The destination was Klumkross Station. It was thirty-six kilometers away from the fortune teller shop. The carriage only stopped twice to change the horses. Total time taken to reach here was close to seven hours.
Scenery outside was completely different now. Most of it was green farmland. But around the train station, a mini city was built.
"Young master, we are here," Thomas called out.
Inside Trace's mind, two figures floated in the endless dark. He had utilized over four hours trying to examine the blood red figure. It was like a baby with no memories, but shared a faint connection with the orange figure.
Trace's orange figure tried to interact with the red, but there was no response. The feeling was difficult to describe. It was as if the orange beneath him could speak, whereas the red could not. He tried to teach the newly born him some things but was unable. Still, he had been trying to communicate for most of the journey.
A touch that shook his body broke the mental state. Trace opened his eyes and saw Thomas and Lucas. He nodded and got out of the carriage.
They were standing in a big parking lot. Trace looked around and determined it was inside a Binpark Ranch Office. But instead of the boundary wall, the space was open.
"Young master, are ya fine?" Thomas asked.
"Yes. How far is the train station from here?" Trace said.
"Just after few blocks," Lucas replied.
Trace nodded at the shy man. The sun was in another corner of the sky, dying slowly. But the sounds of horses and carriages were lively as ever.
"Will you be able to go back today?"
"It's fine, young master. We brothers stay here for sightseeing. Just outside, the air is fresh, land is new," Thomas said. "Your master pointed our fortune is in tha land."
Trace looked back while walking along the road. He could see green land far away. The area was not developed yet. Construction was happening all over the place.
The brown road led to a wide building. It was only one story tall, but the roofs were high. Trace entered along with the brothers.
Inside was a long space with pillar and benches at equal distances. As per Master's instruction, Trace walked towards one end of the platform. Many people occupying the benches turned to look at the newcomer.
At the corner was a small booth. A person could be seen sitting beyond the booth's window. He was wearing a cap and was dressed in blue. His eyes turned towards the trio, walking close to him. The nameplate on his chest had the name 'Caegan Reech". He looked like a middle-aged man and had a mustache.
"The price of ticket starts from 60,000," Caegan said.
Sixty thousand Kir coins?? Trace and the bunch looked at each other. The Everyglowing lamp was purchased at 48,000 Kir coins and 5 kilometers travel costed 500 Kir coins.
"No coins, no ride. Run away before I call security," Caegan added.
"My master-"
"No bribery!"
Trace quickly took out a sealed envelope from his backpack. He handed it over to the suspicious Caegan. The seal was an ordinary with a round insignia.
Caegan looked around before accepting the letter. He inspected the envelope before breaking the seal. The Klutch brothers tired peek, but no results.
"Go around to end of platform alone. I will be right there," Caegan said to Trace, after reading the letter.
Trace nodded and left with the brothers. They stopped at the first exit. The sun was slowly setting.
"Young master, travel safe."
"Travel safe…" Lucas said.
"Thank you, you two enjoy your vacation."
The brothers left the station. Thomas looked back many times. He remembered the master apprentice's parting moment. He had no wife, but an urge to adopt a kid engulfed him. One last time, he looked back and waved.
…
Trace walked along the platform. Benches accompanied by a pillar stood at equal distances. At the end was another cabin. After waiting for about ten minutes, Caegan arrived with luggage. A few heavy bags on a trolley.
"Listen boy, free travel ain't luxury. You will get thrown out right away if caught," Caegan said, without looking at Trace.
The bags were marked with stickers. Caegan led Trace inside the cabin. It was a storage space with bigger boxes.
"Get inside."
Trace looked at the box that was pointed out. It was shorter than half his height. The width of the box was less than a meter. But he did not ask and question.
After removing his bag, Trace stepped inside the box. He wrapped his arms around his knees. The lid was quickly closed after he made himself comfortable inside. Two holes were present on the box for ventilation.
"Don't get out until someone opens the box."
The sound of footsteps and locking of the door was heard. Trace took a deep breath and hoped his backpack was safe. He closed his eyes after sometime and slipped into meditation.
"Trace," the orange figure said.
"Trace," the red figure repeated.
It was like teaching a baby. Trace tired to teach the red figure various things. The process was tedious.
After thirty minutes, Trace's body started vibrating, and he heard a sound. The sound was like eerie beating of drums. But suddenly the sound was replaced by loud screeching and it turned louder and louder. At the end, it toned down, and a squeal sounded along with small bursts of metallic sounds.
Trace turned, attentive to any movements. It was about time he would get on the so-called train. It sounded like a few men entered the storage. One by one, they took the heavy boxes outside.
Trace tried to look outside from the small holes. He vaguely being carried to a dark place again. His heart was beating loudly in anticipation. So he took a deep breath and tried to meditate again.
When the train started moving, his concentration broke again. The loud noises and constant shaking made his stomach sick. But he got used to it when the speed turned constant. Apparently, the noise was not as loud and didn't bother him much.
"Hey, I know you are there."
Trace heard a faint voice. It sounded to be more on the feminine side. He tried to calm himself. The voice repeated the same thing a few times, then turned silent.
"Hello? I am so bored.
"Can you hear me?"
The same voice sounded again before pausing. Trace attentively listened for any movements outside. Bumping sounds were heard the next time.
"Hey, I know you are in there."
This time, the source of the sound was extremely close. Trace remembered Caegan's warning and horror gripped his heart. He tried his best to not speak or let his heartbeat go out of control. But the lid above him was pulled open.
"Don't be scared of me," a feminine voice said.