Chapter two: Memories and Dreams

Two figures could barely be seen flying through the woods. The elderly man was so fast, he looked like a shadow as he flashed by. His movements were incredible agile; like a leaf blowing in the wind. John came to a halt almost collapsing. “Uncle!” the old man turned around and glanced at the boy, bent over, gasping for breath. “Uncle, I can’t keep up.” John’s uncle looked quite calm, like he had been leisurely walking around a garden. Not even a drop of sweat could be seen on his brow, and his face looked rather refreshed.

“We need to work on your stamina.” This mountain of a man paused for a moment deep in thought. “Perhaps we can give the horses a rest this year, and have you pull the plow.”

John instantly shot up. Staring at his uncle, he saw a completely serious face. Fear crept into his heart. Realizing that the noose was slowly tightening around his throat, John took immediate action. Jumping up and sprinting forward, John shouted back to his uncle. “I’m feeling better; last one to the mountain cooks dinner!”

After sprinting through the forest for most of the day, John burst into a clearing at the base of the mountain. The Old man was sitting leisurely around a fire as John collapsed on the ground. “Well boy I’m getting pretty hungry.” The old man had a smug smile on as he rubbed his stomach. Still laying on the ground John pulled something out of the sack on his back. Two large rabbits were firmly secured on an arrow. “Hmm, that’s not a lot of meat. Where did you find those anyway?”

John Slowly got up dragging his body over to the fire. “With the berries, and some spices I found on the way, It should be enough for tonight.” John paused as he pulled the rabbit’s off of the arrow. “I found them about an hour ago. I noticed them under an old oak tree, and since it was obvious I had no chance of catching up, I went ahead and grabbed them.”

John started to skin them as his uncle pulled out an old iron pan, “Your senses always amaze me boy, just like your father. The man never missed anything.”

As John separated the edible parts he felt a slight sting of pain in his chest. “Uncle could you tell me about my parents again?”

The old man suddenly had a distant and lonely look in his eyes. “Sure boy, how bout I tell you the story of how we met?”

John smiled with excitement. “I would like to hear that one again.”

“I met your father during a war. I was quite young then, and very inexperienced. Mankind is surrounded by enemies, so wars between men are quite rare, and usually involve very personal matters. I had enough authority to know that this war was targeting a specific family, and that we were suppose to be looking for a specific treasure. The war was pretty much over, and my unit had been sent to hunt down some small groups who were trying to escape. I had ten men with me when we found your father and mother near the border.”

“I could tell your father was dangerous with just a glance, but most of the men had already been captivated by your mother’s beauty. Despite years of training even I had to struggle to take my eyes off her, so captivating was her presence. Although she was both young and beautiful there was something more to her. Something that made it feel like she was not of this world.”

“Your father was standing in front of her with his sword drawn. He wore no armor, and his hold on his sword looked weak. I couldn’t tell where this sense of danger I felt was coming from. One of my men charged before I could warn him. As his corpse fell to the ground I realized what felt so weird. It was the absence of any aura. I had fought countless enemies on the battlefield. I had felt the intent to kill. I had felt the crushing aura of overwhelming strength, but your father had none of this. I could judge most people with a glance, but not your father. I couldn’t feel anything at all. There was a depth to him that I couldn’t see through.”

“I ordered my men to spread out and attack in formation, but it was pointless. With a few light movements all my men were dead, and I was on the ground with a sword pointed at my neck. I stared into his eyes awaiting my death, but it never came. He withdrew his sword and started to leave. I had no idea what was happening, but then he turned around just before he disappeared. He told me to come find him in a certain town; once I was ready to repay my debt. I can still remember the sound of your’ mother giggling as they disappeared.”

“Facing death will change a man, at least the first time. I can honestly say it is thanks to your’ father that I'm as strong as I am now. Now get some sleep, we've got some hunting to do in the morning.”

John had heard this story many times, along with several others. These stories were all he had of his parents, and he cherished them like any child would. As they laid down to sleep a quiet whisper could be heard, “Thank you uncle.”

There was a beautiful maiden standing by a waterfall, looking over the edge of a cliff. John could only see her from behind, but his mind was still captivated completely. The light of the cold sun illuminated everything in a shade of blue, as the river began to freeze. The maiden began to sing in some unknown language. Although John could not understand the words, the sorrow hidden within assaulted his heart. John ran towards the maiden, desperate to help her. He tried to call out to her, but no sound could be heard beside the sorrowful song. He had to do something. He ran even faster, but just as he was about to reach her a shrill cry rang out. The noise pierced through his mind, encompassing his whole world. He tried to scream, but nothing could be heard over that piercing sound. John wanted to die, he wanted it to be over, but at the last moment everything changed. John looked up to see his Uncle shaking him awake.