Читать книгу Fergus Farringdon the Second. - Rene Darker - Страница 1

Chapter one.

The early morning sun had already moved two fists from the East. For most men, they would be sitting to a morning of cooked damper and a mug of recently brewed tea. Yet, for Fergus, this would be a day that he would remember forever. But it was a day he wished would never have come, ever.

Fergus remembered many a day. His Grandfather would express how he wanted Fergus to celebrate when he passes. Because Fergus’s Grandfather believed, from that moment, he would be ready to part from the Earths hold. Grandfather would also tell Fergus. That he was ready for the Heavens, because in life, he felt to be an accomplished man. He felt gratified with that. Fergus remembered his Grandfather's every word. All telling how his soul would fulfil the Heavens Dreamlands. And how he will find comfort in the heavens with his zest, ready for the future times existence. He also explained how a man’s spirit was able to look throughout the many realms, but only by those who rest beyond life. It was here when Grandfather believed. He would have the pleasure to witness those of the many living, men, women, and children. How he would witness their change, and thrive for a further thousand years.

In celebrating for Grandfather, it was easier said than done. Fergus found himself with tears as they rolled down his cheeks, only to reduce to nothing. It was now he found himself saying goodbye to his most beloved family member, and greatest of friend. Fergus could not but brood over how unforeseen his Grandfather’s loss came about. He believed his Grandfather would live on forever. Even though he knew his Grandfather had been ageing for many years. But deep down, he did not want to accept such a day would come.

With much care, Fergus placed damp soil into the depressing deep hole. Handful after handful, where his Grandfather’s casket was laid to rest. Fergus could not but apologize to his Grandfather’s spirit for the casket he rested. The casket was a tattered, shabby wooden box, with corroded nails. It was all Fergus could gather together in such a short time.

“You had many years to go Grandfather.” Fergus managed to utter his words between his deep hearted sobs.

Fergus’s best friend was also there to help give his Grandfather a warm send-off. But her most interest was to support Fergus in such a challenging and emotional time. Her name was Quinn Lynn. Quinn was a bright young lass. She was also the most giving and caring miss towards many of the Gullies people. Quinn was beautiful to Fergus. Her long dark brown hair with long curls which swayed down her back. Along with her large dark brown eyes which were mesmerizing when gazed at for too long. And her figure being tall and plump.

It was rarely Quinn was far from Fergus. Together they grew every year from an age they could not remember. Losing Fergus’s Grandfather for Quinn, was like losing her very own blood born family member. Quinn felt crippled in grief as she sobbed. While remembering some very fond moments with Grandfather. With all her might though. She still managed to stand tall after kneeling from the dampened early morning dew soil. Fergus and Quinn felt as though it took a lifetime to place the soil onto the tattered coffin. Handful after handful making for a lot of tiresome work.

Something began to happen. Fergus began to sense something. Something uncommon, unknown, and unfamiliar. From no-where there was then an unusual coolness. Together, Quinn turned with Fergus. The expressions on their faces told each other, how they had both been touched by something as one. Whatever it was, it began to transform into a very comforting warm breeze. Their hair blew over their eyes, and then a swarm of leaves swirled all about the place. Without thinking twice at what they were witnessing. The breeze had then surrounded them in cold dampened shrubberies. They began to shiver from the chill. Next, something enigmatic began to happen. They heard what appeared to be the sweetest and softest of words. That said, “be strong, love, and go as far as life take's you.” As quick as the words came, they were gone. This left Fergus and Quinn feeling somewhat mystified. For a moment they stared to each other in bewilderment.

“Did you hear something then?” They both whispered.

“Yes,” answering together again.

This rendered them speechless. Neither dared to speak the words they heard. Because if they said what they experienced. The Gully peoples would believe Fergus and Quinn to be unworldly. An unworldly person was believed to be one who could influence the forces of the Gods. And an unworldly person was able to influence. How the dead pass beyond their everyday realm. If there were any intentional interactions between the living and the deceased’s passing. This may see the deceased soul not pass on to the Heavens Dreamlands. It was with this; whoever passed, would not experience a wholesome afterlife. This would see their soul to roam the lands in sorrow lost forever. What was most disturbing though. Was if the deceased suffered an undesirable passing from man’s existence. You could hear their cries in the cold dark nights. As for some of the unfortunate man or women still living. The deceased may even try to find comfort and warmth throughout the night. By finding consolation in their most beloved living family member’s living soul. This would cause one’s bones to shudder, leaving one unable to rest for many a night. As for the recipient who is possessed by their loved one. This could send some men and women crazed, and for others, it resulted in the taking of their own life.

So, if the peoples of the Gully became aware that Fergus and Quinn had ever heard of. And from what may have been the otherworldly. They would in no doubt be abandoned beyond the Gullies borders. They would then become homeless from the Gullies populate. Which would be a destiny neither Fergus or Quinn ever thought of living. Yet, Fergus was feeling comforted. With the belief that his Grandfather passed securely in his sleep. He was thankful how his Grandfather’s soul would now be resting. In the back of Fergus’s mind. Fergus could not think of anything worse than knowing that his Grandfather’s soul, to be lost in limbo; all but taken to purgatory.

Fergus placed an arm around Quinn’s shoulder. She felt the warmth from his embrace. He tried encouraging her by saying, “It is going to be fine. Grandfather would have passed over at will. He was a good man. How could the heavens reject him?”

This was a farewell that would become one of the most reflective memories for both Fergus and Quinn. As one, they wiped the last of each other’s tears from their eyes. And then they placed the last of the dew dampened soil onto their Grandfather’s resting place. Fergus thought it important to bury Granfather next to his favorite, grand Oak tree. Because his Grandfather would say how it passed words to him when in silence. Fergus would at times try to listen, but he could not hear a whisper.

Fergus then began to whistle his Grandfather’s favorite tune. ‘When the flowers blossom.’ It was a slow and sweet tune. Quinn had heard Grandfather whistle it many times. This comforted Quinn. The whistling also captured another family member’s interest whose name was Czar.

Czar wanted to say his farewells also. Czar was Fergus’s pet and beloved companion. Fergus had cherished Czar for many years. He named Czar after one of the Gullies influential myths. Of a brave man and ruler, who represented great strength. Czar was a little furry fuzz. Fergus, knew how the furry fuzz was becoming extinct. It was unknown why, but a furry fuzz would not usually travel the South lands. So, it was ever more surprising how Fergus would be the owner of one. A furry fuzz was small the size of a rodent, but with a large head. He had adorable furry pointy ears, and deep dark blue eyes, with a black tipped bushy tail.

The story of Czar tells of how Fergus found him lost and broken. He was thirsty and hungry searching through the Gullies waste. Fergus bathed and fed him and gave him a warm comfortable bed. Czar was uncomfortable with the bed Fergus made him. Instead, Czar found his place at the head of Fergus’s pillow. Ever since they had gained each other’s trust. Czar and Fergus had stayed forever loyal and cherished pals.

Czar felt unsettled though, and he gazed at the burial place. After some time. Czar startled Fergus by scrambling up his leg where he found his way on Fergus’s shoulder. Czar nibbled at his ear. He then scrambled down again. This was a somewhat peculiar behavior by Czar.

Fergus had now finished saying his goodbyes to his Grandfather. When Fergus was leaving his Grandfather’s resting place he called for Czar. This time Czar did not come straight away. Instead, Czar curled at the foot of the burial place and whimpered. Fergus rubbed Czar behind his ear and said, ‘when you are ready my little ball of fluff’.

On the brief walk back to his cottage Fergus began to question what would come of him? Fergus began to reminisce. How his Grandfather taught him to be a valued and respectful member of the Gully. It was a dreadful thought now, how he no longer had his Grandfather to give him guidance. But even with his sorrow. Fergus felt pleased that he was able to pass on his Grandfather’s name, ‘Fergus Farringdon’. His Grandfather’s name was, ‘Fergus Farringdon Senior’. Fergus’s name was, ‘Fergus Farringdon the Second.' He promised at that very moment that he would be proud. And respectful when speaking his Grandfather’s name.

