Chapter 11: The First Death

One Thousand Years Ago

Caine stumbled up the cresting hill and found himself suddenly atop the world. The green land rolled away in all directions, looking like the swells of a grassy ocean. A powerful wind rippled the great hills, making the whole land move in blustering waves.

A creaking sound announced that Wheat and the cart had made it up the hill after him. The old donkey sneezed in greeting. Absently, Caine scratched her behind her ears, while the donkey butted him in the back affectionately.

He fervently thanked the Ancestors for allowing him to witness such a sight.

After a minute, he took Wheat by the bridle and continued on his way. The day was perfect. Sunlight dappled the rolling hills around him, turning the grass to glittering gemstones. In the far distance, the mountains stood proudly, their gray heads disappearing in a sea of clouds.