I look back onto the grave of Kinslee, and I wipe away my last tear. I sigh deeply and smile. I kiss my fingertips and bring it back onto the red stone, and I say, “I’m sorry. I can't...Carry this with me anymore. I'm going to move on now, and I hope you do as well. Wherever you are my love.”

I get up and turn around. The unthinkable has happened. John is standing perfectly still and a single tear is falling from his eyes. Elizabeth is in ruin, but she just stares at me silently. She holds her hand and gently puts it back down. I reach forward and grab it gently. I say, “I really need to get away. I’ve worked...too hard recently. I’m done being so...beaten all the time...”

She turns my hand around and traces the thick callouses. Elizabeth looks back up to me and says, “Where?”

“Another country? Another land? I want to travel some, I want to breathe fresh air, and I really want to have eve just a little bit of fun. ”  I say while slumping and holding my arms out wide.

She breaks the gap between us, and walks into my arms as she says, ”I’m going home soon....Will you come with me?”

“Of course. I think I need to just rethink...Everything.” I say while staring upwards.

We break and she holds my hand as we walk. The forest path I created mirrored a past only I knew, and I can see it slowly fade. I wonder what lays in store for me. I help Elizabeth cross rocks and logs, and we slowly get past the forest to the outer part of the town. She does not complain on the way back.

I see the outer edges of Tauss showing themselves. A large square building that looked like it was made purely for efficiency has almost been fully erected inside the middle of the slums. A large set of pariah roads are slowly creeping from the center of town outwards, and the people of the slums have smiles on their faces. They have the twinkle of people who believe they are living good lives.

I walk past them and onto the old cobblestone road. I see shops and nicer homes appear as we get past the cobble, and onto the shimmering red brick road. We walk past it and I see a large map of Tauss spread on a sign. It reads that Tauss is about 11 square miles now, but I know it’s a little bit more dense than that. It has at least 20,000 people now. I know it will continue to grow ever faster as time goes on, and I think about ways to keep the stable growth going after I leave.

“Elizabeth...Am I pressuring you too much? I know I can do that some- ” I say as a soft finger comes to my mouth.

“Please understand I would have to be worse than a devil to deny you respite. I have never….seen someone with so much...hurt. ” she says.

“Neither have I.” John quickly throws in between our conversation. Elizabeth stops and turns towards him like she has seen a ghost.   

“What? Am I not allowed to interject when I agree?” John says while remaining statuesque.

“You just never do is all.” Elizabeth says.

“Don’t tell anybody about that. Okay? I don’t want anybody else to know. I don’t even know why I let you guys know.” I say while swallowing down my memories.

“Well I will not. No matter what happens.” Elizabeth says.

“Need anything be said?” John says.

“I guess not,” I say while smiling lightly.

We make it to my house and I split them up from me. I walk inside to my father’s study, and I see him busy with paperwork. I walk up and say, “Dad I’m leaving. I have decided to go with Elizabeth to her home. I need to get away, and plus it will-”

My dad interjects and says, “That sounds absolutely wonderful. I’ll handle anything that needs to be done here. I have your plan, and I have some plans of my own.”

“I need to-Dad did you hear me? I said I’m going to go? Don’t you want me to stay?” I say while looking confused.

“Son, I want to see you happy more than anything, but this place is like a wasteland for your heart. I know you can handle yourself out there, and I think you getting away would be a great idea. Just remember all the things I taught you.” he says.

“Hell if we’re being honest I’ve taught you more than you’ve taught me, ” I say sarcastically while winking at him.

“Don’t say that son! I taught you the basics. I just did it so well you could build on them real easy. Honestly it was all me.” he says right back at me.

“Sounds like the student has become the master, but let’s not forget I’m an accomplished architect, I can...build….anything.” I say while thinking about earlier today.

My dad gets up from his desk and hugs me. He lifts me in the air and starts twirling me around with all his might. I finally make it into the air and I start yelling, “Haha!”