Unfortunately for Fergus. It was not his name that attracted much attention; it was his form. Fergus was unique in his appearance. For him, this attracted much ghastly attention from the Gullies girls. He wore black medium length hair with his fringe pushed to the right. It needed a good comb. What was most intriguing though, was his left eye being a bright light blue, and his right eye a dark vibrant green. Often, one would be in awe of their beauty. Fergus also had brown honey skin and he was tall and lanky. His ears were little and his dress was shabby to many.

Fergus was aware of how people would talk of his honey brown skin and his different colored eyes. This talk was not in an unkind manner; yet, the elders of the Gully kept their distance. They believed Fergus was of the many Gods they had faith in. Which God though, it was never said.

As for the girls in the gully. The girls would flutter their eyelids and go all coy and giggle in his presence. Fergus had not discovered yet, what romance was. His Grandfather did try to explain what may happen between girls and boys. But it was Fergus’s clumsiness that saw him confused at what girls and boys, may actually do. For him, the most affection he had ever experienced was to hold hands. He did not find comfort in this, and from then on, he tried hard to avoid any such interaction.

Upon arriving back to his cottage Fergus opened the door. He was feeling quite unnerved from being on his own. He stood at the doorway. Fergus had never known the cottage to be so silent. There was not a movement. It was eerie how everything stood still in time. He could usually find his Grandfather at the table reading, or by the stove cooking. He believed his Grandfather prepared the best suppertimes. Anyone in the cottage could have the privilege of eating. The goat and carrot stew taste divine, leaving the taste buds to water. Then the roasted rabbit was also very delightful leaving an after taste for some time. Fergus was going to miss the aromas. He would also miss the happiest greeting when arriving home. Not having this greeting upon reaching home, now left him feeling ever more saddened and lonelier.

“What would it be like, having nothing to look forward to on arriving home every day?” Fergus thought to himself.

The quietness in the cottage made his thoughts echo inside his mind. Fergus took one step more into the cottage where he began to sob a little again. He tried so hard to fight back the tears. Fergus felt a coldness that gave him shivers to his bones. Thinking nothing of it he began to gather some kindle to build a fire. The fire was not only for the warmth throughout the day, but it was also a source of light.

Fergus was expecting the rest of the day to settle in darkness, sooner than the average daytime. This was because, the family of the deceased were to experience a shorter day than others. This phenomenon was believed to happen by the Gods, so the family could move on with their everyday lives sooner. Fergus believed even a shorter day would not make him feel better any sooner. And then not only would the day be shorter, but the air would become colder than the average day also. Then a darkness was expected to shadow over the cottage, leaving one to huddle around the fire. Fergus had never experienced such a phenomenon. But he had heard of many others in the Gully, who had experienced the exact same event from someone’s passing.

Fergus embraced the light the fire gave. Yet, he could still not budge the feeling of being miserable while being on his own. He found his silence interrupted though when there was a scratch at the door. The door opened a little. Fergus became alarmed and stood against the furthest wall. Holding his hands over his mouth; eyes wide. Relief fell when Fergus saw Czar scramble in. In regards to Fergus fearing the doors opening, he was aware he may have over reacted a little.

Whatever possessed him to be so fearful? Fergus considered. “It could have been because his Grandfather was not there to protect him.”

He took a deep sigh and encouraged Czar to settle. This time, Czar curled at the foot of his Grandfathers bed. Even with Czars companionship. The cottage still appeared to be turning out colder than ever. So, Fergus stoked the fire some more like there was no tomorrow. Allowing him to feel satisfied that his fire would last, till daylight would rise.

