The rain drizzled in Sendaria. It clung to the scales and down the backs of the Ardoni. The sun, now casting a dawn's orange mood, stood just over the hills. Thalleous and Senn stood outside the village's gate. Timber stood close by. Osivian was speaking to Thalleous. There was a strange secretive air about them.
"Safe travels to you both." Said Ria as she came up behind her father. Senn looked at her hopefully, and caught her eye. The two looked at each other, and both longed for the other to be with them.
"Thalleous, I shall await your return so that we may have ourselves a proper reunion." Osivian removed the secretive air and spoke out loud, "Senn!" Senn startled at his name. "I expect more from you when I next see you." Osivian had an "improve or else" manner that sent Senn shivering. He tried to make it seem it was because of the rain.
"I will do better, I promise." Senn replied. This was the first time he has ever left Sendaria, and the first time he's left Ria.
"Farewell Osivian." Thalleous walked to Timber and mounted. He extended a hand to Senn. "Climb on up Senn." The two turned away to leave.
Senn took one last look at the village he grew up in. Then, he caught Ria's eye. She was smiling and waving. Wait for me, Ria. Senn thought, wait for me, and we can explore the world together. "Come on Timber, we ride south with all haste." Thalleous said, and they galloped off into the surrounding woods.
For days, they traveled. Though forests, on paved roads, and through that swamp whose mud stuck to Senn's feet. They camped out in caves during the night and, when they couldn't find one, just slept out in the open. But there always was a fire to keep them warm. Timber grazed the grass and berries next to their small camp.
One night, they camped out as usual. After a brief meal, Senn took out his book to study the various beings that inhabit Ardonia. Today, he was reading about zombies. They are weak fighters, but good training targets. Remembering the past tales, he asked,
"Are the undead out every night?"
Thalleous, who was in fact looking out for just that, replied, "Not every night." Then, he added, "Not anymore. Their presence has diminished greatly over the past few generations." He turned to look at the dark depths of the trees. "But you can never be too careful."
Something else nudged Senn, something he had wanted to ask since he saw the blue warrior again. "Thalleous," he inquired, "What brought you back to Sendaria?"
After a moment of hesitation, Thalleous turned to face Senn. His eyes shone in the dark. "Events long passed, forgotten by many." he said mystically.
Senn could only think of one such thing. "The Great War?"
"Yes, the Great War." Answered Thalleous. "I came back for this." He took out a large golden cube from his pack, which he kept beside him, even when sleeping.
It was a Song, Senn knew, and evidently a Mobilium Song. But unlike Ria's, it looked somehow stronger, as if it held more than one verse within its core. As Senn observed in awe this golden pulsating cube, he felt something else. He felt desperately a desire to have it, to hold it in his hands, to summon it, and to use it. He yearned for the Song.
Then the moment passed. Thalleous had put it back into the pack. Senn shook his head to clear away his momentary desire. Senn whispered, in disbelief as well as wonder, "A Prime Song!"
"One of the four." Thalleous said, solemnly.
"Osivian had it all this time?" Senn asked. It was unbelievable that he had been living next to one all his life, and never knew of it. "But, he isn't a master…" Senn was surprised and bewildered. Surely the Masters wouldn't trust such a valuable asset to someone in a village.
"After the masters were targeted by the Deathsinger before The Great War, it was decided the Songs were too dangerous to remain with the masters." Thalleous explained. "Osivian's family has kept the Mobilium Prime secure ever since."
"So where are we taking it?" Senn was curious, but excited as well. This is such a serious and important mission!
"I have reason to believe that the Voltaris clan will return, and when they do," Thalleous gave a long, meaningful look at Senn, "They will hunt down the Prime Songs and destroy everything in their path." He reached down and refastened the pack. "I can't let that happen---not to the Ardoni, not to you. I'm moving the Song to a safer place."
Senn realized the true impact of what Thalleous had told him. The adventures he and Ria always dreamed of would come at last, but not because they found them. The adventures are coming, and will destroy everything in its path.
"Get some sleep Senn, our destination is close now." Thalleous advised. He stood up and entered his tent.
On his log, Senn laid his book down at one end and lied down. As he gazed upwards toward the stars, he wondered if he could ever be as great a warrior as Thalleous, and would he really be able to protect the Prime Song, even if he had it.