The Eighth Dream

July 10, 2012

William and Simon walked out of the hut. Philip was sitting outside, waiting just as he said he would.

“I must be going, William,” said Simon, “I will see you at the gathering. Remember, make the best of it.”

Simon patted William on the shoulder and walked off.

Philip looked at William, stood and showed his familiar smile.

“Well?” said Philip, “How was it? Were your questions answered?”

“Not exactly,” said William, “I learned a little about Woodspring and Aldenin, but nothing about myself or why I am here. Simon told me he and I could keep meeting daily if I want to. Until then, he suggested I make the best of my time here. Now is as good a time as any to start.”

William still had questions, but he figured some down time would be nice, and he planned on starting with this gathering Simon spoke of.

“That’s great,” said Philip, “You can start by coming to the gathering.”

It was good to know he and Philp had the same thought.

“What is this gathering?” asked William, “Simon mentioned it a few times. In fact, it’s the reason we cut our meet short.”

“No surprise there,” said Philip, “The gathering is of great importance, and the whole village attends.”

“Well what is it then?”

“Right, sorry. The gathering is something villages across Aldenin do every harvest. The whole village gathers together and feasts in celebration of our safety from evil and the might of the great Aldruhim.”

Philip paused for a moment and actually stopped smiling.

“I never told you about Aldruhim,” he said, “Please forgive me William! Somehow it escaped me that you would not be familiar with Aldruhim.”

William didn’t want to talk about this “Aldruhim” again, but he was trying to make the best of it all, so he decided to just carry on with conversation.

“It’s okay Philip,” he said, “Simon explained what Aldruhim is.”

Philip’s smile returned.

“Good,” he said, “Because he will be mentioned many times tonight. In fact, we should be going now.”

Philip started walked and William followed close behind.

If nothing else, William was looking forward to getting to see more of Woodspring.

On their way they saw many villagers. They were carrying assorted foods, mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables, some of which William had never seen before.

“Is this all for the gathering?” asked William.

“Yes it is,” said Philip, “Those who are able bring food that they have grown or scavenged from nearby. What we receive is our feast, and it is plentiful every time. Because of this, we give Aldruhim our thanks for our provision.”

To William, this sounded familiar enough.

“That reminds me of something from where I come from,” he said, “It is a similar concept, but is meant to bring families together as well. We call it Thanksgiving.”

“Interesting,” said Philip, “Whom do you give your thanks to?”

William thought about it, and he honestly did not know.

“Well we don’t really thank an individual,” said William, “We mainly just eat and fellowship.”

William knew he was speaking only for himself. He knew that many people gave thanks to their god, but that wasn’t him, not anymore.

“Oh,” said Philip, “Forgive me if I insult you, but I believe that should be different. Look at the trees, the sky. Smell the air, feel the breeze, your own heart beating. It is all a gift from something, someone. If such a being gave such gifts to us, that being must hold us dear, and would keep watch over things so precious as life. For all of this, man should look beyond himself and send his thanks and credit where it is due. For example, tell me about where you came from.”

Normally William would shrug off the question and walk away, but something about Philip made him want to keep talking.

“Well my life isn’t exactly a good one. I don’t have parents to be accounted for, and not a friend either. All in a place I really don’t like.”

“Are you not glad to be alive?”

“I didn’t say that. I just have a hard time finding joy when life can be so mundane and tedious.”

“Learn to find joy in the little things, William. Life itself is a gift, the greatest gift of all in fact. Be thankful for it, and take joy in the fact that your heart still beats.”

It felt like a lecture, but to William, the words felt true. For a long time, William hated the world. Hardly anyone cared enough to even speak to him. If he was being completely honest though, he couldn’t really say he had made much effort of his own.

“Please do not take offense to what I have said,” said Philip, “I tend to talk a lot, and often end up speaking random nonsense. We should find a seat.”

William hadn’t even noticed that they had made it to the place of gathering. He was too busy paying Philip all of his attention.

“Right,” he said, “Lead the way. I will sit with you if that’s no problem.”

Philip smiled.

“Not at all,” he said, “Let’s go.”

Philip began walking again, and William followed close by.

The place of gathering was a very peaceful courtyard-like area with a garden and tables around it. The scene looked almost like a common portrayal of an outdoor wedding reception, without all the white.

Many people were there talking amongst themselves, placing food at tables.

