Читать книгу Fergus Farringdon the Second. - Rene Darker - Страница 4

Chapter Four.

“You are not only a pretty face,” Fergus replied.

Together, Fergus and Quinn sat and looked to each other. There was not a lot written about the Fifth Element of Creation. This left them intrigued, confused, but still captivated.

“Do you not have anything better to do in life. Then to chase what appears to be a mythological and superstitious event. How can you grasp anything such as this with so many uncertainties? Who knows what is to come?” Quinn expressed. “And also, there is a good chance that no man has ever conquered this quest. So, what makes you any different?” said Quinn in desperation, while not wanting to lose her best friend.

Deep down though, Quinn did not want Fergus to be disappointed by his journey.

Fergus folded his Map placing it back into its sack. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he walked over to Quinn where he gave her a sincere hug like he had never done before. He could sense her trying not to sob. He whispered into her ear, “if things get hard, he will think of her adorable smile.”

Quinn chuckled a little while she wiped her eyes.

“I guess you are nearly a man now. And stories tell how there are lands beyond the very Gully we live,” said Quinn. With more encouragement in her voice. “When you come home, I want to hear about all that you experienced.”

“Are you reassuring me that I will complete this Maps adventures,” Fergus asked.

It was very important to Fergus that Quinn believes he could make the journey to its end.

“Sure,’ Quinn replied. “Every night I will burn a light to guide you home. And I will send positive thoughts to the ‘Mother Devine of Guidance’, to see your travels are safe.”

This was one of the last things Quinn had to say before Fergus would leave the Gully.

“I have to go and help Mother with the chores,” said Quinn, trying to change the subject. “Please come and see me before you set off.”

Fergus smiled, and like a gentleman he opened the door for Quinn as she was leaving.

Fergus turned and scoured the cottage. There was so much that made it home, but it only reminded him of his Grandfather. This made him feel somewhat unhappy. But the more he thought of his quest, the more excited he was becoming and the more enthusiastic he felt. Yet, there was one thing though that touched deep to Fergus’s soul. It was his belief that one day his parents would return back to the Gully. He wanted to be there when they did.

Fergus had not seen his parents since the age of four. They disappeared one night. There was no sign of their leaving. It was very mysterious. They did not even say goodbye to Fergus. It broke his heart. But after considering the chances in which they would reappear. This seemed very slim to Fergus. He was over the thought in little time.

Fergus looked about the cottage. He thought he would miss the musky smell of the bookshelf. And his Grandfather’s favorite light blue velvet chair. And the flickering of light from the fireplace. Which left an interesting shadow across the floor. He would also miss his most comfortable bed made from feathers. Fergus was already beginning to feel a little home sick.

“What am I thinking?” Fergus questioned. “But it could be fate though. After all, with the Map and then the Obligors he now grasped. He decided he would not second guess his destiny again. He would accept the challenge and he was not going to look back. Deep down, he wanted to prove to Quinn how he could achieve all that the Map shows. And with owning of the Obligors. He tried to reassure and convince himself. How they should see him with safe travels,” Fergus thought. searching deep within his soul to take the first step from his cottage.

Before he wanted to leave though, Fergus wanted to tear some of the pages from the book for future reference. In case he forgot what, the Elements were for. But then Fergus thought of how his Grandfather cherished his books. His Grandfather respected every page in every book like they were a rare treasure. It would be sacrilege. His Grandfather would turn in his grave if he tore a page from a book. Fergus decided to reread the definitions of each Element again. Then with much care, he placed the book back in its place, high in the bookshelf.

Taking a sack, he packed a second set of clothes. Some food, his stash of coins which he and his Grandfather had saved, and not forgetting the Obligor’s and the Map. Fergus kept the Obligors, close to his heart as the book suggested. He had to adjust them a little though, because they were a touch uncomfortable. Next was to tuck the Map into his sock. His socks were made from fur. They were a present from his Grandfather seasons ago. They were very cozy and so soft. Even though they were thought to be somewhat out of date and old fashioned as they reached to his knees. Fergus was reminded how times were changing every time he adjusted his socks.

Fergus then placed the Map in his sock, reason being was that if he was mugged of his sack, he would still have the Map. Fergus splashed some water onto the fire to extinguish it. And then he wrote a sign and placed it on the door saying, ‘I will be back soon’. Yet, Fergus sensed something. He looked to the book shelf. The book, ‘To many lands and back again, flickered of light. Fergus’s instincts told him how his Grandfather was still with him. Fergus was beginning to believe. Even though his Grandfather’s soul had parted from the earth. His love for his library may see him meander till he was ready to let go.

Fergus had to stay focused though. And he tried to put aside anything that may deter his courageous journey. He did not want to question his future travels. His attention was to stay fixed on his life’s choices.

