In a vast expanse of lush greenery, stretching as far as the eye can see, a sprightly young child named Tiberius dashes across the field with boundless energy. His small frame moves swiftly, fueled by a contagious enthusiasm that emanates from his every gesture. In his hands, he wields a wooden sword, the embodiment of his imagination and the instrument of his heroic adventures.


    With each step, Tiberius exudes a sense of grace and agility beyond his years, twirling and slashing his wooden sword through the air with a mesmerizing display of youthful exuberance. The sun casts golden rays upon his face, highlighting his radiant smile and illuminating his sparkling eyes, brimming with dreams and boundless potential.


    Yet, amidst this picturesque scene, a distant voice calls out, interrupting Tiberius''s playful reverie, beckoning him to return for sustenance. "Tiberius, come back," the voice resonates, a blend of authority and affection, "your meal awaits!"


    Upon hearing his mother''s familiar voice, Tiberius skids to a halt, a flurry of grass blades dancing in his wake. He gazes up at her, his small figure dwarfed by her presence, anticipating the warmth of her smile and the comfort of her nurturing embrace. But to his astonishment, his anticipation is met with a void—a void where her face should be.


    Confusion clouds Tiberius''s young features as he attempts to comprehend the inexplicable absence before him. It is as if a veil has been drawn over his mother''s visage, rendering it invisible, leaving only a void where her once radiant countenance resided. His initial expression of joy and excitement melts away, replaced by one of fear and apprehension.


    As Tiberius surveys his surroundings, the devastating truth unravels before his wide, horrified eyes. The once beautiful field, adorned with a lush green tree line on the outskirts of their village, now transforms into a nightmarish panorama of destruction. The vibrant hues of nature have given way to a scorched and desolate wasteland, where the remnants of life''s vibrancy crumble beneath the weight of devastation.


    The landscape, once adorned with gentle hills and proud trees, lies flattened and lifeless, devoid of any sign of vitality. An eerie stillness hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the distant echoes of charred debris tumbling across the barren expanse. Tiberius stands tall amidst the desolation, a solitary figure witnessing the annihilation that has unfolded around him.


    As if scripted by a malevolent force, the sun, once a benevolent companion, becomes an ominous harbinger of doom. Its warm embrace is abruptly snuffed out as an immense shadow engulfs the land. Tiberius''s heart skips a beat as he turns his gaze toward the source of this encroaching darkness.


    Emerging from the distance, with each colossal step crushing the remnants of the scorched fields beneath its feet, a monstrous entity appears—a creature of nightmarish proportions. Towering like a mountain, its spindly limbs resemble the elongated legs of a gargantuan spider, evoking a sense of primal fear and revulsion. Its movements are deliberate, its strides unhurried, yet its progress is inexorable.


    The gargantuan monster traverses the once picturesque landscape, its arachnid-like form, a grotesque distortion against the bleak backdrop. The devastation left in its wake is a testament to its terrifying power, as fields and villages lie in ruin, stripped of their former glory. And with a single, deliberate step, the monstrous creature reaches its destination—a place of utter despair and heartbreak—Tiberius''s mother.


    Tiberius''s breath catches in his throat as he watches in helpless horror, his mother standing motionless before the abomination. Her face, still concealed by the enigmatic void, now mirrors the blankness of the abyss. In an act of unfathomable cruelty, the creature towers over her, a merciless giant casting a long, dark shadow upon her existence, obliterating any remnants of hope that lingered in the air.


    In the face of this incomprehensible tragedy, Tiberius is left grappling with a multitude of emotions—fear, sorrow, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. The world he once knew has been irrevocably shattered, replaced by a desolate landscape haunted by the colossal specter of the monstrous spider.


    Tiberius''s eyes flutter open, his mind slowly emerging from the clutches of a haunting dream. He finds himself lying in a vast field atop a gentle hill, where vibrant blades of grass sway in harmony with the gentle breeze. The crackling fire nearby casts a warm glow, casting elongated shadows that dance upon the ground. As Tiberius shifts his gaze, he notices a woman tending to the fire, her nurturing presence bringing a sense of tranquility to the scene.


    Recognizing her as his caretaker, the woman whose unwavering love has guided him through life''s trials, Tiberius feels a wave of reassurance wash over him. Her face, etched with the wisdom of experience, bears an expression of both concern and understanding. It is a face that has witnessed countless dreams, both blissful and nightmarish.


