"Calmly now, Herben," spoke Ferradun, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom earned through years of experience. "You have come of age but heed my words with utmost care."
Ferradun turned to face Herben, locking eyes with the young man as if peering into his very soul.
"The world is fraught with peril and uncertainty," Ferradun continued, his tone measured and grave. "As you venture forth into the unknown, remember that the choices you make will shape your destiny."
Herben listened attentively, his youthful exuberance tempered by the solemnity of Ferradun's words. He recognized the gravity of the moment, as his mentor imparted invaluable counsel.
"Valor and wisdom must be your guides," Ferradun said, his gaze unwavering. "For the road ahead may be treacherous, and the challenges you face will test your mettle."
Herben nodded slowly, hesitating, yet his determination steeled by Ferradun's words.
"You are destined for greatness, Herben," Ferradun said, his voice tinged with pride.
"A friend is here, Herben, and he will keep you safe. Go with him," Ferradun's voice carried a weight of authority. "He is your mother's trusted confidante. Listen to him and do as he says." Ferradun then pulled Herben into another tight hug, his reassurance palpable.
Herben's mind was swirling with fear and confusion. The events of the night had been overwhelming, leaving him in a state of shock. He was scared to talk back to his father, especially after what he had witnessed. He hadn't had time to process what was happening, and his thoughts were a jumble of questions. Where was he going with this mysterious figure? What would happen to his father? What had happened to his mother?
Both Ferradun and Herben turned to look back at the path they had just come from. After a few moments, a dark figure emerged, slowly walking towards them. Herben's heart sank with each step the figure took, and he waited anxiously, his senses heightened. The figure was tall and cloaked, and as he approached, everything seemed to grow quieter, until an unusual silence enveloped the scene.
The figure's face was hidden by the cloak, but his broad shoulders and visible beard gave him an imposing presence. Herben felt a mix of trepidation and curiosity as he awaited the man's words. His mind raced with questions, but he found himself unable to speak, caught in the grip of fear and uncertainty.
Ferradun stood by Herben's side, a pillar of strength in the midst of the unknown. He had always been there for Herben, a guiding figure in his life. Herben looked to Ferradun for reassurance, his trust in his mother's friend unwavering.
Herben clung to his father with all his might, tears streaming down his face like a torrent. He couldn't bear the thought of parting with his father, of leaving everything behind. Ferradun held him close, his own heart heavy with sorrow.
"Don't cry, my dear boy," Ferradun said, his voice choked with emotion. "You're my child, my little Herben. But you're all grown up now, and you have a destiny to fulfill." He tried to sound brave, but his voice trembled as he spoke.
Herben's body shook with sobs as he buried his face in his father's chest. He couldn't understand why he had to go, why his mother wasn't there, and why he had to face such uncertainty. He was scared and confused, and he didn't want to let go of his father.
Ferradun held him tighter, feeling the weight of his own grief. "He is your answer, my boy," he whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the tears. "He will keep you safe, and you will have great adventures to tell us about when you return."
Herben looked up at the mysterious figure, his heart aching with fear and longing. He wanted to ask more questions, to understand everything, but his father gently pulled him away, urging him to go.
With a heavy heart, Herben took a step back, his eyes locked on his father's. He didn't want to leave, but he didn't want to disappoint his father either. Ferradun tried to be strong, to hide his own pain, but Herben could see the tears glistening in his eyes.
"Dad, I don't want to go," Herben choked out, his voice breaking. "I don't want to leave you or Mom."
Ferradun hugged him again, his own tears now flowing freely. "I know, my son," he said, his voice filled with love and anguish. "But you must. It's your destiny, and I believe in you, May the light of Tiletha be by your side "
Herben nodded, unable to find the words to express his emotions. He held onto his father for as long as he could, feeling the weight of their bond, before finally pulling away, tears streaming down his face.
With a heavy heart, Herben turned towards the cloaked figure, his future companion. He took a deep breath, summoning all his courage, and took a step forward, embarking on a journey into the unknown, leaving behind his father and the only home he had ever known. Herben stood frozen in awe as he heard the gentle voice in his head. He couldn't believe his eyes as he watched the figure approach them, slowly taking off his hoodie to reveal a handsome, bearded man with a friendly smile. He was taken aback by the man's kind demeanor and strong presence.
"Hi, Herben," the man said, introducing himself as Atlas. "I am a friend and a helper, not a danger." His voice was soothing, and Herben couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope in the midst of his fear and confusion.
Herben looked from his father to Atlas, his mind racing with questions. He didn't know what to expect, but there was something about Atlas that put him at ease. He nodded hesitantly, his curiosity piqued.
"Shall we move?" Atlas asked, Herben looked at his father one last time, tears welling up in his eyes. Ferradun nodded and off they were to their ne future. Atlas led the way, his presence reassuring, and Herben found himself drawn to this enigmatic stranger. Herben's heart sank as he glanced back, hoping to catch a last glimpse of his father, but he was nowhere to be seen. His eyes filled with tears as he realized that he was truly on his own now, embarking on a journey without the familiar presence of his father by his side.
Feeling a mix of sadness and determination, Herben turned his gaze forward, where Atlas was still leading the way. Despite the pang of loss in his heart, Herben found comfort in the unwavering presence of his newfound friend. Atlas walked with purpose, his strong strides matching Herben's own determination to press on.
Herben's heart ached as he looked back at his village, now a distant speck in the valley below. The weight of the moment hit him like a ton of bricks, and he realized that he was leaving behind everything he had ever known and loved. His village, his home, and most importantly, his family.
The night was dark and foreboding, with a chill that seemed to seep into his bones. The wind whispered mournfully through the trees, as if echoing his own feelings of loss and uncertainty. Herben couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and nostalgia for the familiar sights and sounds of his village, knowing that he was leaving it all behind.
He glanced over at Atlas, who was walking silently beside him, leading the way up the hills. Herben was grateful for Atlas's guidance, but he still felt shy and hesitant to speak. He kept his head down, lost in his own thoughts and emotions, unable to find the right words to express the turmoil he was feeling.
As they reached the top of the hill, Herben took one last look back at his village. It was a sight he had seen countless times before, but this time it felt different. It was as if he was saying goodbye to a part of himself, leaving behind a chapter of his life that he could never return to.
Herben clenched his fists, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. He felt a mix of sadness, fear, and determination all at once. He knew that this night, which he would later call 'dereku inka dukhta ba' ( Dwarven Toung) , the longest night of my life, was a pivotal moment that would shape his destiny.
Atlas's words struck a chord deep within Herben's heart. He felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him - grief for his mother, who had believed in him so much, and pain for the loss of his father. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all.
Tears welled up in Herben's eyes as Atlas spoke. He appreciated Atlas's comforting presence and the reassurance that he would explain things once they reached the city of Kajban. But the emptiness left by his mother's absence felt almost suffocating, and the pain of losing his father was still fresh and raw.
Atlas's hand on his shoulder provided a small comfort, a fleeting connection in this unfamiliar journey. Herben looked back at his village once more, the place where he had grown up, the memories of his mother's love and his father's wisdom still fresh in his mind. He couldn't help but shake his head slowly, his heart heavy with sorrow and sadness.
Herben's heart clenched as he remembered his father's broken state during their final moments together. The image of his father, shaking and struggling to stand, with closed eyes and tears on his face, was etched in his mind. It was a stark contrast to the strong and wise figure his father had always been.
The weight of the loss hit Herben like a heavy blow, and the pain seemed almost unbearable. He recalled his father's unsure smile, a feeble attempt to comfort him despite his own devastation. It was a night that was supposed to be memorable for other reasons, but now it was marked by the grief of losing his father.
Herben's chest tightened with sorrow, and tears streamed down his face unabashedly. He missed his father more than words could express, and the pain of his absence felt like a heavy burden that he carried with him. He longed to hear his father's voice again, to seek his guidance and comfort, but he was gone, leaving Herben feeling lost and shattered.
As he walked alongside Atlas, Herben tried to find solace in the memories of his father's love and wisdom. He held onto the lessons his father had taught him, the moments they had shared, and the bond they had formed. Despite the overwhelming grief, he knew that his father's spirit would always be with him, guiding him in his journey ahead.
Atlas, sensing Herben's anguish, offered a comforting presence. He understood the depth of Herben's pain and walked beside him in silence, allowing him to grieve and process his emotions. Herben found some solace in Atlas's support, grateful for the understanding and empathy.
"All I have now are my mom and dad's final words to me," Herben whispered softly, his voice choked with emotion. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their absence keenly. He knew he had to keep moving forward, but the pain was almost too much to bear.
Atlas, with his deep voice and unwavering presence, seemed to understand Herben's pain. He squeezed Herben's shoulder gently, offering a silent gesture of support. Herben appreciated the gesture, knowing that Atlas too felt the loss of his mother.
"I know this is hard," Atlas said in a somber tone, "but don't pressure your mind. We will reach the city of Kajban, and I will explain everything that puzzles you." Herben nodded slowly, finding some solace in Atlas's words.
"Your mother saw potential in you, and I am sorry that she is gone. Believe me, it hurts me too," Atlas added, his voice filled with empathy. Herben felt a pang of gratitude for Atlas's understanding, even though the pain still gnawed at his heart.
With a heavy heart and tear-streaked face, Herben took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He knew he had to keep moving, for his mother's belief in him and his father's love. He wiped away his tears, determined to honor their memory by continuing on this journey, guided by Atlas's wisdom and support.
Together, Herben and Atlas looked back at the village one last time, before turning towards the unknown path ahead. The road to Kajban seemed long and uncertain, but Herben knew that he had to keep going, carrying the memories of his mother and father in his heart, and finding the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath, Herben turned away from his village and looked ahead, following Atlas's lead. He knew that he had to keep moving, to embrace the unknown and face whatever challenges lay ahead. He carried with him the memories of his village, his home, and his family, but he was determined to make the most of this new chapter in his life.
With a heavy heart, Herben took his first steps into the unknown, knowing that his life would never be the same again. He was embarking on a journey that would test his courage, strength, and resilience, and he was determined to face it head-on, guided by Atlas and the memories of his loved ones left behind in his village.
This was the moment they had been waiting for, their path would be southward towards the fabled city of Kajban. A journey through the treacherous snowy mountains of Drakia.
Kajban, once renowned as the last bastion of men, a city that had never fallen to any army or creature that laid rage and destruction upon them. It had been a beacon of power and might, a place where wisdom and magic thrived. The city's grandeur was evident in its massive mansions that stood tall, adorned with intricate carvings that told tales of battles fought and won.
Long ago, The king's hall, a majestic structure carved into the very heart of the mountain, stood as a testament to the city's resilience and strength. Statues of legendary heroes and mythical creatures adorned the mountainside, their stone forms seeming to come alive with magic and mystery. Though the passage of time had taken its toll, a shell of its former glory,yet it remained a strong and popular town, drawing travelers and adventurers from far and wide. Kajban still retained its enchanting charm.
As they made their way through the snowy mountains of Drakia, Herben and Atlas struck up a conversation, eager to know more about each other and forge a bond of friendship.
Herben, his voice barely above a whisper, couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "How did you know my mother and father?" he asked, his words tinged with a mix of apprehension and longing.
Atlas, his eyes filled with memories, paused for a moment before responding. "I was at your village on the day you were born, Herben," he said softly. "I met them there, and we became fast friends."
Herben listened intently, his heart swelling with emotion. He had always wondered about his parents, who had passed away when he was just a child, and hearing Atlas speak of them brought a mix of joy and sadness. Herben was taken aback by this revelation, and it stirred up a flurry of questions in his mind. Before he could voice them, Atlas continued...
To be continued.