Читать книгу Fergus Farringdon the Second. - Rene Darker - Страница 2

Chapter Two.

As for the Gods, Fergus was not keen on believing in them. There seemed to be several for so many different reasons. For example, there was a God for growth, a Fire God, and even a Man’s God. But Fergus liked to believe in what was before him.

Quinn questioned Fergus, why did he not believed in the Gods when he believed in his Grandfather’s spirit?

Fergus replied by saying, “Is it not obvious. He was once a living soul, so his soul will now roam the Heavens. I mean, have you ever heard of the Gods walk our times. They may be but a superstitious."

Fergus did have a point there Quinn reasoned. Quinn did not believe in all Gods either. But she suggested Fergus believe in one. Considering how she thought it important to have some type of faith. A faith that would keep you grounded in all you do in life. But a faith that complemented one’s life’s philosophies. Quinn thought it was now more important for Fergus. Especially how something unknown appeared to be transpiring in their lives. Quinn said her concerns in a way where she was trying not to predict any form of greatness. She did not want to excite Fergus of anything, that may leave his imagination to speculate something mysterious, strange, or unidentified. Quinn was grounded in all she did. She was the responsible one who planned ahead of time. In case something unexpected happened. With Quinn’s persuasion Fergus promised how he would ponder a faith.

“How about I think of it later in the day, though,” Fergus uttered.

“I will ask again later then, and I expect you to keep your promise and tell of your faith,” said Quinn in an insistent voice.

When the dough felt cooked, they ate and drank in silence. They were both thinking the same thoughts. Thoughts of hearing the sweet utterances at Grandfather’s burial. And then of the unexplained dreams. After much silence Quinn coughed aloud to catch Fergus’s attention. She asked if Fergus would like to join her in fetching water for her Mother. Quinn stressed how it had been some time since she left her cottage. Her Mother would have been expecting her long ago.

“No, I want to hang out here. I have things to do,” said Fergus, knowing he had nothing better to do.

“Fine. You need to think of your God,” Quinn ordered, repeating herself again.

Fergus felt he was being encouraged a little. But with girls, he always thought they could be a little persuasive.

Quinn gave Fergus a kiss on his brow, this making Fergus feel a little awkward. Causing Fergus to hiccup, this waking Czar as he did. Czar was quick to follow Quinn out the door only to scramble back to Fergus’s lap, where he then climbed to nibble Fergus’s chin. This made Fergus feel humbled. He loved petting his little ball of fluff. While admiring his fluffy pointy ears. His white patches over his dark blue eyes, and long curled black tipped tail.

The early morning sun was beaming through Fergus’s cottage window. Showing little dust particles to rest on the window’s edge. Fergus realized how he had not before noticed, how the dust rest’s as it does. He remembered how his Grandfather always had the window open. So, the aroma of his cooking filled the cottage. Now there was only an aroma of musty books. This had Fergus feeling a little lost. He did not know what to do with himself.

Looking about and gazing at the table there were still the many books, inks, parchment, and herbs. He knew a little about some herbs his Grandfather taught him. He began to gather some Dragons Blood, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Moroccan Rose. All these together letting of a relaxing and welcoming scent. Fergus blew his herbs so the fire in them would burn slowly over time. Resting the herbs on a plate, Fergus began to look about at some of his Grandfather’s books. This was something his Grandfather would do every morning. Fergus found it to be uplifting, allowing him to feel refreshed for the coming day.

Fergus began to question. Would there ever be anyone in the Gully who would replace his Grandfather’s skills? He was a well-respected and knowledgeable man. Fergus had heard how there were only a few like him? He then pondered if he should follow his Grandfather’s path in life by reading, healing, and to offer wisdom. But this was something which would not happen overnight. He would have to revise many books for many seasons.

