Chereads / Arcanath / Chapter 2 - A new journey ( Part 1 )

Chapter 2 - A new journey ( Part 1 )

"As the first light of dawn approached, the denizens of the hamlet hastened to Ferradun Manor, where the lady of the estate struggled to bring forth her firstborn child. A miraculous moment, fraught with wonder and anticipation. The lord of the manor glowed with pride, and so did we all, when the cries of a healthy youngling echoed through the halls.

Tonight, the christening of the babe will take place, marking his official entry into the community. I implore you to partake in the revelries unless thou art occupied with the duty of thy quest or a chaser of Alva. Believe me when I say that this celebration shall be one to cherish for ages to come. Verily, the advent of new life is a cause for rejoicing and festivity, and it would be an honour to have thy presence at this momentous occasion." Chuckled Methra.

"As the first rays of light pierced the horizon, the hunters returned to the village with great commotion. Lo and behold, we beheld thee in a most curious state, panting and wheezing, with a heart racing faster than any steed in the land. We offered thee a draught of calming herbs and bid thee to rest, for thou wert clearly in a state of great terror.

Yet look at thee now! Thy youth and vitality hath been restored, and lo, thou standest on thy own two feet once again, after but half a day's time. Such is the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of rest and healing. But do take care, my friend, lest thou venture forth into the unknown once again without caution, for the perils of this world are many and varied." spoke to his companion as they savoured their tea.

Indeed, one could sense a sincerity in his welcoming gestures that bespoke a genuine desire to put his esteemed guest at ease. And yet, one could also detect a certain cautiousness in his tone and manner, as if he were keenly aware of the delicacy of the situation and the potential for missteps. Nonetheless, his graciousness and hospitality were not to be underestimated, and Atlas could not help but feel a certain warmth and comfort in his company.

indeed, as I trekked across the rolling hills, my eyes were captivated by the wondrous beauty of this bountiful land, and 'twas then that mine gaze fell upon yonder village. The journey had taken its toll, and my stomach growled with such ferocity that it threatened to consume me whole. Thus did I stumble and falter, overcome by the weariness that had taken hold of my body.

What followed is naught but a blur in my mind, lost to the mists of time. Yet I shall never forget the kindness of those who tended to me in my hour of need, offering sustenance and rest until my strength was restored. 'Tis a humbling experience, to be at the mercy of fate and the mercy of others. But such is the way of this world, where fortune can shift as swiftly as the winds that blow across the land." words uttered by Atlas, his face clouded with a hint of secrecy, as he sought to conceal his true identity from his listeners.

"Tis a wondrous and perilous world we inhabit, full of mysteries and marvels beyond our wildest dreams. But with every journey into the unknown comes the risk of encountering dangers beyond our reckoning. It takes great courage to leave the comforts of home and set foot into the vast unknown, but such is the way of adventurers and seekers of knowledge. Thou comest from beyond the mountains that we mortals hath never dared to cross. Pray tell, what lies beyond those towering peaks? Doth much go on in that realm? For we have heard tales of great chaos wrought by monstrous beasts, yet we have never ventured beyond these verdant jungles or strayed far from our humble village". Methra spoke with the wisdom of his forefathers, his eyes aglow with a curious light. His words bore the weight of ages past and the hopes of generations yet to come. In his voice could be heard the echoes of ancient knowledge and the restless curiosity of a seeker of truth. Truly, he was a rare soul, blessed with both insight and vision, and destined for greatness in the annals of our people.

As they continued their discourse, the panorama of the humble village unfurled before them, its thatched roofs casting elongated shadows in the warmth of the setting sun. The air was redolent with the fragrance of delicacies freshly prepared, while the mellifluous symphony of joyous voices and playful giggles drifted on the gentle breeze.

In the distance, the riverbed glistened like an array of precious gems in the fading light, its sonorous rush lulling the ear into a state of peace. Unburdened by the yoke of toil, the children frolicked and frothed in its welcoming embrace, their boisterous laughter a felicitous note that enhanced the overall ambience of the festive gathering.

As Methra and Atlas joined in the jubilations, they sensed the warmth and camaraderie that suffused the atmosphere, though not all welcomed Atlas. Some of the townsfolk maintained their distance, throwing furtive glances in his direction.

The arrival of Ferradun and his wife elicited a respectful hush from the throngs, their harmonious voices and the rhythmic strumming of a lute and drum resonating across the water. The sentiment of communal harmony and unity was palpable, and as the melody faded, a sense of solemnity and deference pervaded the air. It was patent to both Methra and Atlas that this haven of tranquillity and serenity was a rare gem amidst the turbulence and turmoil of the world beyond.

