Chương 11: Chapter 11: Rumor & Adventure
Wrapped around the base of Terget, overlooking his territory, Tahmut had his brows furrowed, his countenance one of deep thought.
'Where do I even start?!'
Since early morning, Tahmut has been frustratingly mulling over that single question, not having the slightest inclination as to where to begin on the process of city building.
While training with Tanin, Tahmut seldomly brushed upon topics outside of combat. He felt no need to explore politics or anything of the sort; after all, strength rules.
Tanin tried to persuade the young Dragon but to no avail; Tahmut focused solely on pursuing strength. 'Politics'? If Tahmut couldn't go toe-to-toe with Ophis using it, he didn't need it. But looking back, Tahmut was smacking himself on the head for not trying to learn it. The knowledge he would have received would have indeed been helpful at the moment.
'Couldn't I use humans? But that would mean exposing them to the supernatural. Maybe they know of us, but I'm not willing to risk it. Then who else? Dwarves? Faries? Haah~ I really should have paid attention to Tanin when he mentioned these things.'
"What are you doing, Master?" Sapphira asked, announcing her presence, rounding Tahmut's Dragon body from behind, and finding a comfortable spot by his wings to sit, a blissful sigh leaving her lips.
"Thinking..." Tahmut replied dismissively, still trying to figure out what individual or group could help build his city.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Sapphira asked, snuggling deeper into a crevice she found between Tahmut's wing and foreleg.
"Maybe... Sapphira, by any chance, do you know of any builders, preferably ones of the supernatural variety and not a part of any pantheon?"
Tahmut didn't want that headache at the moment. Yes, he's confident in his strength, especially after Ophis's gift. But at the same time, Tahmut knows he can't kill a God yet.
He might not be well-versed in politics, but he knows the stigma surrounding his kind. Going to any pantheon or anywhere involving the supernatural as a Dragon, especially one with his parentage, wouldn't be the best of ideas. He would like to avoid unnecessary conflict, at least for now.
Thinking about it for a moment, Sapphira solemnly shook her head before responding:
"I'm sorry, Master. My mother's clan is a human one with no explicit knowledge of the supernatural. Only when they happened upon my father nineteen years ago did they realize that the stories told to them in passing were true. As for me, I've only heard rumors during my travels that might be of service to you, but they're just that. I wouldn't want to waste your time leading you in a fruitless endeavor." She replied, stroking a scale on Tahmut's wing.
"I see." He sighed dejectedly.
'Now what?' Tahmut couldn't help but lament his situation.
He doesn't need to create a city; his territory is more than enough. However, after visiting Targoviste, marveling at its architecture, admiring its citizens, and tasting its divine food, Tahmut couldn't settle for his meager plains of land anymore; he needed more.
"This rumor, what is it?" Tahmut asked, wrapping his tail around Sapphira and bringing her directly in front of his snout.
"Are you sure, Master? As I said, it was only a rumor and nothing more. If you want, I can travel to different areas to find what you're looking for."
Sapphire suggested, feeling somewhat desperate to prove her worth to her Master.
It's been just over a week since the incident at the church, and during that week, Sapphira has experienced a far better life than the one she's lived for eighteen years.
'Why is he letting me stay?' 'Is he like the rest?' 'Does he have any ulterior motives?' 'Will I be able to find a home?' All these thoughts were running through her mind during her first couple of days with Tahmut. Only during the following days did she realize her worries were unfounded.
She didn't have to run anymore. She had food in her stomach and a place to sleep. The people around her didn't shun her away or ignore her. This feeling was new to her.
Sapphira wanted nothing more than to repay the kindness her savior had shown to her over those days. So if he wanted someone to build him a city, she would do her utmost to make it happen.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm Sapphira, but that's quite unnecessary. Just speak the rumor, and I'll let you know if I need assistance in the future." Tahmut replied, dampening Sapphira's spirit while simultaneously giving her hope.
"If you say so, Master. But if you have any use for me, please don't shy away from letting me know; I'll do anything to repay your kindness." Sapphira stated firmly; her brows furrowed with determination.
"As for the rumor, it goes like this..."
--
"Hmm... Interesting." Tahmut commented thoughtfully.
The rumor was quite simple: A human man wandering the outskirts of a forest named Minome was caught in a storm and sought cover. Seeing a cave entrance, the man ran inside, only to discover the deeper he went, the more sculpted it became, leading him to two iron doors with ornate carvings, each standing ten feet in height.
Being the curious human he was, the man pushed open the doors and discovered a sight that he could only describe as breathtaking.
A subterranean kingdom made of stone and riddled with precious jewels inlaid in its construction assaulted his vision. A smokey sun in the center of the cave ceiling turned cloudy sky hazily lit the sprawling kingdom. Beings no taller than 4 feet walked around merrily carrying hammers, axes, and other tools, all dressed in garments similar to either human blacksmiths or mine workers.
So enthralled by the sight he saw, the man immediately left the cave, storm still raging, and told his village all about the riches and civilization he found on the edge of the forest.
An exploration group was formed and set out for the place the locals have named Agartha; however, their efforts went unrewarded. No matter how hard or long they searched, the cave entrance that led the man to Agartha had seemingly vanished.
Many more have tried to find it, with most failing but some claiming to have also stepped foot into the subterranean kingdom. However, none have procured proof of their visit. Instead, they merely recounted and twisted the words of the first man to visit it, trying to make his story their own.
As it stands, Agartha remains a rumor, the ramblings of crazy men who've lost their minds.
"They sound like Dwarves." Merget noted, having just arrived on the peak, catching the latter end of Sapphira's explanation.
"Are they?" Tahmut asked Sapphira, letting Merget slither onto his back.
Even if it is a rumor, Tahmut already made his mind up about not interfering with pantheons. And if these are Dwarves, they belong to a pantheon, something he wants to avoid for now.
"Uhh... No. The people I heard it from called them Gnomes." Sapphira answered.
"Gnomes, huh? That's an odd name for a species. Where is this Minome forest? Maybe they can build me a city inside of a mountain." Tahmut said, going off on a tangent about different things the Gnomes could build him.
"That's the thing, master. I know your stance against pantheons, but Minome borders one." Sapphire said, stopping Tahmut from his ramblings.
"What?"
'Borders one? Well, if it does, it shouldn't be an issue, right? As long as they aren't a part of the pantheon they border, I could still have an adventure. But then again, it depends on what pantheon it is. Speaking of...'
"What is the pantheon it borders? What country is Minome in?" Tahmut asked Sapphira, his series of questions sounding like rapid-fire to the hybrid.
"It's in the north between countries called Norway and Finland. Unfortunately, that's all I know pertaining to it's location. As for the pantheon it borders, it's the Norse, ruled by the All-father Odin." Sapphira dutifully answered.
"Great." Tahmut said, dropping his head with what looked like a defeated smile.
"Master, if you want, I can go and look for other-"
"You're going aren't you?" Merget asked, smirking, causing the smile on Tahmut's face to widen and Sapphira to look at her confused.
"Oh, you know me well, Merget~ What's a little adventure without danger?"
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