Fergus sat at the kitchen table. His Grandfather’s things sprayed across the tabletop. Books and herbs, inks, and parchment. Fergus learnt how to read and write from his Grandfather’s teachings. To his Grandfather’s disappointment though, Fergus did not read or write as often as he would have liked. Fergus noticed how some of his Grandfather’s books were big. Some with golden embossed writing and others with symbols. Most covered in dust like they had not been touched for many epochs. Unlike his Grandfather, few of the books had any significant meaning to Fergus. Then Fergus all a sudden noticed the size of his Grandfather’s book shelf like never before. It was by far bigger than most. He counted ten shelves high and three doors wide. Books were squeezed into any space that may have been. What looked to be the most used books, were the herb books that would have been used to cook with. Fergus believed this was what gave his Grandfather’s cooking, the savory taste Fergus delighted in.

Other times yet, Fergus knew his Grandfather to use herbs for medicinal benefits. Fergus’s Grandfather was able to mix herbs that would settle a fever. Stop bleeding, and even mend broken bones. He was very proud how his Grandfather could heal. Many a villager thought his Grandfather to be an Enchanter. And, Fergus believed this to be so for a very long time as well.

While reminiscing such deep thoughts of his Grandfather. Fergus began to feel a little anxious again. Not knowing why, he made sure the cottage door had been secured shut. He checked the door three times, finding comfort in this. He was feeling weary even while resting on his bedstead. Czar was still on his Grandfather’s bed and not curled up to Fergus’s pillow. Fergus decided how it was the most lonesome he had ever before felt like. Fergus’s unsettledness saw him experience the odd hiccup. He knew if he held his breath for five counts, this would ease any hiccup. Then a breeze passed his nostrils that tickled a little. He thought nothing of it. He laid staring into the fire, watching how the flames danced. Only, any unfamiliar shadow gave him the creeps. And the slight cool breeze coming from the window was also unsettling. This was a reminder to Fergus that the effects of death were yet to pass.

Still gazing at the fire, Fergus sensed something strange. What happened next was unexplainable. Fergus saw the smoke from the fire swirl into a little whirlwind. It rose into what looked to be an unfamiliar, bright glowing ‘Emblem’. Its center was round with the images of pointed directions. The directions appeared to show North, South, East and West. These directions all parted into four sections. Every section showed what appeared to be a different Element. The Emblem in the center Fergus would soon learn, how it was called the, ‘Fifth Element of Creation’. Feeling troubled, Fergus closed his eyes. Wishing under his breath that whatever it was, it would go away. And it did pass as it formed. Disappearing into the cottage’s cold balminess.

Fergus laid on his bed, breathing heavily. He was clutching his mattress so hard; his fingers were turning blue. The Emblem was now deep in his mind. Something was telling him how the Emblem may have come from his Grandfather. Or it was somewhat divine that was telling of something of great significance, or something dreadful, and challenging. What though Fergus had no idea; he could only imagine?

Fergus now believed he had to be brave. He decided to look to see if he could see anything from his window. Why he did this, he did not know. Fergus became bemused though at what he observed. One moon in the night sky was passing the other moon. They paused a few moments then moving on again, and then pausing again. Then all a sudden, the moons parted while glowing a rich aura, this making for an unfamiliar occurrence.

Such an occurrence had Fergus feel comforted. Because he understood how it showed a man’s existence. An existence that would experience great manifestations. This was important to Fergus. Fergus believed that if no changes transpired in life, then life would lead no man into the future. But Fergus also believed how the future was not promised to begin with anyhow. He grasped these life’s belief’s from listening to his Grandfather’s many telling’s. Telling’s of how life evolved. And how man should progress forward in time as their Ancestors had. Fergus believed his Grandfather’s every word.

Pondering deep thoughts for some time. Fergus believed that when daylight would rise. The Elements he saw would soon be forgotten. But when Fergus did finally get to rest throughout the darkened night. He experienced enigmatic dreams of the very same Emblem and its Elements. The Elements images which Fergus would later discover. Showed them to be the ‘Earth Element’, the ‘Water Element’, then the ‘Fire Element’ and the last, the ‘Air Element’.

From such an unforgettable dismal night, Fergus welcomed the next morning. He was thankful how the darkness phenomenon had passed. Even though he still felt cold to his bones, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He remembered the nights dreams. Remembering his dreams left him to feel somewhat disturbed. Fergus was now convinced that this Emblem. And its Elements must hold significant meanings. In excitement, Fergus began to believe how fate may be showing of something. With much greatness, or of a dreadful event.

