Fergus Farringdon the Second.. Rene Darker

They were so absorbed in their chores, neither noticed Fergus. The paths through the Gully were always tidy. Every cottage was placed side by side. Close enough for the Gully people to hear each other’s business. Then there was Mr. Bill, an aging community member. He was always happy to keep the Gully as tidy as he could. Everyone could see the pride he put into keeping the Gully clean. And the Gullies folk were much appreciative of his efforts. This was evident by the many dinners he was offered. Though for Mr. Bill, it gave him a purpose in life.

      Fergus again began to ponder how he had never left the Gully. Again, questioning what was to come of him now his Grandfather was gone? He only knew of the life his Grandfather gave him. While he pondered this, he kicked a stone all the way to the river’s water, realizing this to be relaxing.

      Finding a comfortable place by the water, Fergus threw in a line. The waters were calm as they trickled downstream. Fergus then resumed to ponder at how the parchment was placed in the mysterious book. Was it something which may be his fate; was all he could think? Fergus had much time to reflect as he continued to fish into the day.

      “Fergus, there you are,” said Quinn with a happy note in her voice.

      “How’s things,” was all Fergus could mumble.

      Quinn sat beside Fergus. She threw a stone into the water.

      “Hey, I am trying to catch dinner here,” Fergus barked.

      “Steady on Fergus, what is up with you?” said Quinn in a soft voice because Fergus hurt her feelings.

      “Nothing; it is that I found this book. It had something in it,” Fergus was quick to explain. “It had the same Fifth Element of Creation I have been seeing. I do not know whether to be spooked or intrigued,” said Fergus. As he remembered the words he heard at this Grandfather’s grave. About being strong, love, and go as far as life can take you.

      Quinn ruffled Fergus’s hair and said, “It is very mystifying, is it not? Something may be guiding you, who knows?” then Quinn asked, “Have you chosen a God that has any meaning to you, Fergus?”

      “I have been thinking,” Fergus replied.

      “Well, what is it then?” Quinn asked.

      “Fine, I still do not believe in a God as such, but I do believe of the ‘Mother Divine of Guidance’,” Fergus answered.

      “Why,” Quinn asked.

      “Well, her direction, insight, and caring nature is welcoming. It is believed her otherworldly cradle is inside every living soul. We all have her patience, love, and compassion within us. We can take her heavenly guidance with every breath of air. You know, when reflecting on the occurrences which have been happening in the last couple of days. I should be asking for Guidance,” said Fergus in a tone of confidence.

      Quinn felt overwhelmed with Fergus’s very words and his knowledge. Fergus learnt of the ‘Mother Divine of Guidance’, from his Grandfather. Fergus believed, if the ‘Mother Devine of Guidance’ was good for his Grandfather, then she was good for him.

      “Perfect,” Quinn replied. “We all need faith to help us in our path through life. But Fergus, have you ever thought of becoming a knowledgeable and wise enchanter. As your Grandfather? I mean, what you explained to me sound of much wisdom.”

      Fergus did not answer. His silence was because he was pondering Quinn’s very words.

      With Fergus’s silence, Quinn stood and wished Fergus well wishes for the afternoon. Explaining how she had to return to help her mother. Quinn had to help with her three siblings, and her father who was crippled in his legs. With Quinn being the eldest child, she unfortunately had to do a man’s labor.

      Fergus could not stop thinking about the book. It gave him butterflies in his stomach. ‘Having Butterflies could be a good thing’, thinking to himself. Then rationalizing how he should not make any hasty decisions though.

      After catching one small fish which he tossed back to the waters, he left the waters to return to his cottage. Finding the same stone which he kicked to the water’s edge, he also kicked that same stone all the way back to his cottage. Czar was sitting waiting at the front door like a loyal friend. Fergus rubbed his belly and picked him up placing him high onto his shoulder. Fergus sat himself at the table. He gazed towards the book. It began to shine like it could sense his interest. Fergus whispered, “tell me what to do.”

      At that moment, the very book began to glow, and again the pulsating light came from nowhere. It flew above the book, only to disappear into the book’s pages. The Fifth Element of Creation on the books binding now began to glow brighter than ever. Fergus was now beginning to believe, how this was becoming a very true phenomenon. Fergus was starting to believe how something great may be transpiring. Fergus climbed the bookshelf once again. He removed the book from the shelf. Then finding a place at the table, Fergus dusted where he was going to place the book. Fergus opened the book where he once again removed the parchment from its back page and cover.

      “What to do next though?” Fergus was questioning himself.

      The seal on the parchment did not look as though it had ever been broken. It was a large seal and bright red in color. What was most interesting though, was how the seal bore the very engravings of North, South, East, and West. This showing all that was in the Fifth Creation’s Element. What else was interesting was how it was the very Fifth Creation Element in the evenings fire smoke. Fergus ran his finger over the wax seal uncertain about whether he should open it, or to leave it be. Many thoughts were passing his mind making it hard to decide. For instance, was he being over cautious, or even was he the right person for the discovery?

      Fergus thought how the Map was someone’s bad humor, to be something made up. It was only a piece of parchment, right.” Fergus tried rationalizing.

      Without hesitating any more, Fergus broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. It seemed to be much larger than expected once opened. The edges looked warn and torn.

      Its writings appeared to be of an outmoded transcribed manuscript. Yet, upon looking closer, he was able to read the lettering. It showed many towns and lands. He felt overwhelmed at what he was eyeing. For a moment he felt humbled how his Grandfather had taught him to read.

      Fergus began to study the Map ever more. The Earth Element travelled through Mountains. The Water Element journeyed across Rivers and Oceans. The Fire Element trekked Volcanoes, and the Air Element saw lines that looked to be a blowing breeze. Once completed reading the Maps directions. The directions then returned to the beginning. This being back to the only home Fergus had ever known, the Gully.

      Fergus began to question what was he to do with the Map now he had opened it? Should he accept the set trail which looked to be a trail that would challenge the finest man. He questioned, should he take responsibility of his discovery and leave the Gully? He considered how his decision was not something he should take lightly.

      Fergus thought how he would have to be brave and courageous in his actions. Like he had never been challenged before. After some serious consideration to his future. He decided how he should actually accept the challenge, and leave the Gully. Afterall, his Grandfather was his sole reason for him living in the Gully. And now that his Grandfather had passed. Fergus decided he wanted to branch out and take hold of what life had set for him. But what was nagging Fergus the most, was how he thought he could hear a calling from the Maps directions. Like little whispers echoing in his ears. With this, his curiosity and instincts only wanted to discover. If there was something special about the Map. Fergus believed only an honest man could go to the trouble of drawing such an in-depth map. Showing much knowledge, wisdom, and insight. He questioned, was it his Grandfather who went to the trouble of drawing the Map? The more he thought of the journey. The more he was becoming excited at the thought of travelling the unfamiliar, and the unknown. He had never experienced such excitement, and it tickled his very being. So, he folded his parchment, and placed it into a strong leather bag which was dust and water proof.

      Fergus began to have thoughts, such as, “how would he greet a stranger, or even how long would he be gone for?”

      “Quinn,”