In the Eclipson Realm(Universe)
In the Sealbron Solar System (code: HU-4916-CRE66I9S-36UJJMKG-A)
Plant :- Dracoria.
It was a land of old customs, great spires, and hidden secrets deep in its earth.
Tonight, under a sky streaked with twin moons, a cry of a newborn pierced the air in a tiny house in the midst of a thick forest. The cry was gentle but bore the gravity of something historic, as if the universe itself had stopped to hear.
Outside the dark room, a man walked up and down, his boots crunching on the gravel path. His name was Ravi. His fists were tight. The air was filled with the smell of pine and the slight acridity of medicinal herbs coming from the house. In the distance, an owl hooted, its cry ringing through the trees.
The creak of the door opened, and two older women emerged, their faces bathed in the pale light of lanterns that swayed from above the porch. Their faces were serious, yet there was something unsaid lurking in their eyes. One held a small package wrapped in delicate, white cloth. She raised her eyes to meet Ravi's worried gaze and said with a gentle, authoritative voice.
"It's a boy."
A surge of feeling swept over Ravi. He gasped for breath as he reached out, his hands shaking a little as he cradled the infant in his arms. The baby was tiny, delicate—his eyes only just open—but to Ravi, he was beautiful. The baby's small fingers wrapped around Ravi's thumb, and for an instant, the world seemed to freeze.
"So, we will be leaving now," said the second Elder, her voice serious.
Ravi blinked, remaining lost in the astounding happiness of the moment. "Already? Can't you remain a little longer? If both of you depart so early then Riya will reprimand me."
The first Elder shook her head, her silver locks sparkling in the moonlight. "No, our business here is finished. We have to report this to Elder."
Ravi's brow creased. "What matter?"
The Elders looked at each other, their faces unreadable. The second Elder paused before speaking. "It is nothing for you to worry about. Just be sure—you need to take the child to the Born Tower tomorrow morning. Go alone. His mother cannot come with you."
Ravi's hold on the baby tightened involuntarily. "Why? Why must I take my child to the Born Tower, and why can't Riya accompany me?"
The first Elder's eyes relaxed, but her tone didn't. "You understand the significance of the Born Tower, Ravi. It is not merely a location for birth and education—it is sacred ground, a crossover point between the human and the divine. Your son's visit there is. required. And Riya's absence is necessary. You will see when you get there."
Ravi narrowed his eyes and stated "You talk as though I am unfamiliar with the Born Tower. I am aware of its function. What I don't understand is why my wife cannot go with me."
The second Elder also advanced, with a respectful tone but firm tone. "Ravi, more than anyone you should know some things are not to be challenged. The head of the Born Tower has commanded your presence and his is an order. Put faith in him, as in you once placed."
Ravi's jaw clenched. He wanted to push it further, to ask for answers, but he knew the Elders well enough to know when they would say no more. They were always faithful to the Priest Organization, and their devotion was unshakeable. Yet, the secrecy ate at him. What could be so critical that Riya couldn't attend? What did the head of the Born Tower need from his son?
"Very well," Ravi finally said, his voice low. "I will come. But this had better be worth it."
The Elders nodded, their faces unreadable. "It will be," the first Elder replied. "You have our word."
And with that, the two women turned and melted back into the darkness, their cloaks blowing behind them like shadows taking shape. Ravi remained standing in the doorway, holding his newborn son close. He felt a chill run up his spine, but before he could dwell on the unusual demand, he heard a soft voice from within.
"Ravi, where is our child?"
He wheeled around and rushed to the bedside of his wife. Riya reclined pale but smiling, her dark locks beaded with sweat and eyes warm as she extended a shaking hand to claim their son. Ravi eased the baby into her arms and watched as she stroked a tender finger against the child's small hand. The baby tightened his fingers instinctively around hers, and Riya smiled with a soft sound.
"See how powerful he is already. One day, he will be a war god like his father."
Ravi sat next to her, having momentarily forgotten the ominous words of the Elders. He could do nothing but stand by as Riya cradled their child in her arms, a look of adoration on her face.
"Where are the Elders?" she asked.
"They departed," Ravi answered, his tone laced with discomfort. "Claimed they had pressing business to take care of."
