Geo's uneasiness grew as he contemplated the lead they had received. It seemed impossible - huge Bison-like creatures, giant carnivorous rabbits, bats the size of eagles, and lizards bigger than a horse. It felt like stepping into a dark fairytale, a realm of uncertainty and fantastical creatures. What awaited them in the place they were heading towards?
Returning to their camp after midnight, Geo was surprised to see the crackling fire, its warmth a comforting embrace. However, even in the midst of this respite, a sense of vulnerability lingered within him. After warming his hands and ensuring no prying ears could overhear their conversation, Geo positioned himself closer to Lake. He grabbed a piece of jerky from his pack and took a few bites, chewing thoughtfully before speaking. "Did you manage to complete the trading for your father?"
Silence hung in the air, prompting Geo to press on. "We will be departing mid-morning, after we have had our breakfast!"
Lake's face contorted, his gaze fixed on Geo with intensity as he spoke in a short, heated tone. "I am not your child! I deserve respect, an explanation, a discussion... something!"
Recognizing the need to redefine their relationship and reconsider their dynamics before venturing further into perilous territory, Geo rose to his feet. He addressed Lake directly, his voice firm and resolute. "The place we are headed to is no trivial matter." Geo locked eyes with Lake, awaiting his response. When none came, he continued, determined to communicate the gravity of their situation. "We are done with the pleasant journeys to the trading circle, where we only encounter a few brigands. Our path now leads us onto a treacherous path, one that may put our lives at stake. These woods were once a mere expanse of beautiful pines and poplars with fields of tall grass and wildflowers, home to common bandits. They posed a threat only to those foolish enough to wander alone." Geo waved his hand dismissively, attempting to downplay the danger. "But things have changed. Whispers speak of a Primeval Forest, inhabited by dark and malevolent creatures. I wouldn't have believed such tales if Jove hadn't shared his harrowing encounter, where he barely escaped with his life. So, I will assume the role of the leader in this expedition, and you will follow. If you cannot accept this arrangement, then you will stay here with Jove until my return. Furthermore, your attitude must change, or you'll wish you had. As much as I desire to aid your sister and your family, there is no benefit if both of us perish. And then, most likely, your family will become ill before they succumb to the illness, if they haven't already. The Seven Deadly Ills do not bear that name without reason. It claims the lives of the majority who become infected. Everyone is at risk, everyone!" Geo paused, taking a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. He allowed a few moments of silence to underscore the gravity of his words before continuing. "So, Lake, what will it be?" His voice carried a finality that brooked no argument.
Lake opened his mouth, then closed it, his mind grappling with a response. "Do you truly believe it will be that dangerous? It all sounds so fantastical."
Geo nodded thoughtfully, his expression betraying the weight of his convictions. "Perhaps the danger is even worse than we imagine, or maybe it has been exaggerated. However, you must agree to listen, to speak with respect, and to train with me every day until you can defend yourself if we are to venture into those ominous woods." Geo pointed an outstretched finger at Lake, then gestured towards the east, where the foreboding woods awaited their arrival, just a day's journey away. "Because I trust the man who shared his encounter with me, I believe the danger is real."
Lake nodded, a smile curling at the corners of his lips, but he remained silent. Geo returned the smile, hoping that Lake's confidence stemmed from his belief that he could teach an old man a thing or two. Lake may have gleaned some knowledge of weapons and combat from his father, but he had yet to experience the harsh realities of fighting for his life. Geo had yearned for a better, more peaceful existence, but the world, steeped in violence, had its own plans in store for him.
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After carefully packing away their supplies, Geo generously offered his assistance to Lake in crafting two wooden swords from the nearby saplings. As they worked together, Geo shared captivating tales he had heard and eagerly discussed their upcoming journey. The night grew late, and before they knew it, morning had arrived with the sun's gentle glow. Geo roused himself from slumber and gently nudged Lake awake, urging him to prepare for the day ahead.
However, Lake's movements were sluggish, prompting Geo to swiftly swing his wooden sword towards Lake's chest. This deliberate action allowed the young man enough time to react and evade the incoming strike. Startled, Lake jolted awake and instinctively rolled out of his blankets, narrowly avoiding a painful hit from Geo's practice sword. His surprise quickly turned into determination when he found his sword on the floor jumping to his feet he swung his own sword towards Geo, but his attack was hasty and imprecise. Geo, however, calmly stepped forward in one fluid motion, Geo countered with a controlled elbow strike towards Lake's face, leaving a powerful impact that served as a cautionary reminder.
Clutching his reddened cheek, Lake's eyes burned with defiance as he unleashed a torrent of words that would have surely angered his father.
Unfazed, Geo smiled and gently admonished, "You must react swiftly, control your emotions, and be aware of your surroundings, or else you will meet your end. We have little time, so gather your belongings and your sword. We'll resume our sparring in two minutes. Be prepared." With that, Geo swung his sword in a flurry of motion and turned his attention to the wagon and the team of horses.
In his thoughts, Geo made a silent vow to not knock Lake down too many times during their sparring session. Two minutes later, Lake emerged from the tent. They faced each other, with Geo correcting Lake's grip and stance while demonstrating slow movements for attacking and defending with a sword. Their wooden swords soon moved in a graceful rhythm, accompanied by Geo's continued instructions. Over the course of a couple of hours, their sparring evolved into a display of skill, with each swing growing stronger and faster than the last. Lake showed a natural talent for footwork, but it was clear that his sword technique would require extensive practice.
As sweat poured down their brows, Geo finally set down his sword, and Lake followed suit, gasping for breath. Before Lake could regain his bearings, Geo swiftly lunged at him, sweeping his leg out from under him. Lake quickly recovered and retaliated with a flurry of punches, but Geo deftly sidestepped at the last moment, using his palm to halt the attack. In one seamless motion, Geo ducked under Lake's arm and effortlessly pushed him to the ground. This pattern continued for another half hour or so, until Geo decided to walk Lake through the techniques he had employed. Geo firmly believed that a strong evasion technique could be the key to survival, and thus, it was one of the first lessons he imparted to his new student.
Around midmorning, they took a break from their training and sought sustenance at a local vendor. It could very well be their last warm meal for quite some time, as their upcoming journey would take them deep into the woods. They joined a group of traders at a large wooden table, engaging in conversation about their respective journeys and travels. However, there was a noticeable silence when it came to discussing the direction they were headed. It seemed as though no one dared to venture towards the east, the very path that Geo and Lake were destined to take. Lake attempted to bring up the mysterious woods, but everyone avoided the topic, their fear palpable. Nevertheless, the duo remained determined to explore the uncharted territory to the east. They ate heartily, perhaps out of necessity to replenish their energy after the rigorous morning workout, or perhaps as a means of fortifying themselves for the unknown that lay ahead. Soon after finishing their meal, they left, having gained no new information from the traders.
Packing the wagon was a quick task, and the road east led them north past Jove's home, where they stopped to deliver goods before their journey truly began. As Lake sat on the bouncing wagon seat, thoughts of his wife and daughter filled his mind. In two days, Rolly would inform Ali about his journey. He genuinely hoped to find a cure, but deep down, he doubted there would be one for Fern, no matter how far they traveled. The recent attack at the bar worried him; he wondered if it meant something from his past was catching up to him. Despite being surrounded by good people, he couldn't help but worry. The area they were heading to was shrouded in mystery, with Jove being the only person who had admitted to traveling there. Lake just wished someone had warned him about the deep ruts and potholes on the road; he might have considered leaving the wagon behind.