Morning comes, and at the break of dawn, I see a very beautiful sunrise which can be seen from our camping spot. It motivates me to start the day, but before we get moving. I want to practice riding this creature, or horse I mean before anything else. We are in no rush to get to the heavens, and I am far from strong with the way I am now.

"Are you awake Marchosias?" I try to communicate with him, seeking help.

("I am. You want to learn how to ride a horse correct?") 

"Right, I forgot that we share one mind, but would you teach me Marchosias? And teach me how to wield your power as well."

("One thing at a time. Otherwise you'd master neither of those if you rush forward recklessly. Calm your mind, and learn only one at a time. Once you feel that you've grasped the basics of riding a horse, then we shall move on to teaching you my power.")

"I understand." And the end of that conversation marks the start of training once again.

I train to ride the horse by the fields near our campsite, it is fairly spacious as the sun shines over them, showing the beauty of nature. Then next to the forest; using the trees as hurdles to go around from tree to tree. Marchosias on the other hand knows more than I thought he would on riding horses, but I do not ask further, and instead focus on what he is teaching.

Without realizing it. The entire evening goes by in an instant, and we find ourselves in dire need of food, as we have used it all up yesterday.

("This is quite troublesome. If you pass out or faint because of hunger, then I might perish along with you, and it does not seem like a very good idea.")

"Well. Let us go hunting shall we? I was not only taught merely to fight, but to survive as well." 

I feel that Marchosias is in agreement with my idea, and we begin to pack up since we might have a higher chance of finding other animals in the area if we are on the move. I set up my belongings on the horse's saddle, and I begin to think about another idea.

I stop what I am doing and ask for something. "Hey Marchosias! How about we name him? The horse I mean." 

("I do not see the need to do so, but if it is what you desire, then I shall not stop you.") 

"I have a really good one in mind. How about Marchosias II?"

("You find this funny do you not? Although I don't think I want to ask why you used my name for this horse. I oppose of this name. Another one besides mine will be enough")

*sigh* "you're too serious. I'll think of another name. How about Sleipnir, the eight legged horse from the legends?"

("I do not see this horse resembling Sleipnir at all, and might I ask why you know about Sleipnir, I thought you had little to none when it came to knowledge, since you lost your memories of the past.")

"Andour taught me about the different gods, legends and myths. I didn't know the reason as to why he would teach me about them, but I was intrigued, and fascinated. Beings of great power and, magnificence. I'd like to see one someday, but let's stick to the name Sleipnir for now." I approach the newly named horse, and call its name, and it responds by making a sound, indicating that it might or might not like it's new name.

"Your name is Sleipnir now, let's get along now shall we?" As I get up on Sleipnir, I hear a slip in Marchosias's thoughts.

("You do not realize it, but you've already met a God in your lifetime.")

"What do you mean I've already met one? Marchosias."

("Nothing, let us move now before dusk approaches.")

Still curious about what Marchosias said in my mind, we head out in search for someplace we can hunt for food. Of Course challenges continually arose, as I did not have experience in shooting an arrow from a horse. "I just need a bit more luck, and we might actually get one."

After what seems like a very long time. We manage to catch three hares at best; but in return, I think I've gotten a feel for shooting on a moving horse, and it goes without saying that I need more practice.

Once we give up on trying to find more. We try to find another campsite since we're very far from our original location for I do not recognize any familiar landmarks here, and thus we set up once again, and we begin cooking then eating the hares we caught, and feeding Sleipnir with the rations still left in his saddle bag. Planning on trying to find a town tomorrow. 

~A day passes once more. Or so it seems~

("Get up. Now!") 

I am suddenly awoken by Marchosias's voice in my head. My mind still hazy as I woke up in the middle of the night. 

"What wrong Marchosias?"

("We have to get out of here at once, if you remember those horsemen that escaped. They've brought reinforcements, I can sense their presence through their souls. There must be at least 50 horsemen scattered around the forest, all trying to find you.")

Suddenly alarmed by what Marchosias had said. My mind wakes up, and considers the options i can take in this situation. "How about you Marchosias, what do you think we should do?"

("I will have you decide. In the future, you will have to make decisions like this, but I predict that some of them are much harder to think about than this one.")

I think to myself that the wisest decision is to escape. Luckily Sleipnir is awake, probably disturbed by the presence roaming the forests. I calm him as to not make any noise, and I pack up as quickly as I can, making as little noise as possible as well, and once I've prepared everything. I saddle up to Sleipnir, and we ride off into the night, tired, half asleep.

I hear a voice from a distance. "I think I see someone over there. I'll go and take a look." The man goes to forward carrying s lit torch to our location aware that we are indeed here. 

("Hurry! If they become alarmed, then we will have no choice but fight them all.")

