My world-tree system-Chapter 94 - 93: Xaar’thul
The space around Foster and Orëlas was calm, unearthly still, almost oppressive in its motionless perfection. They stood side by side, their silhouettes reflected with crystalline clarity on the shimmering surface of an infinite expanse of water. No sound, no movement, no breeze. Nothing but silence.
Foster looked around slowly, intrigued and disturbed by the strange scenery. They had been walking for a long time already, their footsteps producing no ripples on the water beneath their feet, as if they were moving on a solid, frozen surface.
- Foster," murmured Orëlas with a slight anxiety in his voice, "there’s nothing here. Absolutely nothing. Is this normal?
Foster frowned slightly, perturbed:
- I don’t know, Orëlas. The spirit of a dragon... it’s something even I can’t quite understand. Maybe there’s something we haven’t seen yet...
They went on for a long time, patiently exploring this strange, peaceful space. Yet no other presence manifested itself, no detail broke the perfect monotony of this motionless surface of water.
Finally, they had to face the facts: there was nothing but this immense empty expanse. Bereft and perplexed, they decided to return to the luminous sphere representing the dragon’s sleeping spirit.
- Maybe we should just go home," Foster murmured, cautious and hesitant in the face of this soft, pulsating ball of energy. I’m not sure we can handle such a direct intervention. We risk doing him more harm than good...
But Orëlas was fascinated. His gaze was totally absorbed by the luminous sphere, drawn by its gentle pulsation as if under the sway of an irresistible attraction.
- Foster... It’s... It’s so beautiful," he murmured in an almost hypnotized voice.
Foster suddenly felt his anxiety increase considerably:
- Orëlas, no! Don’t touch her, we don’t know what...
But it was already too late. Orëlas’ fingertips gently grazed the sphere’s delicate surface, and suddenly everything changed.
A blinding flash of lightning exploded around them, immediately plunging them into a furious vortex of light and pure, violent energy. Foster instinctively screamed, desperately trying to grab hold of Orëlas, but he was dragged along with him in this merciless tornado, caught up in a power that was totally beyond his control.
They were thrown violently forward, their bodies seeming to pass through successive veils of light and darkness, until finally, they crashed face-first into the ground.
Foster remained dizzy for a few seconds, trying to regain his senses after this violent fall. Slowly, painfully, he raised his head, feeling his muscles protest under the effort.
His blood froze instantly.
Facing them, a gigantic creature stood motionless. A colossal dragon, black as ink, with scales so dark they seemed to absorb all the light around them, like a black hole at the very heart of this mental space. Its immense wings folded over its flanks seemed made of pure shadows, and its red eyes blazed with a chilling, piercing intensity, filled with cold hostility.
- By all the gods..." Foster murmured, feeling an instinctive fear twist his insides. What’s that?
Orëlas, trembling slightly, remained motionless at his side, unable to take his eyes off the immense black dragon watching them with silent, menacing attention, as if sizing up its prey.
- Foster..." whispered Orëlas, his voice trembling with terror. I don’t think we should be here...
The black dragon slowly bent his head towards them, his incandescent gaze burning with anger and icy hatred. A deep, guttural voice echoed in their minds with almost painful power:
- You shouldn’t be here, intruder...
Foster, gathering his courage despite the frantic beating of his heart, slowly stood up, instinctively placing himself in front of Orëlas to protect him.
- We didn’t mean to disturb anything," he murmured cautiously but firmly. We’re simply trying to understand why our friend can no longer wake up. We only want to help him...
The black dragon chuckled, a low, frightening laugh that vibrated in their very bones, his blazing gaze never leaving the two intruders.
- Your friend?" he hissed contemptuously. This spirit doesn’t belong to you. You’ve crossed a forbidden barrier... and you’ll pay the price.
His huge claws closed violently, digging deep into the dark ground and shaking the entire mental space. Foster felt an icy wave of terror wash over him, but he resisted firmly, refusing to give in to fear.
- We’re not your enemies," he said with determination, trying to reach this monster through reason. We simply want to understand. Why are you holding our dragon prisoner?
The black dragon rose slowly to his feet, his huge wings spreading with majesty and menace, obscuring everything around them like a tide of shadows.
Foster and Orëlas were about to unleash their magic when, against all odds, the colossal black dragon suddenly stood still. Its glowing eyes, hitherto filled with icy hostility, seemed to soften slightly, staring intently at Foster with renewed attention, more curious than threatening.
