The both of them came home with the book. There was no need to buy it because, apart from them, nobody else seemed to see it. That tome certainly hid something strange, but they were still unable to understand the reasons behind this power. So they started to browse it for a few hours. As Herega had noticed, the first 260 pages told and described sorcery and spells. The 261ˢᵗ page was an introduction to the next section. In this one, however, each was completely white, only the last one had a peculiarity: a map of Aostra, divided into its five nations, in which appeared a small cross on the island they should reach.
Before leaving, however, both should have said goodbye to their families. Eavelin spoke calmly with his adoptive father, he accepted the thing, congratulating about the maturity reached by her. Few tears were shed, but not meant to be forgotten.
The almost good bond established with his mother, instead, blocked Herega, leaving him in hesitation for a few minutes, but he managed to get courage.
«Mother, I need to talk to you. I decided to follow my path. To live my life as I always wanted. When I return, if I do, it will be a long time. Please take care of Lytsu, even from me.»
Lenja, though with her head bowed, listened carefully to Herega's words, who immediately left. He would not have waited for a response from the mother, not because he was afraid that she would not give it to him but because, being in that state, he would not have thought of getting one and, if he had it, he would certainly prefer not to hear it. After all, Herega had forgotten the meaning of "Family".
♦️
For the last time, Herega closed the door, sighed a long breathe, then walked away. In a short time he reached Eavelin, who was waiting for him in her garden. There would not be another chance to relax in that quiet meadow, so they decided to enjoy the moment, at least for a few hours. Absorbed the positive feelings they stood up, Herega spoke:
«If you don't feel like it, it doesn't matter. We can still stay here, living a quiet life, eaged by most people.» He said calmly.
He would have wanted to live the adventurous life that lay ahead of him, but she was much more important to him.
«I want to be with you, wherever you go.» She replied.
No other words were needed to describe the desire of both.
♦️
They then set off for Triosa. Both prepared a backpack with some useful things: There was no need for water, the rivers of Aostra were clear. The liquid that flowed from the mouths was as pure as the wealth of mother nature. Food was a major problem, but still solvable. Herega, not too often, when he did not want to come home, he fed on meat of animals killed by himself, and cooked with a small fire. In extreme cases, they could have resorted to this method. The most important treasure they brought with them was money, called Crest. The same one that was used in Avaloria centuries before, some years after the rule of Goldora was extended also to Shiitia, only nation of Aostra wich had hit different. Last, the book from the library of Nustia. The only problem, which now stopped them, was the means of transport. Getting one, just for them, was quite complicated. The solution they found was to get into a public carriage, directly to Triosa. Paying few Crest, they were able to use it. The evening came, and they finally left. They were not alone, of course. The horses were eight, the wagons four. They were on the one furthest from the coachman. Along with them, there were three other people. They looked like a family, were well dressed, but they were dirty and did not smell good, also there was an air of sadness between them.
«Herega, let us be careful. They might rob us.» Eavelin said, noticing the poor condition of the others.
The young man, for his part, was also afraid of it.
«All right, Eve. But we also need to rest. We'll take turns. For now I will stay awake, as soon as I feel the need to sleep I will wake you and rest. Then we'll continue like this. Sounds good?»
Eavelin agreed, thanking Herega for allowing her to sleep first. However, the young man decided not to wake her up, and to remain alert until the moment of arrival. As the girl fell asleep, Herega took off his cloak and wrapped it around her.
«Where are you headed?» One of the two men in their same wagon started.
He had a strong voice despite his old look.
«Our destination is Triosa. Why do you care?» Herega replied.
The idea of talking to an old person fascinated him, he could learn really important things. Unfortunately he never got to know his grandparents. It was the first time for him.
«You are young. It is rare to find people so young travelling alone. Mine was simple curiosity.» The man replied.
Looking at the faces of the young ones, tears came from his face. Living a happy life, as they seemed to be, perhaps, had always been his dream. Seeing their condition, they did not seem to have reached that kind of life.
«Why are you travelling?» Asked Herega without hesitation.
The question might have annoyed the old man, but the young man's curiosity was known to be never satisfied. He hesitated for a moment in answering.
«We are fleeing. We have been held prisoner by the king of Nustia for failing to repay our debts. We're going to Shiitia now, where we'll try to start over. If there's any advice I can give you, young man... find a middle way in things. Never end up in abundance or scarcity. Living an ordinary life is not a bad thing.»
Herega stood up, trying to scroll the path of the stars in the night sky, repeating in his mind:
"Living an ordinary life is not so bad".
That answer had not satisfied him completely, infact, for nothing. This was against his ideology, against his curiosity, against his very being. However, he appreciated the advice. He bent down before the gentleman, lowered his head and raised it quickly.
«Thank you, but I'm sure life is much more than that.»
Then he went back to Eavelin, letting her use his backpack as a headrest.
«Tomorrow will be a great day.»
His bright eyes let the same words shine through.