He keeps twisting for another 5 seconds and he loses his strength. Our grips loosen and we both fly into the surrounding furniture. He lands into his desk and an inkwell flops onto his head, and I land awkwardly in a chair that promptly falls over. We both grown from the pain at the exact same time. We stare at each other and laugh.

The moment is so perfect I just can’t stop laughing. He laughs and laughs as ink slowly falls down past his face and onto his chest. Time passes and Elizabeth walks into the room.

“What are you idiots doing? A lady is waiting, and you…” she pauses as she sees me laughing and she stops. She scratches her head and says, “Just tell me when you want to go. I am going back to my house tomorrow, but earlier is okay as well. I am sure John is fine with it.”

“An arm or a leg would suffice dear John. I guess I can get my stuff now. Are you sure dad? ” I say.

“The only one who is ever really sure of themselves is you Nox. I just wing it the best I can. I...”He pauses while slowly standing up. He lands on his knees and says, “Be safe son...If you...I just...I love you. I need you to come back safe, and happy okay? Can you promise me?” he says while leaning over and staring at the floor.

I walk over and place my hand on his shoulder. I embrace him and the man is shaking. He really doesn’t want me to leave, but he sincerely thinks it will help me. I let my weight fall onto the old man and he immediately hops up and lifts me with he embrace.

“Only strong when I need it huh?” I say.

“I’m as strong as I need to be son. Most of the time more.” he says.

We break up and smile. I start to walk away and up towards my room. I pack several leather bags with clothes and my possessions. I head downstairs to my workshop, but my mom is blocking the way.

“If I see you try to bring even a single piece of work I’ll strangle you. ” she says.

“Do I really look that rough? Everybody is treating me so well. I’ll have to break down more often.” I say while laughing.

“Does he not know how to get embarrassed?” Elizabeth says from the other side of the room to my mother.

“No. He doesn’t. He’s forceful and rude, but somehow he has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. ” she says as she walks up and embraces me.

I roll my eyes. We hug for a short moment and separate. I walk towards Elizabeth and my mom doesn’t follow. I tug on her and she shakes her head.

“I’m needed here. The Waulak couple are what keeps Tauss from wrecking.” she says while shooing me away.

I open my mouth but words won’t come out. I run back and hug her. I lift her off the ground and then place her down. I see my dad walk inside from outside and I say, “Just watch out for Atticus. He will always be plotting something. Also use the acolytes. You can trust them, and good luck without your trump card.”

They laugh lightly while John and I carry my stuff. We follow Elizabeth towards her house. When we arrive I ask the big question on my mind. “ What are we going to do about travel? Won’t it take forever?”

“You haven’t heard? ” Elizabeth asks.

“About what?” I say.

“Oh, they brought a new kind of animal to this continent only a few years ago I guess it just hasn’t made it this far north.” she says.

I set down my things and leap upwards. I blink widely as I struggle to contain my excitement, and I frantically say, “What kind? Is it a mammal? Four legs? What does it eat? How large? Where does it sleep? How strong is it?”

“The psychosis finally reveals itself!” Elizabeth says while dangling the information in front of my face.

I calm down and pat my shirt. I say, “I guess I was getting too comfortable. What does it look like my lady?”

Her face shifts from a sly smile to a frown, “That’s not what I meant. I was teasing.”

I smile widely and lean forward as I say, “So was I love.”

She blushes red and covers her mouth as she says, “Well aren’t we bold now? We haven’t even started the travel yet you boast of love?”

“Or I boast of how lovely my traveling companion is?” I say.

“Recovered beautifully master Waulak.” John says.

We both stare at him and start to laugh. I pick up my stuff and say, “How far south till we see one of these mysterious animals?”

She stares at me and says, “Maybe 5 days walk from here south? John will be towing me on my own wagon, and I hope you enjoy carrying your own things.”

“I can carry so much weight. I’ve carried more than you can fathom. I’ve carried the responsibilities of a lost world.” I say while making exaggerated hand poises.

