by Gwynn White
“Well, you did rescue me,” Galleon admitted. “And it’s been so long since anyone offered me hospitality. I’d hate to pass up the opportunity.” And with that, the three of them continued on towards Morelle.
4
The Elder
When Joshua, Andrew and Galleon arrived in Morelle it was already past mid-day, and the village bustled with activity. Streams of sunlight pierced the treetop canopy high above to reveal several dozen huts and other small buildings. Kids were running about playing, and Traders pushed their carts along the main track through the centre of the village. A dozen or more Traders and Woodsmen were sitting at tables outside Morelle’s only inn. They were chatting and laughing with each other.
It wasn’t long before the new stranger attracted attention. Galleon looked at the people staring at him. He shuffled behind Andrew.
“Um…are you sure this is okay?”
Andrew put his arm on Galleon’s shoulder and smiled at him.
“Come on, let’s see if we can find you something to eat.”
He walked Galleon over to one of the larger wooden huts and introduced their new friend to some of the village Tenders who, just as Joshua had predicted, immediately took to him and fed him a hearty meal. Just for good measure, they gave his clothes and hair a thorough cleaning, too.
Joshua, in the meantime, needed to see his mother. He had spoken to her before of wanting to head out into Forestium once he completed the trials, so he knew it wouldn’t come as a complete surprise. He knew this would still be difficult, though.
He didn’t tell his mother of his dream. He was unsure how she would react if she heard about his nightmares and his belief his father could be alive. She had already grieved for her husband and had finally come to terms with her loss. There was a loneliness in her eyes, and Joshua didn’t want to cause her unnecessary heartache by mentioning his father.
When he broke the news to her, Joshua’s mother kept her gaze on her son. “When will you leave?” She clutched to her chest a toy doll he used to play with, and he saw how saddened she was by this news.
“Right away. I’m leaving today. But I must first speak to the village Elder. I…I need some guidance.”
“Of course. How long will you be gone? Where will you go?”
Joshua realised he had no answers prepared for all her questions.
“I…I’m not sure yet,” he stammered, trying to avoid eye contact. Not only was he unsure where he was going or how long he would be away, he was also trying not to let on the true nature of his quest.
“It won’t be too long,” he said, trying to convince his mother, if not himself, that this was all perfectly normal. It was all he could do to hold back his own welling tears. The last thing he wanted was to upset his mother.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, attempting an upbeat tone. “I’ll speak to the Elder and then, well, I’ll see you before I go.”
Joshua continued to prepare things for his journey. It was awkward to look his mother in the eye and the tinkering around helped keep his attention on something else.
He gave his mother a hug that lingered longer than normal and left the hut. Joshua had fond memories of his childhood home. He would miss the safety and security it provided but he was maturing, and it was time for him to face more important issues in his life.
The thought of how happy his mother would be at the sight of him returning to Morelle, arm in arm with his father, gave him the courage he needed to embark on his journey.
He made his way through the village towards the central crossroads, where the main cluster of buildings could be found. Wooden trading carts pulled by powerful forest Shires were crisscrossing as they moved up and down the two main roads that met at the intersection.
It was a crisp day with sunlight shining all the way down to the forest floor. The ever-present light haze was drifting through the village. A group of Traders and a handful of Woodsmen were sitting at tables outside the tavern across the road. One of the Traders had brought some sort of wine back from a recent trading trip and was showing it to the others. Judging by the commotion, it seemed to be going down well.
Children were running about playing. One of them had strung a vine over a low-hanging tree branch and they were all taking turns pushing each other on this makeshift swing.
One of the more prominent buildings was a large hut made from logs and other forest materials, similar to the other Morelle dwellings. It was held together with vines and had a roof covered in moss. It appeared to have grown right out of the ground. A lantern hung on either side of the door. Joshua could smell the wax from the thick candles that were usually kept burning throughout the night. He was pleased to see white smoke billowing from the chimney, which showed that the village Elder was present.
He walked up to the front door but stopped just short of entering. It was scary. What if the Elder was in a bad mood or had no time for him?
He wanted to knock and go in but hesitated. It occurred to him that he was unprepared for what he might say to the Elder.
Joshua’s enthusiasm had sustained him up until this point, but this was the moment where it might all come unravelled. Thoughts of his father and his dream rushed through his mind, and he took a deep breath. He raised his hand to the door and hesitated.
Someone inside called out, “Come, Joshua,” in a reassuring voice. He recognised it. He heaved a sigh of relief and a smile spread across his face. It was the Elder, and he was not in a bad mood. Joshua pushed the door open and walked through.
Inside was dark and Joshua could smell smoke. He looked around but his eyes were still adjusting to the darkness and he couldn’t see anyone so he went in farther, pulling the door closed behind him.
There were no rooms or windows, just an open space with a table and a few chairs to fill the spartan hut. What light there was came from a fireplace on the far side of the room.
