Children of the Gods

Will

"So my friend, the map says that the great lands of King Bergen lay to the west," Oren told Darwin as they bowled along. The sun was shining brightly as they traveled, Darwin was even humming a light tune. "Yes but isn't Bergen in Willspire? That's in the colder lands to the north, can't we find something a bit warmer?" Darwin asked.  His old joints ached in the cold and he would be much happier in the warm winds of the south. he thought.  

"Hmmm the south, How do you feel about traveling the seas?" Oren asked thoughtfully.  "The island of Elesmyr is in the south. I've heard it's warm and pleasant most days and the islanders are always known for their great hospitality," he finished.  Darwin thought about it for quite some time before responding.  A sea voyage? He'd never even seen the ocean let alone thought about sailing on it. "Sounds like an adventure to me!" Darwin told him happily while he thought that this may just well be the stupidest thing he'd ever agreed to.

"Then it's off to the seaport of Gilwin! We can book passage on a ship, and be in Elesmyr in a day or two!" Oren said a chipper quirk in his voice.  God's preserve us was the only thing Darwin could think.

By late afternoon the next day, the pair arrived in Gilwin.  Oren found a stable for Darwin, who happily settled in with a large bucket of oats.  The inn was named the Oracle's Eye and was just across the street.   Oren felt an odd shiver at the name, but shook it off and continued inside.  The main taproom was empty this time of day save for a few old sailors swapping stories by the fire. The room was clean and the tables shiny in the sun, the floors blackened by years of boots scuffing them.  Oren moved to the large oak bar to find the innkeeper.  A portly woman met him with a motherly smile, "Good day traveler, I'm Anna what can I do for you?" she said pleasantly. 

Anna had a kind face, one that reminded him of the grandmother in many a bedtime tale.  Rounded cheeks, reddened by the happiness in her heart.  Her soft and rounded body told the tale of many years of fine food and sweets.  A white mob cap covered her graying curls, and an apron protected her faded blue gown.  "I need a room and some food if you please Ma'M," Oren said smiling brightly. "The room is the last one at the end of the hall," she said pointing her finger toward the stairs. "And I have a wonderful pot of stew and some bread just fresh from the oven," she said with a laughing smile.  "That sounds wonderful, maybe a mug of cider as well?" Oren prompted cheekily. She gave him a narrowed glance then chuckled nodding her assent.  Oren took to the stairs quickly moving to stow his things in his room. When he returned moments later his meal awaited at a table near the window.  

Unlike many taverns and inns, the windows were clean and sparkling, allowing patrons to watch the bustle on the streets outside.  There was no lingering odor of ale and stench either, he was happy that this seemed like a well cared for establishment.  He saw a crowd of sailors heading for the door laughing as the came.  When the door opened, a large smile cracked Anna's face, "Will!" she cried launching herself into his waiting arms.  He caught her up and spun her about laughing, the other's called out greetings to the woman, smiles all around. Oren couldn't help but wonder if these men might know where he could book passage to Elesmyr.

He finished his meal, laughing at the men's jokes and antics as they drank.  He returned his mug and plates to Anna at the counter. "Anna, could you tell me where I might book passage on a ship heading to Elesmyr?" he asked curiously. The sailor called Will turned then with a smile. "Why would a boy such as you want to be going to Elesmyr?" the grizzled old sailor asked with a smile.  Oren knew his tactic had worked, now he could talk to them without the worry of losing his life. "I find myself at a crossroads in my life, it's time for me to start anew.  Elesmyr sounded as good as any to start over," he explained hoping the man would take him seriously.

Then came the question he dreaded, "And why would someone as young as you be needing to start over?" Will asked slowly his gaze turning suspicious. "I swear to you, by The God's of Trinity, I'm not a criminal or any such thing!" he answered quickly. "I am merely a man, disowned and disavowed by my father and looking for a fresh start far from these lands," he finished. Just then a beam of sunshine lit him through the window.  Will looked at it curiously, not sure whether to take it as an omen or just coincidence. "You know boy the folks around here worship the darkness, talk like that could find you trouble if you're not careful," Will said standing to face the young man. He took him by the arm, leading him to a private room in the back of the tavern.

Oren had no choice but to go with him, his grip tight and firm on his arm.  They entered the room and Will closed the door, leaving no room for argument.  "Why do you want to go to Elesmyr boy?" he said angrily once more.  Oren was shocked by his sudden change in demeanor. Confused by it Oren pulled at his arm trying to put some distance between them.  "Why do you want to go to Elesmyr?" Will asked again almost shouting now.  "I-I-I told you," Oren stuttered.

Will stood there watching the boy. This couldn't possibly be the man that the Goddess sent them to find. This sputtering fool the father of the child of prophecy? By the Gods, the world was most surely lost. "What's your name boy?" he asked Oren gruffly.  Oren stared at him blankly still unsure why he was angry. "YOUR NAME BOY! WHAT IS YOUR NAME!" Will hollered at him loudly. Will shook him back to his senses, shaking his head Oren found his voice. "Oren, my name is Oren," he replied with confidence. The large sailor groaned as he released him, dear Trinity above the world is damned Will thought glumly.  

Oren was still unsure of what this was all about cleared his throat nervously drawing Will's attention.  Will turned to look at him again disbelief clear on his face. "By Mira, let's just hope we can whip you into shape, boy, else we'll all be damned to the Underworld," Will told him. Oren was still confused by the man's words but was too afraid to question him. Oren simply resigned himself to follow the old man's lead. May the Gods help him...

 A/N: Oren still hasn't figured out his place, and Will doesn't believe the young man can live up to the hype.  What do you think? Is Oren our man, or is Will right? Is the world the Gods of Trinity damned to eternal darkness? Can Oren become the wizard and father they need him to be? Tell me what you think! Dee