    Inquisitively, the woman turns her attention toward Tiberius, her voice carrying a tender weariness as she addresses him. "Was it the dream walkers?" she asks, her voice a soft melody in the quietude of the night. "I couldn''t find solace in slumber either, for they wandered ceaselessly in the distance." With a gentle movement of her hand, she directs Tiberius''s gaze toward the horizon, where a captivating spectacle unfolds.


    Following the woman''s guidance, Tiberius squints his eyes, his vision sharpening as he focuses on the distant landscape. And there, like ephemeral apparitions, the dream walkers emerge into view. They move with ethereal grace, their forms shimmering with a luminescent glow that transcends the boundaries of reality.


    The dream walkers traverse the realms of dreams, their purpose veiled in mystique. With each step, they manipulate the fabric of the dreaming realm, giving shape to the forgotten memories of slumbering souls. Tiberius watches in awe as they glide through the air, their movements weightless and fluid, as if dancing upon invisible currents of imagination.


    However, there is a delicate duality to their presence—the dream walkers inspire both wonder and fear. Their ethereal nature holds an undertone of trepidation, for they have the power to bring forth repressed and forgotten memories, corrupting them to be far worse than their original form. The nightmares they awaken can engulf the dreamer''s mind, leaving them trapped in a labyrinth of torment and despair.


    As Tiberius takes in the mesmerizing sight, his gaze returns to the woman who has nurtured him, who sits by his side, unwavering in her devotion. They share an unspoken connection, forged through shared experiences of restlessness and the quest for solace. Together, they bear witness to the dream walkers'' ethereal procession, understanding the potential danger they possess but also finding solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their journey through the intricate tapestry of dreams.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Drawing closer to the fire''s warmth, Tiberius feels a renewed sense of comfort and protection enveloping him. The crackling flames mirror the flickering dreams that dance within his mind, casting a glow of resilience upon his spirit. In this fantastical realm where dreamers and dream walkers intersect, Tiberius embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage, facing the shadows that threaten to consume his dreams while finding solace in the unwavering love of those who stand beside him.


    Tiberius''s plea for nourishment reaches the attentive ears of his caretaker, who understands the urgency of his hunger. With a swift yet gentle motion, she adorns both of them in long cloaks, carefully covering their faces and bodies to conceal their identities. Prepared for their journey, she gathers their belongings and secures them in a two-wheeled cart that has faithfully accompanied them on their nomadic travels from town to town.


    Tiberius perches himself on the back of the cart, his senses heightened as he takes in the surroundings. The wheels creak and groan under the weight of their provisions as his caretaker begins the arduous task of guiding the cart through the dense woods and desolate fields. The path ahead, illuminated only by slivers of sunlight piercing through the thick foliage, carries an air of mystery and trepidation.


    For hours on end, they venture forth, the rhythmic thuds of the cart''s wheels merging with the rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of distant nocturnal creatures. Tiberius clings tightly to the cart''s handle, his anticipation growing with each passing moment. The scent of adventure intermingles with the earthy fragrance of the forest, heightening his senses and invigorating his spirit.


    As the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, the distant silhouette of a town emerges on the horizon. The town, however, is unlike any Tiberius has encountered before. It teems with life, but the inhabitants are not of the ordinary kind. They are monsters of various shapes and sizes, their eerie forms lurking amidst the narrow streets and shadowy corners.


    Undeterred by the peculiar inhabitants, Tiberius''s caretaker steers the cart towards the heart of the town, her determination unyielding. The monsters, though initially regarding them with curiosity, soon go about their own business, paying little attention to the duo''s presence. Tiberius''s caretaker leads him through the labyrinthine streets, her knowledge of this peculiar realm guiding their way.


    As they meander through the town, Tiberius''s senses are bombarded with a cacophony of sights, sounds, and scents. Strange bazaars display exotic wares, their vendors hawking peculiar trinkets and otherworldly artifacts. Laughter and chatter reverberate through the air, a testament to the vibrant and bustling nature of this monstrous community.


    Eventually, Tiberius and his caretaker find themselves at a modest establishment, its sign adorned with symbols that seem almost incomprehensible. Inside, the air is thick with the aroma of exotic spices and sizzling dishes, filling Tiberius''s senses with a tantalizing allure. The patrons, a mix of creatures both intimidating and awe-inspiring, pay no mind to the newcomers as they indulge in their meals and revel in animated conversations.


