Bab 9: The hidden village
The tunnel they had been following for hours began to change. The stone walls, once austere and rough, were now covered with phosphorescent lichen, casting a soft green light that illuminated their path. The air, which had been dense and humid, gradually lightened, filled with new scents: the smell of wood, fresh earth, and wildflowers. Aelion, sensitive to changes in nature, slowed his pace, a nearly imperceptible smile on his lips.
"There's something here," he murmured as he stopped, his senses on high alert. "This is no longer just a tunnel. We're approaching life."
Kaelith, ever pragmatic, tightened his grip on his blades. "A trap, perhaps?"
Liraë, who had also sensed this new presence, shook her head. "No. It's different. There are people here, but I don't feel any hostility."
Elindor nodded, his eyes squinting as if trying to perceive something more subtle. "I think we're about to discover a hidden place. A place that even ancient maps could not have revealed."
They continued cautiously until the tunnel suddenly widened. The rock opened up to reveal an immense underground cavern, so vast that it seemed to contain its own ecosystem. Gigantic trees rose to the cavern's ceiling, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy. Lights twinkled among the leaves, casting golden and silver glimmers on the moss-covered ground. Above them, water cascaded down from cracks in the rock, spilling into a crystal-clear lake that reflected the surrounding lights.
But what captivated their attention most were the dwellings. Scattered throughout the cavern, built in trees or carved into the rock, small houses were visible, each blending harmoniously with nature. Rope bridges and suspended walkways connected the houses, forming a complex network above the ground. Small lights shone in the windows, a sign that this hidden place was indeed inhabited.
"A village…" Aelion murmured, amazed. "A hidden village underground."
Kaelith, though still wary, couldn't hide his surprise. "Who could live here, so far from the surface?"
Liraë observed the dwellings with curiosity. "Those who are fleeing something, or those who seek to protect a secret."
Elindor, his gaze fixed on the delicate structures, added, "Or perhaps those who protect nature itself. This place is a sanctuary, a refuge."
As they approached the village, figures began to appear among the trees. The inhabitants, dressed in clothes woven from natural fibers and leather, approached cautiously. Their appearance was human, but their features were marked by years of living underground: their skin was paler, their eyes shone with a golden or green glow, and their movements were fluid, almost silent.
The group stopped, waiting for the villagers to make the first move. A woman, who seemed to be the leader, stepped forward. She had black hair braided with strands of silver lichen, and her amber eyes reflected an ancient wisdom. She held a staff adorned with runes that glowed faintly.
"You are not from here," she said in a soft but firm voice. "Why have you entered our sanctuary?"
Aelion bowed slightly as a sign of respect. "We do not seek to disturb your peace. We are travelers, on a quest for the Eternal Light, an ancient artifact that could save our world."
The woman narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing each of them with particular attention. "The Eternal Light… That is not a term one hears often, especially not in a place like this. Why do you seek it?"
Liraë, sensing that this woman understood more than she let on, stepped forward as well. "We are the descendants of those who have protected this secret for generations. But now, this power is in danger. If we do not find it before those who wish to exploit it, our world could be plunged into darkness."
The village leader remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I sense that you speak the truth. We have lived here for centuries, protected by nature and forgotten by the rest of the world. But we have always known that our peace could one day be threatened."
She gestured with her hand, and the other villagers stepped aside to let them pass. "Come, we have things to show you. Perhaps we can help you in your quest."
The group followed the leader through the village, observing the inhabitants who watched them with a mix of curiosity and caution. They crossed suspended bridges, walked along paths lined with glowing flowers, and passed houses carved directly into the rock. Every detail of this place exuded harmony with nature.
They finally arrived at a large stone structure built at the base of one of the giant trees. The leader stopped in front of the entrance, guarded by two statues representing creatures that were part human, part animal, similar to those they had seen at the fountain.
"This is our temple," she said, turning to them. "It is here that we keep the memory of our people, as well as some ancient secrets that may be useful to you. But before you enter, I must ask you one question: are you ready to accept the help we might offer, even if it means that our fates become entwined with your quest?"
Aelion exchanged a glance with his companions. They all knew that their quest was becoming increasingly perilous, and that any help would be valuable. He nodded. "We accept your help, and we promise to protect this place as much as we can."
The leader observed them for a moment longer, then smiled, a smile filled with both gravity and hope. "Then come in. What you find here could very well change the course of your quest."
They entered the temple, where a soft light emanated from the walls themselves. Inside, frescoes told the story of the village, its connection to nature, and its link to ancient magic. At the center of the room, a large polished stone lay on an altar, marked with symbols that Aelion recognized as being connected to the Eternal Light.
"This stone," the leader explained, "is a fragment of the ancient magic that has protected this place. It is connected to the Eternal Light and could guide you on your quest. But it requires great wisdom to be used. We will teach you what we know, if you are ready to learn."
Liraë approached the stone, her eyes wide with discovery. "This is incredible… With this, we could find the Eternal Light more quickly, and perhaps even better understand its origin."
Elindor placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's crucial that we fully understand what this entails. All help comes with a price, and we must be sure we are ready to accept it."
Kaelith, observing the temple with restrained admiration, nodded. "We've already accepted so many risks. But if this brings us closer to our goal, then it's worth it."
The leader smiled again. "Then we will begin. Prepare yourselves, for what you are about to learn here could very well change the way you see the world."
The group prepared to spend some time in this hidden village, ready to learn from its inhabitants and forge connections that could prove crucial in the later stages of their quest. They knew that the path ahead remained fraught with challenges, but they were no longer alone. Now, they had new allies and a better understanding of what they needed to protect.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone