Deldion looked at his father's ghostly pale skin in horror. This scene was reminiscent of an event two days prior to his father's death. It was an event that he could not forget. Deldion waited for his father to call for him and soon, his father's voice could be heard.
"My son, come." The king gestured for the prince to sit next to his side. As Deldion strode to his father's side, the king revealed a loving and sickly smile. The sight of this made the young prince clench his fists. Frustration and grievance covered Deldion's face, and a single question permeated in his mind.
'Why?'
'Why did the Heavens curse our family?'
'It was unfair.'
Seeing his child's face, the King let out a gentle sigh and spoke.
"My child, do not blame the Heavens for this curse. Your hatred and anger is something I understand, for I have also watched my father wither away. The legends say that the root of this curse is from our ancestor: the First Saint. Almost nine centuries ago, the First Saint was cursed by an angel that descended the Heavens. He, whose talent blinded the Heavens, fought the angel for nine days and nights before both perished from the world. In the angel's lasts moments, it cursed the First Saint's descendants that no man shall be able to live past the age of forty. As his descendant, my time has come. My son. Do not fret and do not cry, for the curse is a mere illusion of the clouds. Now go, after your trials, you shall have a chance to understand."
No words could leave Deldion's mouth as his surroundings slowly bleed into an all devouring darkness. With a sudden flutter of his eyes, Deldion found himself in the familiar darkness of the cottage. With his eyes widened and his breath heavy and uneven, the Prince felt tears travel down the sides of his face.
Deldion wiped away his unwanted tears. He had already grieved enough. No more tears need to be shed. He too a deep sigh before walking out of the cottage under the star covered night.
The night's cold air refreshed Deldion's mind, and the bright stars lifted his heart like many night before. The Prince strolled down the hill, passing the the step like farms and wooden houses. He walked onto the open grass field where he labored in the day and saw a particular old man laying on unturned grass.
The old man's caterpillar like eyebrows were raised a little before relaxing into a comfortable state, as if the old man was acknowledging Deldion's presence.
"A bad dream?" The old man asked.
"Yes. A very bad dream." Deldion replied.
"Well, come lay down. Let us watch the stars to wash away our worries."
As Deldion laid next to the old man, an inexplicable sense of loneliness invaded his mind. This final trial is a false world that is meant to impart wisdom onto its taker. This trial takes years to complete, yet when you learned the wisdom bestowed, your connections with this false world completely disappears.
Deldion is alone in this world. It matters not that every being, sensation, and object are indistinguishable from the real world. All of it will be gone in a blink of an eye.
"Hey," the prince's voice trembled, "what would you do if I suddenly disappeared?"
"You're going to run back home?" the old man asked with ease. To the old man, it was inevitable that the child would one day disappear from sight. Deldion was young, someone with time and passion. Even if the prince suffered the scars of battle, the old man believed that it will turn into something valuable for the lost child. With time, the young one will proceed with his journey on life. It was not the old man's responsibility to tell the prince what to do, but with his vast experience the old man did feel the need to impart some wisdom.
"You see child, you will meet many people throughout your life. There will be people you form bonds with, whether you form bonds of love or bonds of hate, they will all play a role in your life. Cherish these bonds because one day, these bonds may break. It is normal to morn for that loss, but you must remember to move on." The old man smiled at Deldion.
"You have formed a bond with me, but I do not have much time left in this world. I hope you will find your way before I am gone." Sincerity permeated in the old man's voice, causing Deldion's eyes to water before lightly nodding. The old man reached out his hand and for the first time in a long while, Deldion felt a warm hand that caressed his head.
The pair laid under the stars as a peaceful night passed by. It would be needless to say that night was a catalyst for their bond. Three years came to pass, and a fourth is almost nearing. Autumn was here and the prince worked hard to pick the autumn tea leaves. For three years, the prince nurtured a large field of tea plants and on this fourth year, the leaves were ready to be harvested and dried. Deldion looked at the setting sun and set off to rest after a long day of work.