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.