At one of the tables, William saw Kayla. She quickly jumped up and waved at Philip, signaling him to come over.

On their way, William saw Andrew to his left, sitting at a table with Marcus and some of the others from the fight ring.

Andrew gave him a bad look.

William tried to quicken his walking pace to avoid the look. Once he reached the table, he saw the team that had fought Andrew before, though he couldn’t remember their names.

“You may have a seat William,” said Philip, “You remember Jacob and-”

“Thomas.” Said William as he sat in the chair to Philip’s left.

“Oh look Thomas,” said Jacob, “He remembers us. Was our defeat that memorable?”

“It wasn’t that bad Jacob,” said Philip, “Keep at it with a level head and pride in check and you will beat him some day.”

“Knowing how to fight helps too.” Said Thomas sarcastically.

Everyone but Jacob laughed.

At William’s table were Philip, Kayla, Jacob, and Thomas. There was an empty seat across from William though, and he wasn’t sure who it could be.

“Philip, are we missing the person across from me?”

“She should be here shortly.”

William assumed it was someone he had not yet met.

“So when do you plan on entering the ring, William?” said Jacob.

Everyone turned to see his response. He chuckled nervously.

“Probably never,” he said, “I’m not a fighter.”

“You will be,” said Jacob, “Eventually everyone fights some. It’s our pride you know.”

William already had this speech, so he wanted to stop Jacob there.

“Yes I know,” he said, “Marcus told me all about it. I just don’t think I should.”

It was a lie. He didn’t have what it takes and he knew it. He wanted, more than a lot of things, to get in a fight to just let out aggression, but he was afraid.

“Whatever you say,” said Jacob, “But you seem like the kind of guy who would want to get his share of hits on someone like Andrew.”

He wasn’t wrong.

“Andrew certainly seems like the kind of guy who could use a good beating.” Said William.

Jacob, who was on William’s left, gave him a quick pat on the back.

“You catch on quick, Will.” He said.

William wasn’t sure how to take that, so he just grinned, and then looked straight in front of him to see a girl was standing next to the empty chair. He couldn’t help but feel like he had seen her before.

“I’m sorry to have kept everyone waiting,” she said as she placed a basket on the table, “I was tending to the garden so I could pick these.”

William knew that voice. It was Megan, who was with him when he woke up in the dark room. He had yet to see her in the light. She was only a bit shorter than him. Fair complexion, bright blue eyes, and long flowing black hair. She wore a white dress with a blue sash around her waste. She was beautiful; in fact, William was stunned when he saw her.

“Thank you Megan.” Said Philip.

She sat across from William and smiled at him. William could tell that She and Philip were twins, or at least relatives.

“Hello William,” she said, “Feeling better I hope.”

His inability to speak properly to women kicked in.

“Uh..Y-yeah. Thanks.”

For the most part, the awkward response was dismissed.

Shortly after, Simon walked to the front of the tables, much like one would when proposing a toast at a reception or banquet.

“Family, friends,” he began, “By the look of the tables, it has been a great harvest, surely one to remember. Let us rejoice, for Aldruhim is ever gracious and vigilant.”

Simon continued to speak for several minutes, and Philip was right. Aldruhim was mentioned many times.

Eventually, Simon finished his speech, and everyone began eating.

By what William could tell, almost all of the food at his table was fruit. Fortunately, fruit was a favorite of his. Despite this truth, he was still hesitant.

“So William,” said Philip as if he saw William’s hesitation, “Have you ever eaten any of this before?”

He recognized a few. Apples, grapes, and the sort. Some of them though, he had not seen before.

“I have had a few of these.” He said.

One fruit in particular caught his eye. It was a reddish-blue color, and was shaped like a pear.

Kayla noticed his glance.

“Are you wondering about this fruit?” she asked as she grabbed one.

William nodded.

“It’s called a varinela,” she said, “It is very common around Woodspring. It has a very sweet taste and is quite good at waking up a tired mind.”

She took a bite.

“Try one!”

William grabbed a varinela and bit into it. Kayla was right when she said it had a sweet taste. It tasted nothing like a pear at all; in fact, its nectar was syrupy like a peach.

“Good?” asked Philip.

“Very.” Said William.

William continued to try many of the fruits he had never seen before. Some were good, and some were not.