Fergus put his sack over his shoulder. Stood in the doorway of the cottage and whispered to his ‘Devine Mother of Guidance’. To watch over Quinn while he was trekking unknown lands. It was that very moment which through Quinn’s badgering, to have him believe in a divine being. With this, he decided that he should have immediate faith and to keep an open mind, to those of the Heavens.

“On this pursuit I need to stay true to myself,” said Fergus. Mumbling as he closed his door, and headed towards Quinn’s Cottage.

Quinn was brushing the front room of her cottage with a rag when Fergus arrived. She saw how Fergus wore his sack position over his shoulders.

“So, you are going to do this,” Quinn asked.

Fergus could not find any words. He all but nodded.

“I am going to miss you, my best friend,” ruffing Fergus’s hair. While trying to break the worrisome tension between the two.

“You should be on your way before the day gets the better of you.” Quinn suggested to Fergus.

“Yes,” Fergus agreed while trying to hold back a tear or two.

They both gave a mighty hug, and Fergus turned to walk on.

“Oh, how could I,” said Fergus with much annoyance.

“What Fergus,” Quinn asked.

“I forgot Czar,” said Fergus as he headed back to his cottage.

Upon opening the door, Fergus found Czar waiting. Fergus tucked Czar into his back pants pocket. Not looking back again, Fergus set off. He thought he could feel Quinn watching, as he walked close to the Gullies edge. Though, when he turned to wave goodbye, she was nowhere in sight. That very moment was the most friendless and lonesome Fergus had ever felt. Even with Czar in his back pocket.

Looking back one more time he reminded himself how the Gully was the only place he had forever known. He began to question one last time whether he should continue. But at the same time, he was somewhat excited. Looking ahead, he ruffled his shoes and he then began to count one step at a time. When he reached one hundred steps he would look behind. He saw nothing but trees and shrubs. He then counted another one hundred steps to gain ground. He only knew how to count to one hundred, so he repeated himself again and again. Counting steps seemed to work.

After some time. Fergus became tired of counting one hundred steps, so he stopped and reached to gather his Map. He was trying to find the direction he should take. The first stop before reaching the Earth Element was what appeared to be a farming community. A day’s walk he thought. He placed his Map back into his knee-high sock. Without the telling tree, Fergus would have to rely on his Grandfather’s teachings. Fergus learnt by reading the shadow of any tree. He could tell how West was to his left, East was to his right, and the waters always ran downstream headed South. The waters told him what direction North was. Though, he was able to find his way with the sun rising from the East and setting to the West. Upon viewing his Map once more, Fergus needed to walk North.

Something startled Fergus though. He could hear a horse coming from behind. He found solace in some bushes. Before he knew it. A horse with an unknown figure in a dark green velvet robe rode straight past him. The rider did not seem to know Fergus was there, and if the stranger did know he was hiding, he did not let on. Fergus did not know what to think of the stranger. He did dress stately Fergus thought. Yet, this did not deter Fergus thinking how it was of no importance to him, so he continued on walking.

After three palm shadows shortening from the left Fergus felt surprised. He stumbled across a track which looked as though it was used often. It headed in the direction he was travelling. He began to think though how he may have taken a longer path, or that he was becoming lost. This left him feeling a little less confident.

While then trekking for some time, he sighed with relief. He found the river shown on the Map. This river showed to be the one that passed through his Gully. He found comfort in the river because he thought how the fish were the same as he would eat for dinner in the Gully.

With much determination Fergus thought. “Head down, chin up”, and he continued forward. Fergus was not expecting the sun to be beaming down so hard, leaving Fergus to wish he had packed a straw brimmed hat. He also had the need to quench his thirst. He often filled his flask of water. As he was filling his flask for the fourth time, he could hear children laughing.

Out of curiosity, Fergus headed in the direction of the laughs. Hiding himself from view, he saw many children playing in the water. It was not like he had never seen children before, as there were many in his Gully. Though, Fergus stopped and questioned. ‘what should he do next?’ This would be his first ever interaction with someone beyond his home Gully.

“Are you alright Sir,” Fergus heard, scaring the wits from him.

He looked about, while not knowing what to expect. Fergus then turned to see the most beautiful girl he had ever viewed. He felt startled. She looked like what Fergus thought a Goddess would look. He thought she would be more beautiful than a Goddess. Her long flowing auburn hair that rolled with vigor down to her waist. Her pale skin glowed in the sun. And her striking large, piercing black eyes, captivated Fergus’s full attention. She also had the most attractive large red lips, as with her teeth; beaming as white as white. She was slender and moved with much grace. And, as for Fergus being known to attract the girls in the Gully. This stranger too thought Fergus was very handsome.

It took little time though. For the mysterious stranger to notice how Fergus, had one light blue eye, and the other a vibrant dark green eye. Along with his honey brown skin and pure black hair. It was unknown to Fergus. But his presence captivated this very beautiful girl’s attention.

