The Upbringing

Chapter 5) The Journey Starts

Chapter 5) The Journey Starts

Eon, at lost for words, moved his mouth up and down in a futile attempt to say something.

"Thi,this isn't Earth?" he yelled, "SO WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BROUGHT ME? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

Close to hysteria, Eon took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. The Timekeeper's reaction wasn't what Eon had expected. He had just stood there during the outburst, not at all surprised or affected by it. If Eon hadn't known better, he would've thought this man had actually expected it....then again Eon thought, with a name of Timekeeper, there's no telling what he can do, maybe he had read his mind. The thought of having his mind being invaded snapped him back to reality.

"Well? I'm waiting."

The Timekeeper turned around, and started heading to the far edge of the clearing. Not having expected that, Eon had to run to catch up with him. Getting in front of the man, he stopped and turned around.

"Hey, you can't just kidnap me, and not tell me what is going on." he growled. The Timekeeper looked down at him, not unkindly, but with the stare of someone who demanded to be respected.

"Once we begin our journey, everything will be explained," moving Eon aside, he kept walking towards the trees. Not slowing down, nor looking back towards Eon, he spoke seven words, that chilled Eon to the bone, "If you wish to live, follow me."

Eon wasn't sure if the man was bluffing. Not wishing to put it to the test, he reluctantly followed a few feet behind. They crossed the clearing in no time, and walked into the twilight darkness of the immense forest.

They walked in silence, the Timekeeper always ahead of Eon. He didn't mind, he preferred this silence, it made it easier to appreciate and study everything around him.

Remembering another question he had, for the first time he addresed the man by his name, "Timekeeper, what are those trees called?"

"Which ones?"

"Those huge ones, with the purple bark."

"They are called Spearwood trees, for obvious reasons,their sap is used for healing purposes, and their leaves make excellent insulation."

"Aren't their trunks used for anything?"

The Timekeeper laughed, "Thier trunks provide one of the strongest wood in all of Aurora, it's so strong in fact that out of all of the wood-workers in the land, only about 4 dare use it."

"Why?"

"Well to begin with, normal tools wouldn't be able to cut the wood, only tools made of the strongest steel, enchanted with magic are sharp enough. Add to that that because of it's strength, the wood is very brittle. In order to make it soft enough to use, it has to be allowed to soak in a special bath of ingredients added to water. Very few know the technique. When we get to where we're going, I'll introduce you to one of the men who use Spearwood."

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that, but where is it we are going exactly?"

"You'll find out when we are on our way."

"Ugh, why can't you just tell me now?"

"Because, my explanation would only arise more questions, and for right now I prefer to walk in silence."

Eon abruptly close his mouth before any other question left him. He knew his curiousity could sometimes get the better of him, so decided he'd wait for the Timekeeper to reveal everything in it's own time. He refocused on studying the land around him, and enjoying the scenery.