Out of no-where, Fergus could hear what sound like an annoying insect buzzing by his ear. He waved his hands about, but in spite of this, the buzzing did not pass. Fergus began to believe how something strange was taking place, again. And he then noticed a little light flickering out of the corner of his eye. Fergus watched how the light buzzed about the room pulsating big and then small. Fergus was mesmerized by the light. Following it's every move. The light then disappeared high into the book shelf. Fergus was in awe while feeling somewhat bewildered.

“That was mysterious,” Fergus thought to himself. “Did that even happen?” he questioned.

With this, Fergus then began to believe in greatness once again. Yet, at the same moment, he once more began to question his beliefs. Confusion was beginning to take place. He began questioning. How he was starting to believe in something that may be somewhat foolish. Only Czar then climbed the bookshelf. He began to scuff exactly where the flickering light disappeared.

“How did Czar know this?” again Fergus began to question what was happening before his very eye’s. “Czar saw it also though, so it must have been true,” Fergus tried to reasure himself.

Fergus’s curiosity took hold. He began to climb the huge bookshelf. Having to brush away much dust to read what kind of book it was. Only Fergus still found it hard to read what kind of book he was looking at. With only a small amount of light coming through the window? Fergus climbed down the book shelf, and stoked the fire some more, making for a brighter reading light.

“That will be fine,” Fergus thought to himself as he once again climbed the book shelf.

Fergus was dusting and reading as he went. Some books were about herbology. Others about beliefs in divine beings, and several about distant lands. Fergus had no idea his Grandfather read such diverse material. Fergus reached the top shelf where the flicker disappeared and where Czar Scuffed. The book was to the left at the very top. When Fergus took hold, he ran his fingers over the book’s binding.

“OUCH,” said Fergus then drawing back his hand.

There was something scorching hot when Fergus dusted over the book’s binding. He was able to blow and rub most of the dust off with his jumpers’ sleeve. He climbed down the bookshelf with the book in his grip. Fergus then found a dirty piece of clothing to wipe the book clean some more. Out of surprise there was a mysterious glowing symbol. Feeling mystified though it was the same symbol he saw in the smoke, and as what was in last night’s dream.

Fergus took a deep breath and exhaled. The symbol continued to glitter. Fergus took another deep breath then exhaled again. Fergus felt taken aback. It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. He noticed how the book was quite large; yet, it weighed very little. He placed the book on the table. Fergus gazed at the mysterious mystical symbol on the cover of the book. While aware of how it was the same Emblem. Which was actually, the Fifth Element of Creation he before saw. Again, he ran his finger across the Emblem, and again, he had to withdraw his finger. It was still scorching hot. Fergus thought the heat was some type of energy, like it was a living form. He also thought how it was so hot, he would be able to cook his breakfast on it. The books Fifth Element of Creation, began to pulsate. The pulsating light left the Fifth Element of Creation to leave the book. It flew above the mysterious book. Then the pulsating light flew onto the manuscript’s pages.

Fergus was now becoming inquisitive. He began to believe there was something great directing him to something miraculous. Fergus ran his finger around the edges of the book. It was made of an old dark brown leather. There was the gold embossed writing, and it showed the four Element’s which he believed were the forces to life. Fergus gasped at its beauty as he opened the cover of the book a little. He then stopped, because he pondered how there was no turning back once he opens the book. He knew that if he found what was in the book, he would feel obliged to carry out what he had begun with. This left him to question, was this something he wanted in his life? He then read the front cover of the book in its ancient, glittery gold, gallant writing, ‘To many lands and back again.’

This was enough to convince Fergus, that this was something of greatness. Fergus began to feel a little excited. He believed the title may be telling of quests, or even voyages to new places beyond his very Gully. These thoughts caused Fergus to feel somewhat overjoyed. This motivated him, so he began to open the book. He was quick to notice though, that after flicking by four pages, the rest of the book’s pages were cut out. The cut-out space was one which looked to be there for something particular.

