The Invisible Whisper
Embark on a Journey
Finally the time came. My imminent departure occurred on this day when I told Aruna that I would not take her with me. As hard as I tried, there was no way I could tell him my decision.
Not telling will make things easier, who is he so I feel obligated to tell him? Perhaps it was best not to tell me that I had made up my mind while walking down the valley.
The sun has risen higher in the sky in recent weeks, winter has ended and green shoots sprout from the trees and plants grow from the earth.
I've taken my bow, just to spend these last few hours and hopefully busying myself in training so I won't think about tonight.
A loud scream shocked me from my daydream. "Master," I heard it. The scream was followed by the sound of running feet.
No need to turn around, I already recognize those thousands of voices by now. It was Aruna, tears filling the lower edge of my eyes as I realized what I was actually doing.
How betrayed would he feel if he knew tomorrow that his master had left without him? What kind of relationship would I have with her if I didn't tell her the truth?
We were friends, even though he was a child, he was actually the first friend I admitted to in my heart. I cannot explain the bond we have, how it is able to cross the boundaries of life and time, only to reaffirm that bond here.
My head was down as if it was drained of blood and my legs even trembled as I finally turned around and gazed into the deep blue lake of Aruna's eyes.
Only now did I realize that he was the only member of our tribe who had blue eyes since the death of my sister. Not that I appreciate it, but why have I never noticed it before?
Those distorted eyes were from a few generations ago. When women in the village are subjected to brutal beatings. Some Leviathan people have this brilliant eye and perpetuate it in my tribe's genetic code as a reminder of their cruelty.
There is a superstition that the eye often has a special talent or stronger intuition. Perhaps to show us that this event in our history also brings something good.
“Master, what are you going to do? “He spoke and I heard his voice hoarse.
“Congratulations, you have taken the first step of your manhood,” my candlestick very gently, alluding to the impending disappointment.
Aruna looked at me very seriously: "There's something, hi mister. Are you sick or sad?"
I plan to stop at the tree stump and confess everything, hoping that the memories of this place will soften my words. We kept talking and we got to the riverbank, at least 500 passes through old trees. It felt a bit stupid to walk back just because I had planned it that way.
A chasm appeared right in front of us. The stone walls are large, rough and unstoppable from brownish yellow stones. The river here is wide because of its bend, but it also makes it shallow. Ignoring the coldness of the water, I surrounded her and without a word Aruna followed.
On the other hand I continued my journey, now I realized where we had been led. Not far from here, behind one of the canyon peaks, there was a passageway that opened into a cave.
Master Enoch took me to this place when I had to undergo a new initiation, which we had to go for a few nights. Somehow, ending up here makes sense because that cave would make sure we were safe from anyone who followed or inadvertently noticed us.
Besides, this is a place where I feel comfortable. I've passed many exams here. It was a place where I came into contact with the core of my soul. A power I need to tell the truth to my young friend.
After passing through the cave we entered a large open space with walls that contained moist spots here and there and the air smelled a little mushroom. It must have been a few years since the last time I was here. Judging from some scattered carcasses, the space was not unused for a while.
A stray cat must have taken refuge here, or at least that's what its tracks indicate. But the skeleton has been peeled off the flesh and stomach so it looks like this animal has not been here long enough. Perhaps he had risen or had to admit his superiority in the fight.
Fortunately, the stone bench on which I and Master Enoch used to sit was free of animal remains and, apart from a nice layer of dust, even clean.
Aruna observed the room as I lit some of the torches left behind. The cave was not large, but very high. It narrowed further to form a nearly invisible cone far above our heads, the tip of which must have been just below the surface.
The walls glittered here and there because of the moisture, which gave a sparkling effect if exposed to torch light. I sat down and immediately Aruna joined me. The stone in my stomach instantly felt heavier as I took a breath to start my story.
Before I could begin my first sentence, Aruna broke the silence.
"Master, you feel weird. All the way here I tried to feel what was with you, but you seemed to be hiding it from me. But it is so burdensome to you that it makes you uncomfortable. I don't think so." Could mean anything other than what you've planned to set out for."
He continued in a low voice, trying his hardest to hide it, but sadness still emanated, “that you have decided that you do not want me to be with you on your journey.”