Chapter 426: Naha

Chapter 426: Naha

Danger

The world around the mountain top twisted and the Ethereal changed. One moment it was empty, and in the next the dragon stood there once again. Just returned from taking Ryun and Nayra away to meet with the Grand Spirit of War. Something about the way the dragon moved them through the Ethereal nagged at Naha. It was a strange sensation, and she had noticed it both times when he transported her before. What intrigued Naha the most was that she felt no willpower from the dragon when it happened, nor did she feel him activate any type of a perk.

She studied the Explorer for a long minute, trying to think of how he couldve done it. The dragon noticed, and turned his head to look at her.

You wish to ask something?

Naha grimaced, she didnt intend to intrude. She generally preferred to stay in the shadows, observe unseen. Now the Explorers full attention was on her. For a moment she debated just sinking into the shadows, but then decided against it. Asking couldnt hurt anything.

How did you do that? She asked him.

The dragon tilted his head. How did I do what?

Take us from here to there and back again, I didnt feel you use any type of power, definitely no willpower. How did you teleport us?

The dragons eyes twinkled with amusement as he answered. You are correct, I used no power. I simply asked.

That made Naha frown in confusion. "Asked? You asked the Ethereal to transport us?"

The dragon nodded, his grin broadening. Indeed. The Ethereal is the Realm of thought and change. It is a reflection of the Real Realm, a broken mirror in many ways, but the Ethereal is more than just a plane of existence; it is a living, conscious entity. Not truly alive in the same way as you and I are, but it can think in a way. When you learn to communicate with it and treat it with respect, it can grant you favors such as the one you experienced.

Naha pondered this for a moment, her curiosity piqued. And how does one learn to communicate with the Ethereal?

The dragon settled down, tucking his wings and tail around him, looking like a wise old sage. It takes time and patience. One must first learn to quiet their mind and listen. The Ethereal speaks in whispers, and it is easy to miss its voice amidst the chaos of our own thoughts.

That made Naha quiet down for a few minutes. And then, after a while she spoke up again.

Can anyone just learn how to do this? She asked.

The dragon leaned his head down to look at her closely. Anyone can listen and perhaps speak with the Ethereal. But to do what I can do? To ask the Ethereal to move around them? Sadly, no, he said with a grave voice. Not even the Grand Spirits are allowed this privilege. Often times, even I am surprised at it.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

Why are you able to do it then? Naha asked.

We came to you for help with an enemy we both share, Naha said slowly. Do you care nothing for that at least?

I can go and speak with Knowledge, there has to be a valid explanation for this.

Naha shook her head. And warn them that we are aware? They couldnt have known that Zach could be in contact with me. Whatever they had done, they did believing that they will not be discovered. I will not let you tip our hand. Perhaps I am wrong, and there is a good explanation, but I will not simply walk there and ask. I will make sure that he is safe myself.

I the Explorer started, now sounding unsure. Even if I wanted to help, I cannot interfere with Knowledge, not there. I physically cannot enter the domains of the Grand Spirits without being invited. It is a binding oath I made with them in order to preserve the balance between us, to break it would bring consequences.

Naha glared, barely being able to veil her true thoughts. Can you at least bring back Ryun and Nayra? Ereclaw?

The dragon closed his eyes and tilted his head. The two have already crossed into Wars domain, I cannot reach them there. As to Ereclaw the Ethereal twisted, and a moment later a humanoid wolf stood next to them.

Naha didnt waste a moment, immediately filling the wolf in, then rounded on the dragon.

If you will not help us, then at least take us there.

The dragon gave her a long look. I dont know why Knowledge would do anything like this, he said, his tone more believing now. She didnt know if he was coming around to trusting Naha, or if he was just considering it as a hypothetical. If Knowledge has done something, it must be for a reason.

I dont care about a spirits reason, Naha added.

The dragons nostrils flared. Zachs arm was crafted by Raazel, that is the only thing that Knowledge might be interested in. Or no, he shook his head. I will do one thing, just in case.

Naha tilted her head. What?

He closed his eyes, and for a moment Naha could feel a grand weight all around her, which vanished as quickly as it appeared. It doesnt matter, it might not be necessary at all. What is your plan?

Naha turned to look at Ereclaw and spoke. Do the spirits there know you?

Ereclaw shook his head. I have seen the Grand Spirit of Knowledge, but he did not pay me much attention. I was beneath its notice.

From our point of view, the time Ereclaw was my visitor was ages ago. And it was for barely a moment, the dragon added.

Naha nodded. Then this is what we are going to do.

She told them her plan and hoped that they werent too late.