It had been a week, and the two wayfarers had still not reached the woodlands. Certainly, this was because of they had deviated from the original path, as otherwise they would have already arrived at their desired destination. Additionally, the frail physical condition of Avi, spurred by both old age and unhealed physical ailments, had only further hindered their pace as they were required to frequently stop, so that the wounded monk could find brief respite. Nonetheless, the extended journey had allowed Gromar to put into practice the sermon on servitude, as for the past week he had been required to care for his injured mentor. Such duties involved trekking alone to the nearby river to collect water, searching the grasslands for edible roots and berries, and helping tend to the bruises and scars littered across Avi’s body.

And so, three days later, the two wayfarers once more paused for a momentary break. Whilst Gromar stood stalwartly and plotted the route ahead, Avi conversely took a seat; utilizing his bedroll as a cautioned pillow to lean upon. However, this time something was different, as on this day his legs were particularly lame, his breathing had become particularly labored, and the pain in his abdomen was particularly strong.

“You know” said Avi, whilst weakly tilting his head to face Gromar directly, “It is often said that those who sow violence are destined to likewise reap its harvest… and with the past I have lived, surely this end is fair”.

His words were a surprise to the small Goblin, who had not anticipated such a statement. Perplexed and confused by the abrupt capitulation of his teacher, he hesitated in finding an adequate response. Truly, he could not think of any words. Then, after a brief pause, he stringed together what little words he could muster and, with an anguished tone, replied:

“You mustn’t say that. come, we are at most only a few days out from the tree line, and then- “

“And then what, my small friend. Nay, I am not youthful like thee, and so from such wounds I will not recover. For such is the inevitable toll of old age”.

No, not like this! Not over some trivial conflict with toll collectors! Y-you can’t just leave me!

“Our months spent together, oh how brilliant they have been!” the afflicted monk continued to his distraught pupil without a moment of delay. He could infer from Gromar’s downturned mouth and tremoring hands that the young Goblin was distressed by the unfolding situation, and so he spoke with a soothed tone.

“But what a pity, for so much I had yet to teach! Alas, I have established the foundation of your wisdom, and so surely, I have fulfilled my purpose” he followed up with a cheerful chuckle. “But let me impart one final piece of wisdom, friend, so that you may still benefit from this rather tragic situation”.

Gomar was still dumbfounded. Deep down, over the past couple days he had known Avi’s condition was deteriorating, but he would never have presumed the monk would be so seemingly intent on dying. Or if not intent, he was still incomprehensibly tranquil with his fate. Interrupting the thoughts racing through Gromar’s head, and using what little strength he could assemble, the monk gestured for his student to kneel beside him.

“Behold how I face death, silently surrendering to my wedding with eternity” he said unto his pupil, who leaned in sorrowfully to absorb the final teaching. His eyes, now clouded with ears, met the gaze of Avi’s as the latter continued, “Rejoyce, for I am to rejoin with the Light that predates all. Why, then, should I depart with fear and sadness? Nay, I depart joyfully! And so, my friend, in facing earthly emotions and carnal strife I urge thee to hold thy peace; put to death what is earthly within you and embrace stillness as I have”.

Certainly, the words were true and wise, and so Gromar deeply considered each word spoken by the expiring monk. But given the circumstances, he could not help but also be overwhelmed by the impending loss.

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No… you can still save him!

If only we could get to the forest!

Once again, the spirit of evil had clouded the small Forest-Goblin’s judgement. It implored him to ignorantly ignore the wise words and deluded him into envisioning an impossible reality wherein Avi could still be saved. Indeed, it pushed him to forsake the monk’s final spoken teaching.

“It is not me, but is rather He, that bares sole responsibility for all of this” said a whisper once more in Gromar’s ear. “This is all part of His divine plan, so blame Him”.

“Ignore this foolishness… he can still be saved” the malicious mumble continued, “ignore his words, for they are surely spoken from a state of delirium”.

But Gromar’s resolve was strong, for although momentarily hesitating he was able to ultimately ignore the voice. Indeed, he had recognized the spirit of evil’s words for what they really were; a desperate final attempt to dissuade an otherwise spiritually awakened Goblin.

It is not He that manipulates others, O spirit of evil… Nay, it is thee that influences and deceives. It is thee that tempts others, hardens hearts, and blots out the Inner Light… I cannot impart blame unto anyone for what is inevitable and predetermined. Nay, I cannot and will not forsake Avi’s final lesson. So may the Light send thee to destruction!

In this moment, the spirit of evil was once more silenced and embarrassed. Indeed, in accepting Avi’s sermon and subsequently imploring to detach himself from worldly emotions, Gromar had awakened to the ultimate reality of what was unfolding. Truly, there was nothing more he could do, as his mentor’s fate was clear and unavoidable.

In accepting this reality, Gromar no longer implored to save Avi, but rather sought to comfort him. Reaching towards the bedroll, he adjusted it before helping adjust the dying monk into a more comfortable position.

“Blessed art thee, teacher, as I cannot help but stand before you in awe and reverence. Truly, you have held thy peace until the very end” he said, to which Avi responded with a smile. Then, gesturing feebly yet determinedly with his hands, he called for his pupil to kneel beside him once more. Obediently, Gromar abided.

“As our shared journey comes to an end, I feel it adequate to ordain you as a fellow Brother; for, certainly, such a decision is warranted by thy dedication to our teachings. And so, my small friend, I dub thee Brother Gromar of the Forrest…” he weakly proclaimed, placing his frail hand upon the head of Gromar. “So, commence onwards to the woodlands, and hereafter let the Inner Light be thy ultimate companion in my absence. And remember always, ye need not books nor temples, for thy companion will guide thee”.

With the more official ordination now concluded, he then proceeded with a more informal farewell.

“My friend” he said, meeting Gromar’s hand with his own. “I bid thee farewell, knowing with certainty that we will one day be reunited. And truly, I have enjoyed our short time together, and hope you have found in me both a mentor and a friend. And finally, in remembrance of me, do not forget the everlasting gift of wisdom I have imparted unto thee”.

Pausing, the expiring monk then turned towards the sky. With a smile across his face and a tear in his eyes, he then continued:

“Behold, I can see the Heaven’s mighty Gates opening and the eternal Light inviting me! ‘Come’ an authoritative voice is decreeing to me, ‘Come, and be free from thy worldly burdens… for your journey has been well-walked, and now you may rest’”.

With this, Avi then inhaled for a last time before exhaling his final breath; his departure being both gentle and peaceful. Gromar similarly held his breath and watched in awe as the sacred transition unfolded. Then, after noticing the stillness of his mentor, and concluding that the transition was completed, he finally ceased his act of braveness and begun to weep.

He collapsed over the lifeless body of his deceased friend and sobbed uncontrollably. Almost instantaneously, it felt as if a void had been left in his body. It felt as though he had been abandoned and left only with memories.

But alas, he had not been abandoned, for a subtle breeze soon picked up, followed by an unworldly warmth. Truly, an ever-present and compassionate entity had reached out to console the small Goblin. Then, amidst the atmosphere of sorrow, the sky begun to subtly illuminate. Gromar noticed this and concluded that surely this occurrence was a divine sign; a reminder of the realm to which his friend and mentor had departed. As he surrendered to the divine comfort, a profound realization dawned upon the small Goblin; Avi’s words had been proven correct and he was indeed not alone, as the Inner Light was now his companion.