Lucas watched as the terrifying giant bird pulled the carriage Sebastian sat in, along with the stacked boxes of herbs. The Skyrak's strength was unbelievable. It dragged the heavy load as though it weighed nothing.
'I want to ride one of those someday,' Lucas thought, a flicker of excitement stirring in him.
After a while, Sebastian and Feronis disappeared down the path, the sound of the Skyrak's steps fading into the distance. Lucas stood there for a moment, staring at the empty pathway.
Left alone in the strange house where Sebastian had stored the herbs, Lucas didn't have much else to do. He wandered back to the old house and dropped himself onto the couch with a huff.
'Just when is that guy gonna be done with his training?'
As he sat there waiting for Eldric, his thoughts drifted. He couldn't help but marvel at how quickly he had adjusted to this world. It was strange to think about, really. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined forming connections this easily, especially not with elves.
'Sebastian and Eldric… I couldn't have asked for better people to meet when I arrived here.'
Despite their initial wariness, they trusted him. They had been nothing but helpful since the moment he showed up. Were all elves this naturally kind-hearted?
To Lucas, they were more than allies. They were his lifeline, the source of hope he clung to in the face of uncertainty. They made him believe he might one day find his way back home, even if the journey seemed impossible right now.
'Even though it's been only two days, I've already learned so much.'
He thought about the monsters and creatures he'd learned of, the nature of this new world, and most importantly, his element. Discovering his affinity for magic had been a game changer. It was a skill he knew would be crucial in the adventures that lay ahead.
Just as his thoughts began to spiral deeper, the door flew open with a loud bang, jolting him from his reverie. He turned to see Eldric, the blue-haired elf with sharp green eyes and pointed ears, standing in the doorway.
'Finally!'
Without preamble, Eldric said, "Lucas, let's go."
***
Eldric led Lucas back through the woods to the building where Sebastian had been earlier packing the boxes of herbs.
Lucas frowned, confused. 'What am I doing here again?'
Eldric's eyes scanned the area, his head swiveling from side to side as if searching for someone.
"Did you see Grandpa leave here?" he asked.
"Yeah," Lucas said. "He left already. I helped him pack the wooden boxes earlier."
"Alright."
Eldric turned back to him with a serious expression. "Lucas, surely you've seen a Skyrak before?"
Lucas paused. "Uh… yeah. I saw one earlier."
"Good."
Lucas froze, dread creeping into his chest. 'Wait… don't tell me—'
Eldric whistled sharply, the sound echoing through the air.
Lucas stiffened as he heard the familiar heavy thuds of giant feet approaching. Only this time, there were two sets of them.
'Don't tell me we're actually riding those things.'
The Skyraks appeared, their powerful forms charging toward Eldric. Dust swirled around them as they came to a halt, their heads lowering obediently as Eldric reached out to pat them. Without hesitation, he grabbed saddles and began securing them to the massive birds.
Lucas's mouth dropped open. 'I said I wanted to ride one of these someday, but I didn't think it would be this soon!'