Morgana's form changed frequently, flickering deep beneath the earth.
It was a very uncomfortable sensation. As if millions of sand grains were rubbing through her veins.But without pain, only a deep discomfort."
"I don't understand. Does he suffer like this every time?"
Since arriving in Agatha, Morgana's focus was to restore her old powers little by little.
However, this technique, Earth Steps Mystical Travel, was something she couldn't possibly accomplish back in Griseo Petram.
Even now, it was still not perfect. But she managed to get this far combining what she learned from the Wisdom Tree, as well as what she could grasp from her meeting with Saci.
The Whirlwind Rider, as he called himself, used a very peculiar combination of space and elemental magic to move at great speeds.
However, Morgana neither possessed his great mastery with wind nor with space magic.
As such she had to adapt.
This spell was a very inferior version of Saci's whirlwind, but it made use of her exceptional affinity with earth instead, as well as a minimum degree of space manipulation.
That being said it was still extremely useful.
Morgana was using this improved homunculus to explore other regions without having to leave her studies with the Wisdom tree.
After three days of interrupt travel, she arrived at a swampland. It was clear that the Great Forest had given place to a different biome.
This marsh grew by the margin of a mighty river.
The water stream was so large that Morgana couldn't even see the other side, as the waters ended on the horizon first.
This was the Anawasi River, a true cradle of civilization.
...
Year 204 a.t.a.
It was the beginning of the spring and the rich fauna by the margins of the Anawasi river was a quite sight for those who beheld it. Especially for someone like Nvok.
Having grown at the steppes, he was very bewildered.
Where was the grass? Where was the vast space between the trees?
However, the environment didn't seem to share his concerns, as the densely packed vegetation of this wetlands appeared to be in perfect harmony with the crocodiles, birds, the never-ending swarm of flies and other such satisfied dwellers.
Perhaps having realized his commander's absent-mindedness, Davros spoke:
"It shouldn't take long now. We are almost there."
"That's right" - thought Nvok - " We have work to do. Now it's not the time to lose myself in daydreaming"
But he only answered Davros with a nod.
They had been friends for a long time, playing together in the grassland since early childhood.
Both had bled alongside each other in many battles. Sharing great camaraderie. Nvok even took the initiative to arrange a marriage between his friend and one of his sisters.
Davros perceived Nvok's silence as a sign to keep speaking.
"But those gnomes sure are a cowardly bunch. We were able to advance this much without ever getting attacked.
No. This is more than cowardice.
Are they stupid or something?"
"What were you expecting, Davros? So far they only survived by hiding behind walls. They wouldn't dare to face us orcs on the open field." - answered Nvok and both of than laughed while the other riders of the group showed their amused smiles.
That's right.
This was a company of orcs highly trained in mounted combat, a detached party entrusted with the task of scouting enemy territory.A task that had been going extremely well.
So well, in fact, that Nvok was afraid in his first days that somehow they were being tricked by the gnomes.
But all of this was part of the past.
As they advanced, caution was replaced by conceit. All of them were now sure that the reason behind their enemy's lack of action was pure and simple fear.
Although they believed this to be true, their thoughts went towards an imposing figure. One who was most definitely a gnome, but that no person would dare to call a coward. Rosalyn, an honorary elder from his Crescent Moon Tribe.
...
He breathed a sigh of relief.
This victory was more than welcome. After all Nvok was a prince, descendent of great chiefs.
And as such, following good orc tradition, he was destined to be entangled in a brutal succession war with his brothers and half-brothers after his father died.
There was only one exception, one situation where this procedure was to be ignored. That was, of course, when one of the siblings was noticeably more famous than the others, having accumulated more glory on the battlefield. In such a case, the prince would be allowed to ascend unchallenged.
If he could secure success in this campaign, Nvok, the eldest of his brethren, would have accumulated enough merit to prevent a future civil war for the leadership in the tribe.
But contrary to most of his kin, this prince was much more sensitive and compassionate. Not only did he desire to secure his own position but also wanted very deeply to spare his family of this terrible fate.
While some hardline conservatives viewed him as too weak, his supporters appreciated this high degree of empathy, as well as his wisdom, well above average.
"What a great ruler this will be" They thought.
Unfortunately, it was not to be.
"Uhh"
His friend, Davros was the first to notice. The horses' speed had slowed down for no apparent reason. Their, usually graceful canter, was now sluggish, lacking any sign of this breed of war forged mount's characteristic nobility.
Soon, the entire group, of around 20 elite troops, were experiencing the same effects.
"Sir, there's is something extremely wrong here!"
"I agree. Hey guys! Hurry! Get out of the road, NOW!!!"
The band seemed unwilling. Especially since some still believed this anomaly to be caused by the terrain. Besides, running away without even seeing the enemy was a serious blow to their pride.
Nevertheless, they obeyed. Even the most brutish of this group was a seasoned veteran. They understood very clearly the consequences of failing to follow orders on the battlefield. After all, even a bad plan, when executed by everyone, was better than a good plan when the army had no sense of unity.
This is no joke. Many green-faced youngsters died every year foolishly believing to know better than their commanders.
But getting out of the road did nothing to improve the situation. In fact, the effects were becoming increasingly severe, no matter to which direction they went.
Eventually, it even began to affect their own bodies. It was as if the very air itself had become havier. It was absolutely not natural.
"What kind of evil sorcery is this???" Someone screamed in shock.
Eventually even the air in their lungs started to become heavier as well and their very minds were now extremely razy.
When Nvok finally looked down, his horse was gone. Instead, he was standing on the ground.
No. Not the ground. And certainly not "standing".
Sudden realization stroke, fast like a thunderbolt.
"This is not air! This is water!!!"
But it was too late. Nvok lost conscience soon after and at the end the whole party laid dead, on the bottom of the Anawasi River.