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The three of us set off unexpectedly, to a journey that will lead us to places we've never been to. Making us stronger, and much more able to handle the present that I've longed for.

As we travel for a while under the light of the moon. A town can be seen from the horizon, fairly large in size, and illuminated with dim lights. "So this is what a town looks like, or what I think it's supposed to look like if I remember correctly."

("I suggest that we set up camp once again somewhere nearby the town. Where it is safe, for I assume that the bandits also roam around the towns.")

I agree with Marchosias and we rest our tired heads, clear of the problem for now. 

~and another day~

The start of a new morning, the sun shines brightly, and we approach the town with the intent of gaining knowledge about the world beyond from what I know, which is dismal. 

("It is important to have information as well, and remember to restock on rations for you and the horse.") 

We agree upon that and enter the said town. It looks very normal, people here and there, people standing behind stalls, and they seem to be selling something. All the other buildings seem to be the same, some structures made from wood, and a few made from stone, but sadly, I still know nothing about anything, although I have some knowledge on what a 7 year old boy might know. Currently I am 9 years old of age. 

("Now, do you see that wooden building over there? With the sign that says 'Stables'. Enter it, and there you may keep Sleipnir safe from anyone who might try and steal it, but they still could, for I feel something very ominous from this entire town.")

I follow Marchosias's command and enter it, and as I enter. The sight of many other horses, but of a different color to Sleipnir. I am then greeted by a man who introduces himself as the 'stable master' looking very perplexed to see a little boy enter his stable, accompanied by a horse. I am unable to find the words to say, and instead I rely on Marchosias to help me.

("Repeat after me, and say it to the man. Speak naturally.") I do as he says.

"Please take care of my horse, i will come by again to pick him up later in the evening." I take out the bag containing the gold coins as Marchosias commands, and I take out 1 gold coin, presenting it to the man, still with a perplexed expression as we leave the building. 

("Next would be the Inn, most importantly. It is the building with the sign hanging from the top of it.") 

I enter it not expecting this kind of sight. A woman stands behind the counter, the woman having a rather odd and bulky body not fit for her appearance, and the building is half occupied with people who drink a slightly gold-colored beverage. 

The woman behind the counter speaks up loudly. "Hey! What's a kid doing here? Is there anything I can do for you boy?" As she speaks, the people drinking stop to look at me. The men are well built, muscular, some carrying weapons by their side, and some wearing a full suit of armor. They all look at me with with eyes of curiosity and slight hostility.

Marchosias speaks in my mind, and I relay what he says.

"I would like to know about the latest information about this town, as I am trying to find someone."

("what I said is half the truth and half a lie, since we can't have them being suspicious of our presence.")

For some reason, as I speak with the woman behind the counter who introduces herself as 'Deliah'. I feel someone's eyes staring at me, and sure enough, I see someone who peeking through the corner of the room, covering herself with a circular tray of some sort. 

She is as tall as me, bright brown hair, brown eyes, and bashful for the most part. She does not move as I look at her, but simply covers herself more with the tray.

"Oh, looks like puppy love to me." Deliah teases the girl, who then runs away with a speed that might even be faster than mine? "Ha-ha forgive the girl, she's not used to seeing kids her age, so this is quite rare for her. If you're staying here for a while, how about playing with her sometime, I'm sure she'll be happy as well."

I reply with an awkward stuttering voice. "Y-yes I'll be sure to do that to the best of my abilities!" 

"Woah! How formal, kid be careful, if you're one of them pampered kids, then you're in a bit of trouble. Bandits roam these lands." Deliah comes closer and whispers. "They're in control of this town here, so you'd best steer clear from them."

I stop there as these kinds of information are enough for one day. I'll need a bit more time to let all of these things I've learned sink in.

But there is one specific building in mind that I've been curious about. A placed called a library, a stone built structure, with a tall glass window built on the 2nd floor of the building. I know some knowledge about what a library contains. I ask Marchosias if I could take a look there since it is still quite early in the morning. He agrees, and we go.

And as we enter. Dust fills the entirety of the building, masking what's supposed to be a very beautiful view of bookshelves lined up with books. A man stands behind a desk. "Welcome, please come in, and read all you like. We don't have much customers after all, and this is a very rare sight, the youth reads once more."

I let the man finish, and I greet him. We then browse the rows of shelves filled with dusty books. And I find things of intrigue, and with that I immerse myself with the the vast knowledge that the library contains. I've long lost count of how many I've finished within half a day's time.

"Intriguing. There was once a kingdom that once took dominion of the country, but lost against one man during its day of celebration. Have you ever heard of this Marchosias?"

("...") 

"Sleeping huh, no matter, I might find out some more if I look further."