The Journey of a Novice

s-tall, ethereal things with silver-veined leaves-whispered secrets in the wind. The grass shimmered with dew that s

this place?"

the glint of the enchanted sky. "Welcome to the Veiled Lands," he said sof

th. Flowers bloomed at her feet-violet and blue, glowing as though kissed by moonlight. Her finge

he wonder, un

he asked, glancing

. "And not all

line streams and glowing fungi that lit their way. Emily was quiet, absorbing the surreal

ed into this realm not by accident. The

ned. "Then

e your presence has awakened something that has long been dorm

his expression-concern, perhaps, or something more personal he

, unsure of what

uld finish. "We should keep

fened. "

he picked up the pace, and

r than she remembered-spilled in from an unseen source. In the

ur journey truly

e hair on her arms risin

ce your hand here. If the lands acc

f they

. "Then I will protect

g he had said before. Emily swallowed hard, touched by the quiet s

tbeat made visible. She gasped. Visions danced behind her eyes-of battles

kin still glowed faintly. Kael stepp

hosen," h

s strange journey began, she felt more than confusio

ands, Emily didn't know where the road would lead-but