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the search had to start somewhere, and our friend was determined to comb the whole region if need be. Their using of Ra-Seru had made them stronger, faster, and more resistant than normal Human Beings, so there was a good chance that he would be able to reach places that even Biron monks couldn't.
After two days, his optimism began to wane. This part of the mountain range was pocked with crevices, and caverns of various sizes. He was about to go back to camp, to restock on supplies, when his keen eyes noticed something unusual. Puny trees were stubbornly clinging to a steep climb, near where he had just explored, and some of the smaller branches were bent. It was obvious, to any trained tracker that chanced to see it, that this was a path used by a Human, for mountain beasts didn't leave such a pattern.
Vahn climbed with renewed vigor, fueled by hope. He was nearly at the top, when the small sampling he was holding to came free. He desperately tried to grab onto another one, which also detached itself. As he fell, he had time to realize that the roots had been tampered with, it was a most clever, and deadly, trap. He brutally hit the ground, and darkness engulfed him.
Sound reaches far, in the crystalline mountain air. Noa was picking wild-berries, when she faintly heard the thud resulting from one of the numerous false, and bobby trapped, trails she had built as a defense against hunters. She went to investigate, and make sure that the intruder wasn't seriously hurt. The man was lying on his back, eyes closed, a trickle of blood escaping from his lips, and more of it matting his dark hair. "No, it can't be!" she exclaimed in shock, and hurried down the treacherous path.
Ever since the Seru had gone from the world, magic was disappearing. Travel, as many other activities, had to be done by conventional methods. A few things, like healing potions, fortunately still held part of their abilities, but it was clear that a new era was dawning, where technology would prevail.
To Gala's relief, the journey to Jeremi did wonders for Vahn, whose mind was made up, finally having a goal to pursue. Noa might not return his feelings, but at least he would know for sure. Whatever the outcome, she needed help, and he still considered her as a close, and dear friend.
They stopped in Jeremi for supplies, incognito so as not to stir-up another witch (or rather demon-baby) hunt. When they finally reached the foot of the mountains, Gala made camp, and addressed his traveling companion.
"You're on your own now, Vahn. I believe that she is somewhere in those tall peaks you see to your left, they're treacherous to climb, and an excellent place for someone that doesn't wish to be found. I will wait for you here."
It was worst than trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the search had to start somewhere, and our friend was determined to comb the whole region if need be. Their using of Ra-Seru had made them stronger, faster, and more resistant than normal Human Beings, so there was a good chance that he would be able to reach places that even Biron monks couldn't.
After two days, his optimism began to wane. This part of the mountain range was pocked with crevices, and caverns of various sizes. He was about to go back to camp, to restock on supplies, when his keen eyes noticed something unusual. Puny trees were stubbornly clinging to a steep climb, near where he had just explored, and some of the smaller branches were bent. It was obvious, to any trained tracker that chanced to see it, that this was a path used by a Human, for mountain beasts didn't leave such a pattern.
Vahn climbed with renewed vigor, fueled by hope. He was nearly at the top, when the small sampling he was holding to came free. He desperately tried to grab onto another one, which also detached itself. As he fell, he had time to realize that the roots had been tampered with, it was a most clever, and deadly, trap. He brutally hit the ground, and darkness engulfed him.
Sound reaches far, in the crystalline mountain air. Noa was picking wild-berries, when she faintly heard the thud resulting from one of the numerous false, and bobby trapped, trails she had built as a defense against hunters. She went to investigate, and make sure that the intruder wasn't seriously hurt. The man was lying on his back, eyes closed, a trickle of blood escaping from his lips, and more of it matting his dark hair. "No, it can't be!" she exclaimed in shock, and hurried down the treacherous path.