Factions of U’drutz    

Horizon glanced around the dimly lit cave, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the walls. The gaunt, weary faces of those around him told a story of hardship and struggle, burden with the tribe's problems.

The air was thick with a sense of desperation, almost suffocating in its intensity.

"Is the situation really that bad here?" Horizon asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He was new to this world, still trying to piece together his new reality.

Von sighed deeply, and began, "The Amberskins are holding on, but barely. There's a growing rift between the old generation and their Drakha-born descendants. The younger ones are getting restless, demanding a more aggressive approach. They want leadership that won't back down from the dragons and the dangers that lurk in Drakha."

He paused, his gaze drifting toward the heart of the cave where Vodgo, the tribe's chieftain, lay in a weakened state. "But it's not just that. Vodgo's illness has everyone on edge. Atyan, the leader of the Drakha-born faction, is rallying the younger members. They see her as the beacon of hope, the one who should rise to power and lead them with a firmer hand."

Horizon listened intently as Von continued, "Rysamora, the priestess we spoke with earlier, is a Valernian traditionalist. She's deeply concerned about the growing secessionist sentiment within the tribe. With Vodgo's health failing, she's been granted unexpected authority, and she dreads what might happen once Vodgo is gone. She doesn't want to see the tribe fracture, but she's prepared to let the Drakha-born go their separate ways — as long as they don't drag the original Amberskins down with them."

"I see," Horizon murmured, understanding dawning on him. "It's like the new generation wants change, while the old wants to preserve what they have."

Von nodded. "That's the gist of it."

Horizon's curiosity deepened. "But what were you doing on the Catacombs' Reaches if it's so dangerous? Are you really just observing the Red Moon for a way out?"

Von hesitated, then spoke with an embarrassing tone, "Ah . . . it's not just that. I indeed have been trying to find a way to get past the Red Moon and return to Eternia. But more than that, I've been searching for a way out of the Catacombs and into the Golden City without those undead monstrosities hunting me night and night."

"Golden City?" Horizon echoed, intrigued.

"Aureus Fulgen, one of the Azhurmas, founded and rules the Golden City, a beacon of civilization unique on Drakha, its dream-like landscape glimmering atop the Advent Peaks. Here, dragonkin and Valernians swarm its busy streets, finding safety within its walls.

"Still, the city is not perfect, and not everyone is equal. Valernians are low-class citizens, and the pressure has been mounting over many centuries. You see, if you're not a dragon or don't have dragon blood in your veins, you're pretty much out of luck anywhere else here in Drakha.

"The Golden City, though — that place is the most accommodating to guys like us. It's the safest haven in this cursed land, where you can find real food, meat, and everything else we won't find in this forsaken place. It's a sanctuary for those who can reach it."

"But you'll be a slave?" Horizon asked flatly, his tone leaving little room for interpretation.

Von forced a laugh, the sound hollow. "Ahahaha. It's better than here, at least. But honestly, I just want to get back to Eternia. I've been stuck here for four years, and I miss my hometown."

Horizon didn't respond, lost in thought.

"Von," another voice called out, drawing their attention.

Horizon looked up to see a dark-skinned woman with jet-black hair approaching. She was much younger than most of the others he had seen here.

"Atyan," Von acknowledged her presence and quickly stood up.

Atyan smiled as she approached them, her gaze shifting to Horizon. "I heard you found someone out there. Is he the one?"

Horizon stood up and introduced himself. "My name is Horizon."

"I'm Atyan, leader of the younger Valernians here. Are you planning to stay with us for good?"

Horizon shook his head. "No. As soon as I figure out my situation, I'll be finding a way back to Eternia."

"Is that so?" Atyan frowned slightly, but the smile quickly returned to her face. "Well, while you're here, make yourself at home. We may not have much, but we have food and shelter. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to approach me."

Horizon nodded in acknowledgment and Atyan quickly left.

"What was that all about?" Horizon asked once Atyan was gone.

Von watched her disappear into the shadows before turning to Horizon. "That's Atyan, the leader of the younger generation here. She's too young to be elected as chieftain of the traditionalist Amberskins, but among the younger Drakhani humanoids, she's well-respected. She has a knack for pragmatism and always seems to pick the winning side in any argument. She must have approached you to gauge where you stand — or maybe even to get you on her side."

"I don't plan on staying here long," Horizon replied.

Von's smile widened. "Are you really going back to Eternia?"

Horizon nodded. Eternia was his goal. As much as he was curious about exploring Drakha, the desire to return to Eternia was stronger.

"Then let's work together," Von suggested. "You want to go back, and I want to go back. Two heads are better than one."

"Three," Cappy interjected, popping up from behind them.

Horizon remained silent, weighing his options. He wasn't sure if he could trust Von yet — especially after what had happened with Travis and Trisha — but he knew he needed help. Drakha was unfamiliar territory, completely different from Eternia, which he had studied extensively back at the ARK. Here, he was in uncharted waters, and any help he could get would be invaluable.

"Fine," Horizon finally said.