Chapter 47: Destiny (1)
After easily dispatching the werewolves, Jacob decided to take advantage of the peaceful moonlight to rest inside the wagon until dawn. Everything was very calm, which encouraged him to relax and take a moment for himself as the stars unfolded pointing to the bed he had to rest on.
After a few hours of intense dreams, Jacob opened his eyes and songs of birds started to fill the air. Despite wishing to wake up in a wonderful place, Jacob was surprised by an urgent need; to pee. "Oh, how I love the dawn!"
Jacob stopped the cart and went into the woods, hoping to fulfill all the basic needs of a man - or at least one of them. He did what he did every day: he peed and returned to the cart. Easy and quick, for with so many things to do in his day, there was no time for anything else.
Jacob set the wagon in motion, and relaxed as he took in the scenery. He opened the window to watch the sunrise, and breathed in the fresh air, feeling grateful for this new day. This was how Jacob connected with the world around him: breathing in nature and feeling all the beauty it brought.
Jacob closed his eyes and began to listen to the song of the birds, the back and forth of the squirrels and the trot of the rabbits. He found no threat, and felt safe and comforted by the presence of these animals, as if they were a cozy and understanding embrace.
Jacob felt safe within the well-friendly forest, enjoying his cart ride without worrying about anything. But, as nothing is perfect, suddenly, he felt the presence of someone a few meters ahead. "Of course this would be the part of the journey where complications would start!", he said sarcastically.
Sighing tiredly, Jacob climbed up to the top of the wagon to see his enemies, but was surprised to see a human with a guitar singing a melancholic melody. With a sarcastic look, he wondered to himself, "So my new enemy's weapon is music?"
Jacob was sure that the man was alone, but he decided to ask anyway - "Do you think I'm facing a possible attack from bandits here?". He said it in a sarcastic way, almost as if he was challenging someone to contest his courage. Still, he was prepared for any eventuality.
The man listened to Jacob speaking and stopped singing. Soon after, he sarcastically replied: "This is an attack of bandits! Haha, just kidding". He smiled to show he was only joking and said:
"Might this humble bard have the honor of traveling by your side?" The bard spoke while making a slight bow. It seems he wanted to show everyone his elegance and class.
"Oh, yes, of course," Jacob said sarcastically. "You and your 'humble' bardism can follow us wherever we go. I can't imagine any reason not to do it." He chuckled, even though there was no humor in his voice. "Come on then. If that's what you want, get in the wagon."
Bardo was so distracted that he didn't notice the sarcasm in Jacob's voice when he said to get in. He looked startled at Jacob and asked, "Do you think the cart will stop?" Jacob laughed because it seemed funny to see such a big, brave man scared of something as small as a cart.
Jacob laughed and said, "I'm not a magician, bard! I can't make the horse stop with just one request." The bard was confused and didn't know what to say. Jacob looked at him with a mischievous expression on his face and said, "Do you really think I can stop a moving horse with just a simple request? That's crazy!"
Jacob was having a great time mocking the bard. The relieved expression on his face showed how much fun he was having.
Suddenly, the bard noticed that Jacob was being subtly sarcastic. This young man seemed to live life on a cloud of luxury, with grand propositions and extravagant plans. His movements were assertive and logically meticulous, his smile strong and challenging. The bard could feel that this young man had very specific perspectives on life.
The reflective bard wondered if Jacob was a powerful adventurer. He had heard legends of adventurers involving huge dangers and extraordinary adventures. If the stories were true, then Jacob was someone who deserved all his respect and admiration as a true adventurer. Even if he hadn't accomplished such feats, the bard still made sure to treat Jacob with all the reverence that someone so brave deserved.
Suddenly, the bard bowed to Jacob and, empathically, spoke the truth: "I need to go home". It was a word loaded with meaning, for they were sharing a dream that would soon have to end. Nevertheless, Jacob knew he shouldn't let a stranger into his wagon, but since the bard sang so well, Jacob decided to make an exception.
Jacob looked at the horse kindly and said softly, "Stop there, boy." The horse obediently stopped beside the bard and Jacob was pleased to see the wagon also stopped.
Jacob stepped down from the wagon and walked up to the bard with a friendly expression. He extended his hand in goodwill and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jacob." He smiled at the bard in a friendly greeting.
The bard was surprised by Jacob's appearance, but he reciprocated the gesture with a big smile and said: "The pleasure is mine! I'm Fernando. I see that you are a very polite gentleman." Jacob laughed and replied: "Yes, I always try to maintain good manners."
"It's good to see you have so much consideration!", said Fernando with empathy. "You must have been very well educated." Jacob nodded in agreement. "My mother always told me to treat people the way I would like to be treated, so that's what I try to do." Fernando smiled and said: "It's a very important lesson. It looks like you've learned it very well."
Jacob smiled in response, but suddenly, the atmosphere in the air changed; Jacob reverted back to his cold expression and spoke coldly to the bard, his voice laden with sarcasm. "So, how many gold coins are you going to give me?", he asked mockingly. "No need to be too many, maybe 10 coins should pay for this journey and the headache I'm going to have.", he continued, looking at the bard with a look of coldness. The bard remained silent, not even attempting to argue.
The Bard felt a chill run down his spine when he realized that Jacob was not just an adventurer. He was a COLD-BLOODED killer, determined to get what he wanted at any cost! His intense, emotionless gaze left the Bard apprehensive, and he began to pray that fate would not lead him down a dangerous path...
"Here it is. 10 gold coins." The bard spoke as he pulled a sack of coins from his pocket and handed it to Jacob.
Jacob coolly grabbed the sack of coins and began counting them. He checked each coin, making sure they were all there. When he finished counting them, Jacob looked at the bard and said, "Get in the wagon."
The bard was surprised that Jacob hadn't robbed him and happily got into the wagon.
"Sigh..." Jacob sighed lightly as he thought about the problem he had just received. But since the two of them had the same goal, Jacob decided to be a bit humane and help the bard get back home.
"Alright... Here we go..." Jacob muttered sarcastically and then stepped into the carriage. The horse started to move and the journey that was supposed to be thrilling and dangerous, had become even more dangerous...
[...]
Author's Note:
Is my writing bad? I'm striving for a more exciting and detailed writing style.
"The philosophy behind coming home can be summed up as the importance of cherishing home as a place of safety, warmth, and comfort. It is a place where you can rest, relax, and connect with your family and friends. It is a place to share memories and love. It is a place to celebrate life."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone