Chapter1, The Dream

Our story takes place in a desert country called Zona. This town was considered one of the hottest, driest, and poorest areas among all the cities around it. Zona resembled a sandy village with very few inhabitants, and if a visitor came, they would think it was abandoned.

The events of our story revolve around a person named Alkamis. He was sitting at the back during class while the teacher was giving a lecture. Alkamis wore earphones connected to an old-looking tape recorder, resting his head on the desk. The school was empty and extremely quiet, with few lamps and dim lighting. The classroom itself was small and appeared old, with no more than nine students, as if the school had no one but these students and the teacher. Alkamis was seen resting his head on the desk when the teacher called out to him, holding a book in his hand that he was reading from. Alkamis lifted his head from the desk and stared at the teacher, saying:

Alkamis: That was during the era of the ruler Oz. Gold was adopted as the primary element for transforming and transmitting electricity between villages until the discovery of the red stone after the "Zawal" crisis by the scientist and philosopher Raenus.

Then Alkamis placed his head back on the desk and continued listening to the recording. Everyone was surprised by Alkamis' answer.

Teacher in astonishment: I haven't even asked my question yet...

After a few minutes, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and the students left. Alkamis stood outside, gazing at the scorching sun, with his hand on his brow, holding books on a carpet that he used to sit on when taking a break from walking in these hot days. Alkamis heard a voice calling him from a distance.

Yara: Alkamis!

Alkamis turned towards the voice and found two girls and a boy heading towards him. Alkamis looked at them and said softly with a smile:

Alkamis: Why does happiness engulf me when I see them?

The three of them approached Alkamis until they reached him, and then Yara asked nervously:

Yara: Alkamis, is it true? Is it true that you're leaving Zona?

(Zona is the name of the town where Alkamis is from)

Revero: At least you should have told us beforehand, Alkamis.

Alkamis: I'm sorry, my friends. I was plan--

Elda walked slowly towards Alkamis, clenching both her fists, and called out to him with anger as she approached.

Elda: Alkamis...

Alkamis turned towards Elda, then closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tensed his body as if preparing for something. Immediately, Elda slapped Alkamis hard on his cheek and said:

Elda: When will you return?

Alkamis calmly replied, holding his reddened cheek, and it seemed from his expression that he was trying to evade the answer.

Alkamis: I don't really know...

Yara: Why are you even going to Turika?

(Turika is the name of the town Alkamis is traveling to, while Zona is the name of his hometown)

The Alkamis: I don't know... but I feel like I will develop my education there. I aspire to join the School of Science and Technology located in the far south, specifically in Garashia.

Garashia is a city that resembles a dream for everyone living in the north. It is like a real legend. It is said that the climate there is icy and snow covers every step you take on the ground. This is something almost unbelievable for anyone living in a town like Zona, like Alkamis, Yara, Elda, and Revero.

Imagine that there is a town filled with snow and cold, the opposite of this barren desert that is filled with drought and heat. It's almost like a fantasy. But many people have confirmed the existence of a town with such descriptions, and Alkamis is one who has believed in the existence of a place like Garashia since childhood.

Revero: Well, Alkamis... you're now saying that you want to travel to Turika, which is a few days away from us, and that's fine. But when you say you want to travel to the far south to reach a town, it will take months to get there, and the journey is difficult and rugged. And there are no means of communication with you because you will be walking in a land where not even foxes dwell due to its aridity. This is impossible, Alkamis. Your mother wouldn't allow it, and even your father, if he were here and heard what you said, wouldn't allow you to travel.

Yara looked worried and gently grabbed Alkamis' arm and said,

Yara: Alkamis... you don't mean what you're saying, do you?

Alkamis chuckled and then said with a smile,

Alkamis: Don't tell me you actually believed that I would go to the south. You know how impossible that is. I was just joking, my friends...

Then Alkamis shifted his gaze away from his friends for a moment and said,

Alkamis: But I won't lie. My dream is to go south, but...

Everyone looked at Alkamis with interest. While smiling at his friends, Alkamis said,

Alkamis: But dreams remain dreams after all, don't they?

With the sound of the wind and the sand swirling, the scene shifted after several hours of the night to Alkamis' house.

Alkamis sat at the dining table, cutting vegetables, while his mother, Taya, prepared the food. The stove was lit, and the food was still cooking. It was so quiet that you could only hear the sound of the firewood crackling and the sound of boiling water in the pot.

Alkamis: So, Mom...

Taya: You're free, my son. But did you honestly tell me the real reason for going to Turika?

Taya said as she prepared the food.

Alkamis: I want to receive intensive education and become a scientist, Mom.

His mother paused for a moment in silence and then said,

Taya: Garashia...

Alkamis froze at what his mother said.

Taya: You're seeking to meet your father, aren't you, Alkamis?

Alkamis trying to avoid his mother's gaze

Taya shifted her gaze away from Alkamis and said,

Taya: You're free after all, Alkamis. I bought a horse from Imma's husband, and I packed a bag with water bottles that should be enough for your journey to Turika. I also put some necessities in it. And above the shelf, you'll find a pouch that Uncle Zayo gave me. It contains your earnings from the days you worked. He gave it to you after hearing about your trip.

Alkamis remained silent for moments. Taya picked up the plate of food and placed it in front of him on the table and said,

Taya: Everything is ready, Alkamis. When you want to leave, go. But don't leave before telling me and saying goodbye to your friends.

Alkamis: Don't worry, Mom. I will.

Taya sat on the chair at the table and looked at Alkamis and said,

Taya: Don't leave before the caravan arrives in two days, alright?

Alkamis: I won't leave until the caravan arrives, Mom. Don't worry.

Then Alkamis looked at the old wooden clock and found it was nine o'clock. He got up from the table.

Taya: Are you going to bed early?

Alkamis: I'll need all my energy tomorrow, Mom, so I have to sleep early.

Then Alkamis entered his room and closed the door behind him. Taya continued to gaze at the closed door, and she softly said

Taya (in a soft voice): What does he intend to do tomorrow?