The sun rose slowly, bathing Erevan's house in a warm glow. The day promised to be emotionally charged as he prepared to leave his family home to continue his journey to the Gammalon Academy. Emotional farewells awaited him.
The reunion after 30 long years for Erevan transformed into moments of tenderness and maternal advice as he headed towards the breakfast table. His mother served him his favorite dish, trying to conceal her emotions behind a kind smile.
"Take care, my son. You have always been our pride," she said, her voice choked with emotion.
His father, less talkative but equally moved, placed a reassuring hand on Erevan's shoulder. "You're a strong young man, Erevan. The academy awaits you. Learn as much as you can, but don't forget to listen to your heart."
Erevan nodded, a mix of gratitude and sadness settling in his heart. He knew he had to move forward, but leaving his family behind was a difficult step.
After the emotional farewells, he headed to the station where the imposing High-Speed Magical Train (HSMT) awaited him. Around 10 a.m., he arrived on the platform, greeted by the sharp whistle of the train and the usual bustle of passengers.
He boarded, seeking a quiet seat. To his surprise, he saw a boy about his age, with bright eyes and modest attire, also looking for a place to sit.
"Um... excuse me, is this seat taken?" the boy asked with surprising politeness.
Erevan gestured for him to sit. "Of course, go ahead."
The boy, named Hekhim Behri, took a seat next to him with a shy smile. A conversation quickly ensued between the two children, exchanging about their families, dreams, and apprehensions about the academy.
"Are you heading to Gammalon too?" asked Erevan, curious.
Hekhim nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I come from a small village not far from here. My parents are farmers. And you?"
"I come from Aynor. My father is a blacksmith, and my mother is a renowned herbalist in our neighborhood."
The journey unfolded with laughter and confidences. Hekhim and Erevan shared their experiences, fears, and hopes for the future. Hekhim's modesty and passion for magic infused the conversations, while Erevan spoke of his desire to master necromancy.
The HSMT was about to leave the station of a small village where they had made a stop, its gleaming carriages ready to cross the 700 Nirics (length unit to be found in chapter 0) of the daunting Marbagnum Forest. Passengers hurried on board, a mix of anticipation and a hint of anxiety on their faces as the train prepared to face this hostile expanse.
Inside the train, passengers observed with a curious yet fearful gaze the lush landscapes passing by slowly. The first villages disappeared, small pockets of civilization in this sea of greenery, indicating the first 300 Nirics of the Marbagnum Forest were being traversed.
The announcements from the crew mentioned the villages, briefly explaining their history and complex relationship with the forest. Passengers cast curious glances out the windows, captivated by the majestic yet menacing atmosphere of this immense forest.
The train sped through the verdant landscapes, making its way through the 700 Nirics of the Marbagnum Forest. The train guide, an elderly man with a gaze filled with wisdom, stepped into the aisle, captivating the attention of passengers who observed the massive trees passing by through panoramic windows.
"Distinguished passengers, welcome aboard the HSMT bound for Goldcrest," he began in a calm yet authoritative voice. "We are currently crossing the formidable Marbagnum Forest. A region where the boundary between mystery and reality is blurred, where every rustle, every glimmer, holds deep meaning for the villages bordering it."
He drew his audience's attention, discussing the complex relationship between villagers and this ancient forest. "The legends surrounding the Marbagnum Forest are as rich as the trees that make it up. The villagers living on the edge of this forest hold a respectful yet fearful reverence for this ecosystem. They firmly believe in a living entity, in guardian spirits watching over this land."
The guide continued, sharing fascinating anecdotes about the relationship between villagers and the forest, mentioning traditions passed down through generations, warnings from the elders, and captivating stories of mysterious beings inhabiting the depths of the forest.
"Some say the forest reacts to the intentions of travelers, guiding those who respect it but strongly dissuading the curious and the reckless. It's like a guardian of secrets and balances, ready to reward respect and punish audacity."
His voice, filled with respect and mystery, captivated the passengers, offering them a glimpse into the complex relationship between villagers and this majestic forest, arousing their curiosity and instilling a sense of respect for the environment unfolding before their mesmerized eyes.
As the train advanced, the trees thickened, their dense canopy darkening the daylight. Worried murmurs arose among the passengers, every shadow cast by the trees seeming to conceal unsuspected dangers.
The forest seemed to stretch endlessly, each moment of the journey bringing uncertainty about what lay beyond those trees. The relative calm inside the train contrasted with the oppressive atmosphere outside, each passage through a village welcomed like a breath of fresh air before plunging back into the darkness of the forest.
The golden glow of twilight signaled the forest's exit. The train slowed down, announcing their imminent arrival at Goldcrest, the imperial capital, bringing an end to their journey through the hostile and enchanting majesty of the Marbagnum Forest.
As the train began to slow down, heralding the approach to Gammalon, the two companions exchanged knowing smiles. Hekhim had found a precious friend in Erevan, a comforting presence as they were about to step into a new adventure.