The Elder’s dwelling was filled with the sound of crackling from the fire’s burning embers. Its dancing flames cast eerie shadows on the walls and up into the vaulted ceiling, which was held in place with large wooden beams.
“Come, Joshua,” the gentle voice called again. “Come and warm yourself by the fire.”
Joshua crept towards the crackling flame. As he got closer, he could see the silhouette of the Elder, sitting on a cushion of hay in front of the fire.
Joshua’s eyes adjusted to the light as he neared the open flame. The Elder looked very old and frail, with long grey hair hanging down to his waist. A blanket was wrapped around his shoulders and he was rocking slowly and rhythmically back and forth, staring into the open flame.
“Elder?” Joshua asked, his voice a mere whisper. It was an honour to be granted an audience with the Elder and this was the first time Joshua had been invited to sit with him. In fact, he wasn’t even sure what the correct protocol was.
The Elder turned and looked Joshua straight in the eye. He was a very old man with skin sagging from his face and crystal clear blue eyes. He looked like a stiff breeze would knock him over but at the same time he conveyed a sense of majesty and wisdom. Joshua felt humbled.
“I’ve been expecting you, Joshua,” the Elder said in a faint voice. He patted the cushion next to him with his palm. “Come and sit down and you can tell me all about your dream.”
Joshua’s eyes widened. He hadn’t told anyone other than Andrew about his recurring nightmares, and there was no way Andrew would have told the Elder.
He wondered if this might just have been a coincidence and the Elder wasn’t really aware of his dream at all. Perhaps the Elder had just assumed this. After all, dreams happen all the time.
The Elder looked towards the fire again and continued to sit there rocking back and forth. After a couple of minutes, Joshua wondered whether he should say something, but the orange flames were captivating and the warmth felt pleasant on his face and arms. It was comforting, like hearing the soothing sound of a swarm of Dengles at night sending hi
m off to sleep.
After a while, the Elder broke the silence. “I remember your father well,” he said with a gentle nod, all the while staring into the flame. “He was a great Woodsman and brave Warrior.”
Joshua’s jaw dropped and he leaned closer. He had not spoken to anyone other than Andrew about his dream and had never mentioned his father to the Elder before, so it was all the more curious the Elder chose this subject to start the conversation.
“Elder, I think my father may still be alive. I think he may be in great suffering, and I need your help to find him.”
The Elder said nothing, but continued instead to rock rhythmically, staring into the flame. Joshua sat and waited for a response but there was none and he was starting to get frustrated.
“I’m keen to start on my journey, Elder. Can you help me?”
After a long time the Elder spoke, “I cannot help you find what you seek.”
Joshua’s heart sank. He lowered his head and sighed. He worried his journey would be over before it had even begun.
After a few moments, Joshua started to rise but just as he put his palm down to the floor, the Elder spoke again.
“There will be many dangers for you ahead, Joshua, but if the answer to your dream is what you desire, you must head east to the Valley of Moross. There you must find the Oracle of Forestium.”
Joshua perked up and his heart raced. He had not heard of the Oracle or of the Valley of Moross, but it didn’t matter. This gave him something to go on. It was a direction to start in and a goal to reach.
Joshua was filled with a burst of energy, and he waited with bated breath to hear what else the Elder might have to say.
“The Oracle will guide you on your path,” the Elder went on. “But beware; the knowledge she can give you will come at a great price.”
Joshua stared at the old man with his mouth open, hanging on the wise man’s every word. After a few more minutes, the Elder’s eyelids lowered and his head fell forward. He appeared to slip into a deep sleep.
Joshua’s thoughts raced. The Elder had given him all the information he was going to. He quietly pushed himself up and tiptoed back towards the door.
As he walked outside and closed the door behind him, he could see Andrew and Galleon sitting at one of the tables outside the tavern across the road. He walked over and joined them.
5
Leaving Morelle
“I’ve just been talking to the Elder,” Joshua blurted out. “He said I had to seek the Oracle in some place called the Valley of Moross. I don’t even know where that is.”
“I do,” Galleon said. “It’s a long way from here, over to the east.”
“Can you take me there?”
Galleon considered the idea for a few moments before shaking his head.
“You? Not likely.” He turned back and took a swig from his ale. “It’s too far, and a child like you is not up to the journey.” He gulped down the last drop from the mug. “There are more dangers in Forestium than a young Woodsman like you could shake a stick at. You’d be chewed up and spat out before you know it.”
Joshua was still brimming with excitement, and his enthusiasm wasn’t going to be dampened.
“Have you ever been there?” Joshua asked.
“Well, no.”
“Didn’t you say you were looking for others of your kind?”
“Yes,” Galleon squinted. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, there may be others of your kind living in the Valley of Moross.”
Andrew looked at Galleon with a wry smile. “He has you there.”
“It stands to reason you’ll need to visit there sooner or later.” Joshua continued. “You said yourself it’s dangerous, so why don’t we go there together and look out for each other? Perhaps the Oracle can help us both.”
