Earthborn

The Journey

After weeks of training and learning Oliver was ready to face the challenges ahead, he had learn the basic spells for survival and spells for protection. Yet he still doesn't trust himself with his new abilities, even though Astaroth explained everything from the beginning. "Once you start there is no turning back". These words were planted in Oliver's head just to make sure that he's worth it to face the challenges and finish the quest.

"The day after tomorrow," Astaroth said, "we shall journey out of this forest and towards the nearest village." Upon hearing this, Oliver packed all his belongings, wore his robe and followed Astaroth out of the forest.

As they near the village, along the road they met a farmer who has an extra room for the night. The farmer explain that the nights in the city wouldn't be safe for distant travelers and other alike. Early in the morning Oliver was already training by the barn, out of sight from the villagers and out of earshot. Little did he know that a young lad was fishing by the lake just a few yards from the barn, as soon as Oliver noticed his talents were compromised his master enchanted a memory spell.

"Next time try to see if your surrounding are clear of enemies" His master said. "Having a blind spot gives them an opportunity to strike!"
"Yes, master" Oliver apologized.
"Good, now continue"

Three nights have passed and they agreed to leave the village a first light. "Good sir, me and my lad thanks you for your hospitality and generosity to mere strangers like us" Astaroth said.
"The pleasure is mine" Replied the master of the house.
"If we were to find durable weapons where would be the best blacksmith?" asked Oliver.
"You are now standing in his presence" The farmer said.
"May we know your name good sir?" Oliver asked in his amazement.
"I am Philip, at your service" said Philip with a bow.

To their confusion, they asked how did he become a farmer. "I had to become a farmer, cause being a blacksmith isn't always the best business in this village, all they need is wheat for their bread and meat for their stomachs."

Oliver then asked "We would kindly request for you to make a long sword, durable enough to stay sharp after a millennium of war and crusades"

"For what?" Philip asked ,
"I think that is none of your business" Astaroth spoke,
"Fair enough" Philip replied,

As the master and apprentice settled in their room, Astaroth was going to say something but there was a knock on the door.
"Yes?" Oliver spoke,
"Supper is ready" Philip asked,
"Yes, we'll come down in a moment" Astaroth said,
They heard footsteps decsend the stairs,
"Master were you suppose to say something?" Oliver broke the silence,
"Take a watchfull eye on the blacksmith" Astaroth warned,
"Yes master, I shall".

The morning came, Oliver was drenched in sweat once again. He dreamed about a fortress deep within the forest he lived, he entered the fortress, he wasn't in a physical form but rather spiritual. As he entered the fortress he felt a familiar sensation, the same sensation he felt when he encountered the winged woman. He continued to venture inside, he passed through walls, doors, and portraits but he couldn't pass through a certain door, it was designed with symbols written in gold, the wood was bloodred in color and it looked heavy. A gargoyle's head was at the cenyer with it mouth open, a key whole was found deep within it. Oliver the key hanging on a hook at the ceiling, he tried to reach the key but he seem to getting his physical form, slowly his body gain flesh, bones and blood. When the key was at his reach he fell back to the floor, as his back hit the floor he woke up tapping his body checking if there were any bruises. Oliver looked around the room, he opened the curtains only to be flashed with the afternoon sun. Astaroth woked up earlier, he went to the bar and was greeted by Philip who was always up early,
"How is the sword I asked from you?" Astaroth asked, "Oh, it was just ready last night" Philip replied,
"May I see it?"
"Sure, it's just at the shop" Philip motioned Astaroth to follow.

Oliver got dressed and headed downstairs and looked for his master at the bar, he then thought that maybe he went to check at the sword, waited until he got back. He looked around watching old pictures hanged on the walls, there were pictures pf sailors, merchants but he never saw a single family picture of Philip, "Speaking of Philip" He said to himself, "Where is he?".

Astaroth and Philip entered the shop, the sword was layed down on the anvil its blade shining with the rays of the sun, its hilt was decorated with a single ruby at the center. Astaroths eyes layed upon the sword of mellemium, The Eternal Blade, He walked towards the blade, "May I?" He asked, "Sure, its yours anyhow" Philip sounding proud, "Maybe I should let the boy make the first swing" Astaroth suggested, "Oliver!" He yelled.

Oliver was roaming around the tavern and heared his master yell, He then ran to the shop as fast as he can. When he got to the shop he looked for master, in his head Astaroth was struggling, tortured, stabbed. Oliver entered the shop and found his master alive, happy and astonished, he was wondering what happened,
"Master?!" Oliver asked while catching his breath, "Why are you sweaty?" Astaroth asked "I just called you here to test the sword",
"I thought something happened"
"Here take the first swing" Astaroth pointed at the sword,
"Is that The Eternal Blade?" Oliver's eyes widened when he saw the sword,
"Yes, it is lad"

Oliver took the sword with both hands,
"Its light, and its balanced"
"One of my greatest creations" Philip said proudly,
Oliver gave a few swings, doing some tricks until he was satisfied. Astaroth took the sword from the lad, he did a basic swordman routine. When Oliver saw this routine, he thought "this old man must have been a warrior, trained in the arts of magic", after Astaroth finished the whole routine, he plunged the sword unto the ground mumbled something that even Pliver couldn't decipher. "Now that's what I call exercise".

A/N: Sorry guys if this chapter took long, I haven't been able to check the story due to my busy schedule. I just hope that you bare the lateness of each chapter, and by the way I would appreciate about your opinion about each chapter, anything will do like comments, reaction either violent or not, I hope that you will continue to read