© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

Chapter Four: The Laws of Desilta

Am I dreaming, or is this reality? I can’t quite believe what has happened to me so far. I’ve always read about hidden worlds and parallel realms inhabited by strange people and shrouded in mystery and excitement. These were the worlds I escaped to through the pages of books, fleeing my harsh loneliness to live in fantastical places far more vibrant and alive.

As I lay on Luca’s bed, which he had offered me, my thoughts raced. I was trying to make sense of this new world I had stumbled into. Only a few minutes passed before sleep claimed me—perhaps my body and mind needed the rest to process all the astonishing events.

The next morning, a soft knock on the door awakened me, followed by Elena, Luca’s mother, calling out in her warm voice,

‘I’ve prepared breakfast, and you’ll find some clothes Luca left for you by the bed.’

Their generous hospitality stirred a deep sense of gratitude within me, even though I still felt out of place in this strange new world. I began dressing in the clothes Luca had left, taking in the simplicity and comfort of the room, which reflected something of his kind personality. When I went downstairs to the living room, I found Luca and his mother seated at the table, waiting for me. The moment Luca saw me in his tight-fitting clothes, which suited my frame, he burst into loud laughter. His laugh was infectious, and despite my embarrassment, I smiled.

I sat at the table, feeling shy, unsure of what to say. The delicious aroma of the food filled the room, and I felt a genuine sense of gratitude for these strangers who had opened their home to me.

Luca broke the silence in a friendly tone.

‘Bradley, don’t worry about the clothes. We’ll head to a merchant later to find something that fits you. But first, I need to go to the White City for my first day of work as a builder.’

I noticed a slight change in Luca’s tone when he mentioned “work as a builder,” as though the subject stirred unpleasant memories. I also caught the sudden disappearance of Elena’s smile, which hinted at a deeper story behind the word “builder.”

I was confused. I wanted to ease the tension that had settled over the room, but I wasn’t used to breaking the ice with others. I had spent so many years away from people, lost in my isolation. I had never tried to open a door to connection or break through the barriers of loneliness I had built around myself.

Then, as if a ray of light pierced through my thoughts, an idea struck me: why not use this opportunity to change? Here, in this new world, it felt as though life had given me a second chance. Why not try to become a new Bradley—a better version of myself?

Before I could process my thoughts, I blurted out,

‘I’ve worked in construction too.’

Luca and Elena looked at me with apparent surprise, as though they hadn’t expected such a sudden revelation. Luca’s eyes widened with curiosity as he asked,

‘You worked in construction in your country too?’

I laughed, trying to mask my nervousness.

‘Not exactly. In my country, you can choose to work in any field you like, and you can learn a new trade and switch to it if you want to.’

My words seemed to ignite a genuine interest in Luca, who showed a keen curiosity to learn more about my world and how life worked there. I saw a spark of fascination in his eyes, as though he were imagining a different world. For the first time, I realised that I, Bradley, could impact others—could make them curious and positive through my words. What a joy it was, a joy I had never known before. I had always denied myself the pleasure of connection and sharing, and now, for the first time, I was experiencing it.

But before Luca could ask more questions, his mother, Elena, interrupted, reminding him that he needed to catch the workers’ cart heading to the White City.

✧ ✧ ✧

Luca left in a hurry after we wished him luck on his first day as a builder. The moment he was gone, I felt awkward and unsure of what to do. What now? Where would I go? Staying in the house alone with Elena made me feel self-conscious, as though a whirlwind of uncertainty trapped me.

Elena broke through my thoughts with her calm voice.

‘Bradley, I’d like to check your head first to make sure you’re alright. After that, we’ll go to the shop to get you some clothes that fit, and then I’ll take you to the village council.’

I felt grateful for her care, but a sudden realisation struck me, and I hesitated before saying,

‘But… I don’t have any money.’

Embarrassment overwhelmed me. I wasn’t used to accepting help from others—I had always hated the idea of someone else paying my way or relying on anyone. The thought of depending on Elena’s help weighed on my chest.

Elena let out a soft, warm laugh before saying,

‘Bradley, if you want to stay in Desilta, you’ll need to understand something simple: here, we help each other, expecting nothing in return. It’s just part of who we are.’

Her words warmed me to my core, as though this world carried lessons I had never learned in my old one—lessons about solidarity and simplicity.

After we finished the prepared breakfast, Elena began examining my head with caution and care, her fingers moving as she inspected every part with precision.

Curiosity bubbled up inside me, and I couldn’t help but ask,

‘Elena, are you a doctor? You seem skilled at this.’

She smiled and replied,

‘I’m a sage, Bradley. In Desilta, we train sages in a variety of disciplines. In our world, sages specialise in different fields—medicine in all its branches, education, and strategic planning for the community.’

