The World Walkers: Athare: Archer: Travelling to Gaelom (part 2)

[k_a_webb]

Part 1

The thing that Archer had found out during his time on Athare was exactly how strange Gaelom was. He’d come from what could only be called a layer of the world and in all there were said to be twelve different layers. It had been tempting, for a short time, to see if he could travel to every layer, but he knew he needed to keep a low profile. Even though demons were no longer executed what would happen was no better really, because having a tattoo that stopped him from travelling would be like living in a box. He sighed, looking around at the world he had always loved, yet couldn’t imagine being stuck on.

Being on Athare had taught Archer a lot. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was close to the Council and had a pass to enter the public library they had, so he’d studied the worlds in a way he’d never had a chance to before, or it it was simply living on another world. It was probably a mix of both. Studying the Wed and the worlds had changed the way he viewed everything, especially the Council, and every time he went back to Gaelom he was more grateful to his family for putting their money towards getting his first tattoo.

Slowly, breathing in the scents of the world, Archer started making his way home. He couldn’t stop himself from wondering what the other layers might be like and that was part of the reason he’d been thinking about a new career. It seemed unlikely that he would be accepted, so few people were, but he wanted to get his father’s blessing to apply to become a tattooist. The few he’d seen wandering around Athare had been covered in tattoos and, after getting to know a couple, he’d found out that the money he could earn would easily purchase him a tattoo to allow him to visit home whenever he wanted. He’d even be able to bring back presents.

The tattooists had also told Archer how much training it would take and how many trainees dropped out before the first test. In some ways it was even harder than becoming a Walker, because of the magic they were entrusted with. None of it had put him off. He’d known it wasn’t going to be simple, but he was certain it was the right thing for him to do. Ever since he first thought of the idea he hadn’t been able to get it out of his mind, even going as far as picking up an application form, knowing that if anyone thought he was making a mistake he’d work something else out. Like everyone else who chose to travel the worlds as tourists he knew he would eventually save enough money to be able to get a permanent travel tattoo. Until then he’d just have to keep being careful, making certain that no one saw him using one of the natural doors, only allowing himself to travel once or twice a year.

Mirrored from K. A. Jones Writing.

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[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

No typos spotted.

>>Even though demons were no longer executed what would happen was no better really, because having a tattoo that stopped him from travelling would be like living in a box.<<

At least until he skinned it off.

I like this character.