Chapter 20: Within the Well

Chapter 20: Within the Well

When the village chief appeared from his mansion, the entire crowd fell into a subdued silence. While not imposing in figure, an invisible strength emanated from the old man crushing the spirits of everyone around. Almost immediately everyones glances fell to the ground. Even the Luor guards trailed a few steps back, trying to distance themselves from their leader.

The procession made its way to the side of the mansion, then continued towards the so-called village square. The place was a short distance away from Dallions house, providing water for most of the peoples washing and livestock needs. There were several smaller wells scattered throughout the village, though most of them were only full after a night of heavy rain. As most poorer families, Dallion got their water from the main well and the river outside the village, storing it in large water barrels near their home.

How do you improve a well? The boy wondered.

Back on earth hed never even seen a well outside of pictures. All he knew about water supply and plumbing was what number to call if something went wrong.

Looking forward to it? the village chief asked with sadistic glee. Everyones come out to follow your exploits, so better not disappoint them.

Thats a given. Dallion laughed. In his heart, though, he knew he was in deep crap.

Upon reaching the square, everyone but the chief stopped so suddenly that Dallion bumped into the person in front of him. Fortunately, the person in front of him was Gloria. Unfortunately, she didnt appreciate it one bit, giving him a discreet elbow in the stomach.

Everything alright? The chief casually glanced over his shoulder.

Fine. Dallion managed to say, fighting to keep a smile on his face. It wasnt that Glorias elbow had caused a lot of pain. In fact, the shove felt more like a poke, but had caught him off guard hitting the precise spot to knock out his breath.

Good thing I improved my body, he thought. Even so, it was somewhat embarrassing that his improved mind, reaction, and perception had failed to keep him from bumping into Gloria in the first place.

The same old trap. In the future, maybe it would be a good idea if Dallion figured that out before stepping in.

What do I need to do? he looked in the distance. It didnt take long for him to notice that the large mountains formed a wall in the distancean unbreachable ring that surrounded everything with a smaller mountain as its center.

To mend the well, kill all the creatures that have infested it. To improve it, defeat the guardian on top of the mountain.

It sounded simple enough, which meant it probably wasnt. There had to be more. Of course, asking directly would either result in an outright lie or a hint so vague that it might as well be false.

What about you, respected chief? Dallion added as much sarcasm in his words as he could muster. The reaction on the old mans face, however, suggested it had come out as flattery.

Me? Aspion scratched his nose. Ill be waiting for you outside. He stood up. Oh, and dont worry. Take your time. After all, time only flows on the outside.

With a snap of his finger, the village chief disappeared. The moment he did, a green rectangle appeared in his place.

ASPIRON LUOR has granted you the power to change the lands destiny.

Defeat the guardian to leave the land of WELL.

The boy stared blankly. The chiefs action was utterly despicable and so predictable that Dallion was amazed he expected anything less. Of course the old man would leave him alone in this prison to fend for himself. The really scary part was that no one was going to notice unless Dallion completed the trial or was defeated and lost his awakening. He could stay here for months, even years, and not a second would pass for the village. As far as the crowd was concerned, he had just grabbed hold of the chiefs hand.

The land of Well, Dallion crossed his arms. I hope youre ready. Not only was he going to defeat all creatures and vanquish the guardian, but if it was in his power he was also going to add a the in front of Well.