TM
“If only I knew why I dreamed of these things maybe then I would not worry. They say dreams are visions of things to come, could these be figments or is this a warning? I don’t know, I just don’t know, all of it doesn’t make sense. Could this be a gift? Or is this a curse? I don’t know, I just don’t know. Ever since I was a child I have been pitied. I promised myself that would never happen again, never. If I tell they’d all just pity me more, that’s why I’ll never tell anyone about these dreams, never.”
The morning was cold and Crichton sat on his bed thinking. With his wounds now healed he stood up and for the first time and walked towards the door, just as he was about to open the door. A man in a long blue robe entered the room. It was Daniel.
“Crichton you’re up early. Good, good” he said smiling. He had that friendly face, a very friendly face that will give an impression that Crichton had been his friend for a long time. “Father Reveni is waiting for you in his chamber come and I’ll lead you there” Daniels blue robe swayed as he turned around. Also on its back was a silver pointed cross.
The two went outside and there sat a large white wolf-like beast. It was about 3 four feet tall and had a very noble look. “This is Drake my great friend and companion”
The beast bowed its head as if it was greeting Crichton. Crichton patted the beast’s head in return.
“Funny, that was the first time Drake ever accepted a friend at first contact. You really are something Crichton, he, he”
“What do you mean Daniel?”
“Well I don’t know but I sense something different in you. It must be the excitement of getting to talk to you, the first person ever to slay a Rifter”. He said while moving his fingers in a quoting gesture.
“Now, now Daniel don’t get all excited. I told you I wasn’t the one who slew that thing.”
“Aw come on Crichton…..tell me about it, pleeeease.”
The two talked as they walked accompanied by Drake on a narrow and dim lighted black marble hallway. Mounted on the walls were candles that shone with an eerie glow that gave an illusion that the walls were breathing. Their walk took several minutes and finally they reached a big door, engraved on it was a dragon like creature holding a staff and a pointed cross. Daniel opened the door and in it was a small bright room. Tall book cases surrounded the room and in the center was a well crafted table where the old priest sat. The two entered and the room and sat as well, as Drake waited outside
“You summoned me father?”
“Yes, yes Crichton, we have important matters to discuss concerning the boy”
“What’s wrong with Raymund father?” Crichton asked immediately
“It’s about his parents. You see I asked one of my pupils to go to Lithia a few lunians (days) ago and tell the boy’s parents that he was here.” “I’m afraid to say that both of them perished in the hands of the demon.”
“Have you told Ramund yet? “ “No, I haven’t, you see it would surely break the boy’s heart if he found out”
“But I could not possibly bring him along father, my travels are dangerous…”
“I know I know my son that is why we will accept the boy here at sanctuary. It is what we do, so do not worry.” “Another thing that I called you here, it is about you encounter with the demon. Can you remember anything as of now?”
“Father it is like I have said, I was not the one who slew the beast, I fainted at the exact time it was about to kill Raymund. I had no knowledge of the events that followed.”
“Are you sure Crichton?” Daniel suddenly interrupted.
“I’m positive Daniel, if I knew more then I would certainly tell you.”
“Have you been feeling a little different lately my son? Anything unusual after the incident that is.”
“None at all father, why do you ask?”
“Nothing dear boy, I was just making sure that you are in perfect health before you go on with your journey.”
“Father I don’t mean to be rude after saving my life and all, but I really have to go back to Lithia as soon as possible.”
“It is all right my boy you can leave anytime. We do not want to hinder your journey, but if you are to leave please talk to the boy first, he’ has been really worried about you for the past few days.”
“Yes father I will go talk to him right away.”
“When are you to leave then Crichton?” asked Daniel.
“This midday I suppose, I really have to get to Lithia then to Simonne right before recruitment ends.”
“Simonne?!? That’s an eight lunian journey from here, Soldier recruitment ends in seven. You won’t make it.”
“I have to make it Daniel. It’s very important that I do.”
“In that case you should go talk to the boy right now my son.”
“Drake will lead you to where he is, just ask him to” Daniel added.
Crichton left the room and followed Drake.
“Shouldn’t we have told him father?’”
“No Daniel it is best that he finds it out on his own.”
“Wouldn’t it be dangerous?”
“We will just have to pray Daniel. We’ll just have to pray….”
“CRICHTON!” Raymund yelled as he ran and hugged Crichton in excitement.
“Ow-ow, he he, not so tight Ray, my wounds still hurt” Crichton said as he patted the boy on his head. The room was quiet for the children were all outside.
“I thought you would sleep forever just like my little sister. Father and mother once told me that there comes a time when people sleep and don’t wake up. I thought that would happen to you so I was so worried.”
“It’s ok Ray I’m fine now”
“Crichton when are we going back? I know father and mother would really be worried about me by now.”
“Ray… we’re not going back”
“Why Crichton?”
“Raymund…You…We…have nothing else to go back to…your parents…their…their…”
“Are they sleeping...sleeping just like my …sister?” the poor boy broke into tears” “Fa…Father said that…some… day… they would sleep too… I…I…didn’t know it would be so soon… just when I was about to give them a decent meal… why…why…? ”
Raymund hugged Crichton even tighter. This time Crichton didn’t complain about the pain of his wounds, for he felt an even bigger pain, a pain that came from his heart. Crichton was on tears as well and hugged the crying boy back.
“Be strong Ray, Don’t cry… don’t cry…”
As soon as Raymund calmed down Crichton told him about his journey and why he had to leave Raymund behind. Raymund agreed and they headed for the sanctuary gates.
Outside children were running everywhere and every one was happy. The two reached the gates where Daniel and Father Reveni waited.
“We’ll Crichton, ready to go?’ Daniel asked.”
“Don’t tell me your coming along to be a soldier Daniel”
“Heck no Crich I was just going to accompany you to Lithia, I have to go back to Lithia forest to find some ervons.”
“Okay then, let’s go”
“Wait put these on” Daniel handed Crichton a white shirt, a brown cloak and a black cloth bag where Crichton’s belongings were, he immediately put them on.
Crichton thanked Father Reveni and said goodbye to Raymund. And the two left.
“BROTHER1” Raymund yelled as he ran to hug Crichton one last time.
“Crichton you’re the only one I have left, please promise me, promise me you won’t sleep forever, promise me you’ll come back, I’ll wait no matter how long it takes, please”
“I promise Ray…” Crichton hugged Raymund once more “I promise little brother…”