For what felt like hours to William, he had many conversations with the group at his table. For once, he felt included, even if it was just small talk within a group. He seemed to get along with all of them, even Jacob.

Unfortunately, the conversation did not last as long as William hoped. The feast ended, and one by one, the people at William’s table started to leave. Eventually, only William, Philip, and Megan remained.

William felt obligated to thank Megan for bringing the food, but he just knew he would stumble over his own words.

“Megan.” he said. So far so good.

Her eyes met his. He lost his bearings.

“Um..” he continued, “Thanks for the..uh..the..”

She was smiling, but not laughing at him, so he at least had not yet made a total fool of himself.

“The food. Thank you for the delicious fruits. I enjoyed them very much.” He said.

It sounded rehearsed and strange, but William was glad he at least got the point across.

She laughed slightly.

“Well I would not say I had much to do with it,” she said, “I simply filled a basket. Adlruhim is the one who blessed us with a good harvest.”

William smiled back awkwardly.

“Right.” He said, trying to remember exactly how many times he had heard someone tell him the same thing since the feast started. He had lost count.

“I should be going now,” said Megan as she stood from the table, “I will see the two of you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

She smiled and walked away.

At this time, the sun had set, and everyone was heading home.

“Where do I go, Philip?” asked William.

“You can come stay with me,” he said, “There is room for you.”

William accepted, and the two of them started walking.
On the way back, the two talked about various things and places around Woodspring. It was a good conversation, much like the many good conversations he had that day.

After a few minutes, they reached a small hut even smaller than Simon’s.

On the inside, the hut was only one room, with one bed.

“I will sleep on the floor tonight,” said Philip, “I insist.”
William didn’t plan on arguing.

“Thanks.”

Philip laid out a blanket on the floor.

William sat on the bed and began wondering how the living arrangements worked in Woodspring. He had yet to see Philip’s parents, and he seemed to live alone.

“Where are your parents, Philip?” he asked without thinking.

Philip was quiet for a moment. This made William more curious.

“Well,” he said, “I don’t know. No one does. They were here one day, and then they were simply gone. Some people told me they were out scavenging but wandered out too far, but I know that to be false. They were smarter than that.”

Philip was silent again. He stared blankly at the wall, motionless.

William felt horrible. Earlier that day he had been complaining about life when he didn’t realize Philip had a dark past of his own.

“Philip..I’m so sorry.”

Philip looked back at William and smiled.

“Don’t be,” he said, “You had no way of knowing. Everything happens for a reason, even the bad things. Whether it is the absence of my parents, or your being here in the first place. Besides, Megan and I are fairing quite well.”

It was impossible not to admire Philip’s optimism.

“You’re a great guy Philip,” said William trying to push himself through a sentimental moment, “And I could not have gotten through today without your help. Thank you.”

“It was a pleasure,” he said, “But you may want to get some rest, because tomorrow is a new day, and I’m sure there is plenty you want to see.”

“Right.” Said William, though he was not sure if his mind would return him here. To him, this felt like it was the end of a very good dream, and that if it was indeed all just a dream, who’s to say his mind would return at all, or that anything would be the same.

Either way, William felt that he learned a little bit about himself, and truly believed that he would be better for it all. As his mind continued to wander, he slowly began to drift off..

The Seventh Dream

June 21, 2012

William opened his eyes to see that he was in Simon’s hut, following Kayla.

“Where are we going?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

Kayla looked at him, puzzled.

“We are going to see Simon,” she said, “Just as I told you only a few moments ago.”

“Right, right,” William said, “Sorry, I lost my head for a moment.”

Again, Kayla looked at him, puzzled.

“But it is right there, still between your shoulders.”

William paused for a minute, hoping she wasn’t serious. By the look of her face though, she couldn’t be more serious.

“No that’s not what I..”

William tried to think of how to explain. Unfortunately, he was not much of a talker, especially when it came to women, so he failed to explain even a simple expression.

“Never mind.” He said.

Kayla smiled.

“Okay,” she said as she pointed into a small room, “Simon is waiting for you in here. I hope you find what you are seeking.”

“Thank you.”

William walked into the room and saw Simon sitting in a chair, waiting.

“Have a seat.” He said with a voice one would expect from a man of wisdom.

William sat straight across from Simon. Simon sat still, eyes locked on William.

