The market in Sororia was alive with color and noise, but my mind was elsewhere. I walked through the crowded stalls, barely registering the vibrant fabrics and fragrant spices on display. Today was supposed to be an exciting start—a new chapter in the kingdom of Emberton. Instead, it felt like I was walking through a haze, with every step pulling me closer to the unknown.
Leon, my mentor and friend, walked beside me. His presence was a comforting anchor amidst the swirling chaos of the market. At 24, he had seen more of the world than I could ever imagine, and his calm demeanor always put me at ease.
"Are you sure you have everything you need?" Leon asked, his voice steady as ever.I glanced at him, offering a reassuring smile.
"Yes, I've checked my bags three times. I'm ready."
He chuckled softly. "You're always so thorough. It's one of the things I admire about you."
I appreciated his words, even if I didn't fully believe them. My mind was preoccupied with more than just packing. The thought of moving to Emberton stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation. The kingdom had recovered from the Emberstone Massacre, but I couldn't shake the feeling that shadows from the past still lingered.
As we neared the train station, the reality of my departure began to settle in. I looked back at the bustling market, at the familiar faces of Sororia that I would leave behind. This was more than just a job change; it was a step into a world filled with its own secrets and untold stories.Leon placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"We'll be on the train soon. It's just a short ride to Emberton. You'll do great."
I nodded, though my thoughts were a jumble of apprehension and anticipation. The train ride was only two hours, but in that time, I knew I would be leaving behind more than just a city. I was leaving behind a part of myself, one that had been shaped by the whispers of my own past.
As Leon and I boarded the train, a low murmur of voices filled the carriage. I settled into my seat by the window, the cool glass a slight comfort against my forehead as I leaned back. The train was supposed to be my bridge to a new beginning, but something in the air felt off. It wasn't just the usual nervous energy of travelers; it was something heavier, something that gnawed at the edges of my thoughts.
A conductor walked down the aisle, stopping at each row to check tickets and murmur updates. When he reached us, I noticed the furrow in his brow.
"Due to some unexpected issues at the Emberton station, the ride will be extended to four hours," he said, his voice apologetic. "We appreciate your patience."
Four hours. The words settled in my stomach like a stone. Around us, passengers exchanged uneasy glances, the whispers starting almost immediately.
"It's bad luck, I tell you," a woman behind me muttered to her companion. "Four hours to Emberton? After everything that happened? It's like the land itself is warning us."
"Shh, don't speak of such things," her friend replied, but I could hear the tremor in her voice.
I turned to look at Leon, who was staring straight ahead, his jaw set in that thoughtful way it always did when something was bothering him.
"Do you think...?"He shook his head, cutting me off before I could finish the thought.
"It's just a delay, Eleanor. Mechanical issues, most likely. Nothing more."
But I wasn't so sure. The Emberstone Massacre still haunted the minds of many, and any small misfortune related to Emberton seemed to dredge up those dark memories. The extended ride felt like a bad omen, a shadow cast over what was supposed to be a new beginning.
As the train began to move, the landscape of Sororia slowly melted away, replaced by the rolling hills and dense forests that marked the borderlands between the kingdoms. I watched the scenery pass by, trying to ignore the prickling unease in my chest.