“Oh, sorry, I did not mean to disrupt you,” Fergus said with a hiccup. “I found a path heading in the direction I am travelling. The river will show me the way. And also, I need some water; I am so thirsty,” but, before Fergus could say another word the girl began to laugh at him.

“What is wrong?” Fergus asked feeling embarrassed.

“Are you ok? You have the hiccups between every second word you speak,” the girl asked.

Fergus did not answer, and coughed five times to clear his hiccups. He did not know how to react. This beautiful girl being his very first ever stranger. He had ever spoken to beyond his Gully, and she was laughing at him.

“You are also talking quick and you appear to be so nervous,” the girl replied. “Where do you come from?”

“I come from South of here,” Fergus answered. “I was walking, and found this path.”

The girl was quick to ask. “You have never been here before, have you?”, knowing fair well she had not ever seen him pass through ‘Penny Lane’.

“No,” Fergus mumble, coughing five times again as he thought the girl may be making fun of him still.

“Wow, I am looking at someone who comes from the ‘Hidden Gully’,” The girl said. While laughing at Fergus’s nervousness.

“The ‘Hidden Gully’,” Fergus asked.

“Story has it, there is a medium sized community who live in a Gully some time away from here. And who have never been outside their very borders.” The girl explained. “I bet; you have never been out of your borders?”

Fergus agreed, “I have lived in the Gully all my life. Everything I have ever wanted was there. I had no reason to want to leave. But my best friend’s Uncle would come from out of the borders. So, we were aware there was life beyond our boundaries,” Fergus explained.

“Until now,” the girl replied. “Well then, welcome to Penny Lane. My name is Alarice.”

“Hi, nice to meet you,” Fergus replied with a charming voice. “My name is Fergus, Fergus Farringdon the Second.”

“What type of name is Fergus Farringdon the Second?” Alarice asked.

Feeling uncomfortable again in her presence. Fergus answered, “It was handed down to me from my Grandfather,” and he said those words with pride.

“Oh,” said Alarice while still looking Fergus over from head to toe.

“Well, you are not the first to pass through our little community today. There was a horseman in a dark green robe. Who-ever it was, they rode straight through. Did not say a word. It was like nothing I have ever seen before,” Alarice explained.

“The very same horseman passed me in a hurry, also,” Fergus replied.

“Oh, well. Anyhow, what brings you to these parts of the districts?” Alarice asked.

“I am trying to get to farming lands North of here,” Fergus replied. “If I follow the river, it should take me straight to the farms borders.”

“Well, I understand how you are talking of the ‘Greenacres’. I have to warn you Fergus,” Alarice began. “Being an honest lad that you are. You have to be aware. I mean the lands beyond here, well, every second man you meet will try to rob you of your belongings.”

“Why is that?” Fergus asked.

“Because beyond here many a man works hard for what they own. They always want more though for their efforts, because they are robbed of many taxes by the Royals. This leads them to drink heavy and fight hard. They do not have a conscience. They only see what they see. If it appeals to them. They will then fight for it with all their might and if successful in their robbing’s, they take and run.” Alarice explained. “Life can be hard and it is very much chaotic.”

Fergus all a sudden felt disappointed. He had only known the dishonesty of a couple of his fellow man from the Gully. Only, not to the extent Alarice was describing. Fergus began to wonder why he should continue on. Especially when it was not too late to go back to his Gully, and be happy with Quinn.

“How long did it take you to get here,” Alarice asked.

“Only a short time,” Fergus replied. “Four hands length from shadow to shadow.”

“How exciting, you have the marvel of ‘Celestial Travel’. It allows you to cover much ground in little time without even noticing. It will only happen when you are on your own though,” said Alarice with much interest. “I guess you have never heard of Celestial Travel before? You would have never walked far enough to discover it yourself.”

“If it only happens when on my own, then what about with owning an animal?” Fergus asked.

“Why, do you have one?” Alarice asked.

“Yes,” Fergus answered.

“Well, I guess you would still experience it then,” said Alarice.

“How do you know of Celestial Travel, anyhow?” Fergus asked.

“There are many beliefs which man may experience. I hear telling’s throughout these grounds. I imagine you have been sheltered throughout your life. Leaving you to know little,” Alarice answered in a matter a fact voice.

“That is not true,” Fergus snapped back.

Fergus felt uncomfortable. Hearing Alarice say he sounded as though he knew very little.

This saw Fergus to boast, “I come from a cottage that holds the biggest of libraries.”

“The biggest library,” Alarice replied.

“Yes, it is three doors wide and ten shelves high,” Fergus said. “It has everything a man needs to know.”

Alarice changed the subject knowing how she upset Fergus with her words.

“So, what brings you to the farming lands if you own the biggest library?”