William assumed that Simon was analyzing him, but William was doing it right back.

Simon was a tall, older man. His hair was a bright shade of blonde, with not a single bit of hair on his face to hide his intimidating looks or signs of age. Though William heard Simon was an older man, he looked no older than Marcus. Despite of these things, there was something about Simon that made William too intimidated to speak, which made the silence even more unbearable.

To William, it felt like this silence would never end until Kayla walked in carrying two wooden cups. She placed one in front of both Simon and William.

“Thank you, Kayla.” Simon said with a smile.

She smiled back and left the room.

William looked into the cup. It contained a dark colored liquid and what looked like several leaves, like some kind of tea. He was unsure what it was.

“Interesting.” Said Simon.

William looked at him, nervous, as if he and Simon were in a duel, and he had just made a flaw, leaving himself exposed for attack.

“W-What?” he said, slightly stuttering.

“You have yet to drink from your cup,” Simon began, “In fact, you have yet to take your eyes off of it since it was placed in front of you, almost as if you are pondering what it is, which means, of course, that you are unfamiliar with this drink. This means that you certainly are not from Woodspring. Are you even familiar with Aldenin I wonder?”

William didn’t know how to respond to that. His more sarcastic side wanted to apologize for not immediately drinking the dirt colored water coated in grass that was placed in front of him, but he was too nervous to show even the slightest bit of humor. He decided to simply answer the question.

“That’s just it, sir,” he said, “I’m not, and I apologize for not drinking from the cup. I mean no disrespect. I am just unfamiliar with it, and the fact that you haven’t taken a drink yet either makes me cautious.

Simon glanced at his own cup and smiled.

“Ha! I suppose you are correct,” said Simon, “It is I who should be apologizing. The drink that sits in front of you is composed of fresh spring water and some special herbs grown by Kayla. She is studying herblore and is quite good at it. In Woodspring, we drink this sort of mixture quite often. It is good for the body, and the mind.”

Simon took a drink.

“See? It is perfectly safe.”

It seemed logical enough to William, so he took a risk and drank from his cup. To his surprise, it tasted good, and he felt his mind almost immediately calm itself. His head no longer felt bogged down with worry or pain.

Simon could see the relief in William’s face.

“Well now that we seem to trust one another, I believe you have come here for a reason…”

Simon gestured for his name.

“William.” He said.

“A pleasure to meet you, William. Please, call me Simon.”

Somehow, the people of Woodspring had the ability to comfort William with a simple smile, and Simon was no exception. All of the intimidation had left.

“Now then, William,” said Simon right before he took another drink, “You say you are not from Aldenin. Where then are you from exactly?”

William was tired of the question, and even more tired of attempting to answer it. If there was anyone else who needed to hear it though, it was Simon.

“It may sound crazy to you,” William began, “But I remember things from another place, another time, completely different from this one. In this other place, I have lived seventeen years in a world completely different from this one. I know the other place is real, but this place shares many authenticities with the other world. In fact, I only come to this world when I am asleep in the other world, and it doesn’t happen that often. I have entered this world over five times now over the course of about two months or so, yet not even a day has passed in this world. I know it sounds foolish, and equally foolish to expect you to have an explanation, but Simon, I fear I am losing my mi…I mean, going crazy.”

William finished talking and immediately took a long drink from his cup then caught his breath.

Simon sat still for a moment, and absorbed everything he had just heard.

“Is that all?” he asked in a way that William could not decide if he was being sarcastic or not.

“Actually, no. No it’s not.” William said before taking another drink.

Simon took a drink as well.

“Interesting,” said Simon, “Obviously you are not here by chance. There is a reason you are here, because there is a reason for all things that occur. Aldruhim has a purpose for your presence here.”

“Aldruhim?” asked William. He had yet to hear that name.

“You do not know of Aldruhim?”

William shook his head.

Simon immediately stood and walked over to a shelf where he grabbed a small statue of an eagle. It was similar to the one outside of the hut, but small enough to fit in one’s hand.

Simon showed William the statue.

“This statue is a common portrayal of the great eagle Aldruhim,” Simon said as he sat down, “Aldruhim is our guardian, the voice in the wind, the champion over evil.”

William knew where this was going. He couldn’t decide if it was a religion or a cult. Either way, William didn’t like the sound of it. He had tried religion before, but his life was far from good.

