Fated to rule

New beginning

Gellerion, carried away by the river, still didn´t come around. The water flow was getting significantly faster. This would be the best time for the boy to wake up since rapids were approaching. Even a large and well-built man, such as Gellerion was, couldn´t survive this. Either the impacts would break his neck, or he would be drowned very easily. Fortunately, his body was spotted by someone on the left coast of the river. It was a peasant, at a similar age as Gellerion. At least by the look.

Soon after he noticed the boy in the river, started the boy, standing on the land, calling for help. Unfortunately, none of the other farmers could hear him, so he decided to enter the treacherous torrent on his own. All of the people who lived there knew, how the river could be dangerous, and that's why most of them wouldn´t risk this rescue. Although, this young boy was different. He was soft-hearted. Fear couldn´t stop him from saving another living being. 

The boy, standing now on the edge between land and water, quickly took off his long-sleeved clothing, both of his shoes, and without any hesitation, jumped in the river. Swimming was something every child was taught after reaching just six years in this area, so there was no surprise that the young peasant had no problem getting to the body floating on the water. The unpleasant situation set in when it came to moving Gellerion´s body. His slim weak arms weren´t able to make any progress, and the rapids were getting closer each second they spent in the water. By the stroke of luck, Gellerion opened his eyes slightly. 

Feeling that his clothes were wet indicated to him the fact he is in the water. Suddenly realised, he didn´t know how to swim since nobody taught him that. Nevertheless, shortly he became aware of the stranger´s hands, touching his massive shoulders. Seeing that there is somebody in the water with him, obviously trying to save him, raised his hopes. 

The peasant also spotted the fact he is awake and quickly shouted: "We have to get out of the water!" Pointed on the imminent danger. 

Looking in the same direction as the boy´s finger, Gellerion saw the problem. 

"Leave me till you can! I can´t swim!" 

"No way!" Followed. The slim farmer placed one hand on the muscular chest and got really close to him. 

"Now, just start kicking as hard as you can!" He did as he was told and by his incredible strength, peasant´s skills, and with all might, they got closer to the coast, although it wasn´t enough. 

"We are not going to make it!" Shouted the rescuer. "Yes, we are!" Responded Gellerion. They almost entered the rapids when suddenly... Something pushed them swiftly forward, and they managed to get on the sandy soil. 

Both of them breathed heavily and coughed out the water. Gellerion got together first, stood up and looked at the stranger. "Did you lose your mind?! You could have killed yourself!" 

This surprised the farmer a lot. "I beg your pardon?"

"What?" Snarled at it Gellerion. He wasn´t actually mad at him. It was his inability to swim that drove him crazy.

"I tried to save you, and this is your gratitude? I wouldn´t be surprised if somebody threw you in that river." 

"Sorry. I didn´t mean to..." 

"Well, you are saved. I gotta go back to work." The boy took the amiss. 

"Wait! Don´t go away!" It was late. The half-naked peasant went offendedly back upstream, but Gellerion followed him. When he arrived at the place where he left his clothes, it took him some time to put them back on. 

Gellerion approached the boy. "Thank you for saving me." 

He looked up, now noticing how taller Gellerion actually was. After a detailed look with his wide brown eyes, he just smirked. "You are welcome," and continued in his way. 

"Wait!" Shouted Gellerion again and the boy stopped his march. 

He glanced back at him. "Yes?" 

"What´s your name?" Asked curiously. "Ethan. Yours?" Said with the same curiosity. "My name is Gellerion. I am sorry for being mean earlier." 

"It´s fine. I am used to it." Sighed silently, but Gellerion noticed it. 

"Can I go with you? I don´t know where am I nor where could I go. Please."

"Well..." Ethan saw despair in his eyes. After a minute of musing, he smiled at him nicely. "Of course you can."

Hearing that, Gellerion made several steps to catch him up. Going now side by side, the difference between them was even more visible. The slim, dark-haired boy looked cute compared to Gellerion´s size and muscularity.

"Where are we going?" Asked Gellerion impatiently. "Home." Responded Ethan with obvious disgust. 

...

Dendrick, Hambic and Phillip arrived back at the homestead. The wizard was surprised by the harmony with which all different animal species and one man were living here.

"This is a beautiful place." said wizard used to high towers in the Capitol with astonishment.

"Thank you." "You are welcome, but now, enough of small talk."

"Where is the body? Have you buried him already?" Asked the old man inquisitively. 

"No, there was no time to do it yet." The giant looked sadly on the ground.

"Actually, that´s better for us. Where is he then?" 

"Follow me." Invited him Dendrick.

They moved to the sheltered workshop where was dead Norrick lying on the massive oak table. The wizard approached closer to the cold body and placed his hand on the spot, where the ranger´s heart was once beating. 

"Hello, friend." Hambic was close to tears, but then murmured several words Dendrick couldn´t understand. 

"It is as I thought. He is not resting in peace yet. His soul is held in Mis-ar." 

"But... How?" 

"I think it´s thanks to Melliana and her curse. Fortunately, there is still a high chance for him." Hambic started chanting something, again in a different speech. His staff shined, whereas other sources of light in this room darkened. After finishing the spell, small, luminescent particles appeared around Norrick´s body. 

"Is this going to save him?" Questioned Dendrick with a vision of his friend being brought back to life.

"No. This will protect Norrick from rotting, and it might help him in dark corners of Mis-ar, or it will give us at least some time. I have to leave now. I will report this unpleasant news to the king, so don´t worry about it."

"Can I do anything for him?" 

"I am not sure. I will take a look at some special books dealing with this problem. If I find out something, I will surely send you a letter. Since then, take care." With that, the wizard disappeared.

"I guess I have no other choice..." Said Dendrick in a sombre mood.