Of the Lands of Ray and Hammer, Segment 6, "Departure":
The next morning, Lydighet awoke earlier than usual. It would be around three hours before sunrise. The boy had gone to bed in the designated corner of the house. Lydighet could hear the adolescent's soft snore coming from the straw bed. The stove's grid still seeped light. The boy had put in more wood during the night. Lydighet sat upright in his chair. Finding his moccasins near his feet, he reached down and slipped on the icy cold footwear. Again, he had forgotten to place the moccasins near the wood stove. Heading over to the stove's corner, he decided to put another log in. He stepped back over to the armchair, flung on his poncho, and headed out the door. Once outside, he retrieved the double-bladed ax from the shed adjacent to the eastern wall of the home and began splitting the wood.
Everything's different this morning, he felt distracted, alone, and burdened, What is it? Something's happened, and I. . . the dream. The world is stirring, and of all the people, I have been chosen to carry out a task. By Allmektig. Why would Allmektig choose me? I'm almost sixty-seven years old, far too old for travel and quests! He could've chosen someone else. I'm sure there are thousands of people out there who know of Allmektig! He said there would be another. What does that mean? When will there be “another?” Lydighet held his frantic mind in place as he remembered what was spoken last, Trust. I must do just that.
Enough wood split, Lydighet set down his ax, leaning on it, Allmektig, Great One, I put my trust in You. I beg You to show Your grace continually toward me so I continue to trust. My life is in Your plan.
Lydighet sagged to his knees. He sat there, waiting. Eventually Lydighet opened his eyes. He felt different now, rejuvenated.
Lydighet rose, picking up his ax and several freshly split logs. Ax put away, he headed inside where he began to make travel preparations, packing items into his traveler's bag. Finally, he moved over to the stove and prepared a hefty breakfast for the boy and himself.
By the time that the lad stirred, Lydighet had finished preparing breakfast. He had also decided what he would say to the boy, about what he was about to do. After they had consumed the meal of pound cake, wild blueberries, and tender venison, Lydighet sat in the grandfather chair.
Opening his throat, he began, “Boy, I'm going away for a time. You've proved yourself trustworthy to look after this place, and if need be, assist the Usikkers in whatever they need. You're being entrusted with a great deal, and you must learn to handle it with responsibility. Do you understand?”
The young man nodded, replying, “Yes, sir. You've taught me all. . .”
Lydighet stopped him with the lift of a finger, “Stop. Do not say that I've taught you everything you need to know. I've taught you many things, but not everything. Someday, however, I hope to open your mind to much more.”
The youth offered a grin, “I'll use all the knowledge you've given me to live work and learn. Is that better?”
Lydighet smiled, “Much better. Before I'm out of the town, I'll drop by the Usikkers and let them know I'm going away for an indefinite amount time.”
Lydighet got up and was met by the young man's out thrust hand. Lydighet warmly shook it.
“Good luck,” stated the boy.
With unsurety, Lydighet replied, “Goodbye.”
Lydighet squeezed the boy's hand for another second, turned, collected his traveler's equipment, and headed out the door. A wondering young man stood staring after him.
If you enjoyed this, check out Of the Lands of Ray and Hammer, Segment 1 (Topic 25233)!
