The Elder's Path Read Free Page A

such a large change. Strange that before this day, she had been more alone than she had ever known, and had thought it would always be so.
    As per tradition, she and her co mpanion would begin their journey after being presented to the community, and they would see her off as the very first World-Walker in ages. She had been gifted tools to help her along her way. Simple, but strong and reliable just like her people. With her she carried her bow and knife, a new pack, her sleeping provisions, extra clothes, and food. Nana had even been kind enough to provide a glove and shoulder pad for Alir to use. She was also provided with tough and light leather armor to aid her in her struggles to come. Lyn had resisted the armor at first, refusing the idea of needing it more than the armor itself, but had acquiesced when her mother had begun crying. Ah, Lyn thought, the lengths children go to for their parents’ peace of mind.
    “Be aware,” her mentor had warned her when instructing her on care for her leather, “that the world has not seen us for some time. In ages past, it was a privilege to assist a Walker on her journey, but the minds of people are fickle and tradition is easily forgotten when out of practice.” 
    Equipped thus, she was prepared to begin her journey in earnest. At least, she was physically prepared. Her stomach churned unpleasantly and she felt her eyes moisten as she looked out to her people for what could be the last time .
    “No,” she steeled herself, and straightened her back, “I cannot afford not to return.” She blinked away the impending tears, forcing a smile to her face. Weakly, she raised a hand in farewell, and a great cheer erupted from the gathered folk. As she loo ked among them she marked each face well, for she knew them of old and would need the strength of her memories to guide her. As she stepped forward, Alir spread his wings grandly and let out a cry. The cheer rose, and the crowd split in half to allow her to walk among them. She touched hands and shared smiles with her family and friends, and before she knew it she was to the edge of the village ready to depart. She looked back once more, and left her home behind.
    --
    It took Lyn and Alir two days to leave the forest entirely. Not because they were lost by any means, but Lyn wanted to take her time before delving head-first into the outside world, and she suspected Alir would also appreciate roaming his familiar grounds before their departure. As they approached the edge of the forest and the trees begin to thin, Lyn steadied herself and decided to take her first steps running.
    “Ready?” s he prompted Alir, and with a heartfelt cry she lunged forward. Alir took flight and raced above her, circling the open air and letting the sunlight soak into his wings. Watching him as she ran, she felt that she too was flying high, and for a moment it was almost as if she could see the wide world through his eyes; her awareness unfurled and stretched to the rolling fields before them, the snowy mountains in the north, the plains in the west, even to the crashing waves in the southern ports.
    Abruptly, she was back on the ground again as she ran headlong into thick brush and tripped into it. Alir let out a stuttered call as he c ircled above, watching as Lyn tried to disentangle herself from the mess she had fallen in to.
    “Oh quit laughing, ” she muttered as she finally regained her footing. Brushing herself off, she took a look at the now setting sun. “Well…time to find a place to make camp, anyway.”
    They made good progress the next few days, finding their way eventually to a walled city that seemed large indeed to the inexperienced Lyn, but in reality was rather small. After all, the East was a place of forests and fields and ra ther little else; there was small need for much civilization in such a wild and empty place. None the less, the city was a marvel to Lyn, who had never seen such walls or establishments made of stone