But then from that emptiness. The very pulsating light rose again, but then it disappeared into thin air. Fergus began to get nervous. He hiccupped; taking his five breaths, the hiccups passed. Then Czar ran onto the table sitting, while gazing at what Fergus was doing.

Fergus did not know why, but he listened to his conscious mind. He began to shake the book. Upon doing so, a piece of parchment fell from the last page of the book and its back cover. Fergus thought this to be peculiar. The parchment looked folded tightly. There was the Element. The Fifth Element of Creation was pressed into the wax seal. The parchment smelt old and musty like it had not been opened for many, many seasons. He questioned if his Grandfather ever remembered. Or even was aware of ever owning this book.

Fergus felt overcome by what he had found. He began to question what would happen if he continued to open the parchment. It was now Fergus’s instincts that where encouraging him, that the book was waiting for him to discover it. Fergus contemplated how events like this had never happened to him before. The more that time passed, the more his find had him to be a little bemused. He placed the parchment back into the back of its last page and the back cover. He then closed the book. Fergus again climbed the book shelf to place the book back to where he had found it. As he did, a strong gush of wind blew in through the window. Fergus felt how the winds were troubled. He had never before experienced the winds to be, so troubled.

Fergus believed he needed to take his mind of all the bizarre occurrences. So, he decided to do something active. He went to the back of his cottage where he gathered his fishing tackle. He thought a nice piece of fish would go well for dinner for the evening. He closed his cottage, and began to walk to the community river. Walking past his neighbor’s cottages. There were the normal clothes on the lines at Miss Sallies. Where her husband was peeling potatoes. Then there was Miss Margaret who was sweeping dust from her floor, while her husband was dusting the rugs. They were so absorbed in their chores, neither noticed Fergus. The paths through the Gully were always tidy. Every cottage was placed side by side. Close enough for the Gully people to hear each other’s business. Then there was Mr. Bill, an aging community member. He was always happy to keep the Gully as tidy as he could. Everyone could see the pride he put into keeping the Gully clean. And the Gullies folk were much appreciative of his efforts. This was evident by the many dinners he was offered. Though for Mr. Bill, it gave him a purpose in life.

Fergus again began to ponder how he had never left the Gully. Again, questioning what was to come of him now his Grandfather was gone? He only knew of the life his Grandfather gave him. While he pondered this, he kicked a stone all the way to the river’s water, realizing this to be relaxing.

Finding a comfortable place by the water, Fergus threw in a line. The waters were calm as they trickled downstream. Fergus then resumed to ponder at how the parchment was placed in the mysterious book. Was it something which may be his fate; was all he could think? Fergus had much time to reflect as he continued to fish into the day.

“Fergus, there you are,” said Quinn with a happy note in her voice.

“How’s things,” was all Fergus could mumble.

Quinn sat beside Fergus. She threw a stone into the water.

“Hey, I am trying to catch dinner here,” Fergus barked.

“Steady on Fergus, what is up with you?” said Quinn in a soft voice because Fergus hurt her feelings.

“Nothing; it is that I found this book. It had something in it,” Fergus was quick to explain. “It had the same Fifth Element of Creation I have been seeing. I do not know whether to be spooked or intrigued,” said Fergus. As he remembered the words he heard at this Grandfather’s grave. About being strong, love, and go as far as life can take you.

Quinn ruffled Fergus’s hair and said, “It is very mystifying, is it not? Something may be guiding you, who knows?” then Quinn asked, “Have you chosen a God that has any meaning to you, Fergus?”

“I have been thinking,” Fergus replied.

“Well, what is it then?” Quinn asked.

“Fine, I still do not believe in a God as such, but I do believe of the ‘Mother Divine of Guidance’,” Fergus answered.

“Why,” Quinn asked.

“Well, her direction, insight, and caring nature is welcoming. It is believed her otherworldly cradle is inside every living soul. We all have her patience, love, and compassion within us. We can take her heavenly guidance with every breath of air. You know, when reflecting on the occurrences which have been happening in the last couple of days. I should be asking for Guidance,” said Fergus in a tone of confidence.