- Wait... the dragon breathed in a deep, gravelly voice that still echoed in the space around them. You’re... linked to him. I feel your connection.
Foster hesitated, surprised by the black dragon’s sudden change of attitude, but remained on his guard. Orëlas, half-hidden behind him, remained silent, his big green eyes filled with a mixture of mistrust and wonder.
- Yes," Foster finally replied cautiously. He’s my companion. We came because he stopped waking up. We just wanted to understand why.
The black dragon stared longingly at Foster, seeming to probe his mind with deep intensity, then slowly closed his huge eyelids, releasing a deep sigh that made the air around them quiver.
- Forgive my rudeness," he murmured at last with unexpected sincerity. It’s been a long time since anyone entered this place. I thought it was a hostile intrusion, but now I understand your intention better.
Foster relaxed his tense muscles slightly, but didn’t let go of his suspicion just yet:
- Who are you exactly? Why are you here, inside my dragon?
The black dragon slowly reopened his eyes, his pupils now calmer, though still imbued with immeasurable power.
- I am Xaar’thul," he answered solemnly, "the first dragon to set foot on the world of Lyréanor. I have lived through the ages until my physical death, but I have bound my spirit to the ancestral magic of my species to ensure our eternal heritage.
He paused, observing the reactions of the two visitors, before continuing: 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
- Each time a new dragon is born, I briefly awaken in its mind, and pass on to it all our knowledge: the art of flight, instinctive mastery of magic, combat techniques, and the memories of past generations. This is how our species endures, strong and unified through the ages.
Foster felt his shoulders relax completely. He exchanged a look of wonder with Orëlas, finally realizing the truth behind his dragon’s mysterious sleep.
- So... my dragon’s in no danger?" he asked softly, with palpable relief in his voice.
Xaar’thul slowly nodded his enormous black head, his scales slightly reflecting the light of mental space:
- No, young elf. This sleep is natural. During this process, the dragon’s mind is temporarily inaccessible to his partner, as he is immersed in a state of deep meditation. But when he awakens, he will be endowed with new wisdom and power. He will be ready to face the challenges of the outside world with a strength inherited from his ancestors.
Foster, moved and reassured, gently placed a hand on his chest, breathing deeply:
- Thank you, Xaar’thul... You can’t imagine how much your explanation soothes my heart.
The black dragon gently bowed his head, his dark red eyes watching Foster with respect and unexpected affection:
- You are worthy of him," he murmured gravely. I feel the depth of the bond between you and this young dragon. He will need your support to fulfill his destiny.
Orëlas, who had silently followed the exchange with fascination, dared to step forward timidly, bravely speaking:
- But... why is it taking so long? Is it normal for this sleep to last several days?
Xaar’thul slowly turned his imposing gaze towards the young elf, seeming to appreciate his curiosity and courage:
- The process varies from dragon to dragon. The greater his potential, the more knowledge he receives, and the longer the sleep. Your dragon is exceptionally powerful. He will receive an immense amount of information, which explains the unusual length of his sleep.
Foster exchanged a look of wonder with Orëlas, finally fully understanding the profound significance of this strange and disquieting sleep. The black dragon let out another deep sigh, tinged with ancient melancholy:
- My time here is limited. Soon, I’ll sink back into oblivion until the next birth. But your unexpected presence has reminded me why this sacrifice was necessary. Thank you for waking me up, however briefly.
Foster took a step forward, moved by the honor bestowed on them by this ancient being, eternal guardian of the dragon heritage:
- We thank you too, Xaar’thul. Your heritage is in good hands, I promise you.
The black dragon bowed his majestic head, and a warm glow briefly crossed his intense eyes:
- Farewell, Foster. Farewell, young Orëlas. Take care of him, and take care of yourself. You’ll have to face great trials together.
Before they could react, Xaar’thul slowly opened its immense wings, completely enveloping Foster and Orëlas in a powerful flapping motion, drawing them into a soft, comforting vortex of light.
In the blink of an eye, they were torn from the dragon’s mind, their consciousness sinking back into their physical bodies. Foster slowly opened his eyes, returning to the familiar clearing of Vollua, while Orëlas gently awoke beside him, breathing deeply.
In front of them, the young dragon was still sleeping peacefully, but Foster now knew with certainty that he was no longer in danger.
- He’ll wake up soon," Foster murmured, deep joy in his voice. Stronger and wiser than before.
Orëlas smiled broadly, placing his hand gently on the sleeping dragon’s scales:
- Let’s wait for him to wake up, then.
