They walked for about seven kilometers. Honestly, Akira had no idea where they were going. It was just white and more white, as far as she was concerned.
Tara walked confidently. Sometimes she stopped to mumble some incantation, and a green spark whizzed past them, which she followed without hesitation.
"What is that spark?"
"The Pātāla compass. Walking on a parallel plane is somewhat disorienting. The compass helps in aligning with my own sphere."
Akira understood nothing; she nodded, though. Lady Tara was trying her best to explain; she didn't want to look like a bigger fool.
They finally reached a point. Tara turned to Akira. "After you, my lady."
Akira looked at Tara blankly. Tara smiled and pushed Akira with a force that caused her to fall.
She braced herself for the impact on the hard ice but was surprised when she continued to fall into the ocean.
It must have been Tara's magic, but she felt no cold waves or the water, for that matter. She was just slipping into the endless depth of the dark sea, her vision, hearing, and sense of smell completely removed.
After what seemed like a few long minutes, or was it hours? Akira felt her feet touch the solid rock base. A firm hand on her shoulder was the only proof Tara was with her.
Tara spoke in the language of the Ancients.
"We lay ourselves humbly at the feet of the magnanimous Naga King, King Airavan."
Nothing happened. Then Akira felt it. Her legs and hands were chained by some unseen magic. A reply came. "You, young Orc, are from our sphere; you may pass. This human must stay here."
Tara replied. "She is no mere human, but a blessed servant of Lord Napat. She is the chosen Seer. Speak not lightly of her."
She heard a voice laugh. "Lord Napat? Are we all not the servants of Lord Napat?"
She could feel Tara getting angry. This would not serve the purpose of their visit.
"Dear, dear, could you guys stop fighting? Dear Naga guards, I am fine to wait here. Could you ask King Airavan to come and talk to me?" Akira spoke in the Ancient language. Having never spoken the language, only studying the scriptures, she was trying to patch up words from her memory, which made her sound like a hooligan.
The guards got angry. The magic that bound her tightened, which singed her skin.
"You impudent human? You dare call our King by name? Moreover, a mere human like you dares ask his Lordship to come and meet you? You should be slayed for just uttering these words."
Akira thought to herself, "Tara did a better job than me, I guess. Anyways, since I started this, let me see it through."
"Look here, guards. I do not have much time. As you know, I am a human. I am also not a mage. I do not possess magic that can harm you. The faster I see your king, the faster I go back. It is a win-win situation for all of us, don't you think?"
Just then, a new voice spoke. "Take them in. Give the human Naga vision, and remove the binding spell."
"But brother!"
"This is the king's order."
Akira didn't understand, but said, "Whatever vision you give me, give it to Lady Tara as well. Treat us both equally."
There was a soft laugh. "She can see well. Only you cannot."
Akira felt the bonds loosen. She felt a shockwave hit her head, which made her instinctively close her eyes and step back to regain her balance.
When she opened her eyes again, what she saw rendered her speechless.