“We believe that he watches over us, and that he speaks to us in the wind that blows with the beating of his wings. It is because of Aldruhim that Woodspring and places like it are still a haven from darkness and evil.”

“Darkness and evil?” said William, “But what I have seen of Aldenin is so peaceful.”

“Have you been outside of Woodspring?”

William thought about it for a moment.

“I’m not sure.” He said.

“Well,” said Simon, “Darkness dwells everywhere, even in the hearts of all men and women. However, it can not take hold of the hearts of Woodspring.”

Just as Simon said that, Kayla walked into the room.

“Excuse me, Simon,” she said, “But it is almost time for the village gathering.”

“Of course,” he said, “Thank you Kayla. We will be right out.”

Kayla walked out of the room and Simon stood.

“We must go now, William. The village gathering is happening shortly.”

“But I still have all of these questions.” Said William.

“Do not worry, we can meet again every day until you have every question answered if that is what it will take.”

William was disappointed, but was glad he at least had made a little progress.

“And a word of wisdom for you,” said Simon, “You may not know why you are here, and may be aggravated about being here, but if you come here in your dreams then I doubt you can control coming here. I suggest you make the best of your visits. Aldenin is an amazing place, and its people are equally interesting. You never know what you might discover when you explore with an open mind.”

It was good advice, even if the people were religious fanatics or cultists, it was their way and William would respect it. It was here that he decided that he would go along with it all and try to make the best of it.

“Let’s go, William,” said Simon, “We don’t want to be late for the gathering.”

William followed Simon out of the hut.

The Sixth Dream

June 3, 2012
When William opened his eyes, he was walking with Philip, away from the fighting ring. William had almost forgotten what had taken place only moments before.

“Hey Philip.” He said

Philip turned his head to look at William with the smile on his face that had been there all along.

“Yes William?”

William was not sure how to approach other people. He was new to all of it, even simply reaching out with a simple thank you.

“What you did back there, with Andrew. I appreciate you jumping in to help.”

Philip’s smile grew bigger.

“It’s an honor to assist a friend. Also, don’t mind Andrew. He means well, but he tends to be too proud for his own good.”

William was caught off guard. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had called him friend. William decided to keep that thought to himself. Instead, he simply smiled.

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Philip patted William on the shoulder.

“Good,” he said, “I’m not sure where you hail from, but wherever that may be, you will like it here in Woodspring. Furthermore, if you need anything at all, come find me.”

“Thank you, Philip.” Said William.

“Again, it’s an honor to help a friend.”

The two of them approached a small hunt secluded in the village. A small statue of an eagle sat in front.

“This is where Simon lives,” said Philip, “Consider him the local wise man. He should be able to answer any questions you may have.”

William nodded.

Philip approached the door to the hut and knocked. After a few moments, the door opened and a young woman stood there to greet them. She smiled at Philip, and he smiled right back. By the way they looked at each other, William guessed there was something romantic between them. However, he decided it was not the time or place to bring up such allegations, so he decided to keep it to himself. He would mention it later.

“Hello Philip.” The girl said.

“Hello Kayla.”

Kayla looked at William.

“Who is this, Philip?” she asked.

“This is William,” said Philip, “He’s new to Woodspring. William, this is Kayla. She is a student of Simon’s.”

William and Kayla greeted each other.

“Kayla,” said Philip, “William needs to see Simon. He has many questions.”

“Let me tell him that you are here.” Kayla said.

Philip smiled at her as she walked back into the hut.

As they waited for a few moments, William took a closer look at the eagle statue. It was not a particularly large statue, but was very noticeable. The statue portrayed a perched eagle with its wings spread wide. Its beak was shut, and its eyes looked attentive.

The longer William gazed at the statue, the more he felt disconnected from what was around him. For a few moments, it was like the world had simply stopped. No sound, no breeze, no smell. Nothing. Suddenly, William heard an eagle’s cry that was so powerful that he fell to his knees. He heard a voice, wise and strong.

“William.”

The voice repeated a few times. William was certain it was the same voice he heard when he awoke in the forest.
William was captivated. The voice continued to say his name, but on the third time, it was different.

“William!” A voice shouted.

It was Philip, and he was on his knees holding William, preventing him from falling any further.

“Are you alright?”

William blinked a few times then looked back at the statue.

“Yeah I’m fine.”