“I hope the young aspiring poet doesn’t hope to make a dime with that one.” she says.

“Remember every poem as a grain of truth. Sometimes a whole sheaf.” I say.

“Oh this is going to be fun no matter how it turns out.” She says.

I smile and I wait for her to pack up her things. They say it will take at least an hour, so I see John I tell them I’ll be back then. I also ask if I can bring someone else and they say as long as it’s just one or two. I go and check on the two other people I was going to meet before all of this.

I walk towards the slums from the financial district and I start to think about everything. Why is it all so spur of the moment? I almost always thought long ahead of things, and this felt oh so wrong to my mind. I walked with hurried steps to try and shake the thoughts away whenever I arrived at the encampment next to the slums.

It was made of tents and sticks gathered or carried by the acolytes. They had set up a camp, and they seemed to continue life in the way I instructed them. I walked to a corner of the camp where I think Julias Armok lives. I shout, “Hello? Do the Armoks live here?”

The tent door rustles immediately and a group walks out. A group of six somehow come from the small tan hide structure. They line up as though being executed and the father says, “Hello Nox. If we have displeased you please let us know.”

“Nothing of the sort. I have heard you have a clever boy. I would like to give him an offer.” I say.

“What kind?” the dad says with lit up eyes.

“I am about to go on a journey, and I want...to train a future leader for your community. I think Julias will fit well.” I say.

The man’s jaw drops down low, and he looks back at his wife. She holds his hands, and I see her start to cry. She says, “Julias is right here, please take care of him. Julias. I want you to be strong. I am incredibly proud of you. ”

She pushes forward the largest in their line. An incredibly thin, but tall boy walks forwards. He towers over the group at around 6’3, and has long black hair he pushes back. His light facial hair makes me think he is at least 17. His long facial features and large nose remind me of Atticus…

“My pleasure leader. I only hope to be able to serve. ” he says as he gets on one knee in front of me. I instantly regret my rash decision.

“Yes...Well I guess we will be off soon. I will be back in 30 minutes.” I say.

“So little time?” his mother says.

“It is no problem my leige-”

“Nox. I’d hate for you to start calling me master or something.”I say.

“Nox then.” he says with a eerily wide smile.

“Oh you don’t have to come if you don’t want to. It is just an offer.” I say.

“I’d rather die, my Nox.” he says while still on one knee.

“I’m serious. Feel free to change your mind annnnny time. No commitment. ” I say.

“I will keep it in consideration my Nox.” he says.

I slowly back away. I weave through the tents and debate actually coming back. I smile and say, “I guess softy is the right term...”

I lightly jog through the camp, then the slums, and then down the large red road system to Reak’s house. I rub my closed eyes before I knock, and right before my hands reach the door Reak open it and says, “Seer! I am so glad to see you stop by? Do come in?”

I walk forward while continuing to rub my eyes. I look around to see the modest house has rather nice internal furniture, and a fireplace roars in place next to a kitchen. I walk forwards and say, “So...I have an offer for you and your daughter.”

His face goes from a pleasant grin to a gasp of surprise as he quickly says,“ You do not need to do that Seer. I am sure you have plenty of time, and I would hate to waste it.”

“Waste it? What are you talking about? I just want to ask her something.” I say.

“Did you hear about her from someone else? Perchance?” he says while twiddling his thumbs.

“I haven’t. Now I do want to ask for a specific reason. So please get her, unless you aren’t interested.” I say while turning around.

“No we are. I just don’t want to offend you...Nox. Please don’t act too surprised. She is a delicate creature.” he says.

“I am pretty sure nothing surprises me at this point.” I say while smiling confidently.

“Well...If you say so. give me one minute.” he says while going to the back of the house.

