ZE - Chapter 44: The journey south

Disclaimer:

“Dialogue”

 ‘Thoughts’

 -Author notes-

Chapter 44: The journey south

“Twenty years ago?! How is that possible? I wasn't even born yet,” Zephyr exclaimed.

“This old lady has asked herself that question many times... but after all these years, even I can't completely grasp how this ability works. All I know is that my dreams become true and you... are the ones I have dreamt the most.”

“What did you see in those dreams?” He wondered if they were something like the dreams he always had. But he was sure that his dreams were about the past… not the future.

“I saw you accomplishing many things… great things for all humans,” she answered in a vague way.

“Can't you be more specific?” Knowing about his own future could certainly be useful.

She gave him a kind smile. “Over the course of many dreams, I have learned one very important thing about the future. Future knowledge should be treated with care... giving it away without proper thought could lead to terrible results.”

Zephyr looked confused. “…I don't understand.”

Guskarr leaned forward. “What my mother is trying to say is that… telling you everything she knows about your future could change things and not necessarily in a good way. It could lead you down a bad path. It's best to avoid that, if possible.”

“So you won't tell me anything because then I may do things differently… and your dreams won't come true.”

“I will tell you one thing…” The old lady said. “You must travel south… far beyond the old kingdoms. There is something very important awaiting you, in a place surrounded by water.”

‘Is she talking about the old Empire I saw in my dreams? That's where I wanted to go in the first place.’ “Do you know what awaits me there?”

“Your destiny… that is all I can say. I'm sorry, young man.”

“That's it?” Zephyr could not help but feel disappointed. She finally found someone with useful information and she would not talk.

But whatever this old lady saw in her dreams, something was clear to him. These tribesmen appeared to consider him important enough to treat him like some honored guest.

“I believe it's time for us to rest, young Zephyr. Tomorrow, we can discuss the arrangements for your journey,” Guskarr said.

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“How long are you planning on sleeping? Wake up already!” Zephyr gave Seth a kick.

“Ouch!” Seth yelped as he regained his senses. “What did you do that for?!”

“You sleep all day and all night, at this rate you are going to start growing roots if you stay in that bed any longer.”

Eventually, Seth complied and got up from the bed, so they went to have something to eat.

The tribesmen were kind enough to give them some new clothes, so they were both wearing hide armors made of different animals.

Zephyr still wore the pants he took from the elf underneath the hides and also kept the sword at his waist.

Tolfin's wife had prepared a massive breakfast for them, so Zephyr and Seth did not hold back and ate as much as they could.

It was hard to tell how easy it was going to be to find prey on their journey, so they might have to spend several days without food.

After a while, Tolfin came into the hut, along with his father Guskarr. Both of them sat at the table and also started eating.

“All the preparations are almost complete,” Guskarr announced.

“Preparations? For what?” Seth asked.

“We are continuing our travels south. The Chief said he was going to give us some supplies to help us out,” Zephyr said.

“Hold on, Zephyr. I don't understand, why are we traveling south?” Seth asked.

“Mmm… I can't really explain it well, but there is something I must find there.” Zephyr then realized something.

His dreams had set a path for him that led him to that old Empire. It was hard to explain, but he could feel there was something in that place that was very necessary for him, or perhaps some answers at least… even if that old oracle hasn't said anything, he would still want to travel there.

But for Seth, it was different. The only reason the boy had been traveling with him was that living north of the wall was too dangerous for him.

Now Seth had a real alternative. He could stay to live here, with this tribe. He would not have to worry about being arrested by the Celestials here… he could live in peace.

“Seth… do you wanna stay here? To live, I mean,” Zephyr asked.

“What?... living here?” Seth was surprised by the suggestion.

“Yes… you used to live in a hunting village. This tribe also lives mostly off hunting. You could learn a lot from the tribesmen here and become a hunter like your grandfather. You don't have to worry about the Celestials here.”

“But…” Seth considered Zephyr's words. Their reason for traveling south of the Wall was to get away from Celestials and their laws. “Could I live here?”

“I don't have a problem with the young one living here. We could always use another hand,” the Chief said.

“I'm sure my wife would be delighted if young Seth stayed here,” Tolfin said with a smile.

“Wait, but what about you, Zephyr? Why won't you stay here too?” Seth asked.

“I can't… at least not now. My place is not here…” Zephyr said.

“I don't understand it…but I don't want to leave you, Zephyr! We are traveling companions,” Seth said.

“Well…I believe you have a bit of time to think about it, right?” Zephyr asked the Chief.

“Perhaps an hour or two, it's best early in the morning. The plains become much more dangerous at night,” Guskarr said. “But before that, there was something else I wanted to speak with you about.” He gave his son a tap on his shoulder. “Tolfin will go with you.”