Philip helped him up

“What happened?” Philip asked.

William glanced at the statue once more.

“I…don’t know. Philip, this has happened before. This is why I need to get some answers.”

“You will I promise.”

As soon as Philip said that, Kayla walked out of the hut.

“William,” she said, “Simon would like to see you.”

William walked toward the hut.

“Hey,” said Philip, “I’ll be waiting for you here when you finish. I am certain you will find what you are looking for.”

William gave a nervous smile.

“Thanks.”

He walked into the hut, hoping to return with some questions answered.

The Fifth Dream

May 17, 2012

Once William’s eyes adjusted to the light, the white faded and was replaced with the sight of a village in the midst of a forest. He stumbled for a moment, holding his head again as if he had just jumped out of a deep sleep. Philip turned and kept him from falling.

“Is everything alright, William?”

William breathed heavily for a moment.

“I think so…I just wasn’t expecting that.”

“Expecting what?”

“Don’t worry about it. What were we doing again?”

Philip chuckled.

“The same thing we were doing a couple seconds ago. Going to speak with Marcus. Are you sure you are okay? If you need to rest some more I will gladly take you back to the room.”

“No I’m alright. Let’s just find Marcus.”

The two started to walk through the village, passing several people on the way. They all waved and smiled at both Philip and William, greeting them and starting conversations, even though they had never seen William before, or at least that he knew of. They all seemed genuinely nice. A man and his wife approached Philip.

“Hello Philip!”

They smiled and greeted him. Philip smiled back and returned their greetings. The man noticed William.

“Who is this, Philip? I don’t believe I have seen him before.”

“This is William. He is new to Woodspring.”

The couple smiled at William, and the man patted him on the shoulder.

“Nice to meet you William.”

He smiled and after a short conversation, the couple walked off. Philip and William continued through the village, passing more people. William had never seen people like this.

“Wow.”

“What is it, William?”

“They are all so…happy.”

“Is there a reason they shouldn’t be?” 

“No that’s not what I meant. It’s just that in this other place I remember, no one was ever nice to me. I was never around anyone so pleasant, not even for a brief moment like what we just had with that man and woman. It’s just so strange seeing so many happy faces.”

Philip smiled as they walked.

“Well you better get used to it, William. The people of Woodspring are some of the nicest you will ever meet.”

Though he didn’t express it through his expression, William was happy at hearing that. He had always looked for a place that accepted him, and maybe this was a start, even if it was only in his head.

After a few more minutes of walking, the two started to hear shouts and cheering.

“Marcus should be just up ahead.”

Philip acted as if he didn’t even hear the noises. To William, it almost sounded like combat, even though he had never witnessed such a thing for himself.

The two walked a path between small patches of trees. The sounds were very present now. When they passed the trees on the path, they saw the source of the noises to their right. It was a fighting ring, and the fight that was taking place had attracted the attention of many spectators.

“Marcus is definitely here.”

Philip pointed through the shouting crowd towards a taller man with his arms crossed. He was laughing at the fight, cheering it on.

“That’s him?”

Philip nodded

“He’s one of the guys in charge around here, and the guy who found you in the forest.”

“Well then I want to talk to him. Will you introduce me?”

“Of course. Follow me.”

The two of them navigated through the excited crowd. While passing through, William caught a glimpse of the fight. It didn’t seem to be a fight driven by anger or a grudge like he had thought. Instead, it was more like a hand-to-hand sparring match. Not only that, but by the look of it, the odds were two against one, with the one having little to no trouble.

“Who is that, Philip?”

Philip turned to see whom William was talking about, and then he laughed.

“Oh that’s just Andrew. He probably got challenged again by two foolish souls.”

William guessed that all he needed to know about Andrew is that he was not one to trifle with.

When the two reached Marcus, he turned immediately, arms crossed with a blank expression on his face. He was an intimidating looking man, tall and dark hair with a rugged exterior. He was very well built, and the scars on his arms and face showed that he had seen his fair share of combat. Even though William felt like Marcus would not harm him, his expression still startled him a bit. This soon went away when his mouth curved into a smile.

“Philip!” He said with a proud voice as his gaze turned to William, “I see our friend is up and walking. After finding you unconscious in the woods, I was worried you had fallen to a dark fate. Glad to see you are well. Allow me to introduce myself young man.”