Galleon said nothing but continued to stare at Joshua. He pursed his lips and took a deep breath. “Hmmm. You might be young and ill prepared,” the Imp finally said, “but you do make a valid point. I should warn you I’ve never been a good babysitter, so you’ll have to pull your own weight when we’re on the road.”
Galleon took another deep breath, exhaled, and slammed his mug down onto the table. “OK, then. Let’s go and find this Oracle.”
Galleon and Joshua shook hands and Joshua beamed. They both got up and Galleon went inside the tavern, leaving Joshua and Andrew together.
Joshua turned to Andrew. Andrew looked at Joshua and his smile faded.
“What’s the matter?” Joshua asked.
“What do you mean, what’s the matter?” Andrew snapped. “You’re going away, that’s what’s the matter. I haven’t even had any time to get used to the idea. And what if you don’t come back?”
Joshua thought about this. It was all happening very fast, and he hadn’t had time to think about the consequences of his quest or the dangers he would face along the way.
He and Andrew had grown up together and they were much more than just best friends. The thought of having to say goodbye to everyone, especially to Andrew, started hitting home too.
“I have to do this, Andrew. I have to find my dad. If he really is suffering, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do anything about it.”
“You could be gone for ages!” Andrew shouted. He turned and ran off down the path, disappearing into the mist.
Joshua wanted to run after him but felt it would only make him feel worse. It was also a very painful realisation for Joshua that he might, indeed, not see his best friend for some time.
Galleon came out of the tavern and said, “Right, when do we leave? Hey, why the long face? You look like a Wood-boar that’s just realised he’s the main course at dinner.”
Joshua paused for a few seconds, still gazing at where Andrew had disappeared into the mist, and said, “Right away. I just need to say goodbye to my mother. Then we can go.”
The two made their way over to the village hall, where his mother and many of the other Tenders of Morelle were waiting to say their farewells to Joshua. As they approached the centre of town, there was already a crowd of people assembling. Joshua stopped briefly and Galleon looked at him.
“Are you OK?” Galleon asked.
Joshua smiled and said, “I’ve watched this going-away ritual many times before, but never thought it might one day be me saying goodbye. It just feels strange, that’s all.”
Everyone gave Joshua hugs and wished him the best. Each time he embraced another village Tender, he looked around to see if he could see Andrew, but his best friend was nowhere to be found. It looked like his last memory of Andrew for the foreseeable future would be of his friend storming off, upset.
The last person Joshua said goodbye to was his mother. Full of emotion, she flung her arms around him. She squeezed him so tight he could hardly breathe, but it felt good all the same.
Barely audible, Joshua’s mother whispered into his ear, “Please come back safely, Joshua, I cannot bear the thought of losing you too.”
Joshua looked at his mother and saw the heartache in her eyes. He expected her to be upset at his leaving, but there was something else: something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Not wanting to prolong the farewell, he gave his mother one last kiss and a hug. With a final wave, he and Galleon headed off down the path and out of the village of Morelle, not knowing when, or indeed if, he would return.
As the familiar sounds of the village faded behind them, Joshua looked back several times hoping to see Andrew, but was disappointed each time.
The two new travelling companions walked in silence for the first couple of hours until they reached the outer boundary of Morelle. Joshua was sad at having to leave his village, his mother and Andrew, but didn’t want to let on to Galleon. He wanted to show him he was strong and ready for whatever lay ahead.
Every so often, Galleon would glance at Joshua and then look ahead again. Joshua knew Galleon wanted to say something, but was glad he didn’t. This was a painful process for
Joshua, and he was glad Galleon was not pressing the issue.
It was another hour before Joshua started a conversation. “So, how are we going to get to the Valley of Moross?”
Galleon pondered this for a moment. “We head east. The Valley of Moross sits between two mountain ranges.”
“How far is it?”
“Well, I’ve never actually been there so I’m not sure. I guess we’ll find out when we get there, if we don’t fall off the edge of the world first, that is.”
Suddenly, they heard a faint voice in the distance behind them.
“Stop!”
Joshua and Galleon halted and looked at each other.
“Did you hear that?” Joshua asked, turning to look in the direction the sound came from. The voice sounded again, but this time it was louder.
“Stop! Wait for me!”
Joshua peered into the distance. A figure emerged through the thick mist. He’d recognise that brown hair and stocky frame anywhere. A smile formed across his face. It was Andrew running towards them. Puffing and panting, he caught up with them.
“What are you doing here?” Joshua asked.
“You didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you?” Andrew said, still panting. “Besides, with your aim, there’s no way you’d survive without me. I’m coming with you.”
“You don’t have to do this, Andrew. This isn’t your journey. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Look,” Andrew said, cutting him off. “We’ve been best friends for as long as I can remember. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than by your side.”
Galleon rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Well, if the two of you are going to insist on kissing, then I may have to throw up. Shall we go?”
The two young Woodsmen looked at each other and beamed. “Well, come on then, boys,” Galleon said. “We’ll never get there at this rate.”
All three of them set off.
6
