was very important to Fergus that Quinn believes he could make the journey to its end.
“Sure,’ Quinn replied. “Every night I will burn a light to guide you home. And I will send positive thoughts to the ‘Mother Devine of Guidance’, to see your travels are safe.”
This was one of the last things Quinn had to say before Fergus would leave the Gully.
“I have to go and help Mother with the chores,” said Quinn, trying to change the subject. “Please come and see me before you set off.”
Fergus smiled, and like a gentleman he opened the door for Quinn as she was leaving.
Fergus turned and scoured the cottage. There was so much that made it home, but it only reminded him of his Grandfather. This made him feel somewhat unhappy. But the more he thought of his quest, the more excited he was becoming and the more enthusiastic he felt. Yet, there was one thing though that touched deep to Fergus’s soul. It was his belief that one day his parents would return back to the Gully. He wanted to be there when they did.
Fergus had not seen his parents since the age of four. They disappeared one night. There was no sign of their leaving. It was very mysterious. They did not even say goodbye to Fergus. It broke his heart. But after considering the chances in which they would reappear. This seemed very slim to Fergus. He was over the thought in little time.
Fergus looked about the cottage. He thought he would miss the musky smell of the bookshelf. And his Grandfather’s favorite light blue velvet chair. And the flickering of light from the fireplace. Which left an interesting shadow across the floor. He would also miss his most comfortable bed made from feathers. Fergus was already beginning to feel a little home sick.
“What am I thinking?” Fergus questioned. “But it could be fate though. After all, with the Map and then the Obligors he now grasped. He decided he would not second guess his destiny again. He would accept the challenge and he was not going to look back. Deep down, he wanted to prove to Quinn how he could achieve all that the Map shows. And with owning of the Obligors. He tried to reassure and convince himself. How they should see him with safe travels,” Fergus thought. searching deep within his soul to take the first step from his cottage.
Before he wanted to leave though, Fergus wanted to tear some of the pages from the book for future reference. In case he forgot what, the Elements were for. But then Fergus thought of how his Grandfather cherished his books. His Grandfather respected every page in every book like they were a rare treasure. It would be sacrilege. His Grandfather would turn in his grave if he tore a page from a book. Fergus decided to reread the definitions of each Element again. Then with much care, he placed the book back in its place, high in the bookshelf.
Taking a sack, he packed a second set of clothes. Some food, his stash of coins which he and his Grandfather had saved, and not forgetting the Obligor’s and the Map. Fergus kept the Obligors, close to his heart as the book suggested. He had to adjust them a little though, because they were a touch uncomfortable. Next was to tuck the Map into his sock. His socks were made from fur. They were a present from his Grandfather seasons ago. They were very cozy and so soft. Even though they were thought to be somewhat out of date and old fashioned as they reached to his knees. Fergus was reminded how times were changing every time he adjusted his socks.
Fergus then placed the Map in his sock, reason being was that if he was mugged of his sack, he would still have the Map. Fergus splashed some water onto the fire to extinguish it. And then he wrote a sign and placed it on the door saying, ‘I will be back soon’. Yet, Fergus sensed something. He looked to the book shelf. The book, ‘To many lands and back again, flickered of light. Fergus’s instincts told him how his Grandfather was still with him. Fergus was beginning to believe. Even though his Grandfather’s soul had parted from the earth. His love for his library may see him meander till he was ready to let go.
Fergus had to stay focused though. And he tried to put aside anything that may deter his courageous journey. He did not want to question his future travels. His attention was to stay fixed on his life’s choices.
Fergus put his sack over his shoulder. Stood in the doorway of the cottage and whispered to his ‘Devine Mother of Guidance’. To watch over Quinn while he was trekking unknown lands. It was that very moment which through Quinn’s badgering, to have him believe in a divine being. With this, he decided that he should have immediate faith and to keep an open mind, to those of the Heavens.
“On this pursuit I need to stay true to myself,” said Fergus. Mumbling as he closed his door, and headed towards Quinn’s Cottage.
Quinn was brushing the front room of her cottage with a rag when Fergus arrived. She saw how Fergus wore his sack position over his shoulders.
“So, you are going to do this,” Quinn asked.
Fergus could not find any words. He all but nodded.
“I am going to miss you, my best friend,” ruffing Fergus’s hair. While trying to break the worrisome tension between the two.
“You should be on your way before the day gets the better of you.” Quinn suggested to Fergus.
“Yes,” Fergus agreed while trying to hold back a tear or two.
They both gave a mighty hug, and Fergus turned to walk on.
“Oh, how could I,” said Fergus with much annoyance.
“What Fergus,” Quinn asked.
“I forgot Czar,” said Fergus as he headed back to his cottage.
Upon opening the door, Fergus found Czar waiting. Fergus tucked Czar into his back pants pocket. Not looking back again, Fergus set off. He thought he could feel Quinn watching, as he walked close to the Gullies edge. Though, when he turned to wave goodbye, she was nowhere in sight. That very moment was the most friendless and lonesome Fergus had ever felt. Even with Czar in his back pocket.
Looking back one more time he reminded himself how the Gully was the only place he had forever known. He began to question one last time whether he should continue. But at the same time, he was somewhat excited. Looking ahead, he ruffled his shoes and he then began to count one step at a time. When he reached one hundred steps he would look behind. He saw nothing but trees and shrubs. He then counted another one hundred steps to gain ground. He only knew how to count to one hundred, so he repeated himself again and again. Counting steps seemed to work.
After some time. Fergus became tired of counting one hundred steps, so he stopped and reached to gather his Map. He was trying to find the direction he should take. The first stop before reaching the Earth Element was what appeared to be a farming community. A day’s walk he thought. He placed his Map back into his knee-high sock. Without the telling tree, Fergus would have to rely on his Grandfather’s teachings. Fergus learnt by reading the shadow of any tree. He could tell how West was to his left, East was to his right, and the waters always ran downstream headed South. The waters told him what direction North was. Though, he was able to find his way with the sun rising from the East and setting to the West. Upon viewing his Map once more, Fergus needed to walk North.
Something startled Fergus though. He could hear a horse coming from behind. He found solace in some bushes. Before he knew it. A horse with an unknown figure in a dark green velvet robe rode straight past him. The rider did not seem to know Fergus was there, and if the stranger did know he was hiding, he did not let on. Fergus did not know what to think of the stranger. He did dress stately Fergus thought. Yet, this did not deter Fergus thinking how it was of no importance to him, so he continued on walking.