Riya raised an eyebrow but let it drop. "What do we call him?"
Ravi looked at his son, the burden of fatherhood falling across his shoulders like a soft shawl. This is the beginning of our new life. He breathed deeply. "His name will be
Riya mouthed the name, testing the feel of it on her tongue. A grin crept over her face. "AAdi. Perfect. You never fail when it comes to naming things."
Ravi smiled softly, his thoughts still mired in the Elders' words. "I'm glad you like it."
The evening passed without any disterbance a day of happness for Ravi and Riya.
The Journey to Etheria
The following morning, as sun rose to paint the horizon with gentle colors of orange and gold, Ravi woke up. The soft light seeping through the curtains surrounded the room with a gentle, otherworldly glow. Slowly blinking, his mind still weighed down with the debris of dreams, he turned his face to the side. There, beside him, was Riya, her dark hair spread out on the pillow like a veil of silk. Her breathing was regular and peaceful, the soft rise and fall of her chest a witness to the fatigue of the night before's work.
Between them, cradled in a tiny bowl of polished oak, lay AAdi. The baby slept wrapped in a white blanket, his small face serene. Ravi leaned up on one elbow, his eyes resting on his son. AAdi's cheeks were pink, his mouth slightly open as he breathed the still rhythm of infancy. One small hand had slipped from beneath the blanket, its fingers folded into a tight fist.
Ravi's heart expanded with a combination of pride and lovingness. He leaned out, calloused fingers lightly touching AAdi's palm. The baby moved once but did not awaken, his small fingers reflexively curling around Ravi's thumb. The heat of that little hold zapped Ravi with a rush of feeling, reminder of the delicate yet powerful connection now between them.
He looked back over his shoulder at Riya, her face peaceful in slumber. Even after all they'd endured—the wars, the sacrifices, the peaceful years in the forest—she still left him breathless. He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly, not wanting to disturb her. She made some indistinguishable sound in sleep, a soft smile playing at the edges of her mouth.
For an instant, Ravi just let himself be in this silent, perfect instant. The world beyond could wait. The mysterious orders of the Elders, the burden of his history—all of it receded into insignificance. Here, in this space, surrounded by his wife and son, he felt at peace for the first time in years and he was thinking about how this is the same way he felt when there daughter was born.
But the peace did not last. As the light grew stronger, spilling over the wooden floor, Ravi's mind focused on the day to come. The Elders' words remained in his mind: "Take the child to the Born Tower tomorrow morning. Come alone." He didn't comprehend their urgency, but he was wise enough to know better than to disobey their call. The Born Tower was a position of great importance, and its ruler was one not to be taken lightly.
Reluctantly, Ravi slid out of bed, not wanting to wake Riya or AAdi. He dressed quietly, moving slowly and deliberately. While he buckled his belt and laced on his boots, his eyes kept returning to the cradle. AAdi was so tiny, so helpless. The idea of taking him to the Born Tower made Ravi feel a strange discomfort, but he forced it away. Whatever the reason, he would defend his son. That much, he swore.
Just as he was headed out of the room, Riya's gentle but firm voice shattered the silence. "Ravi?"
He turned to find her sitting up on one elbow, her dark hair tossed and her eyes still heavy lidded. Though she was tired, there was a piercing sharpness in her gaze, a stillness of strength that had always attracted him.
"I didn't want to disturb you," Ravi said, his voice husky. "You should sleep."
Riya shook her head slowly. "I heard you stirring. Where are you going?"
Ravi hesitated, his hand on the doorframe. "The Elders… they told me to take AAdi to the Born Tower this morning. Alone."
Riya's forehead creased, and she sat up a bit more straight, winces at the exertion. "Alone? Why can't you bring me along?"
"I don't know," Ravi said, his voice laced with frustration. "They were cryptic about it. But they were adamant that you remain behind."
Riya's eyes narrowed, and for an instant, she seemed as if she would protest. But then her face relaxed, and she sighed. "You know the Elders. They never tell you anything completely. If they tell me not to come, there has to be a reason."
Ravi moved in closer to the bed, getting down on one knee beside her so they were eye to eye. "I don't like it either. But I need to go. I just… I wanted to check with you first."
