I sit on the white-curtained bed, pulling on my brown, weathered boots and shouldering the backpack that Tigo has prepared for me. He filled it with food and spare clothes overnight while I slept. I secure the sword's sheath to the side of the backpack with a belt. The bag is heavy, and the added weight of the sword makes it a real struggle to lift—like trying to hoist a heavy rock from the ground. But the sword gives me a sense of comfort, knowing I have a means of protection. I will no longer flee in the face of danger. I'll stand my ground and fight back, even if I've never used a sword before. I've wielded a hoe; how different can it be?
When I rise from the bed and head to the front door of the house, I find Tigo waiting for me. His tall, broad figure is stoic, but his face wears a fatherly smile, his eyes gleaming with pride and warmth. Yet behind the playful eyes and wide smile, I sense the sadness of my departure. How many lonely days did he spend here in this house before I came? How many more will he endure after I leave? A small part of me grieves for leaving him. But I cannot stay. I have my own path to walk, and I cannot rest until I see that monster suffer—until I watch him writhe in pain. I want to see him bathed in his own blood, twitching and writhing as he clings for his own life. I'll carve out his heart and use its blood to fertilize the soil on my father's farm. All the agony he's caused me, I will repay a thousandfold.
"We'd better hurry, or you'll be late, Eric," Tigo says with a grin, opening the front door that faces the town. He gestures for me to go first. As I step outside, the cool wind hits my face, filling me with excitement and fresh energy. I can't help but skip with joy. Tigo follows behind, locking the door.
The traders are waiting on the far-north side of town, beyond the upper area. Tigo said we would take the north path—the same one that led through my village. I'll travel with them until we reach the old town of Ravos, known for its bustling bazaar. From there, I'll cross the Blue Mountains and continue alone to the Bridged Capital. At least, that's how Tigo explained it to me.
I glance at Tigo, who is now a few steps ahead of me since he's not burdened by a heavy bag. "What's in the Bridged Capital? Is it really that important for my journey?" I ask, gasping for air as I try to keep up with him. "Isn't there a faster way to go north to the center?"
Tigo glances back at me. "The Bridged Capital is built over a great ravine, Eric. The bridge and the city are the only link between the southern and northern lands." His eyes narrow as he looks ahead, a strong, cold wind biting at his face. "You can't venture north alone, Eric. The closer you get to the unexplored lands, the more dangerous it becomes. You'll need to find someone—or a group—to travel with. Those who venture deep into the north are called Hawks. In the capital, you'll find many factions and groups of these Hawks."
My father mentioned Hawks before, but he never spoke much about them. He only said they were adventurers. The man who murdered him had a Hawk emblem on his chest plate, and he wasn't alone. Could they have been Hawks? But why would they be so far south if their goal is to explore the north? My village is nowhere near the northern territories. "Do these groups of Hawks ever come south?" I ask, interrupting Tigo.
"I doubt it. They rarely travel south of the capital," he replies, eyeing me curiously at the strange question. "In the capital, you'll have to join a group to travel north. But be careful—not every group is trustworthy. Some have been known to betray their own members.Ruthlessly kill, even the closest friend."
He continues, "Hawks play a big role in the Empire's politics. The most influential Hawk leaders hold seats on the Emperor's council. They act as a bridge between him and the Sovereigns in the north. It's because of them that there's no war between the northern lands and the Empire. In exchange for passage through the Obsidian Gates, the Hawks and the Emperor offer their support and wealth to ensure peace."
The world to the north feels vast and foreign. I never imagined so much was happening while I toiled on the farm. Life there was small and safe. Out here, the world is dangerous and uncertain. I don't know if I'm ready for it—if this vast world will swallow me whole. But that doesn't matter. I must move north.
We reach the north side of town. The fortress of the upper town casts a long, cool, pleasent shadow over us. The traders wait on a wide, straight road at the town's edge: eight men, three of them armored and carrying long spears—likely hired guards for our safety. Five horses stand nearby, one hitched to a long wooden carriage loaded with goods. One of the unarmored men—a short, thin figure with greasy black hair and a crooked nose—approaches us with a sly grin. "Is this the young lad, Tigo?" he asks, extending an open hand.
Tigo drops four gold coins into the trader's palm. "Appreciate it, Tigo. I'll make sure this lad reaches Ravos safely," the trader says, turning before Tigo can reply. He waves me over, motioning for me to follow him. Tigo's expression softens, his eyes filled with quiet sadness.
I step forward, then turn back one last time to face Tigo. "Thank you," I say, my voice thick with emotion. The last month taught me so much—Tigo lifted me when I was at my lowest, and now he sends me off when I'm ready to move on. "For everything. I promise I'll repay your kindness someday."
Tigo grips my shoulders, offering a long, warm smile. "No, I should thank you," he says, gently patting my head, his eyes offering a final goodbye. "Now go. They won't wait for you all day." I pull him into a hug, holding back tears. He has been like a father to me. I'll return, Tigo. And when I do, I'll come back stronger—not as a broken boy which is on the bring of death, but as a "God."
I walk toward the traders' carriage. "Be safe!" Tigo calls out, waving as I join them. I look back and wave to him, but we remain still for a moment. It seems I'm not the only one beginning a journey today. A short boy with orange hair hugs his parents, kisses them, and then rushes over to us, tears streaming down his face. As soon as he arrives, we break our stillness, turning onto the paved road. I take one final, lingering look back at Tigo and the town as they fade into the distance, before the boy beside me nudges my arm.
"Hey! My name is Aiul. What's yours?"