POV Narrator:

A complicated expression carves itself upon Dawkin’s rugged face, an internal struggle clearly evident. Steadily Dawkin’s face hardens and his expression transforms. Like a volcano that’s ready to erupt, anger boils in Dawkin’s chest. Through grinding teeth, depicting the utmost frustration, Dawkin speaks, “Please, I beseech you to reconsider.”. Almost unable to keep his anger contained, Dawkin continues, “I need this power… this strength. It’s my only path left… my only hope left.”.

A staring match ignites between Zohn and Dawkin, like two mountains, unwilling to give in and collapse. A grave look solidifies on Dawkin’s face, unwilling to back down. The tension rises and Zohn’s expression starts to crack. A soft sigh drifts from Zohn’s large mouth, clearly tired from this unneeded hostility. “Follow me, we’ll continue this discussion at the place that I found you,” Zohn states, beckoning Dawkin to follow. “Maybe the nature there will provide me with some energy to continue this discussion,” Zohn says to himself in a tired voice. Clearly tired after a long day’s hard work.

At the tree, where Zohn previously meditated, they both stop and turn to stare at each other. “Let me ask you this Dawkin. What is power?” Zohn asks, breaking the staring contests and turning towards the centre of the mountain peak. A mysterious look of longing plasters itself on Zohn’s face. “Is it the power to destroy? The power to create? Maybe both?” Zohn continues, his expression continuously growing longer, with the passing of each second.

Shocked by the sudden question, Dawkin starts contemplating. “Maybe he’s testing me?”, Dawkin assumes. “It’s the power to triumph over your enemies.”, Dawkin finally answers after five minutes, trying to answer, to what he assumes is the desired response. Zohn doesn’t respond, seemingly unsatisfied with the answer. “Let me ask you more specifically. What type of power do you desire?” Zohn asks, his back still facing a baffled looking Dawkin.

Dawkin contemplates again, “‘What type power do I desire’, Isn’t obvious? I need to protect my village, my people!”. “I need the power to protect!”, Dawkin states in a booming voice, shocking even himself with its strength. Zohn nods slightly, seemingly satisfied with Dawkin’s answer. “A noble cause, but is power that easy to obtain?”, Zohn states, turning to face Dawkin again.

“If you are looking for an invincible sword or some instant power, then I’m sorry to disappoint.” Zohn continues, closely studying Dawkin’s expression. Dawkin’s hopeful expression turns dejected and Zohn shakes his head quietly. “There is no shortcut to true power, you can trust me on that one,” Zohn concludes, turning towards the peak’s centre as if he’s waiting for something.

A hopeless bearing settles on Dawkin and his eyes turn desperate, “I can’t give up, not when I’m so close. There must be a way, my village can’t survive without it!”. “I never said power didn’t exist, only that it takes time… a lot of time and that I-”, Zohn tries to reassure Dawkin, only to get interrupted. “I don’t have time, I must return to my village in a years time. Else there’ll be nothing left to return to” Dawkin interrupts, almost hysterical at this point.

“As I was saying, I can train you. You don’t seem to harbour evil intention, as I’d previously assumed, so I’m extending you this courtesy, as my first visitor.” Zohn offers, taking pity on Dawkin’s predicament. “How can you train me to be stronger? I’m already the best swordsman in my entire village, I need something more than what mere training can provide.” Dawkin chides Zohn’s offer, almost completely hopeless at this point.

Zohn quietly turns his head towards Dawkin, his body still turned away, a mysterious smile creeps on Zohn’s face. “You’re doubting my training?” Zohn asks, an incredulous look clearly evident on his face. Zohn turns and directly Dawkin, his large stature completely towering over Dawkin. With a hint of arrogance Zohn continues, “You said that you’re the best swordsman in your entire village, but that’s nothing impressive. I have never even practised the sword before, but I’d still beat you in a sword fight with one hand tied behind my back.”

As Dawkin was about to dispute Zohn’s absurd claim. Zohn continues unperturbed, providing Dawkin with no opportunity to speak. “What I’m offering you isn’t some ‘mere training’; I’m offering you something much more valuable,” Zohn says, his voice as mysterious as ever. A confused look covers Dawkin’s face. With a hand stroking his magnificent beard, Zohn continues, “What I’m offering you is true power, not some legend.”.

A hint of hope returns to Dawkin, only to be dashed instantly. “But true power takes time,” Zohn concludes. “There has to be an alternative?” Dawkin pleads, unwilling to give up. “Since you lack time then I can only provide you with a hint of power. I don’t know what you are fighting against, but this would be enough to leave you unopposed.” Zohn continues undisturbed Dawkin’s plea.

Hope starts to return to Dawkin. An intense inferno of determination and conviction ignites in Dawkin's heart. “It won’t be easy and I wouldn’t have even suggested it if you hadn’t been able to climb this mountain. That feat alone shows me that you barely qualify and might be able to obtain some power within a year’s time. But that depends on you.” Zohn states in an expecting tone, waiting for Dawkin’s answer.

“I’m ready for anything, I can’t fail my village!” Dawkin agrees with complete determination. “Since I’ll be training you, then there are two rules that you’ll have to follow. Firstly, the peak’s centre is forbidden and Secondly, you must follow my teachings faithfully. Follow these rules, then we’ll get along just fine.” Zohn accepts Dawkin into his teachings.

Turning towards the horizon and seeing the setting sun, Zohn decides. “I’ll provide you with a room in my home. It’s getting late and you’re still weak, so I’ll start preparing food. Come.” Zohn commands Dawkin, turning back towards his home. A bewildered Dawkin quickly follows Zohn’s steady pace.