27 Anawasi (1/2)

Morgana's form changed frequently, flickering deep beneath the earth.

It was a very uncomfortable sensation. As if millions of sand grains were rubbing through her veins.But without pain, only a deep discomfort.”

”I don't understand. Does he suffer like this every time?”

Since arriving in Agatha, Morgana's focus was to restore her old powers little by little.

However, this technique, Earth Steps Mystical Travel, was something she couldn't possibly accomplish back in Griseo Petram.

Even now, it was still not perfect. But she managed to get this far combining what she learned from the Wisdom Tree, as well as what she could grasp from her meeting with Saci.

The Whirlwind Rider, as he called himself, used a very peculiar combination of space and elemental magic to move at great speeds.

However, Morgana neither possessed his great mastery with wind nor with space magic.

As such she had to adapt.

This spell was a very inferior version of Saci's whirlwind, but it made use of her exceptional affinity with earth instead, as well as a minimum degree of space manipulation.

That being said it was still extremely useful.

Morgana was using this improved homunculus to explore other regions without having to leave her studies with the Wisdom tree.

After three days of interrupt travel, she arrived at a swampland. It was clear that the Great Forest had given place to a different biome.

This marsh grew by the margin of a mighty river.

The water stream was so large that Morgana couldn't even see the other side, as the waters ended on the horizon first.

This was the Anawasi River, a true cradle of civilization.

...

Year 204 a.t.a.

It was the beginning of the spring and the rich fauna by the margins of the Anawasi river was a quite sight for those who beheld it. Especially for someone like Nvok.

Having grown at the steppes, he was very bewildered.

Where was the grass? Where was the vast space between the trees?

However, the environment didn't seem to share his concerns, as the densely packed vegetation of this wetlands appeared to be in perfect harmony with the crocodiles, birds, the never-ending swarm of flies and other such satisfied dwellers.

Perhaps having realized his commander's absent-mindedness, Davros spoke:

”It shouldn't take long now. We are almost there.”

”That's right” - thought Nvok - ” We have work to do. Now it's not the time to lose myself in daydreaming”

But he only answered Davros with a nod.

They had been friends for a long time, playing together in the grassland since early childhood.

Both had bled alongside each other in many battles. Sharing great camaraderie. Nvok even took the initiative to arrange a marriage between his friend and one of his sisters.

Davros perceived Nvok's silence as a sign to keep speaking.

”But those gnomes sure are a cowardly bunch. We were able to advance this much without ever getting attacked.

No. This is more than cowardice.

Are they stupid or something?”

”What were you expecting, Davros? So far they only survived by hiding behind walls. They wouldn't dare to face us orcs on the open field.” - answered Nvok and both of than laughed while the other riders of the group showed their amused smiles.