Lucas stood still, staring at the two Skyraks before him. His heart thumped uneasily as he took in their towering forms. Their long, sinewy legs and sharp eyes gave them an imposing presence that made it hard for him to move closer. He didn't exactly hate creatures like this—he just found them… unsettling. Truthfully, Lucas had always been drawn to gentler animals: dogs that wagged their tails, cats that purred softly, or rabbits that twitched their noses. These creatures, however, felt like the complete opposite—wild, unpredictable, and far too large for his liking.
Eldric, busy securing the saddles on the Skyraks, finished with a firm tug before turning to Lucas. "Lucas, do you know how to ride these things?"
Lucas hesitated. "Sorry, no."
He felt a pang of awkwardness admitting it, but it was the truth. He didn't even know how to ride a horse—what chance did he have with something this gigantic? The thought of being hoisted onto the back of one of these creatures, with nothing but a rope to hold onto, was already making him second-guess this journey.
Eldric let out a long sigh, the kind that made it clear he'd been hoping for a different answer. "I'll show you, so watch carefully," he said, brushing aside his mild frustration.
"Uh, alright," Lucas replied, forcing himself to focus.
Eldric approached the Skyrak with practiced ease, moving as though this was second nature. Every movement was deliberate: gripping the saddle, placing his foot in the stirrup, and swinging himself up in one fluid motion. The creature shifted slightly under his weight, but Eldric stayed steady, his posture calm and confident.
Lucas watched intently, his hands tightening at his sides. He didn't want to mess this up—not when Eldric had made it look so effortless.
Once Eldric was seated, he glanced back at Lucas. "Well, got it?"
Lucas blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. Then, with a determined nod, he said, "Yeah, I'll try."
The moment had come. Lucas stepped cautiously toward the second Skyrak, its massive frame looming over him. The creature's sharp, unblinking eyes seemed to follow his every move, making his stomach churn. He reached for the saddle, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the leather. For a moment, he hesitated, but then he gritted his teeth, gripped the saddle firmly, and placed his foot in the stirrup.
The climb felt awkward and slow. He pushed himself upward, his muscles straining as he swung his leg over the Skyrak's back. For a brief, terrifying second, he thought he might fall—but then he found his balance, and suddenly, he was seated.
'Oh, wow. I really did it!' he thought, relief washing over him like a wave.
Eldric turned to look at him, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Good job, Lucas. Now hold tight to the rope. Your Skyrak will follow mine."
"Alright," Lucas replied, his voice steadier now.
The journey began.
The Skyraks moved with a smooth, deliberate stride, their long legs covering the ground effortlessly. Lucas clung tightly to the rope, his body tense at first, but as they continued, he began to loosen his grip and sit more comfortably. It wasn't as terrifying as he'd expected—though he still wasn't sure he'd call it enjoyable.
Eldric led the way, his Skyrak striding confidently down the narrow dirt path. Lucas followed, his dark hair ruffled by the breeze as he tried to absorb his surroundings. The land stretched wide and open, vast in a way he hadn't fully noticed before. On one side, a dense forest bordered their path, its trees towering high and casting long, shifting shadows. On the other side, rolling hills gave way to patches of wildflowers that swayed gently in the wind.
'Riding these things is actually kind of amazing,' Lucas thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
As they moved further, the narrow path began to split. First into two, then three, then more pathways branching off in different directions. Each path seemed to lead somewhere unknown, weaving through the landscape like a tapestry of roads.
Lucas's gaze lingered on the forest as the trees thinned slightly, letting in streams of golden sunlight. The brightness made the journey feel lighter, less intimidating. Occasionally, he spotted a small cottage tucked between the hills, its chimney releasing faint wisps of smoke into the sky. These glimpses of life along the way gave him something to hold onto—something familiar.
The path widened, and the terrain shifted as they climbed small hills and descended gentle slopes. Each rise and fall of the land felt like another step into an unfolding story, the scenery changing with every mile.
And then, in the distance, Lucas saw it: the city. At first, it was just a hazy silhouette on the horizon, a cluster of shapes barely visible through the shimmering air. But as they drew closer, the details came into view. Countless buildings rose from the earth, their rooftops catching the sunlight. Streets bustled with movement, dotted with figures that seemed full of purpose. The sound of voices—lively and overlapping—reached his ears, faint but growing louder with each step forward.
His breath caught as they approached the outskirts. The city was alive with color and sound, with people selling wares, others buying, and the constant hum of life filling the air. It was unlike anything Lucas had ever seen.
"Amazing. Too amazing!" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the roar of activity around him.