My boots were soaked when I stepped on the shallow river flow.
I can't keep my eyes on my steps because I have to keep an eye on Acro above who's leading the way for me in the neighborhood woods. I cross the stony river and innumerable trees. I stopped in front of a giant tree when Acro flew on top of it.
I make steps backward while looking at where Acro is perched. When the distance is enough for a spurt, I dash upward on the tree defying the gravity. However, Acro's spot is too high. I almost fell down again but I managed to cling to a robust branch and hop from there. I step on another robust branch to draw closer to Acro.
I never knew there was an owl nest here. And it's wide enough for me to fit in. I squinted inside and inside I saw a mini box. I sat on the branch, leaving my legs hanging, and I blew the dust from the box which means it had already taken years in this hidden nest. It's a good thing no one found it first.
The very first thing I saw in the box is a lustering necklace. The pendant is a tiny container of water inside while the lace is a simple rope with a little fur around the pendant. It's undeniably beautiful. Another treasure inside the box is a letter, and the penmanship is obviously from Cormelio. The message says:
'Little Devil, a woman gave that necklace to me when I adopted you. She said you have to find your mate when the right time comes. And the right time is the day you found this cheap box. Find her. She will lead you in the pond of the Moon’s Order pack. It is where your memories are buried. Find it. My life has been at risk ever since I adopted you. But I did not regret it. Given that situation, it’s assuring to write this because my life is uncertain.'
"A woman…? Moon’s Order pack?" I pronounced. A piece of vague memory I have of a woman who kissed me came across my thoughts. I stare at the pendant once again then I wear it. Find my mate and the pond. I'm sure another purpose will be told. But how shall I start? I can't leave Cormelio behind. "Acro, what shall I do? With Cormelio's condition, I cannot follow the demand of this message."
She perches on my shoulder. ["Decide."]
I remained in the same position while feeling the breeze and silence. Stupor of thoughts keeps mixing inside. But the choice prevailing among those is Cormelio's welfare. I returned the mini box in the nest again and I took the letter into my pocket. Then I jump down to the ground despite the height and still manage to maintain my balance. Acro came after me.
From here, I walk home after I made up my mind. I want to discover the reason for my existence. This strong will is hindered by my responsibility for my uncle. That sounds self-centered. He gave me a normal life and he suffered because of it. At the blacksmith shop, I was reluctant to approach Amos about my concern.
Currently, he's refining another dagger in front of the refiner's fire. I notice his eyes are stuck still on the heat while picking the tools beside him without looking at them. He's so occupied that he didn't notice my presence behind him. I had my hands on the back whilst watching him, and I saw his right hand searching for something while his left was busy with the refiner.
The only tool on the table is the straight-peen hammer. I moved it closer to his hand and he took it. An accident took place when he broke the hot dagger with that tool when he was supposed to flatten it. He groaned when the burning shred spotted out on his cloth. I reacted too in surprise. That's when he noticed me.
"Hessuel! Stay away from the furnace!"
"Sir, you should, too."
He moves and tramps his feet continuously to shake off the shreds. "This often happens. Not new to me!" He laughed after. "Do you need something?"
"Uh..." I can't form words to initiate my intention. "There’s an errand I had to do in Plandreas city, my uncle requested me before this happened. Which means… I have to leave, and it might take time before I return. So I have a suggestion,” I lent him a pouch of money, “please, use this to hire that nurse again to take care of my uncle while I’m gone and while he hides here, these are all I wanted to ask you, sir.”
“Are you sure you can leave him behind? Is this errand more important than your uncle’s life?”
“My uncle’s health stands above all priorities. Nevertheless, this is what he asked me to do. It’s hard to tell when he’ll wake up. I, at least, want to show him something I’ve done when he does. I assure you that I will return as soon as I can! I’m really sorry for troubling…”
I caught his smile. “I see. You know how to impress him very well. I agree with your suggestion but I have one condition. Return with useful information.”
“About what, sir?”
“About your errand.”
☪ ✧ ✧
I prepared everything, even myself the next morning. Thanks to Amos! The only thing bothering me is his interest in my errand. Hopefully, he isn’t expecting a surprise food when I return! I picked the best among the best clothes! But before getting dressed, I was astounded in front of the mirror with my top uncovered.
"What..." I slam the table in front. "WHAT!?" My dark skin has spots of white. I remember Dandeline asked about what happened to my skin. And I forgot it! The spots are forming on my neck, too. These are reminiscing about the face of the man in my memories. Or, these are the resemblance. "Is it not some sort of skin disease?" I asked Acro. She flapped her wings and hoots—although I'm not adept at animal communication. "Otherwise, this is my true inherited color...'' My assumption.
After that preparation, with the gear of a pouch behind me for stocks, I walked to the blacksmith shop. Amos points a finger at me.
"That necklace. Let me check it." I stood closer to the counter to let him reach the pendant. He used a mirror and looked at the reflection. "I knew it. This luster is familiar to me. This water once reflected turns green, is a clue that it came from the legendary pond of the Moon’s Order pack. How did you get it?"
"Someone gave it to me. What else do you know about this? What is that legend?"
"It's just a prominent tale once played on stage. The pond is where the ancient white Luna drowned herself after the loss of her beloved. That was when the war was inaugurated. A tragic tale."
"Oh, I see."
Afterward, I came down for Cormelio. Silence in the room is also filled with loneliness. "... I’ll be off now, Uncle Cor," I said in a monotone. I bent and leaned my hand on the bed. "I shall return with the information I need and tell you everything. So, I'm hoping to see you in a better condition once I return." I knelt down on the floor and stuck the back of his hand to my forehead with my eyes politely closed. "Take care," I said in a whisper, again.
The journey marks its start today. Acro is my only companion. Before setting foot outside the village, I looked back and memorized its image. I'm confident to leave this to the hands of the righteous leaders and harmonious villagers. I wear my hood and walk to a different course of my life.
To the city of Plandreas, Dachologie Vil.