When he comes back a small girl walks behind him. She is very short, but curvy. She looks incredibly shy, and hides behind her father. A glint of brown hair I did not see inside the village till now appears, and I say, “It’s wonderful to see you Alna. I have an offer.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

The girl walks past her father and he cringes as I see it. She has a huge burn on her lower left side of her face. It goes from her jawbone to her shoulder, and it looks extensive. The rest of her face is untouched, but you could see all the way up to her ear is burnt. Her face lacks all baby fat, and it makes her look around 17-18. She shambles forwards and looks down dejectedly while saying, “Yes?”

A voice as smooth as jazz, and as thick as honey resonates through the air. I instantly make eye contact and say, “You look lovely Alna. I am going on a long journey. I plan to train two people to lead the community here, and I’ve heard great things about you.”

“Why me? Why would you need a set of leaders?” she asks.

I smile as I say,“I can’t control everything forever. I need smart, and competent people to help me. I hope you can become one of those people.”

“Well...Are you a good person?” she says while staring at me.

I scratch my chin before I answer, “Good...I don’t know, but I am great. Maybe even the best.”

She looks at me with drooped eyes as she says, “You just sound over confident to me.”

Reak gasps in horror and steps forwards but I stop him. I say, “I’m just a regular person Reak. I really am. It’s refreshing to have someone doubt me every now and again.”

“Sounds like you need someone to doubt everything you do.” she says while straightening herself more.

I laugh while I say, “I love it! I just absolutely need you. Would you please reconsider? I can pay you handsomely?”

“How much?” Alna says.

“The audacity! You should be thankfu-” Reak says, and I interrupt with, “As much as you want. How about 3 gold pieces?”

“Taken. Dad, I’ll go. ” Alna says while Reak glares at her.

“Settled then! I hope you like walking. We have quite a ways to go. I’ll be back in around...ten minutes for us to go then.”

Reak gasps yet again, and says, “So soon prophet? Why did you not talk about this sooner?”

“I’m trying out being impulsive. I’m going to see how it goes. You okay with that Alna?”I say.

“Yep.” she says while packing the gold and running to her room.

Reak gasps some more but I just walk away. I open the door and head back to Julias’s place. He is waiting with a meager bag filled with probably little to no food, and one change of clothes. I take out another 2 gold pieces and I give him one, and then his family one. He gets on one knee and says, “I promise to serve you well...”

His family hugs him one last time before I take him off towards Alna’s house. He start talking by saying, “What kind of training will I receive? Am I going to learn about the power?”

“Not at all. You are going to learn about a lot more than that. Something far more important than...that.” I say while spitting out the last word.

“Why the disdain? What is so wrong with the power?” he says while turning his head and shuffling slightly in front of me.

“It makes you crazy. I know for sure. I’ve hallucinated before. So I know.” I say.

“You’ve seen the god’s visions? You mustn’t have long till enlightenment then Nox!” he says excitedly.

I freeze mid step and ask, “What do you mean...”

“Well...You know. You use the power, and the first sign is uncontrollable anger. Te next is hallucinations. After a few more months most then start to foam, and that is when they understand the inconceivable. Most turn to sand after that.” he says while awkwardly shifting from excitement to serious explenation.

“I...I haven’t...Hmm. Is it...I.” I rearrange my thoughts. “How fast does a sandman, or a prophet heal? Do I look like them? How strong are they? Did any of them try to remove it? Were they successful?” I ask in succession.  

“Let’s see...A prophet can’t die. Maybe if you smashed their head? Otherwise they heal. They can crush just about anything with god’s blessing at that point. Even rock. No one has tried to remove it, but it will fade over time if you do not use it. Very slowly though.” he answers.

I shrug while nodding. Call me impressed, but the boy was sharp. I send a silent salute towards Atticus. We walk up to the house of Reak and I see Reak and Alna talking outside.

“I am going. I can handle myself just fine. I don’t need your permission either. Scared I’ll make the prophet mad? Tough stuff.” she says.

I smile at the situation and call out, “Let’s go Alna. Reak, make sure the villagers continue to follow my decrees while I’m gone.”

