Dawsoe20
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#2
“I’ve known for the past year or so…it happened so suddenly.” said Sam. He tried to feign a smile for his friend, but couldn’t keep his voice from cracking as he continued to talk, “I didn’t know what it was at first, but as the months went by I felt the disease inside of me slowly eat away at my health. The only distinguishing mark I have of the disease are my darkened veins.” Sam lifting up his sleeves revealing blackened blood vessels pulsating from his arms. “They trail up to nearly the top of my shoulders. In the village somewhere amidst this mountain there’s s’pose to be some sort of shaman capable of healing many sorts of mysterious ailments. As you can see, turning back at this point is not an option for me. I wish I could assist you strangers, but I…”
“No, it’s fine.” Garrinski interrupted. “In fact, I think it’d be in our best interest to take you to this village personally.” Flashy nodded in agreement, while Vash remained silent with his back now turned to the group.
The five men gathered up their belongings and continued up the mountain as the darkened skies continued to bring a heavier sprinkle of snow. Winds blew severely the higher they ascended, but within a few hours the village was in sight. Red was the first to charge forward far enough and see what lie ahead.
Abandoned were the homes and desolate was every yard and tree. Frantically Red rushed through the small village inspecting each shelter individually until he dropped to his knees in distress.
“They’ve been gone for some time,” said Vash. “No food, or ash, or waste or any kind can I recognize anywhere near this area.”
“I s’pose it’s time then.” Sam smirked as his eyes grew saturated. An empty feeling was all Garrinski could sense in the master swordsman as he stared into his face. “No where left to go, no person left to find. It’s not so bad I guess, leave’s me less to worry about, heh heh. Damn it’s cold I’m shaking all over, we better just rest here for the night.”
That night none of the men spoke. Although none could sleep more than a few minutes throughout the night it remained hush in the snowy mountain village. The wind blew a odd symphony of bitterness for all to endure, but not a word was said between two men.
Morning came with a very peaceful cloud covered sky. The sun shone all over the mountainside as blotches of radiant pillars crept over the tops of the forest below, and the city was just in sight from over the lengthy plain.
“I will fix your ship for you strangers. With my thanks and gratitude for this time spent I‘ll help you with your struggle.” Sam announced with a mighty vigor. Red was deadly silent behind his partner and continued to look off in various directions for something to feign interest in.
“I for one will not suffer in this silence any longer,” snarled Vash. “You speak so freely of what problems beset others, while ignoring your own. Such arrogance is not mistaken for kindness, but rather fear. And if you are one so afraid of mortality that you must live in lies and ignorant bliss I say be a coward.”
“I’m not afraid of death blind fool!” roared Sam
“Then seek the solution to buy back your life from the reaper,”retorted Vash. He stepped firmly towards Sam and caused the heftier man to turn from his advance.
“I know no other way, and I am content to live out the rest of my days now.” said Sam.
“Well I do,” Vash stated trying to correct the doomed man’s conviction. “There is an island past the Orange Straight where a prodigy among all tribal healers resides. She is a mystical prophet I’ve heard of from many sailors that lives on this island inhabited by a strange race of people. If we can sail to the straight in six days, the island is said be just three days travel due south of it.”
Sam was speechless, as was Flashy and Garrinski. In the shocked silence only one voice could speak up.
“Thank you, Mr. Vash.” Red said, with tears pouring out of his eyes. He staggered forward and wrapped his hands around the taller blind man. “I can’t thank you enough.” Vash tugged at the firm grip for a bit before Red finally gave in and let go. He smiled at Vash but realizing the now retreating man couldn’t see the expression he turned to give it to Garrinski and Flashy.
“I don’t know…what….,” Sam stammered still stunned by what he had heard moments earlier.
“You have another chance,” Garrinski said kindly, “do with it what you will, but know it was given by someone who hasn’t been given many of his own.”
Vash shaking his head began to mutter some rather disheartening things, but none could be heard by the elated swordsman. Sam's smile was wider than ever.
End of Chapter 8
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Topic: The Legacy: Chapter 8-Sentenced to Hope
Posted on April 1, 2009 03:38
