Chapter 2
Uncertainties
"Tim, answer me. Where are you going?" My grandpa asked me again, now with a serious tone in his voice.
I thought I should say the truth. I know I can't lie this time. I have no choice. Grandpa had to know.
"I… I am going to go adventuring, grandpa…" I said nervously, thoughts mixing within my mind. What would he say? I did not want to know what will happen next.
"Then why didn't you tell me?" He continued.
"Well, it's because, I thought you… might not agree with this. I'm sorry."
He chuckled, and then sat at the sofa.
"Come here, lad." He said.
I followed his lead, and also sat at the sofa, beside him. Until now my mind was shrouded with questions regarding the events that is about to take place. I knew that my grandpa's reaction will determine my path to the future. I stared at him, waiting.
"You know lad, you're a man now. And I know you have a thirst for adventure, to see the wilds, find treasures, and discover new places. You… you should've just told me Tim. You know that I am always here for you, am I not?
"I know grandpa… I know you are with me… but…"
"Okay, Tim, let's stop it now. I just want you to know this. Wherever you are, whatever you do, I am with you. You have all my support as you grandpa, and I know what the best is for you. Now go, Tim. And remember, take care."
Those words were enough to make me cry. I hugged my grandpa, with my mind cleared of any uncertainties and doubts on him. It was my fault. I knew I should've trusted him, for I know that he knows what the best for me. After a while, I stood up, and grabbed my belongings. I reached over the door.
"Wait Tim, there's something that I want to give you." He said.
I turned back, and watched him get something from his pocket. He showed something that seemed a ring to me, with many strange engravings and cuts.
"Is that ring, grandpa?" I asked.
"Yes, it is a ring. And it is not just some ordinary ring my child."
"What do you mean?"
"This ring is called Andvaranaut. This was an ancient ring forged by the Dwarf King Andvari ages ago. It was said that whoever wears this ring shall bear a heavy curse and die."
I was mystified. "Then why are you giving it to me if it'll bring bad luck?
"It is because it was also said that whoever possesses this ring but not wears it shall obtain good fortune. Remember this, my child. Always carry this ring with you, but never wear it. If you will wear it, it will give you invincible power, at the expense of your life."
I was shocked on what he said. He was giving me something which is good and bad for me. He handed the ring to me, and I placed it in my pocket.
"Now go, Tim, and good luck with your journey." He said gently.
"Yes, grandpa. I will. Thank you."
I hugged him for the last time. I knew I would not see him for some time, for the first time of my life, I suddenly felt all the good things that he had done for me since I lived with him. The feeling overwhelmed me, and it made me hug him tighter.
I broke up the hug, and walked towards the door. I made my last goodbye to my grandpa.
"Goodbye, grandpa. See you soon." I said, smiling.
"Goodbye, lad, and take care." He replied.
I started walking down the muddy road. I was excited for this. This is my journey, and I know that many things will happen before it end. I continued walking.
After some time, the sun was up. I stared at the clouds moving, and I continued to walk. Suddenly I felt hungry. I sat on a nearby tree, and opened my bag. I got some food, and ate it while staring at the horizon. I was thinking of where I will head after visiting Payon. Now I realized I was clueless on where I am heading. I can't just go out and visit places without even knowing them, I thought. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to rely on luck for it.
I walked some more, then caught the scent of the wind changing. I stopped. I realized someone was following me. I grabbed my bow and arrow, and stared across the tall grasses. Could it be a monster? It must be a monster, I thought. I readied my self. I knew it will attack any moment, just waiting for a chance to catch me unguarded.
Suddenly, a tall figure jumped from the grass. It was a man, with a big sword. He charged at me and knocked me to the ground. I fell, with my bow separating with me. I looked at him, and he pointed his long sword at me.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" He asked suspiciously.
