The Totem's Thrall
An Offering
Each vignette offers you a small window into the vastness of Amashik—an ambient worldbuilding experience that unveils the untold tales and mysteries of this enchanting realm.
Aydin stopped once he reached the valley floor, momentarily questioning his decision. Daewarin and Sarkas scrambled down the mountain path after him and only narrowly avoided trampling their guide.
“By the blood of Alkarath. These totems…” Daewarin said.
“Seem odd?” Sarkas responded.
Had he been willing to renege, Aydin might’ve warned the foreigners not to move among the totems. But they’d traveled all this way to see the remnants of The Old Ones. Who was he to forsake them?
Daewarin and Sarkas bypassed the closest pillar despite its resonant glow, making their pale blue skin appear purple. Were they from Ingenwia, they’d have known of the thrum, the nausea, and the subsequent enthrallment.
With his offering given, Aydin scurried back up the pass. Daewarin wandered deeper into the valley while Sarkas seemed to fight the pull. As the thrum reached its crescendo, the latter tore at his ears and eyes. Aydin gave thought to returning, but instead was able to flee.
Love this one.