He stares at the ground and say,“...Of course sir.”

Compassion swells from me and I walk towards him, but Alna stops me and whispers, “He’s faking it.” Compassion deflates and we turn around coldly to walk away. We then, walk away.

“Introduce each other. I’d hate to see you two become estranged from the beginning. Also I’m sorry for this being so sudden...I guess It’s more of a whim than anything.” I say.

“I am Alna. Pleased to meet you.” she says while reaching out her hand.

“I am the prophet’s shei-”

“He is a guy called Julias. Little wonky, and I am still trying to work out the kinks.” I say with a smile.

“Seems like you like to ‘work on people’ a lot. Nice to meet you Julias.” she says while shaking his hand and giving me a scowl. I clap and laugh whole heartedly.

They shake on it and the odd sight of the giant and the shorter lady contrasted with the forming financial district in the distance. I watched as the two started to have an awkward conversation about their religion. I watch them and I realize I lack that kind of personableness. I can be so prickly, and intimidating. I stare at the ground for a second.

I notice the small cracks in the bricks of pariah. I think I might be one of those bricks. I just smash everybody else out of the way, and use them to hold me in place.

“Hey! Zoning out isn’t like you.” Elizabeth says.

“Sorry! Haha. Just thinking about the road systems here.” I say.

“You know that is actually really interesting. Your father is a genius. I’ve never seen these kinds of bricks across any part of the world.” she says while looking down at them.

“So Elizabeth, before we forget these are the two I brought. ” I say while raising my arm to present them. “This is Julias, and this is Alna. Be careful, she can be intimidating.”

“It’s great to meet you Elizabeth. I hear you are accompanying the prophet on his journey?” Julias proclaims.

“You look wonderful! I wish I had a dress like that.” Alna says.

“Thank you ever so much, and prophet? What?” she says.

“Well. I guess it’s about time I explain. They are from a cult deep in the woods that hasn’t seen society yet. They worship people with the power and call them prophets. That sums it pretty much up.” I say.

“The power? Cult? Why would you bring them along?” she says while furrowing her brow.

“They would follow me anyway. Why not choose who?” I say nonchalantly.

I turn around and both their eyes are wide open. “How did you?...” Julias says.

“So what? You stop watching me because I’m nearby? I doubt it. Don’t look so surprised. I’m full of surprises, ” I say while smiling.

“I’m so confused. Follow you? What is the power?” she says while her face reddens.

I see John’s posture bend ever so slightly as I say, “I was born with a power is all. I guess you’d find out eventually. I can turn stuff to sand. Fuse stuff together to.”

John looks around in a paranoid mess. Elizabeth covers her mouth as she screams. I frantically look around for danger, and I see nothing but the placid surroundings of the financial district.

“Jesus! What just happened?” I say while lowering my hands. Elizabeth walks away slowly and says with lines of horror streaking her face, “You’re a Sandman?”

“Wow wow. That’s a legend. I’m perfectly sane love.” I say while holding my hands up gently as if to calm a fragile animal.

“Do you know how dangerous you are? What can happen? How many times have you used the Bane?” she says.

“Er. I guess I’ve used my power 10-20 times. Not many times at all.” I say.

“What?That doesn’t make sense. You shouldn’t be able to do almost anything with it then...You said you can turn things to sand right? That means you are in the latest stages of the Blight?” she says while shifting from fear to confusion.

“Okay. So I don’t like the words you’re using to describe it. What’s so bad about ‘The Bane’?” I say.

“Entire civilizations have been destroyed by a single sandman. “ she says while scratching her head.

John jumps in by saying, “They can multiply, and it may take time, but they can eventually become gods of death. They usually just cause disaster after disaster before disappearing. Whenever you said you could turn things to sand...Most people are already insane at that point.”

I turn around to Julias and Alna. They shake their heads in agreement. “They worship the gods of death, Eldritches are what I call them. They have had multiple sandmen in a small village. Each time they turn themselves to sand. Why is it so different where you come from?” I say while turning back and forth.

