right.” Fergus tried rationalizing.
Without hesitating any more, Fergus broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. It seemed to be much larger than expected once opened. The edges looked warn and torn.
Its writings appeared to be of an outmoded transcribed manuscript. Yet, upon looking closer, he was able to read the lettering. It showed many towns and lands. He felt overwhelmed at what he was eyeing. For a moment he felt humbled how his Grandfather had taught him to read.
Fergus began to study the Map ever more. The Earth Element travelled through Mountains. The Water Element journeyed across Rivers and Oceans. The Fire Element trekked Volcanoes, and the Air Element saw lines that looked to be a blowing breeze. Once completed reading the Maps directions. The directions then returned to the beginning. This being back to the only home Fergus had ever known, the Gully.
Fergus began to question what was he to do with the Map now he had opened it? Should he accept the set trail which looked to be a trail that would challenge the finest man. He questioned, should he take responsibility of his discovery and leave the Gully? He considered how his decision was not something he should take lightly.
Fergus thought how he would have to be brave and courageous in his actions. Like he had never been challenged before. After some serious consideration to his future. He decided how he should actually accept the challenge, and leave the Gully. Afterall, his Grandfather was his sole reason for him living in the Gully. And now that his Grandfather had passed. Fergus decided he wanted to branch out and take hold of what life had set for him. But what was nagging Fergus the most, was how he thought he could hear a calling from the Maps directions. Like little whispers echoing in his ears. With this, his curiosity and instincts only wanted to discover. If there was something special about the Map. Fergus believed only an honest man could go to the trouble of drawing such an in-depth map. Showing much knowledge, wisdom, and insight. He questioned, was it his Grandfather who went to the trouble of drawing the Map? The more he thought of the journey. The more he was becoming excited at the thought of travelling the unfamiliar, and the unknown. He had never experienced such excitement, and it tickled his very being. So, he folded his parchment, and placed it into a strong leather bag which was dust and water proof.
Fergus began to have thoughts, such as, “how would he greet a stranger, or even how long would he be gone for?”
“Quinn,” he thought, “I must tell Quinn,” as he left his cottage.
But he became alarmed and turned back to the cottage. He felt a little paranoid. His neighbors may want to search his cottage when he was not there. Especially now his Grandfather was gone. He had never experienced such paranoid thoughts. With such thoughts he thought he should listen to them and hide his Map deep under his bed. Afterall, it would not have been the first time. A neighbor had made themselves comfortable with his belongings. Although there was no neighbor who had actually stolen from him yet. He was aware that his thoughts were paranoid, because he felt vulnerable without his Grandfather. Fergus then again, began to rush to Quinn. Quinn was very busy though with house chores. She had little time to listen to what Fergus had to say. But when she heard what he was telling of the Map, she froze.
“Quinn,” said Fergus, “Are you alright?”
“Are you considering leaving the Gully. Your friends and your Grandfather’s cottage,” Quinn scoffed. As she tried to hide the fact, how she would miss Fergus.
“I will be back. The Map has a return pathway on it,” said Fergus in excitement. “I do not know how long I will be.”
Quinn began to get heavy chested. Her best friend was about to leave her. She was questioning why Fergus would want to follow a Map. That may be a fabricated tale, or something misleading. And also, how it could send him on a wild, deathly journey? But Quinn was mature for her age at seventeen. She knew exactly what she should do. That was to wish Fergus with good will.
“Is that all you have to say?” Fergus asked.
Quinn was busy though and she did not want to explain how she was feeling. Fergus lowered his head. He told Quinn how he was going to leave early the coming morning and how he would miss her. Quinn appeared to brush off his very words. Quinn’s actions left Fergus to feel as though he would not be missed, and he was not cared for as much as he thought he was. Fergus walked on home finding a stone to kick on his way. In doing this, he again began to think how he had never left the Gully throughout his whole seventeen years. He then thought how it was only a few more sleeps when he would then turn eighteen years. He would then be recognized as a man.
Upon arriving back to his cottage, Fergus examined his bed to see if anything had been moved. Nothing had been. He felt relieved his Map was still in his possession. Who only knows what one of the neighbors would do with his Map? They may believe him to be void of their moral principles, those being the belief of their idolized Gods. Then again, he began to feel a little saddened with Quinn’s reaction. Fergus laid on his bed, only not to squash his Map. He gazed to the ceiling. Czar was close by as usual. Fergus began telling Czar how they were going to leave the Gully. And experience new journey’s the coming morning. Fergus thought Czar seemed to be somewhat restless though. Fergus then noticed how the shadows from the sun were showing it to be early mid-day. Yet Fergus laid on his bed and stared to the ceiling till dark came.
Fergus pondered how he should be feeling excited. Only instead, he was feeling somewhat miserable. Fergus awaited the coming Moons shadow’s that would pass over the cottage window. He cherished the Moons movements. He thought it important that the movement from the nights sky. Influence what the Heavens held for the next coming day. But then Czar all a sudden became restless, wriggling his way of the bed and onto the window sill. Out of interest, Fergus also got of his bed. And went to the window sill for him, he saw something which only transpires to those who are blessed from the Divine.
Obligors.
Chapter Three.
The two Moons were moving through the night sky. One above the other. The reflections from both made the skies illuminate. In a rare display of different colors; red, and blue shimmers. This was a very infrequent event. Fergus was fortunate enough to witness some falling spheres. All being of beautiful rainbow colors, which was emerging from the Moon’s lights. They appeared to be falling only a short distance away.
Fergus knew, once the falling spheres touch the ground, they would become cold. They would then change into ‘Obligors’. The Obligors received their name because of the word ‘Obligor’. It was when one takes on an obligation to another where they form a pact. So, on discovering an Obligor, they form a life contract to those who find them.
Fergus took a burning stake from the cottages fire. So, he could see where he was walking throughout the cold, balmy darkness. He rushed in haste from the cottage with much excitement. Running as fast as his legs would take him. While also hoping no-one else saw the spheres falling in the night’s darkness.
It would have to have been a short time when he reached, where he thought the Obligors may have landed. He stood still for a moment while wiping the sweat from his brow. The evening was not as dark as usual, with the two Moons high in the night sky. But for some reason. Fergus felt as though someone may have been watching his movements. Yet, this did not discourage Fergus from his search. Unfortunately, after searching for some time, Fergus found nothing. This left him to feel gloomy and disappointed. He then began to track back to his cottage.
On his walk back amidst the night, Fergus now began to feel alone. He was thankful with the feeling of him being watched, was passing. Something more began to concern Fergus though. He could hear a rustle in the shrubs ahead. Again, this made him question how someone may still be watching him, causing
