Sekali, "The Sister City"

 

                                Chapter 13

 

     Sekali emediately looked to the horizon, taking note of his direction, which was north-west. Thoughtfully, he continued on in the direction he was facing, disturbed by this sudden change in his life. Ignoring the distractions of the lush environment all about him, he memorized a few landmarks in the near and far distance. Once he knew the north-west direction, he looked about his emediate surroundings, taking in a view he had only dreamed of.
     The air was heavy with the pugnant smell of green, which instantly flooded his senses, making him dizzy. All about the area were various colored plants which seemed to attract a host of strange insects. Small winged creatures flew here and there, some flying solo, and some in groups.
     Though he’d heard of, and had seen illustrations depicting the Living World, never could he have imagined such beauty. In over two-hundred seasons, never before had he explored anything like this. The thing that was most astonishing to him was the sun in the sky, though blinding and hot.

     Sekali ventured forth, curiously stopping here and there to study the various organic life which blanketed the land. As he studied the multitude of plants, he wondered if they had any practical uses, and how much was edible. He was especially taken by the frequent streams of water which gracefully snaked their way through the lower parts of the grasslands. Of these, he drank from often, relishing in the natural resourse, rare to find in his homeland. In fact, the only spring of water in the Wastelands was underground, where the entire populace filled their containers on a weekly basis.
Lands of green grass, living trees and other things he'd only heard of in tales were all about him in numerous abundance. All his life it was his secret ambition to leave his homeland and travel far into the world inhabited by others. Well, now was that chance, even if it had been granted him because of his foolish behaviors.
     After a few more days of peaceful travel, Sekali began the first of a three day march through the outlying farmlands just outside the CityPort Navan, the main northern trade port of the Zurkel Mainland.
     As he traveled, he frowned to think that others unlike himself lived in the lands drawing nigh. But his worry was not about being accepted, or offered into circles of friendship. He suspected the differences between his and other races would undoubtably create some interesting conversation. Recalling back to his early years as a child, sekali remembered being taught the human language and culture. Back in the day, he did not understand why everyone had to learn such a culture and language, thinking it would never be used. Now? He understood the wisdom of his teachers.
As he pondered his past, Sekali was suddenly curious to see what this land and its inhabitants were all about. After he had satisfied his thirst for knowledge, he would return and report the discoveries to his master as sanctioned.
     The one thing he lacked at this point was the ability to truly care. After the murder of Mahkaia, life seemed to have lost all meaning and purpose.

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