“A sandman usually dies being hunted. They turn on everything around them and kill everything. Then they wander aimlessly, unkillable death machines. Are you sure they just killed themselves?” She says.

“Yes.” Julias says. “Our last preist, Obadiyah, killed himself. That is how all priests do it. They become enlightened, smile, and then end it themselves. It’s a beautiful thing, watching a prophet return to the hands of god.” Julias finishes while closing his eyes and shaking his fist in excitement.

“They are told to do that their entire lives. They grow up thinking it will happen, and we encourage it. Maybe you shouldn’t try to kill and smash what you don’t understand.” Alna says while looking scowling at Elizabeth and John.

“Maybe you shouldn’t raise monsters you litt-”

“Hold up! Calm down you guys. I can explain it. You said they can destroy civilizations right?” I say while looking at Elizabeth. She nods. “Maybe...How old is your village Julias?”

“Many, many generations. It’s impossible to know for sure.” he says while scratching his head.

“Elizabeth, which country has lasted the longest?” I ask.

“Centra is the oldest outside of the mainland. It is hundreds of years old.” she says while tilting her head questioningly.

“Centra is the most thorough at killing Power users, aren’t they?” I say.

“Have you been there? They have a religion completely for it.” John says as Elizabeth shrugs.

“So...A civilization lasts and prospers if they handle people who catch the Bane.” I say while raising one finger upwards.

“That’s….Brilliant...” I hear Alna say.

“As expected of the holy prophet. ” Julias says.

“What?” Elizabeth says.

“Think about it this way Elizabeth. One sandman is all it takes right? Then the places that deal with them the best are the ones that last the longest. We can see the two extremes have lasted through the sands of time.” I say while winking at her.

“Ahh. You’re saying Centra is the oldest because it killed the people infected earliest?” she says.

“It’s only a theory. I could be way off, but,” I say while reigning them all in closer, “remember that the civilization who responds properly to disasters is the one that lasts. It isn’t the one that has the most efficient system, it’s the one who avoids being wiped out by a fatal switch.” I say while lowering my voice.

“Bravo! A little mystery solver aren’t we?” Elizabeth says while clapping lightly.

“This also solves who tried to assassinate me.” John and Elizabeth gasp, “Oh yeah. Someone tried to assassinate me recently. That is one of the major reasons I want to leave. Since we’re getting everything out in the open I guess it would be pretty valuable to know that...” I say while scratching my head.

John looks slightly dizzy while Elizabeth leans towards me and says, “And you are being hunted! Fate hath decreed Nox Waulak to be forever in pain. The dashing hero must banish the dark forces surrounding him, and overcome the odds despite his mysterious past! How romantic.”

The light of a small child glistens in her eyes, and Alna and I both sigh deeply. We both laugh at the way it happens. “So guys. Still okay with everything? Still want to go with me despite it all?” I say while opening my arms to them all.

Elizabeth says, “Even moreso now.”

Alna says, “Already got paid, plus maybe you aren’t all that bad.”

Julias snickers before saying, “I’d die before abandoning you prophet.”

“Call me Nox please Julias.” I say back to him.

“I say we change plans Elizabeth. If Centra has already targeted him...They’d go to war to find him. They would do anything to kill him.” John says while wiping sweat from his forehead.

“They think I’m dead. I looked dead after the assassination attempt.” I say.

“How?” John says.

“The Blight also gives you regeneration. If it’s a strong ’infection.’ So I was injured heavily, and I recovered. The assassin ran away after I looked dead.” I say while cringing.

“How bad?” he asks.

“I’m sensitive to past traumas. Let’s not talk about it in detail.” I say while softly laughing and scratching my head.

“Ah. I’m sorry master Waulak. I guess….It isn’t unacceptable. ” he says.

“Perfect!” I say while picking up my bag. I sling it over my shoulder and point towards the southern horizon while saying, “Shall we?”