He reached his hand out, just as Philip had done before.

“My name is Marcus, and you are?”

William accepted the handshake.

“William, sir.” He said, trying to make a good impression.

“Aha! William!” Marcus shouted as he firmly gripped William on the shoulder, “That is a good, strong name! A pleasure to meet you William!”

Marcus and Philip laughed. William couldn’t help but laugh with them, because Marcus had such an unexpected personality.

“So what has Andrew gotten himself in today, Marcus?”

The three of them looked back at the fight. Andrew was still going as strong as when William first saw him. However, his opponents were growing weak.

“Jacob challenged him to a duel, but Andrew suggested he bring Thomas along so he could stand a chance.” Marcus laughed, “And it seems like even with the extra man he has no hopes of winning.”

William didn’t understand why they fought. If it wasn’t out of aggression, then what was it all for?

“Marcus,” William said just loud enough to be heard, grabbing his attention, “Why are they fighting? I know that it was a challenge, but for what purpose? This place seems so peaceful, and there seems to be no quarrel among the three of them, so what is it all for?”

Marcus smiled.

“Well William, you are right about several things. Woodspring is a peaceful place, and its people hold no aggression towards each other. We fight to demonstrate our own skill. It’s a matter of pride in one’s self, and his fellow man. Watch Andrew. Once this fight is over, you will see.”

Andrew was standing firm in the center of the ring. Jacob was standing to his right, and Thomas to his left. Jacob rushed forward, with Thomas following from behind only a few moments after. Jacob attempted a strike with his right arm. Andrew raised his left arm to block Jacob’s attack, and then grabbed his arm, pulling him forward, right into Andrew’s right arm, knocking him to the dirt. Andrew quickly spun around just in time to block to blows from Thomas. He quickly struck Thomas in the chest twice and kicked him in the left knee, weakening his stance and balance, and in another swift motion, Andrew struck Thomas once more in the chest. The blow threw Thomas to the ground. Andrew walked over to Jacob, who was still on the ground. He knelt down and pressed his knee down on his chest, which William guessed was to prevent Jacob from getting up again. Andrew looked at Jacob with a smirk.

“Stay down.”

Jacob immediately tried to get back up, and Andrew slammed his knee down on his chest.

“Give up.”

Jacob sighed as he tapped the dirt twice. Andrew lifted his knee and stood. He reached his hand to help Jacob up. Jacob accepted. Once he was on his feet, Andrew patted him on the shoulder.

“Nice try. Keep it up and you might beat me some day.”

He turned to Thomas, who was just getting up.

“You too, Thomas.”

“Yeah…thanks.” Said Thomas, winded from the blows he took.

Marcus turned to William.

“See, even though Andrew was clearly the winner, he was respectful to his opponents in their defeat, and congratulated them on what they did well.”

William understood now.

“So you do it for sport, and respect?”

“Exactly! You catch on quick William. A fast learner like yourself should give the ring a shot.”

William’s stomach dropped. He started thinking he was going to get thrown into the ring by force, and if he had to go up against anyone with half the skill Andrew seemed to have, he didn’t think he would live through it.

“Me? No I don’t think so.”

William hoped that he could talk his way out of getting in the ring.

“Won’t know until you try.” Said a voice to William’s right.

William turned to see who it was. It was Andrew, looking directly at him, with an expression that wanted another challenge. He, like Marcus, was an intimidating person to look at. He was taller, so William wasn't sure how old he was. Well built, blonde hair, and rarely smiling unless if he was in a fight.
“No, I have other things to take care of.”

“Hmph!” Andrew said, “So you run from a challenge, like a coward?”

“Hey!” shouted Philip as he stood beside William, “That’s enough from you, Andrew. He said no, so have some respect for our guest and back off.”

Andrew turned and walked off.

Marcus shook his head in disappointment.

“He has so much potential, but that temper always gets in the way eventually.”

William felt like this was the wrong place for him to get the answers he was looking for, so he decided to see if there was anyone else he could talk to.

“Well I can see you are busy, Marcus.” William said, “And I have many questions that need to be answered. Is there anyone I could talk to that I would not be disturbing?”

“Well you could talk to Simon,” said Marcus, “He will be able to answer just about anything about Aldenin that you have to ask. Philip, will you take William to see Simon?”

“Of course. Let’s go, William. It’s about time you got some answers.”