We were faced with a massive stretch of land, connecting two cliff sides with crashing waves beneath our feet. It was a literal bridge between the continents, held together by stone pillars and wooden frame pieces. It looked to be another massive walk ahead of us.

  “Atlas, you’re hovering too high again.” Veyra gave a slight tug to my cloak and brought me down to her level.

  (Right, sorry… I’m still not used to this.)

  Since we were heading into Horinn, the human territory, we couldn’t do much travelling around as a group of monsters. We’d stand out way too easily, and most probably attract unwanted trouble. Hiding myself under a cloak was easy, but keeping my body low to the ground at all times proved a little more challenging, since I was used to hovering around freely.

  I tugged at the hood of my cloak to cover my face. I wasn’t quite sure how useful these cloaks would be when I saw Veyra sewing them every night, but looking back on it now, it’s a good thing she did. Mine was even fitted perfectly to my frame.

  (This is seriously dangerous… I still don’t see why we couldn’t sneak in through another entry way?)

  “I’m afraid this is the only means for us, besides by boat.”

  (What? Are you telling me there isn’t a single other route on land? Is that why there are so many people here?)

  Veyra’s mouth hung open, as if I had just asked something insane. “Were you really not aware?” Her eyes shifted between Hollow and me, equally stunned. “Right… I guess not. Well, the four continents we have today used to be one massive island at one point. At a time before any of us, when the Creators were still roaming this world.”

  (Creators? I’ve read about those in a book.) I tapped my bottom jaw. (The original beings of this world, considered the designers of everything, right?)

  “That’s right. They created the land, seas and even the abilities we use today. They watched over us with benevolence for millennia, essentially as deities. However, one day they were brought to an intense rage that shook the very land we stand on and with their combined might, they separated the mainland into four chunks, which are now the four nations.” Veyra recalled.

  Powerful beings created the world, just to break it up? I never read anything about that in my books. Even so, it doesn’t make much sense to me now, either. Why bother breaking up the nations, then vanishing? If they’re as large and powerful as told in the stories, then where are they now?

  I was brought back to reality when the line came to a sudden stop. I had to brace myself before bumping into the family in front of us. Taking a closer look at everyone lined up ahead, I noticed most of them were carrying supplies, clothes, and what looked like their lives' worth of possessions on them.

  Why’re there so many families here? It’s looking more like a refugee camp at this point.

  I glanced over my shoulder at the armoured individuals walking along the lineup. They all wore the same emblem across their armour: a sword laced with wings.

  “Atlas…” Veyra tugged at my sleeve nervously. “They’re questioning everyone before letting them in.”

  Made sense. A massive kingdom like Horinn probably had its fair share of troublemakers or unwanted guests. We’re not here for bad reasons, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.

  Veyra’s lips cringed into a nervous pout as she stared at the guard heading our way. I couldn’t make sense of why she was so anxious until I heard the group in front of us.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  “Yes, we’re here to find work and a place to stay. Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  I glanced between Veyra and Hollow, and a deep feeling of dread washed over me. How were we supposed to answer back?

  Telepathy wouldn’t work in this situation. There was an even greater chance of them suspecting we were monsters if we did. Telepathy seemed like a very unique skill, and one I still hadn’t seen with anyone else. Since neither of us could talk, things were bound to escalate.

  Crap, do we just make a run for it? No, we’d be sure to get arrested or attacked if we do. We’re way too far in to turn back now. We’re technically already on Horinn land.

  An armoured man approached us, a spear in his hand. “State your business,” he ordered.

  I would if I could, I swear! Why’d you have to come up to us of all people?!

  “Travelling.” A voice answered from right next to me.

  It wasn’t very far, but after a quick glance around, there wasn’t anyone there. Just as I thought that I must have been hearing things, the guard continued.

  “Traveling? Haven’t you seen the recent border restrictions? Getting in and out of Horinn ain't that easy anymore. You’ll have to stay a while once you’re in the city, understand?”

  “That is acceptable.” The voice answered again, void of any emotion.

  “What’s wrong with this one? She’s not very chatty, is she?”

  I scrambled, looking at Veyra while wondering how I was gonna proceed. My nerves went on high alert as the voice answered again.

  “She is mute.”

  “I see, poor girl. Then make sure to let people know so there’s no misunderstanding, alright? If you’re ever alone, just show them this, missy.” The guard placed two fingers on his chin, then tapped three times.

  With his gaze shifted back to me and the silence between us, I gingerly nodded, and the guard nodded back, slightly annoyed.

  The deep tone reminded me of something oddly familiar. I could’ve sworn I had heard it before. Even so, it seems like the guard was satisfied. He gave us another look, then turned to his partner and called out, “Make sure to mark these two as cleared!” He shouted before moving on.

  Two? I glanced back at Veyra and… Where’s Hollow? I could have sworn he was just here. Am I losing my mind, or did he–

  Before I could finish the thought, Hollow’s voice entered my mind with its usual deep bellow, “Master, I am here.”

  Guh?! I told you not to sneak up on me like that! Also, was that you just now? Why didn’t you tell me you could talk?!

  After a brief pause, he answered, slightly annoyed, “You had never asked.”

  This guy… I have half a mind to teach him a lesson, but that’s not important right now. Thanks to him, we’re in, and even have a way to talk now.

  The line started moving again, and once we left the bridge and passed through the wooden gates, we were met with carriages and drivers lined up and ready to transport people to the nearest cities in the area.

  “Looking for a ride, I’m your guy? I’ve got three seats still open, come on!” One man yelled from atop a carriage, his bulging muscles and furry arms wailing about.

  Whoa, that guy's seriously hairy… wait, his face is a little long, too… Is he a bear?!

  Another driver dressed in a brown and white suit stood in front of a massive lizard with blue scales. He gestured to the beast, full of confidence, “Fastest creature on land, guaranteed! Only two seats available, people, make sure to get ‘em while you can!”

  Upon closer inspection, the driver had pointed ears, not as prominent as Veyra’s, but more so than any human I’d ever seen before.

  Animal people… elves… I thought this was the kingdom of humans, but there are more species than I’ve ever seen! That woman's just a straight-up succubus! My eyes nearly fell out of my head at the sight of a woman in thin, string-like clothing trotting up to one of the carriages.

  “Atlas… You’re staring too much. Don’t tell me you’re interested in that sort of thing?” Veyra’s face went a shade redder, staring daggers into the side of my face.

  (What gives, Veyra? I thought this was human territory, but there’s a bunch of different races here?)

  “Oh, this is the human kingdom. Technically speaking, most of these races are more human than other races. Half elves, beaskin and demonkin are all found in this nation.” She looked at me with that same dazed look as before.

  There’s so much I still need to learn about this world.

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