Chapter 3
Morning came. Preparations were already made for the departure of Forsythia and me. There was a gathering at the docks. Everyone came because it was very unusual for someone in their village to leave.
On the water was a small but carefully made boat; it was made of wood and ice as a protective covering and buoy. Provisions were packed as well as a pair of oars, just in case my water-bending isn't enough to row the boat.
My equipment was very light. All I carried with me was my wooden long sword, and some sacks for provisions and water. My clothing was just sleeve-less poncho and very little armor. Forsythia wasn't given anything to carry; I was to do all the work. She wore the clothing she arrived in; a long dress, semi-tight shirt with long sleeves, and an odd beret in the shape of an exotic flower.
Gard and his wife were there to see us leave. This occasion was kept secret; Gard didn't want to make a big deal out of this. The only ones besides him and his wife were two other guardians making sure we cast off without a hitch.
"Vern, you will make your way south-east until you reach another port. The closest one should be Zaon. Once there find some orphanage and come back immediately." Gard instructed me.
"Yes sir." I bowed and entered the boat. Gard looked toward Forsythia, but said nothing. She then entered the boat and we set off for Zaon.
My village was getting smaller by the minute; soon enough I couldn't see my island, nor Gard or his wife, or the two guardians. The sea was all I could see. I stood near the stern of the boat so I could have better balance while pushing the water toward Zaon. Forsythia watched the sea with amazement from the bow; it's like she's seen the sea before, but looks new every time you look at it.
"Isn't the ocean amazing?" Forsythia asked me. I didn't answer. I could care less about the sea. All I need is my ice and I'll be fine. Of course I need water for my ice so I do care about the sea; I'm just not much of a swimmer, that's all.
It's was quiet for about a couple hours. The sun was still high in the sky, so there was plenty of daylight to spare. Forsythia kept trying to have a conversation, but I never talked at all, it was a waste of time and energy and I just want to get this over with. Then Forsythia tried once more.
"Why did I end up in your village?"
"I don't know. The guardian closest to you saw nothing leave from you." I answered. About a half-hour passed when I started to notice her feminine features again; another reason why I want to get this over with. If another woman out there tries to distract me I'm going to have to kill them.
"Do you hate me Vern?" She asked. I was getting tired of the silence so I answered back, "No I do not."
"Then why do you feel anger or hatred toward me?"
"It's personal."
"Did someone hurt you?" Now I was getting tired of talking, but she wasn't. She carefully walked toward me and sat in front of me. She placed her hands on my knee which left a very uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I looked at her sternly, but she returned a soft, concerning gaze. It wasn't till then I noticed she had a tattoo on her hands; they were blue arrows.
"Will you tell me what happened?" She asked.
"No, now sit down away from me before I get angry." I ordered. She looked at me with pain and hurt. She moved herself away from me, and just lowered her head in sorrow. Now I feel bad. I knew this would happen, maybe I can tell her a little bit.
"I was in love once." I told Forsythia. She looked up at me. Her sorrow was gone but was replaced by a questioning look. I continued.
"Love is delicate, like trust. Once someone becomes close to another, they can be solid as stone, but one little mistake can shatter that stone."
"Did someone betray your love?" Forsythia asked. I didn't want to dwell further, but I might hurt her again.
"Someone has shattered me, many times. Let us leave the story there." I say calmly.
Forsythia then begets a sympathetic look. She was about to make her way toward me again but I stop her. I then ask her a question, "Are you an air-bender?"
"An…air-bender?" She questioned.
"You do not know of your origins?" I asked.
"The last I remember is helping my mother with some chores and ending up your little island." Forsythia answered. The questions ended when I spotted land. The first thing I saw was trees and hills, which were very peculiar. I should be seeing buildings and boats.
"Is that Zaon?" Forsythia asked. I was silent. She looked toward me and knew I was concentrating. She kept quiet. Where ever we are, I know that we aren't in Zaon. From my knowledge of the world atlas, we're a couple miles off course.
"We're lost."