Journey of the Tethered Path: Volume 2 - The Mask

The wind rushed past Oswald as the dragon’s wings flapped rhythmically, the clouds drifting below them. Oswald, Aelindor—a business elf—and Percival—a noble, were flying to Sylvian Enclave, the floating island of the Elves.

Oswald stared at the clouds drifting below, a worried expression on his face. His eyes moved rapidly, clenching and unclenching his trembling fist. Finally, he interlocked them, then sighed, shaking his head.

My heroism… it’s getting to me. I thought I wouldn’t let it and yet…

“Ugh!” His teeth gritted.

What am I doing, man? I’m not a hero. I’m NOT! I’m just Oswald—a high school student. Yesterday, in the guest room, I left when everyone slept around me. I ran away not because I needed fresh air—I was afraid of their praises.

The hands balled into a fist, his head lowering. Right now, the mask is getting all the praises and not m—

“What weighty burden doth press upon thy mind, good friend? Thy visage is overcast.”

“Indeed, your eyes glisten, revealing the turmoil within you.”

Oswald turned to the two, avoiding their gazes. “I-I… It’s…”

Say it! Tell them! Tell them who you are!

“The… I… I’m from…”

What are you afraid of? This will burden you the whole time on the island. Tell them! Tell them who you ar—

POP!

Percival popped open his water bottle made of maroon gemstone, the bottle cap made with the same material with golden engraving of this world’s letter ‘M’.

“It appears that something of great weight rests upon your mind. Take your rest; when you are ready to speak, the appropriate hour will reveal itself.”

Damn it! I thought… I thought, I could just tell them. Now I know—whatever happens in anime and movies is true. It really is hard to reveal who you are.

“Yeah, I… I’m gonna do just that.”

He lay down, shielding his eyes with his forearm, sleep taking him instantly.

“Is it the weight of his counsel? The stratagem he hath contrived for the wyverns? Or perchance lying nearer unto his heart?”

“Indeed, it is either a matter most personal—or something far deeper still. Only time shall see it revealed.”

The dragon continued its journey toward the elven island, the two of them silent for the rest of the way.

* * *

Nearing the island, the dragon began its descent.

The trio’s eyes widened, mouths agape as it came into view.

HOLY JESUS CHRIST! WHAT THE BEAUTY BRO! ABSOLUTE BEAUTY!

The sheer splendor of it all momentarily shoved his anxieties into a dark corner of his mind. Birds of different colors flew above the tapestry of skyscraper-height trees, vines coiled around the wide branches and hung low—some almost touched the ground. Waterfalls cascaded down mossy cliffs into rivers that glittered in the sun. And far in the distance, half-hidden among it all, were the castle’s green spires peeking above the trees.

Its wings thundered like a storm, shaking the vines and kicking up dust and leaves as it neared the ground.

BOOM!

It landed on the clearing at the edge of the island, the leaves fell around them, and the birds flew away. They all carefully slid off the dragon, then stretched—pops and cracks sounding from their stiff limbs.

“Nothing like a gooood—”

CRACK!

“Ah! Stretch, after sitting—and lying—on the hard surface of the armor for a day and a half. So, who’ll be leading us through the giant…”

He craned his neck back, but it still wasn’t enough to gauge the enormity before him.

“Boy! You weren’t kidding when you said they were tall. These are massive!”

That’s what she said, AHAHAHAHA!

“Before I got interrupted by the giant tree—who wants to take the lead?”

They both just looked at him—answer enough.

“Really? Not you, Aelindor? It’s your home, isn’t it?” He pointed at the trees behind him. “For all we know, your grandma’s house could be just a few steps yonder.”

“Hehehe.” Aelindor chuckled, shaking his head. “Were it truth, I should have gone foremost. The only paths known unto me are those that lead to the kingdom, and from thence, unto my parents’ village.”

Huh.

Percival glanced back at the massive dragon. “It’s fortunate the map was accurate—this ledge is ample enough for two dragons of its size.”

“Haha. Yeah, I was surprised too. No place to land a humongous dragon, not even, as you said, in the Wyrmling’s Bay, right?” Aelindor nodded. “…Right. And you, Mr. Dragon—rest well, or… just go wherever. You’re not a leash, y’know.”

The dragon rested its head on its talons. A booming voice resonated within his head.

“I shall rest here. Leave your worries and go on.”

Oswald gave a nod, gaze shifting to his friends. “It told me it would rest here and to leave my worries. Alrighty, time for us to leave the forest riiiiight…” He scanned the trees with his finger, recalling where he saw the castle’s spire. “Here! Let’s go.”

The trio entered the towering forest—swallowed by the trees, and enveloped in its shadow.

* * *