Mount Riders

The first light of dawn broke through the dense foliage, casting long shadows across the campsite. David stood by the dying embers of the campfire, his mind heavy with the events of the previous night. He was tired, but sleep had eluded him. The others were just beginning to stir, the weight of their losses evident in the slow, deliberate movements of each survivor.

Marcus, ever vigilant, was the first to notice the approach of the mount riders. The distant sound of heavy footsteps and the rustling of leaves grew louder, stirring the group from their thoughts. As the noise grew closer, the riders emerged from the thick undergrowth, their mounts towering and awe-inspiring.

The group stared in disbelief. Einiosaurus—extinct for millions of years—stood before them, domesticated and saddled, their massive forms tamed by the riders who guided them. The herbivorous dinosaurs were impressive, their tough, scaly hides glinting in the morning light. The sight was almost surreal, as if plucked from a different time and place.

David could hardly believe his eyes. "Extinct animals... here?" he murmured, the words barely escaping his lips.

Marcus chuckled, his voice a mixture of amusement and understanding. "Welcome to the island of lost wonders. This place holds more miracles than you can imagine. And if it weren't for the greed and hunger for power that plague humanity, this island might have been the closest thing to paradise."

The leader of the mount riders dismounted gracefully and approached Marcus with a warm smile. "It's been a while, old friend," he said, clasping Marcus's arm in a firm grip.

"Indeed it has," Marcus replied, returning the gesture. "I see you've kept the Red Lord's mounts in fine condition. How's the old lizard doing?"

The rider laughed. "Off hunting, as usual. She always finds her way back to the city. I see you've had your hands full here."

Marcus nodded, his gaze shifting to the group behind him. "Yes, it's been... challenging. But we're ready to head back to Lumera."

The rider surveyed the group, noticing their weariness and injuries. "We'll take good care of them," he assured Marcus. "Let's get everything and everyone ready."

The group began to load their belongings onto the mounts, moving with a mix of awe and trepidation. Sarah, still unconscious, was carefully placed onto one of the larger Einiosaurus, her fragile form looking even smaller against the creature's massive back. David moved mechanically, his eyes betraying the turmoil within. He kept glancing at Sarah, worry etched into his features.

As the final preparations were made, Marcus turned to the group. "The journey to Lumera will take some time. Rest as much as you can on the way. We'll need all our strength when we arrive."

David nodded but remained silent, his thoughts elsewhere. The group mounted the Einiosaurus, and with a nod from Marcus, the riders led the way. 

The jungle was a blur of greens and browns as the Einiosaurus lumbered through the undergrowth, their large feet creating a rhythmic thud against the ground. The group rode in relative silence, each lost in their thoughts, the events of the previous days weighing heavily on them. The sheer size and power of the mounts beneath them offered some comfort, a reminder that they were moving towards safety.

Mike, seated close to Marcus, finally broke the silence. "Tell us about Lumera," he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "What's the city like?"

Marcus glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "Lumera is unlike anything you've seen on this island," he began. "It's a city of contrasts—a place where enemies sit down and talk, where trade and barter have become the foundation of its existence. Despite the conflicts that rage outside its walls, Lumera remains neutral ground, a sanctuary where even the fiercest rivals must abide by the rules."

Emily, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "So, the temples just... coexist there? Even if they're at war?"

Marcus nodded. "Yes. The city is ruled by two main forces: the City Lord and the Circle of Temples. The City Lord controls the guards, the facilities, and the military structures, but he doesn't have absolute power. The Circle of Temples, which holds about 30-40% of the city's power, acts like a senate. They manage all trade and ensure that the delicate balance between the temples is maintained. Without these two forces, the city would likely descend into chaos."

Alex, who had been quiet until now, looked thoughtful. "So, it's not just about power, then. It's about maintaining peace... or at least, a semblance of it."

"Exactly," Marcus replied. "Lumera is a place where players can evolve, trade skills, potions, runes, maps, and information. It's a hub of knowledge and power, but also of safety. There's a reason it's called the 'Mother of all Players'—it's the only place where you can truly feel safe."

David listened to the conversation, but his heart wasn't in it. His mind kept drifting back to the events of the night before, to the faces of his fallen comrades, and to the uncertainty that lay ahead. He could hear the excitement in Emily and Alex's voices as they talked about the crafting opportunities in Lumera, but for him, it all seemed distant, irrelevant. The only thing that mattered was keeping his remaining teammates safe—and finding a way to survive.

Marcus noticed David's silence and the faraway look in his eyes. He understood that look all too well; he had seen it in the eyes of many who had experienced loss and pain on this island. Marcus himself had once been like David—full of hope and fire, only to have it tempered by the harsh realities of life here. He could only hope that, in time, David would find a way to cope with the darkness that had begun to take hold of him.