The Key Between Stranger Realms - Day Seven

On this ordinary morning, I’m heading to the neighboring cafe for a hot cup of energy. I sing along to my new favorite song that reminds me of chilly sunrises and autumn leaves. On the sidewalk, a spry, elderly man kneels beside his rucksack, rustling through it as if digging for some lost trinket. He doesn’t eye me, too absorbed in his search.

There, I discover his secret life: a hermetic sorcerer forced out of his tower by a cataclysmic tear in time and space. He journeys to consult with his compeer in the neighboring tower, bringing what seems to be his most precious belongings hefted in a root sack over his shoulder.

“You are going to see her?” he asks, carrying his baggage with ease, not nearly breaking a sweat.

“The Oracle,” I confirm, for I still do not know her name.

“It is better that you do not,” the sorcerer warns.

“Pardon, that I do not … what? See her?” I question.

“Pardon,” he parrots. “It is better that you do not know her name.”

I halt, heart racing, lungs feeling as if I am drowning, cannot breathe.

“How did you do that?” I ask as he keeps forward. “How did you know what I was thinking?” I continue in a tone of sudden horror.

“Apologies, it is a skill I cannot simply turn off.” He stops as if idling for me to catch up. “But you know what that is like, do you not, Key?”

I abandon hesitation for ardor and chase after him. He has answers, and I need them.

“How do you know I am the key? Why should I not know the Oracle’s name? What else do you know about the realms?!” I blurt out, eagerly keeping pace with him now.

“All in time, child,” he sighs as if my company has become stressful. “Firstly, we must mend what you have unraveled.”

***

Hello, wanderer!

I hope you have enjoyed this journey so far. Check in tomorrow for the next chapter. Next week, Key will finally start getting some answers!

Meanwhile, if you want to read another ongoing fantasy, you may enjoy Ersoa's Awakening:

xoxo,

for now,

-your friend, lost in thought