She continued speaking as she examined me.

‘In Desilta, you’ll find sages who specialise in medicine, understanding the human body and treating illnesses. Others focus on education, passing on knowledge in innovative ways. We sages play an important role in advancing our society and solving its problems.’

I listened, feeling as though I was understanding more about this place. Yet, one question kept nagging at me, and I asked:

‘But I heard that people here in Desilta don’t get sick. So why do you need sages in medicine? And what’s the role of the Tree of Life I’ve heard about?’

Elena chuckled, amused by my curiosity, and said,

‘I’ll explain, Bradley. The Tree of Life is a fundamental part of our world. While the people of Desilta don’t suffer from the usual illnesses, that doesn’t mean we never need medical care. The Tree of Life grants us strength and vitality, but there are still emergencies or injuries, and that’s where the sages come in.’

Mystery and magic filled her words, and I felt as though every answer only led to more questions, as if I had stumbled into an endless, profound secret.

Elena took a deep breath before continuing, her eyes glowing with an ancient wisdom:

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‘Well, Bradley… the people of Desilta are the descendants of humans and elves. We are born as humans and carry all human traits. That’s why, when children are born here in Desilta, they don’t have the full immunity that adults possess. People complete this immunity only upon reaching age twenty, when they undergo the Life Path Test to choose their future. Until then, children and young people are vulnerable to illnesses, which is why they need the care of sages.’

I was stunned by Elena’s words… humans… elves… how could that be possible?

Noticing my shock, Elena added in a reassuring tone,

‘The Tree of Life plays a vital role in strengthening the health of children and young people. We use its special extracts to boost their immune systems and protect them from serious illnesses. People's Elven traits appear when they turn twenty and activate their Life Path Bracelet. Their eyes turn blue, which is a sign of gaining immortality, eternal youth, and perfect health.’

I listened, realising that this place held secrets and knowledge I could never have imagined. I was still reeling from the revelation that I was now living among a hybrid race of humans and elves! Was that why Luca's and Elena’s eyes were blue? A wave of fear washed over me at this realisation, but a sense of safety, thanks to Elena’s kindness and honesty, replaced it.

Elena finished examining my head and smiled.

‘It seems your head is fine. Do you remember how you hurt yourself?’

I hesitated for a moment, unable to give a truthful answer to my complicated story—especially since I still didn’t know how I had ended up in this world. On top of that, it was Luca who had assumed I had a concussion when he discovered I couldn’t explain how I had arrived here. So, I settled for a simple response:

‘I hit my head on the lake’s shore.’

She looked at me with understanding and said,

‘Alright, it seems you’re fine now. Let’s get you some proper clothes, and then we’ll visit the leader of our village’s sages. We’ll ask him about your city—Liverpool—and see how we can help you.’

We stepped outside the house and made our way to the clothing shop, where the merchant greeted us with a warm smile. He wore a bracelet glowing with a yellow light. The merchant helped me pick out clothes that fit me, and as we left, I noticed Elena didn’t pay him anything. Feeling embarrassed, I slowed my steps, which made Elena turn to me with concern.

‘Bradley… is everything alright?’ she asked.

I hesitated before replying,

‘Elena, I feel embarrassed. I should pay for the clothes…’

She gave me a reassuring smile and said,

‘Bradley, there’s so much you need to learn about Desilta. We don’t use money here, nor do we trade with it. In Desilta, as long as you’re committed to your Life Path, your Life Bracelet provides for all your needs. For example, I’m committed to my role as a sage and dedicate myself to serving this path. As a reward, my bracelet glows brighter, and I receive everything I need.’

Elena continued,

‘The merchant we dealt with, as long as he remains dedicated to his trade, offering high-quality goods and dealing, his bracelet glows brighter too, and he’s rewarded with the services he needs with no payment. Everything here depends on your dedication and sincerity.’

I felt awe and admiration. This social system seemed like an ideal world—no need for financial competition or the constant worry of survival. People built everything here on dedication and cooperation.

What a world where everyone lived in harmony and peace, serving one another with honesty. I felt lucky to have stumbled upon this incredible place, and a thought formed in my mind: how could I become part of this system and contribute to it in my way?

✧ ✧ ✧

We arrived at a large building in the centre of the village, the most imposing and majestic structure, standing as though it were the beating heart of the village. Its prominent façade and central location seemed to emphasise its role as the village’s hub and the sages’ council.

Elena and I entered the building, and the intricate carvings on the walls, which seemed to tell the ancient history of the village, struck me. Stained-glass windows depicting the glowing Life Bracelets in their five colours covered the ceiling. Sunlight streamed through the glass, filling the hall with a magical atmosphere that inspired both awe and wonder.