    Taking a seat at a secluded table, Tiberius''s caretaker orders a hearty meal for him, ensuring that his hunger will be appeased. The food arrives, a feast for the senses, with flavors and textures that transcend Tiberius''s imagination. As he takes his first bite, the world around him fades into the background, and he becomes wholly immersed in the blissful indulgence of sustenance.


    While Tiberius and his caretaker savor their meal, their senses heightened by the flavors and aromas surrounding them, a sudden, chilling scream pierces the air. The bustling atmosphere of the establishment transforms into a scene of chaos and fear as patrons and creatures alike scramble for safety.


    Tiberius''s heart skips a beat as he instinctively turns towards the commotion, his eyes widening in horror. A lifeless body lies motionless just outside the establishment''s entrance, its presence casting a shadow of dread over the unfolding events. The monsters inhabiting the town, fueled by fear and anger, hastily assign blame to Tiberius''s caretaker, whose human form makes her an easy target.


    In a frenzied display of accusation, the enraged monsters storm into the establishment, their eyes filled with malice and their intentions clear. Tiberius''s caretaker, her face now exposed and vulnerable, becomes the focus of their wrath. With a savage force, they rip off her cloak, exposing her identity, and seize her by the hair, dragging her outside without mercy.


    Tiberius, his mind reeling with confusion and desperation, is torn between a fierce desire to intervene and a desperate need to follow his guardian''s last motion—an urgent hush that implores him to remain silent and hidden. Clenching his fists tightly and fighting back tears, he musters all his strength to suppress his cries, his voice silenced by the weight of the moment.


    He watches in anguish as his beloved guardian, defenseless and unjustly accused, is thrown before the lifeless body. The monsters, driven by a savage brutality, revel in their gruesome display of power, their actions unforgiving and merciless. Tiberius''s heart pounds in his chest, his entire being consumed by a mix of terror, grief, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.


    Yet, despite the overwhelming anguish, Tiberius realizes that his guardian''s sacrifice has not been in vain. In her last moments, she has imparted a crucial lesson—to remain hidden, to bide his time, and to gather the strength to fight for justice and vengeance in due course. With a newfound determination burning in his eyes, he vows to honor her memory and seek retribution for the unspeakable act he has just witnessed.


    As the monsters disperse, leaving behind a haunting scene of tragedy, Tiberius musters his courage and steps forward, his cloak still concealing his identity. With tears streaming down his face, he whispers his guardian''s name, a quiet tribute to the love and protection she bestowed upon him.


    As Tiberius processes the harrowing events that have unfolded before him, a flood of repressed memories surges through his mind, breaking the barrier of forgotten past. Visions of his parents, brave and loving, shielding him from the marauding barbarians take shape in his consciousness. The echoes of their desperate whispers, urging him to hide and promising to return, resound in his ears.


    With vivid clarity, Tiberius recalls the heartbreaking moments when he buried his parents, their lifeless forms etched into his memory. He remembers the heavy burden of grief weighing down his small shoulders as he performed the solemn duty, his tears intermingling with the soil beneath his trembling hands. The sorrow that once lay dormant in the recesses of his mind now engulfs him, leaving him wordless and overwhelmed.


    The memories don''t stop there. Tiberius''s mind plunges deeper into the depths of his forgotten past, replaying the haunting image of himself as a malnourished and fragile child, abandoned on the side of a desolate road. He can almost feel the bitter cold seeping into his bones, the biting wind piercing his frail form. The heart-wrenching loneliness and helplessness he endured during those agonizing moments resurface with a raw intensity.


    Speechless and consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, Tiberius finds himself at a loss for words. The weight of his past bears down upon him, threatening to shatter his resolve. He grapples with the enormity of the pain he has endured, his silence serving as a poignant testament to the indescribable anguish etched onto his young soul.


    As Tiberius stands on the precipice of this profound revelation, he draws strength from the love and sacrifice of his parents and the unwavering support of his guardian. Their spirits live on within him, igniting a fire of determination and resilience. Though speechless, his eyes reflect a steely resolve—a silent promise to himself and to the memories of those he has lost—that he will persevere, whether man or beast, he will kill them if they dare cross his path.