Chapter 13: The Hidden Power
Kor's training under Zira continued for several more weeks, each day bringing new challenges that tested not only his physical strength but his patience and willpower. The bond he was forming with the red gem grew stronger, and he began to understand its nuances—the way it seemed to resonate with the elements, how it responded to his emotions, and the delicate balance he needed to maintain to control it.
Though he was making progress, Kor couldn't shake the nagging feeling of urgency in his heart. Every day that passed without finding a clue about his parents weighed heavily on him. He knew the Lords were involved in their disappearance, but he still didn't know how or why. The gem seemed to be the key to unlocking that mystery, but Kor had yet to discover its full potential.
One evening, after an exhausting session of training, Kor found himself alone by the fire. Zira had retired to her quarters, and Yara had gone off to check the surrounding area for supplies. The flickering flames cast long shadows across the clearing, and the mountains loomed dark and silent in the distance.
Kor absentmindedly pulled the red gem from his pocket, turning it over in his hands. Its surface glinted in the firelight, and as he stared at it, he felt a familiar hum—the same faint vibration he'd sensed when he first touched the boulder during Zira's test. The gem seemed to pulse with energy, as if responding to something in the air.
"Why did I find you?" Kor muttered, half to himself and half to the gem. "What do you want from me?"
As if in answer, the gem flared briefly with a soft, red light. Kor's eyes widened, and he tightened his grip on the stone. It had never done that before—not on its own. A strange sense of anticipation filled him, and he felt a pull, like the gem was guiding him toward something.
Without thinking, Kor stood up and started walking, following the silent command of the gem. The fire crackled behind him as he left the clearing, his steps sure and purposeful, though he wasn't entirely sure where he was going.
The night was cool, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and earth. Kor walked through the trees, his path illuminated only by the dim glow of the gem in his hand. The deeper he went into the forest, the more intense the pull became, like a string drawing him closer to something hidden just out of sight.
After several minutes, Kor reached a small clearing. At the center stood a large, ancient tree, its gnarled roots twisted and exposed above the ground. The tree seemed to pulse with a life of its own, and Kor felt a strange energy emanating from it.
As he approached, the gem in his hand grew warmer, the light glowing brighter. Kor knelt beside the tree's roots, his heart pounding. He didn't know why, but he had the distinct feeling that something important was buried here.
Without hesitation, he began to dig. His hands worked quickly, pushing aside the dirt and debris that had gathered around the roots. After a few minutes, his fingers brushed against something hard and cold. He paused, then dug deeper, revealing a small, weathered box.
Kor carefully pulled the box from the ground, his heart racing with excitement. The box was old—very old—and covered in strange markings similar to the ones he had seen on the boulder. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened the lid.
Inside was a small scroll, yellowed with age but still intact. Kor's hands trembled as he unfurled it, revealing intricate symbols and writing that he couldn't understand. But as he stared at the scroll, the red gem in his hand flared to life, casting a soft light over the ancient parchment.
The symbols on the scroll began to shift, rearranging themselves into a language Kor could comprehend. His eyes widened as he read the words that appeared before him.
"The one who holds the gem holds the key to the Lords' power. Only through the heart of the elements shall the path be revealed."
Kor's mind raced. The gem—his gem—wasn't just a tool for controlling the elements. It was something much more. It was connected to the Lords, to their power, and possibly to the mystery of his parents' disappearance.
But before he could process what he had discovered, a rustling sound broke the stillness of the night. Kor looked up, his body tensing. Someone—or something—was nearby.
He quickly stuffed the scroll back into the box and buried it again, his heart pounding in his chest. The glow of the gem faded, and Kor shoved it into his pocket as he crouched behind the tree, straining his ears to hear.
The rustling grew louder, and soon, a figure emerged from the trees. Kor's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the tall, cloaked figure of Zira. Her face was hidden beneath her hood, but Kor could feel her gaze piercing through the darkness, searching for something.
"Kor," she said quietly, her voice carrying through the night. "I know you're there."
Kor stepped out from behind the tree, his pulse still racing. "Zira… I didn't mean to—"
Zira held up a hand, silencing him. "You've found something, haven't you?"
Kor hesitated, then nodded. There was no point in lying—Zira was too perceptive for that. "I found a scroll. It mentioned the Lords, and… the gem."
Zira's eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "Show me."
Kor hesitated, but something in Zira's gaze told him that she already knew about the scroll. Reluctantly, he dug up the box and handed it to her.
Zira opened the box and unrolled the scroll, her eyes scanning the symbols. For a long moment, she was silent, her face a mask of concentration. Then, she rolled the scroll back up and handed it to Kor.
"This is only the beginning," she said, her voice low and tense. "The gem is more powerful than you realize. And if you wish to find your parents, you will need to uncover all of its secrets."
Kor swallowed hard. "What does this mean? The Lords… are they connected to my parents?"
Zira's gaze hardened. "The Lords are protectors, but their power comes at a cost. Your parents may have been caught up in something much larger than you know."
Kor's heart pounded. "Then I need to find them. I need to know the truth."
Zira nodded slowly, her expression grave. "You will. But you must be careful, Kor. The path you're on is dangerous, and there are those who would do anything to control the gem's power."
Kor tightened his grip on the scroll. He had come too far to turn back now. Whatever the cost, he would find his parents—and uncover the truth behind the Lords and the gem.
Zira's eyes softened for a moment, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will continue your training. But be prepared—the challenges ahead will test you in ways you can't imagine."
Kor nodded, his resolve hardening. He was ready for whatever lay ahead. With the gem in his hand and the mystery of the scroll guiding him, he knew that the answers he sought were within reach. But he also knew that the dangers lurking in the shadows were far greater than he had ever imagined.
As they walked back to camp, Kor couldn't help but glance back at the ancient tree one last time. It stood tall and silent, its roots firmly entrenched in the earth, guarding the secrets it had kept for centuries.
Kor's journey had only just begun, but he was no longer the boy who had wandered aimlessly through the forest. Now, he had purpose, he had knowledge—and, most importantly, he had power. And no matter what stood in his way, he would uncover the truth.
The Lords, the gem, and his parents—everything was connected. All Kor had to do was follow the path laid out before him, even if that path led to the most dangerous places imaginable. He would fight for the truth, and if necessary, he would even fight the Lords themselves.
-End chapter 13-