Samuel Milton felt a bit out of place in the small village of Kola. Though this village might be small but it is a beautiful place surrounded by thick, lush green forests, the calm River Re which is a clear river that flows gently through the village. This adds to its charm and cozy cottages that are scattered around, making it a peaceful scenic spot where everyone knows everyone else. Yet, Sam, with his curious nature and insatiable thirst for knowledge, often yearns for something more, something beyond the normal routines of village life.
At nineteen, Sam is taller and handsome than most of his peers, with a lean frame and sharp features that give him an almost elfin appearance. His deep-set green eyes, often brimming with curiosity, seem to pierce through the very fabric of reality, searching for secrets hidden from the ordinary eye. His dark, tousled hair frames his face, accentuating his intense gaze. The way he carries himself, with a quiet confidence and an air of mystery, draws people in and makes them wonder about the thoughts that lie behind his striking eyes.
His presence is both captivating and enigmatic. His slender, agile build suggests a natural grace and an adventurous spirit. Whether he's lost in thought or engaged in a conversation, his gaze remains intense, as if he's always on the brink of uncovering something extraordinary. The combination of his appearance and demeanor makes Sam a figure of intrigue, a young man whose very essence seems to hint at hidden depths and untold stories.
With this the villagers often whisper about Sam's peculiarities. He is the son of a renowned scientist, Kara, who passes away mysteriously when in her early 30's when Sam is just a child. His father, Milton also disappears shortly in a mysterious way after, leaving Sam to be raised by his grandmother, Maya. Despite the whispers, Sam's inherent kindness and willingness to help others earn him a place in the hearts of many.
This morning, Sam wakes with a start. His heart racing and sweat clinging to his brow. A strange dream has troubled his sleep, he blinks rapidly, trying to clear the fog of sleep from his thoughts, but the images of the dream remain vivid and disconcerting. An ancient tree, its roots entwined with shimmering light, and a voice calling his name from the depths of the forest. Shaking off the remnants of the dream, he dresses quickly and makes his way to the kitchen, where an old lady with silver hair and bright green eyes 'Maya' is already bustling about. Though she looks to be in her mid 60s, her energy and warmth make her seem timeless. She hums a soft tune as she prepares breakfast, her presence is a comforting contrast to the unsettling dream that still lingers in Sam's mind.
"Good morning, Gran," Sam greets, his voice tinged with excitement.
Maya looks up from her work. " Well, Good morning, dear," Maya replies, her eyes crinkling with a warm smile. "You seem eager today. What's on your mind?" she asks setting her work aside.
Sam hesitates, unsure how to explain the vividness of his dream. "I had a strange dream last night. It felt so real. There was this ancient tree and… a voice calling my name."
Maya's smile fades, replaced by a look of concern. "An ancient tree, you say?" She pauses, her eyes distant as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. "Sam, there's something I need to tell you."
Curiosity piqued, Sam could not wait any longer to hear what Maya has to say. He quickly sits on a three legged stool and leans forward and looks at his granny maintaining eye contact. "What is it, Gran?"
Maya takes a deep breath and begins, "Our family has a unique heritage, Sam. Your mother, Kara, was not just a scientist. She was a guardian of ancient magic, a protector of the balance between our world and the Arcane Realms."
Sam's eyes widen. He scratches his forehead a little. "The Arcane Realms? I thought those were just legends."
Maya shakes her head and looks directly to Sam's face. "They're very real, and they hold great power. Your mother was entrusted with safeguarding a sacred artifact, the Heartstone. It's a source of immense magic that maintains the equilibrium between our world and the realms beyond. When your mother passed, the Heartstone's location became a mystery. Your dream might be a sign, Sam. It could be leading you to the Heartstone."
Sam's mind races, trying to process the revelation. "But why me? I'm just a boy from Kola, a very small village, to add on this I am from the very outskirt of the village site."
Maya places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You are more than you realize, Sam. You have your mother's gift, and perhaps, even more. The time has come for you to embrace your destiny."
Determined to uncover the truth, Sam decides to venture into the forest. He gathers his belongings, including a worn leather satchel that belonged to his mother. Inside, he finds a small, silver intricately carved jewelry which Granny Maya explains that it is a symbol of protection.
As he steps outside, the crisp air fills his lungs, invigorating him. The sun has just began to rise, casting a golden hue over the village. Sam makes his way to the edge of the forest, where the trees stand like silent sentinels, guarding the secrets within.
With each step, the forest seems to come alive, whispering ancient tales and forgotten lore. Sam follows an unmarked path, guided by an inexplicable force. Hours pass, and the forest grows denser, the canopy overhead blocking out the sunlight. Yet, he presses on, driven by an unseen hand.
Finally, he reaches a clearing. In the center stands the ancient tree from his dream, its roots glowing with an ethereal light. Sam approaches cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. As he reaches out to touch the tree, the voice from his dream echoes in his mind.
"Sam… you have come."
Thrumb!
The ground beneath him trembles, and a hidden entrance reveals itself at the base of the tree. Taking a deep breath, Sam steps into the darkness, his path illuminated by the soft glow of the tree's roots. The air grows cooler, and the faint sound of flowing water reaches his ears.
As he ventures deeper, he finds himself in a cavern, its walls adorned with luminescent crystals. In the center of the cavern, suspended in mid-air, is the Heart stone—a pulsating gem that radiates pure magic.
Sam approaches, mesmerized by its beauty. As his fingers brush against the gem, a surge of energy courses through him, filling him with a sense of purpose and power. The voice speaks again, this time clearer.
[Sam, you are the chosen one. The Arcane Realms need you. Embrace your destiny and protect the balance.]
With the Heartstone in his grasp, Sam feels a newfound strength. He knows his life will never be the same, but he is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. As he makes his way back to the surface, he feels a sense of belonging he has never known before.