A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 46: Southlands



Archer flew through the sky as he left the jungle behind and crossed over a small mountain range before he finally saw the rolling hills.

As he passed over them, he saw a vast expanse of green terrain dotted with small patches of wildflowers.

The hills are gentle, with soft curves perfect for rolling down, and some deep ravines and gullies cut through the landscape.

The scene beneath him resembles a painting as the colors blend and meld together, creating a stunning display that commands his attention.

Small streams flow occasionally, and the occasional pond reflects the surrounding hills in their waters.

As he flies further and closer to the hills, he can make out the mysterious shapes of shrubs, bushes, and trees clinging to the hillsides.

The rolling hills seem to go on forever. In the distance, he could see a crystal blue lake surrounded on three sides by a tall, skinny tree with colorful leaves.

Archer loved its peaceful appearance, so he ascended higher for a better view. When he did, he spotted a farmstead in the distance and quickly made his way there.

As he approaches it, he feels excitement and anticipation as he can find out where he is. ''I could have asked the soldiers, but I didn't think about it. Oh well''

With a swift thought, he commands his dragon wings to flap faster and harder. He glides through the air.

Archer's body rises and falls with each beat of his wings, propelling him forward with incredible speed.

His dragon wings create a low humming sound as they easily slice through the air, carrying the boy across the open fields.

By twisting and turning his body, Archer expertly maneuvers through the air, navigating around obstacles and picking up momentum as he approaches the farmstead.

As it comes into view, the surrounding landscape becomes a blur as the boy's dragon wings propel him at breakneck speed.

The wind whips past his face as he closes in on the farm. He lands about a mile outside and walks towards it on foot, dismissing his teeth and claws.

It took him a little while to get there, he realized it was two houses the second house hid behind the first.

As he walked up to them, he spotted a group of kids. One of the girls spotted him before nudging a boy who looked like her but was a few years older.

He said something, and then the whole group turned around to stare at him.

Archer raised an eyebrow at the children. He thinks of them as children, but they are only a couple of years younger than him.

As he walked over, they ran back to their houses. After a minute or two, a man exited the first house and approached Archer.

The farmer was a sturdily built man with a sun-browned face that spoke of years spent toiling in the fields. His eyes were brown, and he wore a simple tunic and trousers.

A wide-brimmed straw hat shielded his face from the afternoon sun, and sturdy boots protected his feet from the rough terrain.

He stopped in front of Archer and spoke with suspicion in his voice. ''What are you doing here, boy? Where did you come from?''

Archer looked at the man as he narrowed his eyes but calmed down in the end because he couldn't blame the man as he walked up to the house. ''I come from the Avalon Empire but got lost down here.''

The man scrutinized the boy before his face softened before smiling. ''Boy, my name is Raymond; I can tell you're not lying to me; how did you get down here? Did you fly?''

Raymond looked at his wings and tail as he thought. 'What beautiful wings? What is he?'

Archer also looked back at his wings and tail. He thought about how much he liked them before returning to the man.

''I was on a guild mission, we arrived to see the defenders of a local city fighting against a beast hoard in the Rhodora Kingdom, I got knocked into a river, and next thing I know I woke up on a beach with a bunch of cannibals.''

The man scratched his beard and turned on his heels. ''Come on, boy, let's get you something to eat. The wife will kill me if I let you go without feeding you.''

He dismissed his wings and tail while following Raymond. Archer entered the house and found himself in a large, open foyer decorated with intricate tapestries and ornate carvings on the walls.

On the right side of the foyer, a wide staircase leads up to the house's second floor.

To the left side of the foyer, a set of double doors leads you into the main living area.

The living area is spacious and cozy, with several comfortable couches and armchairs surrounding a large fireplace.

Archer saw the walls adorned with fantastical landscapes and paintings, and fur rugs covered the wooden floor. In the center of the room, a long wooden dining table can seat up to ten people.

To the right of the living area, a set of double doors leads to the kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped, with a magic stove, multiple element ovens, and a stocked spacious pantry.

As he walked further into the house, his eyes widened in amazement. He is greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Archer smelt the air with the sweet scents of baking bread, simmering stew, and the crackling of a roaring fireplace.

The interior is spacious and beautifully decorated, with tapestries and paintings hanging along the walls and large, comfortable furniture scattered throughout the room.

He took a moment to look around, and the boy noticed the myriad of intriguing details that make up the home.

There are cozy reading nooks tucked into corners and a grand central staircase that winds its way up to the second floor.

As his eyes follow the winding staircase, he catches glimpses of the other rooms in the house, each filled with its unique furnishings and decorations.

In awe, Archer realized this house must belong to a large family. ''I see you like the place, took me many years to build, without Luan I couldn't have done it.''

Raymond spoke as he sat down on a comfortable sofa and motioned for Archer to sit down. ''Oh boy, what's your name?''

''Archer.'' He replied as he sat down while taking out a Moon Juice and offered one to the man.

''Oh, what's this?, a drink from the north!'' Raymond got happy as he popped the lid and started to drink.

''Ahhhh, that taste is heavenly.'' He stopped drinking to savor its taste. It's not every day he gets offered a drink from the north.

''Thank you, Archer.''

Nodding his head as he asked. ''Could you tell me about this land?''

He got a serious look on his face as he started to speak. Raymond leaned down, looking him in the eye. "Listen closely, young one,"

He said in a stern tone. "If you want to reach the mountain range that leads north, then you'll need to cross through the howling forest first. It's a dangerous place, filled with 100s of evil tribes and beasts that will try to attack you. But if you're careful and keep your wits about you, you'll make it through."

When Archer heard that it was filled with an unknown amount of cannibals, he smiled as his eyes shined at the thought of the slaughter he was going to commit. ''Hehehe''

Raymond looked at this crazy spectacle going on before him. He coughed to get the boy's attention.

The man then straightened up and pointed beyond the forest. "Once you've made it out of there, you'll find yourself in the grass desert. It's a vast expanse of golden grass stretching as far as the eye can see. You'll need to travel across that until you reach the base of the Shavano mountain.''

Raymond stopped talking and took another drink before continuing. "If you want to get home, you're going to have to cross the mountains. It's going to be a tough and treacherous journey. But if you make it to the other side, you'll find yourself stuck between the King's Run river and Snakehold swamp with only a few roads leading north."

He paused for a moment. "The swamp is a dangerous place. It's filled with all sorts of beasts and foul creatures that will try to stop you from reaching your destination. You'll need to be careful and pick your path carefully. But if you make it through, you'll finally be on your way to the north."

After he finished speaking, a woman with dark green hair, big blue eyes, and a slim figure entered the room.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw Archer. "Dear, who is this child, and where did he come from?"

Raymond turned to his wife before introducing them to each other. ''Alima, this is Archer.''

He turned back to Archer. ''This is my wife, Alima.''

The two of them stared at each other before she nodded her head and spoke. ''You're welcome to stay for dinner.''

He nodded, and she smiled. Seeing his reaction, he turned back to Raymond and asked. ''Can you tell me about the Southland's different kingdoms?''

Raymond smiled. ''If you share more of that drink, I'll be happy to tell you everything I know, boy.''


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