ZE - Chapter 45: The start of a new journey

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“Dialogue” 

‘Thoughts’ 

-Author notes-

Chapter 45: The start of a new journey

Tolfin guided him to the pit where the Zarlas were kept.

The tribesmen had prepared two of the lizard mounts for them and loaded them with lots of supplies for their journey.

“Are you sure you want to come with me? It is probably going to be a long journey. Not to mention a dangerous one… you won't see your wife for a while.”

“That is true… but I have been given a task by the Chief, and it is my duty to accomplish it. To take you to your destination.”

“He didn't tell you anything more specific?” He figured that Chief Guskarr and his mother didn't want to spread information about her premonitions. But he expected him to at least have told his son about it.

Tolfin shook his head. “He only told me what I needed to know. That you needed to travel to the southern lands and that it was very important for our tribe that you succeeded on your journey. I trust the Chief's decisions.”

He still wondered how his journey was so important for Tolfin’s tribe since he wasn't told whatever the old lady saw in her dreams.

“I see… you have complete trust in your father.” It was difficult for Zephyr to understand that level of trust. He never had someone he could trust that much.

Tolfin patted his shoulder. “Worry not, Zephyr. I am the best warrior and hunter of the tribe and I have already crossed the western forest before. With some luck, we will be able to avoid any large group of Forest Walkers and pass with little trouble.”

“Why go to that forest at all?” According to his old map, they could gain access to the southern part of the continent by crossing the Yellow Mountains behind this tribe's lands. Then, they just have to pass by the Old Varian Kingdom that gave its snake to his old home village. “Can't we just cross the mountains? It should be shorter.”

“Shorter? Yes. But that would be death to us…” Tolfin said with a grave tone.

“Is it that bad?” Zephyr asked.

“The mountains themselves are already as dangerous to cross as the forest. But the worst part comes after. Once you pass the Yellow Mountains, there are massive rocky plains with underground caves everywhere. That land is home to mainly two dangerous beasts. One is the savage zarlas.”

“These guys?” Zephyr pointed at the lizard mount close to him.

Tolfin nodded. “They hunt in large groups and are very clever. They are extremely difficult to hunt. But… there is an even more deadly beast living in those plains… the Zolgar.”

“Zolgar?”

“Its aspect is somewhat similar to the zarlas, but they run on two legs and are many times bigger. They have massive jaws, capable of swallowing a man whole.”

“That sounds terrifying…” He was not sure if these creatures were more deadly than the green drake he fought a few days prior, but he was in no hurry to find out.

But in any case, if someone like Tolfin, who is twice his level, says that the mountain path is a sure death… “The forest it is then.”

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Tolfin explained to him how to ride the zarlas, and once the lizard gave up trying to bite him, he managed to get it under some semblance of control. At least enough to ride it out of the settlement.

He had never ridden an animal before, so it was a new and fun experience for him.

They arrived at the entrance of the tribe, and Zephyr looked around. A lot of tribesmen had gathered to say their farewells to Tolfin, including his wife. The only notable missing people were the Chief and the old lady.

Zephyr was a bit surprised that Seth was not here either. He thought that at the very least, the boy would come to say goodbye to him. They had only known each other for a short time, but still… it felt a bit bitter.

“Wait! Don't go yet!”

Zephyr glanced back and saw Seth runn

ing towards them. The Chief was walking right behind.

“Seth? Well, at least you came to say goodbye,” Zephyr said.

“Goodbye? Why would I do that? I’m going too!”

Zephyr had just noticed that Seth was carrying a large bag on his back.

“You don't want to live here? It's definitely going to be safer than traveling with us,” Zephyr told him.

“I know that, but… I don't want to just live safely. I want to become a great hunter like my grandpa, or even better. I can't do that by just living here. I want to travel and find all kinds of beasts. Learn about them… and hunt them!” Seth's eyes were filled with determination.

“If that is what you want. You are welcome to come with us,” Zephyr said with a grin. “To be honest, I thought you weren't even going to appear at this point.”

“Oh sorry, there was something I wanted and the Chief was helping me find it. That's why we arrived last.”

“What were you trying to find?” Asked Zephyr.

“This…” Seth pulled out a large knife from a sheath attached to his waist. “A proper hunting knife!”

“Ah, that looks nice. Just be careful and don't cut yourself with it.”

“I'm not a child, and I know how to use it. And you are the one who is always getting hurt.”

“That's because I do all the fighting,” Zephyr huffed.

“Tolfin,” Guskarr called.

“Yes, Chief?”

“Be careful, son. This trip is more important than you can imagine…” Guskarr left the words hanging, but Tolfin understood their meaning.

He knew about his grandmother's ability to dream about the future. That is how she was able to instruct him to go find the ‘boy traveling from the north’.

He also knew that she must have had a good reason to not tell him more about this journey or about Zephyr, even though he was convinced she knew a lot more.

“Rest assured, Chief. I'll complete this quest and return home. “You may ride with me, young Seth,” Tolfin said.