The journey to the Kingdom of Ethelia began as we boarded several carriages that the knights had prepared. The seats, covered in fine leather and cushioned with soft fabrics, stood in stark contrast to the harshness of what we'd just experienced in the prairie. As the carriages moved along, the travelers' murmurs gradually faded; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts—some still in disbelief, others deeply uneasy.
The road wound through green hills and dense forests that seemed to have come straight from a fantasy. The atmosphere shifted slowly as we advanced; the air became cooler, and nature's silence was broken only by the sound of horse hooves.
Finally, after quite a stretch, a murmur of awe spread among the travelers. Beyond the road, colossal walls of white stone with golden details rose up, encircling a vast kingdom. Beyond those walls, we could see the towers and battlements of a majestic castle—a structure that dominated the horizon and seemed to touch the sky. As the carriages drew closer, the castle's grandeur and splendor fully revealed themselves, leaving everyone speechless.
The sky began to take on the colors of twilight, soft hues of purple and orange glowing with an unusual intensity. It was then, as I glanced upward, that I saw something that left me breathless: three enormous moons hung in the firmament, each in a different phase, casting an ethereal, gentle light that bathed the kingdom in mysterious, beautiful tones. The realization was clear and unmistakable; this was not the world we knew. We were in an entirely new, unknown place—a place where magic and wonder coexisted with danger.
Noticing our expressions of awe and disbelief, Sir Aldric let out a booming, contagious laugh. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Ethelia," he proclaimed, with a broad, satisfied smile.
In that moment, the reality of our situation seemed to settle over each of us. We were in another world, and the path that lay ahead was as vast and uncertain as the night sky surrounding us.
As we passed through the kingdom's massive gates, the city of Ethelia unfolded before us like a scene from an ancient dream. Luther, like the rest, couldn't hide his astonishment. His eyes roamed every corner, taking in the details of this world that seemed straight out of a fantasy tale.
On either side of the main street stood market stalls, with vendors offering their wares under colorful awnings. Merchants shouted to attract passersby, hawking everything from exotic fruits and spices to weapons and magical artifacts that shimmered as if they were alive. The atmosphere was lively, full of energy and vibrancy, and the mix of food and spice aromas created a welcoming aura that contrasted sharply with the brutality of the world outside.
Luther looked around, surprised by the diversity of beings moving through the market. It wasn't just humans, but creatures of all kinds, some he'd only ever imagined in stories. He saw a tall, slender man with green skin and elongated ears, his serene expression radiating wisdom. Farther ahead, a group of stout figures with thick beards and leather armor were haggling with a blacksmith; they were dwarves, strong and determined, their faces weathered from years of labor and adventure.
They passed a woman with small wings and colorful feathers adorning her shoulders, and beyond her, a blue-skinned man with horns jutting from his forehead, whose fixed, enigmatic gaze met Luther's for a moment. As he turned his head, he also noticed some young elves, their pointed ears and graceful bearing contrasting with their simple garments.
The city was full of life and movement, but it wasn't chaotic; there was an order to the way everyone coexisted and intermingled. Armed guards patrolled the streets, their ornate armor glinting in the torchlight, their vigilant eyes making it clear that peace in Ethelia was a shared responsibility. The cobblestone streets reflected the moons' glow, and the buildings, though modest, were adorned with wood and stone details that gave them a warm and welcoming feel.
The murmurs among the newcomers were constant. Luther overheard fragments of conversations, some tinged with fear, others with amazement. "What are those beings?" "This is a madness…" Questions swirled through everyone's minds, but no one had answers.
A man sitting near Luther looked toward one of the escorts and, in a defiant tone, said, "What is this place supposed to be? You haven't told us anything clear. Where the hell are we?"
One of the soldiers escorting us, a man with a stern face, looked at him harshly. "Shut up and show some respect!" he barked, moving closer as if he might strike the man.
But before he could, Sir Aldric intervened. "Calm down, Oran." He placed a hand on the soldier's shoulder, compelling him to step back. "They're newcomers. They have no idea what's going on. It's only natural that they're afraid, especially since we haven't had new summons in the last 500 years. Show a little care."
The soldier frowned but obeyed.
"Five hundred years?" Luther asked, finally breaking his silence. "You said you haven't had any 'summoned' in 500 years… What does that mean?"
Sir Aldric turned to him, his smile fading slightly, but he remained calm. "That's correct. Five hundred years ago was the last time a group of people like yourselves was brought to this world. We don't know exactly why it happens, but every hundred years, people from different worlds and races are summoned to Aether, as you have been today. It's something that has occurred since ancient times."
Luther nodded, processing the information. "And this kingdom… Ethelia…?"
"Ethelia is the main kingdom of humans in this world. Hundreds of years ago, the first group of summoned humans arrived here, and in time, they founded this kingdom. Since then, we've maintained a fragile balance between the different races that have also been brought to this world. What you see here is the result of centuries of history."
Luther furrowed his brow, feeling as though he had more questions than he could articulate at that moment. But before he could continue, Sir Aldric raised a hand.
"I know you all have many questions, but you'll soon arrive at the castle, where you'll learn everything you need to know. I assure you, all your doubts will be answered."
The carriages finally came to a stop in front of Ethelia's castle, a majestic structure that seemed to touch the heavens. The white marble walls gleamed under the light of the three moons, and the towers rose as if they were the fingers of a god reaching toward infinity. Luther gazed upward, awestruck by the beauty of the structure, though something in the air made him shiver.
"Don't get too mesmerized by the castle, kid," said Sir Aldric in a slightly mocking tone. "Come, step inside. The best is yet to come."