Looking to his feet, Fergus said, “I heard stories about other lands from my friend’s Uncle and my Grandfather. My Grandfather recently passed. So, I had little reason to want to stay in the Gully,” said Fergus with it being a somewhat honest explanation.

“Well, it would not be wise to continue this time of day.” Alarice suggested. “You have not heard about the Royals. They live many days away. Anyhow, this time of year their Cavalier travel the lands. To gather taxes from the many hard-working men and women. They should be passing here in two more hands, from shadow to shadow,” Alarice explained. “That is in normal time, and not Celestial Travel. Also, if you have anything of worth in your sack there, I would hide it now.” Alarice warned Fergus. “And, do not mention Celestial Travel either. That would not be wise.”

Taking note of Alarice’s words, Fergus saw how she was being sincere. He did not question her, and he followed her every move.

“I only have clothes and some food and coins,” Fergus told Alarice.

“Your coins, let me hide them. I will place them where I hide mine.” said Alarice holding out her hand.

Feeling he could not deny Alarice, Fergus dug deep into his sack. He gave Alarice his money bag. Alarice then told Fergus to follow. Together, they turned a corner away from where the river was. Fergus saw a medium sized community of many shacks and cottages. The place had been kept immaculate. Not a thing appeared to be out of place. You could also smell many pleasant and different scents. All coming from the many towns folk’s cooking. This reminded Fergus of his Grandfather’s herbs. Thyme and basil drifted past his nose. Fergus continued to follow Alarice behind a nice little shack. Where there was a thriving vegetable garden.

“My Aunt lives here and she allows me the freedom to garden my vegetables. It feeds both her and I.” Alarice explained. “Her vision has always been poor. She is blind in her left eye and partially blind in her right. I have been here to help her since the age of eight. I am more than happy to care for her. She loves me. She reminds me every day how she wished she could see my pretty face,” said Alarice. With what sound like a lump in her throat.

Alarice stepped over some of the vegetables then walking to a pile of gathered wood. Looking about to see no-one was watching. She lifted some logs where she pulled a wooden box from beneath the land.

“Come, put your money bag in here,” Alarice encouraged.

Fergus did so, and Alarice placed the box back in its hiding place. Alarice stopped still for a short moment. She then said to Fergus how she could hear in the distance, the many a Cavaliers where coming on their horse. Alarice then went about covering her face with a shawl. Explaining to Fergus how she did this. Because her looks are becoming to many a man, and this made it very threatening for her.

Fergus did not question what was happening. But before they could arrive back to the river. Where Alarice said, it would be a safe place to be, as the Cavalier rode fast by them. The men were hairy and quite dirty. Yet, they still appeared to be decorated in their leather tunics. Along with their golden belt around their waist and who were all armed with a buckler.

Alarice explained to Fergus how the Cavalier represented the Royal’s. It was those Royals that Alarice explained to Fergus. How they took much from the average cottage dwelling people of taxes and food. The Cavalier were very rowdy, deafening, and garish. They gathered the towns men, women, and children into a bounded group. With the Cavaliers horses keeping all huddled together. Fergus was very alarmed and upset at what he was witnessing.

One Cavalier who looked stronger than the others, took hold of a boy by one ear. The boy was all the age of ten. Looking at the boy. The leader tells the boy in his deep roughed voice. How he should grow up strong and join the Cavalier in their expedition. The Cavalier tossed the boy aside where his mother embraced him. Fergus had never experienced such a disgraceful act of man. Alarice grabbed Fergus’s hand because that very leader of the Cavalier, now looked to Fergus.

“You boy, I have not seen you in these woods before. Why would that be? Where did you come from?” the Cavalier leader asked.

Alarice stepped forward looking to the ground. And said, “he comes from the South beyond the borders. He does not know of these lands. He only wanted to trade seeds and salt. He is to stay here one day till he returns home.”

“Why do you look to the ground?” the leader of the Cavalier asked Alarice. “What are you hiding?”

“Look to me,” the Cavalier ordered.

“Sorry Sir, I have cysts all over my face. They will torment your memory for many a day to come,” Alarice explained. “And by showing you, you can grow them on your face too.”

The Cavalier moved further away from her.

Before Alarice could say another word, Fergus stepped forward to defend her. He tried hard to sway the Cavalier’s attention from Alarice.

“Well, look what we have here. A fine, brave, young lad he is. We have an opening for a new man to join our expedition,” the Cavalier stated.

“Oh no,” said Alarice, being somewhat protective of Fergus again.

But before Alarice could say another word, the Cavalier’s leader looked closer to Fergus.

“What is wrong with your eyes lad? And your skin for that matter?” It was then the Cavalier seemed to retreat away from Fergus.

The Cavalier could be heard talking amongst themselves.

“This unknown lad is a mystery. Maybe a lad from the Gods.” Fergus was not surprised in hearing such an idea.