Chapter 11 Theo Hamfelt
Yue and Hiram walked through the market streets, the roars of the packed street made Yue feel as though she was Sarah again. Yue quietly followed Hiram as he stopped by shops bought purchases and then returned to the shop to drop the spices, herbs, and supplies at the weapon’s shop.
On the third trip through Yue spotted a bookshop and immediately stopped and went in. The inside was lined with bookshelves filled with books. The smell of hundreds of books had Yue’s shoulders relax, as Sarah books became a sense of comfort and that hasn’t changed. Yue moved though the isles running her fingers across the stems of the books reading the titles. The shop was sorted by subject then author and had books on magic, crafting, beasts, sword fighting, and more. Yue counted the money her father gave her, she had six copper. The bookshelves had price markings depending on type of book, size, and condition. The cheapest books were five cooper and were the only ones Yue could afford. The books Yue could afford were in the back of the shop, they were not neatly on bookshelves but in a box labeled five copper per book. None were in good condition, covers were torn, some titles gone, pages missing. They also weren’t organized; Yue found books on cooking, dairies, martial arts, etc. Shifting though the books Yue tried to decide which one to buy. At the very bottom was an old journal, it was a brown leather tied together cover with old yellow pages. Scanning the pages Yue found that it was writings of some sort of adventurer. Not someone fighting monsters like Yue had seen before but someone who traveled and wrote about all the wonders he saw and his thoughts.
Yue stepped away from the box with the book in hand and headed to the counter. The old salesclerk looked down at her as she came up, his spectacles resting on the tip of his nose.
Yue placed the book on the counter along with five coppers. “This one please.”
The grey haired old man smiled gently and picked up the coppers and book. After glancing at the book he handed it back to Yue. “Here you go little reader.”
Yue received the book with a slight blush and smiled back. “Thank you.”
The man looked around the store then frowned when he didn’t spot anyone. “Where is your parent little one?”
Yue froze when she heard the question and quickly looked around then to the windows. Hiram wasn’t here, the sun was gone, and Yue had no clue as to where she was in proportion to the weapons’ shop. Deciding not to cause trouble for her father Yue decided to tell a small lie.
“My father is waiting nearby outside.” Yue smiled weakly and then quickly left the shop.
Outside Yue wandered about moving through the quiet streets trying to find a familiar street, but nothing looked even remotely familiar. She felt like a one of those lost tourists that were common in the city, only the city was empty. Depressed Yue turned around to go back to the bookshop to ask the clerk only to realize that she wasn’t near it anymore and had no clue as to how to get to it. Even more lost Yue sat down on a large round fountain in what looked like it could be the city square. Taking a break Yue pulled out the journal and opened it…then squinted. It was too dark! Feeling frustrated, Yue decided to take a small risk. Focusing on her mana was as easy as breathing by now if it was for small magics and with a thought Yue cast a small light orb that floated above the journal. Smiling at the success Yue started to read.
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“ Day 1
My name is Theo Hamfelt and today is the day my journey begins. I had always been a curious child, asking questions from an early age. My father was a guard and my mother stayed home with me humoring my curious mind. I had hoped to become a mage at first since magic os one of the most vast subjects as it ranges from fire to even space itself. But atlas that was not my fate the strongest magic I am able to create is a small candle flame. It was during my depression that I met an old man that lived nearby. He talked about all the amazing things he had seen and discovered as an adventurer. But while he exclaimed about the monsters he slew I found myself drawn to the other parts of his stories. About the glowing water or plants that attacked. It was then I decided to go on a journey however listening to all the dangers made me understand I had to be ready. I asked my father to train me in the spear and asked the old man to teach me survival skills.
Now at twenty years old I am starting on my journey to travel the world with all its wonders and curiosities. I have decided on starting with the nearest forest and then just walk forward follow my instincts with no set destination. The forest is just ahead now and I decided to write my adventures so that when old and grey I can relive them or someone new can see what I saw.
Day 4
The forest is harder then I imagined. Although I had trained and survived I find myself in trouble each minute of each day. If I let my guard down beasts or animals attack. I have to painfully search for non poisonous food however so many of the plants look alike and I am afraid of being mistaken. On day two I had left my pack for just a minute and when I came back all my prepared food was eaten and the pack ruined. I had sewed the pack but the food has set me back showing me how unprepared I truly was. I am writing today because as I thought about giving up I have found something that made me see that this is all worth it. Deep within the forest is a clearing and when I look at it right now tears are forming in my eyes. In harmony peaceful animals are drinking from a sparkling blue pond. Purple rocks rest under the water casting purple ripples along the blue. Above are pink flowering trees and the petals are lightly drifting down into the pond swirling in the water. I will continue to persevere and journey so that I can see more beautiful sights like this and more.”