Unexpectedly, there was a startling tap on his window. This rattled the door leaving Fergus to feel somewhat alarmed once again. He let out a sigh of relief when it was Quinn who entered. For an unknown reason, Fergus was expecting something undesirable. Fergus was thankful it was nothing superstitious. It was his instincts though, that told him deep down, how all was good.

Quinn presented with the brightest smile. Fergus would say with her huge teeth and ruby red lips, she would brighten any a man’s morning. Quinn explained how she was there to offer Fergus a warm and welcoming good morning. She felt concerned because he may be lonely. Considering it was only a day gone since saying goodbye to Grandfather.

“I bought some dough for breakfast to cook,” Quinn explained. While unwrapping it from what looked like to be a clean undershirt.

“Thank you,” said Fergus, as he covered himself in his bed rugs, because he had only his underpants on.

“Do not be so shy there Fergus,” Quinn mocked as she stoked the fire and placed the dough in its place.

“The fire will need more wood,” said Fergus as he put his trousers on over his underpants, while hiding under his rug.

“All good Fergus. Already done,” Quinn told.

As Fergus stood from his bed with his upper body showing, Quinn noticed his form. His shoulders were square and strong like he could lift the world, and his stomach had perfect form. Quinn thought that this was why the Gullies girls found him eye-catching. But then, she could not but feel pity on Fergus. Because the Gullies girls were unshakable when they marveled at something. Quinn tore her eyes from Fergus’s perfect shape, continuing to stoke the fire some more.

“How did you rest last night Fergus?” Quinn asked like a concerning mother.

“Well, as for last night’s sleep Quinn, well my sleep was restless. Something happened before I was able to sleep.” Fergus remembered as he gathered water from a bucket for a hot brew.

“There was this strange breeze, it formed from the fire’s smoke. It took the shape of what looked to be an Emblem. The Emblem was round and there appeared to be four sections to it. An Earth Element, Water Element, Fire Element, and Air Element. And then an Emblem at its core,” said Fergus. With a slight wonderment in his voice.

“To me, it sounds very unnerving. What do you make of it?” Quinn asked, as she gathered a mug of goat’s milk, she bought with her then taking a seat at the table.

“I am not sure,” Fergus answered. “The more I think of it, the more the images seem to be somewhat familiar. I may have seen them before. I do not know, when, what, or where.” Fergus paused for a moment. “But when I dreamt of the Elements, they were in more depth than I recall seeing, along with the beautiful Emblem at the core.”

“Well,” Quinn butted in. She had something of as much importance. “I dreamt of a beautiful Fifth Element of Creation, which moved across lands. It was only able to rest once it completed its spiritual journey.”

“What did it look like?” Fergus asked.

He began to lose his breath though, when Quinn explained.

“It was like a rich golden coin with engravings. That seemed to point North, South, East, and West,” Quinn described.

“Your very Element sounds as my beautiful Emblem. So, my Emblem must actually be the Fifth Element of Creation. Or even your Fifth Element of Creation is actually my Emblem,” said Fergus.

“It will be the Fifth Element of Creation,” Quinn pronounced.

“How do you know it is the Fifth Element of Creation though?” Fergus asked with much interest.

“I heard it in the ghastly winds of my dream,” Quinn explained.

“Do you not see what is happening here?” said Fergus with enthusiasm. “Something may be guiding us to great feats, or even to a great fall. I cannot but help believe this.” Fergus then explained. “When you think of the breeze changing into whirlwinds. And then the fire’s smoke forming into images, and now our dreams having similar resemblance. There seems to be something happening here.”

“Check the dough Fergus,” Quinn ordered, as she considered what he was saying. “Do you think it is coming from the Gods?”

“No, my instincts tell it to be more like Grandfather’s guidance,” said Fergus with ease. “Only a man such as Grandfather could direct us to something more than he ever let on. He is still with us, but it is not like he is uncomfortable in his passing.”