Riya touched his cheek with her fingertips. "You don't need my okay, Ravi. You are his father and I know that you will take decisions for the betterment of him and also not worry if ever there was a problem between me and our child I felt that and only you have to just promise that you will be his protector also."
Ravi put his hand over hers, his hold firm but gentle. "With my life," he promised. "I'll keep him safe, no matter what."
"Always," Ravi whispered, leaning in to kiss her Lips. "I'll be home before you know it."
"First wait you have to eat and I also have to fead Aadi" Riya said.
He rose and moved over to the cradle, lifting AAdi carefully into his arms. The baby shifted slightly but didn't awaken, his small face peaceful in sleep. Ravi smoothed the blanket over him, tucking it around him so he was warm and comfortable, then turned back to Riya.
"I'll send word as soon as I can," he told her.
Riya nodded, her eyes remaining on AAdi. "Take care of him. And take care of yourself."
Ravi provided her one final reassuring smile before leaving the room, the burden of his son in his arms and the burden of his vow in his heart.
Ravi readied himself for his travel. He recalled the Elders' command—visit the Born Tower, single-handedly, with the child. The instruction made no more sense, yet he had to follow it. The Born Tower was a sanctified location, one of prime importance, not only for Dracoria but for the human realm throughout the 7,000 universes. It stood for life, learning, and divine bond between people and gods.
Riya, still sleeping, gazed at him with steady concern. "Take care of yourself—and keep AAdi safe."
The ride to Etheria was brief, just thirty minutes. As the imposing walls of the city appeared Ravi totally hide himself and Aadi in the woods and totally cover his body and where a mask in his face.
The city of Etheria rose ahead, its imposing walls stretching long shadows across the early morning light. The gates, huge and covered with minute carvings of battles from ages past, stood as evidence of the majesty of the city. Ravi rode on horseback, AAdi nestled safely in his arms. The baby still slumbered, his small face serene under the folds of the soft blanket. The clomp-clomp-clomp of the horse's hooves against the cobblestone road was the only disturbance in the morning calm.
As Ravi approached the gates, two guards emerged, their armor shining in the sun. Their faces were hidden behind heavy helmets, but their stances were stiff, their hands on the hilts of their swords. One of them held up a hand, motioning for Ravi to halt.
"Halt," the guard said, his voice distorted by the helmet. "State your purpose."
Ravi tugged his hood low, exposing his face. His angular features and the subtle scar along his jaw were unmistakable even to those who did not know his past. "I have come to see the Born Tower with my newborn son," he explained, his tone peaceful but resolute. "According to the instructions of the Elders."
The guard took a step forward, his gaze raking Ravi's face as he inspected him. "The Born Tower, you claim? And what do a man of the forest do there?"
Ravi's face clenched, but his voice remained steady. "The Elders called me. My son's presence is needed."
The guard looked at his friend, who nodded slightly. "The Elders, yeah?" the first guard grunted, his voice changing from suspicion to begrudging respect. "Alright. But you'll have to pay the entrance fee."
Ravi reached into his pouch and handed over the needed coins, his actions slow. The guard counted them quickly before moving aside. "Go on. But keep that child close. The streets of Etheria are no place for the unprepared."
Ravi nodded, his hold on AAdi tightening reflexively. He urged his horse through the gates and into the crowded city beyond. The air was heavy with the smell of warm bread, spices, and the acrid tang of metal from the blacksmiths' forges. The streets pulsed with life—merchants establishing their stalls, children weaving in and out of the crowds, and soldiers patrolling with easy familiarity.
Ravi's apprehension increased as he drew closer to the Ethria. The Elders' directions resonated within his head, their ambiguous statements leaving him more questions than responses.
Why had they wanted him to arrive by himself?
What did they desire with AAdi?
Why had they been so cryptic when he demanded clarification?
He shook his head, forcing the thoughts away. Whatever their motivations, he would meet them head-on. For now, his priority was to defend his son and fight through the busy streets of Etheria. The trek to the Born Tower was near its end, but Ravi couldn't help but feel that it was only the start of something much bigger—and much more perilous.