Elena told me to wait while she went to fetch the leader of the village sages. I nodded and sat on the chair, observing the quiet hall. The faint whisper of the wind passing through the windows broke the deep silence only.

After a short while, Elena returned, accompanied by a handsome young man wearing a blue bracelet that glowed more brightly than hers. I realised that he must be the leader of the sages. The young man approached me with a calm smile and said,

‘Welcome to our village, Bradley. I’m Thomas, and Elena has told me that you need our help to return to your city.’

Although Elena and Luca had assumed I wanted to leave, I was beginning to feel that this mysterious world might be what I had been searching for. Still, I hesitated and replied,

‘Yes, I’d like to return to my country, to England and the city of Liverpool, where I live.’

A look of apparent surprise crossed Thomas’s face as he asked,

‘I’ve never heard of England or Liverpool. Can you describe its location or name any neighbouring kingdoms or cities?’

I answered,

‘It’s an island, surrounded by the sea on all sides.’

Thomas shook his head and said,

‘I’ve lived for over two hundred years and travelled to all the surrounding kingdoms and lands, but I’ve never heard of England or a Liverpool surrounded by the sea.’

He turned to Elena and asked,

‘You said he injured his head. Are you sure of his condition?’

Elena replied,

‘Yes, I examined him and found nothing unusual.’

Thomas turned back to me and said,

‘Then we have a problem. You don’t know how to return to your country, and we don’t know where it is. According to the laws of Desilta, you cannot stay here.’

I was stunned by Thomas’s firm tone and responded,

‘But I haven’t done anything wrong! Why are you throwing me out? Is this what you call hospitality in Desilta?’

Thomas looked at me with a mixture of surprise and calmness and said,

‘You’ve misunderstood me, Bradley. It’s not what you think. In Desilta, to protect our land from invasion after what happened with the Ravens Kingdom and disappearing Commander Luca, the sages’ council established a law to safeguard our people. The law states that no one over the age of twenty can remain here without a Life Bracelet for more than a week. That’s why visitors and merchants never stay longer than that. Do you understand what I mean now?’

I replied in a desperate tone,

‘But where will I go if I’m forced to leave? Why can’t I stay here until I find a way to return?’

Thomas answered me,

‘After a week, your body will begin to deteriorate and age. You won’t survive without the essence of the Tree of Life. However, Desilta's laws prohibit outsiders from using it while they are on Desilta's land. They must leave after purchasing it and use it outside of Desilta.’

I was stunned by his words, and terror gripped me. The horrifying possibilities raced through my mind: would I return to my life as a broken, exhausted old man? I looked at Elena in confusion and desperation. She smiled at me and said,

‘There is another option—you could become a citizen of Desilta and take the Life Path Test.’

Silence fell between us for a moment before I asked,

‘As I’ve learned from Elena… you are descendants of humans and elves. If I take the test and wear the bracelet, will I become like the elves?’

Thomas replied,

‘You will become like us, Bradley. You will gain immortality, perfect health, and eternal youth. You wouldn’t be the first outsider to take this step. But if you do, the laws of Desilta will apply to you as well.’

My thoughts were a whirlwind of conflict, torn between two impossible choices. Either I leave and face the rapid onset of old age and illness that could consume my body, or I stay here in Desilta, preserving my youth and health, but bind myself to a Life Path that might restrict me as much as my past isolation and loneliness had.

I looked at Thomas, who was watching me, as though he could read my thoughts. Then, in a calm voice, he said,

‘I understand what you’re going through, Bradley. Choosing a Life Path is not a simple decision. It’s a vow you make to yourself, one that requires commitment and dedication.’

Elena placed her hand on my shoulder and added,

‘But here in Desilta, a Life Path isn’t a restriction—it’s an invitation to grow and learn. It’s a journey that helps you discover who you are and who you want to become.’

A glimmer of hope sparked within me at her words. Perhaps, just perhaps, the Life Path in Desilta could be an opportunity to free myself from my past, rather than falling into another prison. I thought about my previous life, where I had always run from challenges, hiding behind walls I had built myself.

I looked at Elena, her words echoing inside me. When Thomas saw the conflict on my face, he stepped closer, his voice low and reassuring.

‘Bradley, if you choose this path, you won’t walk it alone. Each of us started where you are now, unsure of our direction. Through our community and guiding others, each of us found the purpose that suited us best. We support one another, and you will be no exception.’

Elena nodded, her gaze warm and encouraging,

‘You’ll find your place here, Bradley. Whatever doubts or fears you have now, you won’t have to face them alone. We’ll be here for you.’

For a moment, silence hung between us. I had never faced a choice like this before—one that would determine my life and my destiny.

© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.