1 The Gift

The day began like any other day, the cows and sheep began to stare as the farm cock rang out its early morning announcement. Daylight shone in through the window as a faint mix of smells wafted in on the morning breeze, carrying with it a report of the many merchants and businesses of the local village and their day to day goings on.

Ekiya's mother, Mahra shouted from the kitchen. "Ekiya, time to get up sleepy head, today's the day. Your father is outside and needs your help before you leave and you simply can't be late.... Ekiya.... Get up quickly".

"Coming mum", Ekiya responded, in a manner that left his mother wondering if he was responding to her or to someone in last night's dream.

Ekiya's eyes opened slowly as he winced from the morning sun. Before a realization of what day it was dawned on him. He leapt from his bed and raced toward the door, before pausing and doubling back to throw on some clothes, avoiding giving his mother the fright of her life.

He entered the kitchen, grabbing a slice of toast from his plate abandoning the rest of his breakfast, lovingly provided by his mother.

"Ekiya! come back here. You can't leave on an empty stomach like that... Not today", Mahra announced. But it was too late, Ekiya had already bolted from the back door and was gaining speed in his journey toward the barn, in search of his father.

"Father?", Ekiya enquired. "Where are you?". "I am in here son", Giyan responded from the Barn. "I need your help loading the cart before you leave today, can you spare me some muscle?"

"Yes sir" replied Ekiya. "Right away".

Between them they made short work of the loading, of various crops onto the cart. Giyan was headed for the village later that morning to sell them at the market.

Whilst they worked Giyan raised the subject of the events certain to unfold later that day.

"Son? are you and your friends excited for today? are you heading to the citadel after breakfast?" enquired Giyan in an almost rhetorical fashion. Knowing it was a certainty that Ekiya would respond with resounding positivity. After all today was the day of the annual gifting ceremony. All the young men of the village would travel there for what was the highlight of the calender and a source of intense excitement, hope and wonder for all of those of appropriate age. Adventures untold awaited those fortunate enough to receive the gift. Though the future was uncertain and filled with trepidation, those who received the gift also received a new future and a chance to earn recognition and glory.

Ekiya responded respectfully "Yes father, I plan to meet my freinds once we are done and head straight there. I can't believe today has finally arrived. I am anxious to find out..."

Giyan interupted Ekiya, in an attempt to return his feet firmly back to the ground. "Remember son, today is just another day, whether you receive the gift or not is not important. You will make your Mother and I proud no matter what the outcome. Of that I am sure. Try not to let your mind race and your hopes get ahead of you. What will be will be. Fate is a funny thing, if you are selected to receive the gift, I am quite sure you will be deserving, but should you be amongst the hoard of your men who do not, it only means your path is one separate from that world. Not worse, not better, simply separate. Do you understand son?"

"Yes sir", Ekiya responded, regathering his faculties and presenting a more stoic demeanor once more.

Later that morning Ekiya finished the remainder of his breakfast, reheated by his mother. He then hugged her and thanked her, before picking up his bag and heading for the door. Before leaving he exchanged a knowing look with his father before bowing his head in reference to Giyan's earlier advice. Ekiya then left home for his friends waiting impatiently for him at the farm gate.

"Hurry Ekiya, we are going to miss the entire ceremony you idiot!" they shouted.

The day had begun like any other day, but it was not like any other day. Today had the potential to change everything.