Quinn felt overwhelmed with Fergus’s very words and his knowledge. Fergus learnt of the ‘Mother Divine of Guidance’, from his Grandfather. Fergus believed, if the ‘Mother Devine of Guidance’ was good for his Grandfather, then she was good for him.

“Perfect,” Quinn replied. “We all need faith to help us in our path through life. But Fergus, have you ever thought of becoming a knowledgeable and wise enchanter. As your Grandfather? I mean, what you explained to me sound of much wisdom.”

Fergus did not answer. His silence was because he was pondering Quinn’s very words.

With Fergus’s silence, Quinn stood and wished Fergus well wishes for the afternoon. Explaining how she had to return to help her mother. Quinn had to help with her three siblings, and her father who was crippled in his legs. With Quinn being the eldest child, she unfortunately had to do a man’s labor.

Fergus could not stop thinking about the book. It gave him butterflies in his stomach. ‘Having Butterflies could be a good thing’, thinking to himself. Then rationalizing how he should not make any hasty decisions though.

After catching one small fish which he tossed back to the waters, he left the waters to return to his cottage. Finding the same stone which he kicked to the water’s edge, he also kicked that same stone all the way back to his cottage. Czar was sitting waiting at the front door like a loyal friend. Fergus rubbed his belly and picked him up placing him high onto his shoulder. Fergus sat himself at the table. He gazed towards the book. It began to shine like it could sense his interest. Fergus whispered, “tell me what to do.”

At that moment, the very book began to glow, and again the pulsating light came from nowhere. It flew above the book, only to disappear into the book’s pages. The Fifth Element of Creation on the books binding now began to glow brighter than ever. Fergus was now beginning to believe, how this was becoming a very true phenomenon. Fergus was starting to believe how something great may be transpiring. Fergus climbed the bookshelf once again. He removed the book from the shelf. Then finding a place at the table, Fergus dusted where he was going to place the book. Fergus opened the book where he once again removed the parchment from its back page and cover.

“What to do next though?” Fergus was questioning himself.

The seal on the parchment did not look as though it had ever been broken. It was a large seal and bright red in color. What was most interesting though, was how the seal bore the very engravings of North, South, East, and West. This showing all that was in the Fifth Creation’s Element. What else was interesting was how it was the very Fifth Creation Element in the evenings fire smoke. Fergus ran his finger over the wax seal uncertain about whether he should open it, or to leave it be. Many thoughts were passing his mind making it hard to decide. For instance, was he being over cautious, or even was he the right person for the discovery?

Fergus thought how the Map was someone’s bad humor, to be something made up. It was only a piece of parchment, right.” Fergus tried rationalizing.

Without hesitating any more, Fergus broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. It seemed to be much larger than expected once opened. The edges looked warn and torn.

Its writings appeared to be of an outmoded transcribed manuscript. Yet, upon looking closer, he was able to read the lettering. It showed many towns and lands. He felt overwhelmed at what he was eyeing. For a moment he felt humbled how his Grandfather had taught him to read.

Fergus began to study the Map ever more. The Earth Element travelled through Mountains. The Water Element journeyed across Rivers and Oceans. The Fire Element trekked Volcanoes, and the Air Element saw lines that looked to be a blowing breeze. Once completed reading the Maps directions. The directions then returned to the beginning. This being back to the only home Fergus had ever known, the Gully.

Fergus began to question what was he to do with the Map now he had opened it? Should he accept the set trail which looked to be a trail that would challenge the finest man. He questioned, should he take responsibility of his discovery and leave the Gully? He considered how his decision was not something he should take lightly.

Fergus thought how he would have to be brave and courageous in his actions. Like he had never been challenged before. After some serious consideration to his future. He decided how he should actually accept the challenge, and leave the Gully. Afterall, his Grandfather was his sole reason for him living in the Gully. And now that his Grandfather had passed. Fergus decided he wanted to branch out and take hold of what life had set for him. But what was nagging Fergus the most, was how he thought he could hear a calling from the Maps directions. Like little whispers echoing in his ears. With this, his curiosity and instincts only wanted to discover. If there was something special about the Map. Fergus believed only an honest man could go to the trouble of drawing such an in-depth map. Showing much knowledge, wisdom, and insight. He questioned, was it his Grandfather who went to the trouble of drawing the Map? The more he thought of the journey. The more he was becoming excited at the thought of travelling the unfamiliar, and the unknown. He had never experienced such excitement, and it tickled his very being. So, he folded his parchment, and placed it into a strong leather bag which was dust and water proof.

Fergus began to have thoughts, such as, “how would he greet a stranger, or even how long would he be gone for?”

“Quinn,” he thought, “I must tell Quinn,” as he left his cottage.

But he became alarmed and turned back to the cottage. He felt a little paranoid. His neighbors may want to search his cottage when he was not there. Especially now his Grandfather was gone. He had never experienced such paranoid thoughts. With such thoughts he thought he should listen to them and hide his Map deep under his bed. Afterall, it would not have been the first time. A neighbor had made themselves comfortable with his belongings. Although there was no neighbor who had actually stolen from him yet. He was aware that his thoughts were paranoid, because he felt vulnerable without his Grandfather. Fergus then again, began to rush to Quinn. Quinn was very busy though with house chores. She had little time to listen to what Fergus had to say. But when she heard what he was telling of the Map, she froze.

“Quinn,” said Fergus, “Are you alright?”

“Are you considering leaving the Gully. Your friends and your Grandfather’s cottage,” Quinn scoffed. As she tried to hide the fact, how she would miss Fergus.

“I will be back. The Map has a return pathway on it,” said Fergus in excitement. “I do not know how long I will be.”

Quinn began to get heavy chested. Her best friend was about to leave her. She was questioning why Fergus would want to follow a Map. That may be a fabricated tale, or something misleading. And also, how it could send him on a wild, deathly journey? But Quinn was mature for her age at seventeen. She knew exactly what she should do. That was to wish Fergus with good will.

“Is that all you have to say?” Fergus asked.

Quinn was busy though and she did not want to explain how she was feeling. Fergus lowered his head. He told Quinn how he was going to leave early the coming morning and how he would miss her. Quinn appeared to brush off his very words. Quinn’s actions left Fergus to feel as though he would not be missed, and he was not cared for as much as he thought he was. Fergus walked on home finding a stone to kick on his way. In doing this, he again began to think how he had never left the Gully throughout his whole seventeen years. He then thought how it was only a few more sleeps when he would then turn eighteen years. He would then be recognized as a man.

Upon arriving back to his cottage, Fergus examined his bed to see if anything had been moved. Nothing had been. He felt relieved his Map was still in his possession. Who only knows what one of the neighbors would do with his Map? They may believe him to be void of their moral principles, those being the belief of their idolized Gods. Then again, he began to feel a little saddened with Quinn’s reaction. Fergus laid on his bed, only not to squash his Map. He gazed to the ceiling. Czar was close by as usual. Fergus began telling Czar how they were going to leave the Gully. And experience new journey’s the coming morning. Fergus thought Czar seemed to be somewhat restless though. Fergus then noticed how the shadows from the sun were showing it to be early mid-day. Yet Fergus laid on his bed and stared to the ceiling till dark came.

Fergus pondered how he should be feeling excited. Only instead, he was feeling somewhat miserable. Fergus awaited the coming Moons shadow’s that would pass over the cottage window. He cherished the Moons movements. He thought it important that the movement from the nights sky. Influence what the Heavens held for the next coming day. But then Czar all a sudden became restless, wriggling his way of the bed and onto the window sill. Out of interest, Fergus also got of his bed. And went to the window sill for him, he saw something which only transpires to those who are blessed from the Divine.