When he returned, the sky was already dark. He entered his hut, the emptiness crashing him as he stared at his grandmother's belongings. I need some fresh air, he mumbled as he made his way to the back of the hut. He laid on a patch of green grass staring at the sky filled with twinkling stars as a gentle breeze caressed his face. Then shut his eyes, a small sign escaping from his lips. Exhaustion was etched on his face, his body drained from the day's trekking.
The cool grass cradled his tired head, lulling him deeper into sleep.
The village was up and at dawn, the village square was crowded. People had rushed from their homes very early with their children waiting anxiously for the arrival of the esteemed guests ,well except for Ark. He stirred from his sleep, yawned, arched his back and stretched his body extending his arms and legs. He let out a contented sign as he stared at the rocky expanse. Yesterday, he fell asleep outside but he had a good rest.
His stomach growled loudly, he slept on an empty stomach yesternight so he stood up and went to the forest in search of food.
The forest loomed ahead as he navigated his way around the bushes, his eyebrow furrowed in concentration as he scanned his surroundings. He had picked his machete along with him which was slung across his back. The dry fallen leaves rustled as he took careful steps forward looking out for any potential threat or beasts. Suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps, he peered ahead trying to see what's happening but was surrounded by a group of children from his village. They were five in total and of course he knew them.
The leader, a burly boy with an ugly face and a fat build approached Ark.
He sneered, "Hey, Ark, what're you doing here all alone? Are you waiting for the magicians to adopt you? One lanky child at the back let out a short laugh.
I bet he is, after all he is a cursed child destined to die alone. Your grandmother must be so happy she escaped from you or probably died because of you, he added.
Ark clenched his fist, his eyes burning from unshed tears. Stop it, my grandmother loved me, s- she ….didn't die because of me, he mumbled. But it fell on deaf ears. Prove it, kill your wretched self and die along with her. Ark stared at them, their faces filled with disgust. He has always watched them play as a kid, he longed to be their friends but he was always shunned and beaten when he got too close.
Suddenly, one of them landed a swift kick to Ark's stomach, knocking the breath out of him. He bent over his knees, and another punch came crashing down on his back, sending him stumbling forward. The jeers and laughter echoed through the air as they took turns attacking him, their fists flying at his defenseless body. Ark tried to shield himself, but the blows kept coming, each one landing with precision and malice. He could barely shield himself so he gave up and let them have their way.
His body was bloodied and battered and of course, they left him for the dead. He coughed out blood, staining his robe as his eyes blurred with hot tears. His eyelids grew heavy and he felt himself drifting.
The sound of horses galloping could be heard, their hooves pounding the earth as a convoy of carriages closed in.It came to a halt near Ark, who looked half as dead.
A man, presumably in his mid-30s, stepped out of one of the carriages. He wore a long, flowing blue robe with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer and glow in the light. His handsome features were set in a serious expression, with a hint of concern on his face. His piercing blue eyes locked onto Ark, filled with a mixture of surprise and relief when he saw his chest moving up and down drawing in slow breaths. His dark brown hair was tied back, revealing a prominent forehead and sharp jawline. He moved with a quiet confidence, staff in hand, as he approached Ark then knelt beside him as he chanted in a low, rumbling tone, the words vibrating through the air. Soon a brilliant blue light, like a shard of frozen water carved into a blade shot forward and surrounded Ark. It danced around him like flowing water . Ark could feel a cool sensation wash over him. He watched in awe as his wounds knitted together, the skin reforming into smooth unblemished flesh. Soon he was good as new. He slowly stood up, inspecting his body in wonder. All his old scars have vanished and his skin looked like that of a newborn baby.
Young man, how come you were in this condition? Ark stared at his saviour , eyes filled with gratitude. Some kids from my village ambushed and attacked me. His face solemn as he recounted what happened. If not for him, he would have died today. He bowed slightly, hands clasped in front of him . Thank you for saving me mister . The man let out a hearty laugh, no problem child. You have good manners and l assume you are part of the Baskire village. Ark nodded, he stared behind the back of the man looking at the line of carriages with beautiful designs. Are you the master magician?
Ark's eyes widened, heart pounding with excitement. From the time he performed the healing on him, Ark was left in wonder.
If only l could be this powerful, l could protect myself from being bullied. I could save lives myself . I could be more, never limiting myself to the confines of this village. I could travel around the world and see more.
His train of thoughts was interrupted when he heard a polite cough.
Sorry, he said with a cheepish smile on his face. Since we are going in the same direction, perhaps you could join us for a ride. Ark nodded, his eyes brightened up but his stomach growled loudly. So loud that probably all the others in the carriage heard.