Timeless Traveler
Chapter 3 — The Tower of Worlds — a flash fiction series
Kaer was at the heart of the high tower of the magic researcher Oyosinna, a lady shrouded in mystery and wisdom. The tower, a universe of arcane knowledge, soared into the heavens, its ancient stone walls shielding the myriad secrets it housed.
Inside, the shelves were filled with old manuscripts and books with age-faded covers, written in languages both now spoken and extinct.
The first shelf was devoted to magic, with old leather-bound volumes, their pages containing incantations and spells. The second shelf was reserved for world history, with chronicles of forgotten battles and the rise and fall of great empires. Among them were treatises on alchemy, ancient scrolls discussing the genesis of the planet, and other mysterious subjects.
Oyosinna's voice was calm and measured, speaking with an almost sacral reverence.
“I read these books written by the gods. They are written in the language of the gods.”
Kaer looked at her, his eyes wide in amazement.
“Kaer, you consider yourself an archer. You are undoubtedly an outstanding fighter with two knives and arrows after years of rigorous training. But within you lies a unique calling, an art of magic that will transform you into one who will face the challenges ahead. These are heirlooms from your parents. You must be more than just an archer to fulfill your path.”
Kaer listened intently, puzzled but full of faith in the woman who had saved him from death.
“Here are two manuscripts, ‘Mind Control’ and ‘Worlds Map,’ ” said Oyosinna. “After you study them, you can summon three or more Ancestral Wolves to fight alongside you. The second book will grant you a powerful talent called Teleporter, allowing you to instantly travel from one location to another, mastering space and time. I will personally initiate you into mastering these powers, which will develop over time.”
Kaer’s voice filled with emotion and curiosity, asked,
“Who are you, Oyosinna, and how did I end up in this story?”
“From now on, you can consider me your friend, teacher, or master. With a lot of imagination, I could even be your guardian angel. Consider me your rescue in a critical situation,” she replied with a mysterious smile.
“What should I do?” Kaer asked.
“You do not have to hurry. Events will unfold on their own. You will be amazed at how you discover the strangest things or how they find you. For now, focus on what I gave you to study. You will face opponents whose talents are beyond your imagination, like the monsters that have ravaged your settlement.”
“What do you know about these monsters?”
“Too little for now. I can tell you that these monsters are of the Natorhog race, and their leader is called Garrmud, the ally of the vampires.”
“The monsters are a formidable blend of human form and lethal horror. Their skin was gleaming, iridescent scales that shimmered with each movement, reflecting the dying light like a warrior’s armor. Though shaped in the likeness of man, their limbs bore the marks of their predatory lineage. Long, sharp claws extended from their fingertips, capable of rending steel and stone alike. These claws constantly scratched the ground, leaving trails of sparks and debris, a testament to their strength and ferocity. A low growl resonating from their throats was a prelude to the carnage they could unleash. They communicated with intricate gestures and low-pitched sounds,” said Kaer.
“Dear Kaer, the monsters you’ve seen are just the beginning. More powerful ones will follow. At least that’s what I know,” Oyosinna said gravely.
“I would like to ask a personal question,” said Kaer.
“Yes, please.”
“Do you know anything about my beloved Aspera?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know anything about her,” answered Oyosinna with regret.
The night before he left, Oyosinna entered Kaer’s room. She approached with shaky steps, her blonde hair flowing down her back. Her grace and allure were genuinely unique. She sat on the edge of the bed and stroked Kaer’s forehead.
“I don’t know if we will meet again, my dear Kaer. This is how it works for now.”
“Why aren’t we going to meet again?”
“You are now in The Tower of Worlds. You got here because you died in a certain way. You can’t get here by your will; I can only leave this place in extraordinary circumstances. You will have some revelations that may disturb you at first. View them not as nightmares but as symbolic messages that demand interpretation and understanding.
“Now, you are going to start learning about Mind Control. This rare force lies latent within you. Once brought to life, it will continuously develop and become your most potent ability. And as I suspect, it may be the most pleasant lesson you have learned from me.”
Link to list of all chapters.
The author utilized an AI tool for editing and proofreading, resulting in some AI-generated content. I appreciate your help — Copilot Microsoft, Grammarly, and ChatGPT. Thank you!
