Chapter Four: Maps and Memories

It was dark now. Jethro carried Delilah out of the cave and back to her home, where her parents were waiting outside. They rushed over and took their daughter from Jethro and rushed her inside. Once they got her cleaned up they took her to her bedroom. Mrs. Wallen stayed in there with her while Mr. Wallen closed the door behind them.

Jethro and Mr. Wallen then walked over to the counter where they first talked. "I can't thank you enough for bringing our daughter back home safe," Mr. Wallen said, "Is there anything I can do to repay you?" Jethro shook his head. "No need to repay me sir,"Jethro replied, "It was my pleasure." Jethro then thought for a moment. "Actually there is something you can do," Jethro said, "You see sir, I arrived here on a boat from a different continent," Jethro continued, "I'd like to find a place where I can find more steady work, mainly where I can become a sword for hire," Jethro said, "But I have no idea where I am or where I'm going, so if you have a map I'd like to take a look at it." "Not a problem," Mr. Wallen replied. Mr. Wallen turned to a book shelf that was behind him and pulled out a roll of paper. He then set it on the counter and unrolled it. It revealed a drawing of a large continent of grassy fields, dense forests, rocky hills, and snowy mountains. The continent had lines bordering off different regions from each other. Each region had a name written on it. There was Gavolstav, Archwood, Roggilbal, Talave, and Beopo. Mr. Wallen pointed to the left side of the region Gavolstav. "We're are right around here," Mr. Wallen said, "If you keep following the path you took to get here, you'll eventually reach the main city of Galvolstav known as Weylok." Jethro nodded.

Mr. Wallen then rolled back up the map and held it out to Jethro. "Here, take it," Mr. Wallen said. "Thank you sir," replied Jethro. He then took the rolled up map. "Of course," said Mr. Wallen, "We're about eat supper in a few minutes and we have a spare room, would you like to stay the night?" "I wouldn't want to be a bother," replied Jethro. "You're no bother at all, Mr. Wallen said, "Especially after all you've done for us." Jethro smiled and agreed to stay the night.

As he slept he dreamed of a memory when he was just a kid around ten years old. His father gave him his first sword on his birthday and told him he was going to protect the ones he cared about. Jethro raised his sword into the air giggling. He was so happy then. When he woke up he gathered his belongings and walked out of the house. As he was leaving he said goodbye to the Wallens and waved. Just as he was about a few feet away from the house Mr. Wallen chased after him. " After all you've done for us and I never asked your name," Mr. Wallen said. "It's Jethro, Jethro Ironguard," replied Jethro. Mr. Wallen nodded and then ran back to his family.

Jethro walked for a while and eventually came upon a hillside overlooking a valley. He looked across and saw a city surrounded by wooden walls. To the left was a cluster of trees next to a small mountain. He made his way down toward the city. Unknown to him in between the trees was a silhouetted figure watching him.