As Dune stepped off the descending platform and set foot on the soft earth of the village, he was instantly drawn into a world unlike anything he'd seen before.
Varrinor was alive with movement. People walked the stone and wooden paths that wove through the trees, busy with work and conversation. The village wasn't loud, but it buzzed with a quiet, peaceful energy, like everyone had their place and purpose.
Dune's eyes wandered across the vibrant landscape. The land around the village stretched out in wide patches of lush green, with patches of flowers blooming in bursts of yellow, blue, and red.
Animals roamed freely, some small and fluffy with wings instead of legs, others tall and lean with antlers that shimmered in the light. A fox-like creature with feathers instead of fur darted past his feet, disappearing into the thick underbrush.
The people of the village wore long robes that looked like flowing shrouds, mostly in shades of green, black, brown and yellow. The fabric moved like water, light and natural, blending beautifully with the forest around them.
Some had hoods, while others wore many belts or woven threads. Dune noticed something else too, some villagers had animal-like ears on their heads, and a few had tails swaying gently behind them.
He turned toward Cadogan, curiosity written all over his face.
"They're half-beasts," Cadogan explained.
"They have deeper connections to both animals and Neba. Strong bloodlines. Most of them were born here… descendants of old tribes who learned to live with nature, not fight against it."
Dune kept looking around, his wonder growing with every step.
Then, ahead of them, a tall man appeared near the base of one of the massive treehouses. He had a long black beard and equally long black hair tied neatly behind his back. His shroud was deep green, almost blending with the shadows, and it dragged across the ground like a royal cloak.
As soon as he saw Cadogan, a wide smile spread across his face.
"Cadogan," the man said with a booming voice as he walked forward with open arms, "it's been years."
Cadogan smiled and returned the greeting with a firm clasp of the man's arm. "Too long, Arech."
The man, Arech, nodded in welcome, then turned his attention toward the boys, examining them with a calm, knowing gaze. His presence was powerful, but not intimidating. He radiated warmth, like an old tree watching over the forest.
"Who is he?" Dune whispered as they followed Cadogan.
"He's the lord of this village," Cadogan replied. He's ruled it for the past three hundred years."
"What?" Atlas blinked. "Three hundred?"
Cadogan smirked. "He's from a rare race. Some of them live for more than a thousand years."
Ned stared at Arech, stunned. "He doesn't look that old."
"Trust me," Cadogan chuckled, "he's seen more than you could imagine."
"Hello there, little ones!" Arech turned to the boys and greeted them warmly, offering them his own castle to stay for as long as they needed.
Cadogan shook his head gently. "We'll only stay a few days. We're still heading toward Rendely."
Arech nodded with understanding and gestured for them to follow.
He led them to a set of cozy houses built into the trees and beside the massive skull.
When they stepped inside, the boys were hit with a soft, calming scent of herbs and wood. The homes were simple, but incredibly beautiful. Flowers and plants grew along the walls as if they'd chosen to live there.
Soft light shone through leafy windows, casting dappled patterns across the wooden floors. Beds were made from woven vines, padded with layers of moss and soft fur.
Dune, Atlas, and Ned sat with Cadogan just outside their temporary home, eating a warm meal Arech's people had brought them, fruits, soft bread, and roasted meat seasoned with herbs they didn't recognize.
After a moment of silence, Atlas looked up at Cadogan, chewing slowly. "So… what exactly are we doing here?"
Ned leaned forward, nodding. "Yeah, are we hiding or something? Or are we supposed to be doing something important?"
Dune glanced at Cadogan too, the question already forming in his head. "You said we're going to Rendely… so why stop here?"
Cadogan wiped his hands on a cloth and leaned back, stretching his legs. "A bit of everything," he said calmly. "This village is safe. It's away from the King's eyes, and no one here would dare report anything to the capital. That makes it a perfect place to rest. You three have been running, fighting, and pushing yourselves nonstop."
"But there's more to it, right?" Dune asked.
Cadogan smiled. "Always. I need to meet with Arech and handle something important, but while I'm gone, I want you three to explore the village. Talk to people. Gather information. You'd be surprised what you can learn in a place like this. People talk… especially when they think no one's listening."
Ned frowned. "Like spies?"
Cadogan shrugged. "More like… observers. Pay attention. And enjoy the peace while it lasts. This is a rare kind of place, and it won't be long before we're back on dangerous roads."
Atlas stood up, brushing off his robe. "Alright then. Information gathering. Sounds like something I'd be terrible at, but I'll try."
Cadogan gave a half-smirk. "Just don't start a fire."
"I make no promises," Atlas grinned, walking off.
Ned stretched and yawned. "Guess I'll go see what kind of food the locals have."
As they split off, Dune lingered a moment longer. Cadogan gave him a nod, then stood and walked away toward the deeper part of the village.