Ferradun took a deep breath, his heart overflowing with pride and love, and looked at his wife with great joy on his face. He then lifted his voice and voiced, "Herben!" as his hand gently touched the held of his new born son. In response, everyone present began to make joyful noises and one by one they surrounded little Herben, along with his parents, forming a circle amidst the river, full of joy, hugging and singing in circles.

As they hugged and congratulated Ferradun, the villagers began to formed a giant hug around the family. They closed their eyes and clasped their hands together, bowing their heads in reverence as they offered up a prayer to the Guardian of Night, beseeching the deity to bless the child with good health, long life, and a prosperous future. Their voices rose in unison, creating a beautiful melody that seemed to reverberate across the land.

The feasting continued long into the night, with laughter and merriment filling the air. As the night wore on, one by one, the villagers made their way back to their small houses, feeling content and grateful for the blessings of the day.

As the night grew darker and the villagers slowly dispersed to their own homes, Methra could be seen shuffling back to his hut with a tired gait, in need of some much-deserved rest. Meanwhile, Atlas lingered a bit longer, taking in the stillness of the night and the twinkling stars above.

Despite the allure of a warm bed and a good night's sleep, Atlas knew that his quest was not yet complete. The disturbance in the mana flow had piqued his curiosity, but he knew better than to meddle in the affairs of the locals. He had a more pressing goal in mind – to find the hidden village of Ketbu and uncover its secrets. yet it seemed his questions were answered and with a determined spirit, Atlas set off into the darkness once again, trekking up the eastern hill in search of the white gem. His eyes adjusted to the shadows, and his feet carried him onward with a steady pace. Though the night was silent, the rustling of leaves and the chirping of insects provided a soothing background noise.

As he journeyed deeper into the night, Atlas couldn't help but wonder what dangers lay ahead. But his resolve remained unshaken, and he continued his search with a single-minded focus, determined to uncover the secrets that lay hidden in the darkness.

In the fair land of Daikan, there lived a man of great renown and unparalleled character. Ferradun, as he was known to all, was a farmer of prodigious skill and unwavering dedication, whose tireless efforts brought prosperity and abundance to his beloved community. It was said that he possessed the strength of ten men and the fortitude of a lion, and that his unwavering spirit was matched only by his boundless generosity and kindness.

But Ferradun's many virtues were not confined to his prodigious farming abilities alone. For he was also a man of rare humility and simplicity, unburdened by the complexities of thought that plagued so many of his fellow countrymen. Indeed, his unwavering faith in the power of hard work and perseverance was matched only by his deep love and devotion to his wife, the fair and noble Parritha.

Parritha was a woman of great wisdom and grace, whose elegant bearing and sharp intellect had won her many admirers and acolytes throughout the land. She was known far and wide as a sage and guide, whose wise counsel had helped countless souls navigate the turbulent waters of life's many trials and tribulations. And it was through her that Ferradun had learned to cultivate not only the land, but also his own character and spirit.

And now, as the couple welcomed their firstborn son into the world, the people of Daikan rejoiced. For they knew that this child would be a beacon of hope and blessing to them all, a shining example of the boundless potential and limitless possibility that lay within the hearts of all men and women of goodwill. And so they gathered around Ferradun and Parritha, offering their congratulations and best wishes, and praying that the child would grow strong and wise and just, and that his life would be a testament to the enduring power of love and hope in the face of even the most daunting of challenges.

The sun's rays shone down on the village, illuminating the riverbank where the women gathered to do their washing. Khatun, a wise elder of the village, spoke with a calm and measured voice, her words carrying the weight of experience.

"She hath been a fount of mercy to our village since her arrival, and now her son shall be a beacon of blessing unto us all," Khatun said, her eyes glancing towards Parritha.

The other women nodded in agreement, their hands busy scrubbing and rinsing the clothes in the clear waters of the river. The sound of the rushing water mixed with their gentle chatter, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Suddenly, a cry broke the tranquillity, causing Parritha to look towards the source of the commotion. She excused herself from the group, her concern etched on her face.

"Thou art too kind, ladies, but I must attend to this matter," Parritha said, her voice filled with compassion as she walked towards Herben, who was in tears.

The other women watched her depart, their curiosity piqued. There was something mysterious about Parritha, something that set her apart from the rest of the villagers. They couldn't quite put their finger on it, but they knew there was more to her than what appeared on the surface.

As Parritha tended to Herben, the women couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind her kind and gentle demeanour. Perhaps there was more to this woman than anyone had ever imagined, and perhaps one day the mysteries that surrounded her would be revealed.