6 THE WOODS (1/2)
Charles looks in front of him while feeling calm and free. It has been three days journey. The Dragon Gorge is not far.
To cross the Western Plains from Lindberg, one must pass the Dragon Gorge first. After that, the Dragon Pass guarded by the Black Dragon, Rheon Shone.
After three days of journey they even stumble into a dilapidated temple of Ulr. Charles thought to himself.
'What a coincidence! 'Charles insisted to pray in the temple while his Uncle just shakes his head at Charles behavior clearly disapproving his nephew devotion to the gods, yet he did not reject Charles request.
Contrary to the nobility household in Westhold, his Uncle is not a fond believer of the Seven Gods and the Aesiron.
His Uncle could be considered an eccentric among the nobles of Westhold.
He did not squander his wealth, rarely cares about people opinion, does not meddle in the court, and did not surround himself with scholars like many of the nobles in the Court.
He also rarely prays to the Gods of Aesiron other than when he was obligated to when the Annual Martial Arts Competition in Westhold is organized.
Some even believe that he worship the Golden Emperor of the Eresian but that is not quite true either since no one has seen ever worshiping the statue of the Golden Emperor.
Either way, Charles did not view his uncle faithless as a bad thing since he too does not believe in the Gods that much.
But, when he experienced what he has experienced, how could he not acknowledged that there is some force out there, powerful enough to change the cycle of life and death, of rebirth and reincarnation?
He look at the statue and in his eyes were reflected his sincerity, looking straight at the statue before lowering his eyes in respect
The statue of Ulr in this temple is imposing; His face was clean minus a scar with a shape of a thunderbolt on his left side of his forehead.
Behind Him was a ring drum; in his left hand were the Hammer of Primordial Thunder.
On the left side of the temple were the colorful paintings depicting the Thunder Emperors of the Five Region, all of them has demon like appearance and fierce disposition, with a pose of imperial disposition.
On the right side is the Thunder Kings of the Five Regions all of them riding the clouds with the golden chariots of lightning, ready for battle with swords, blades, war axe and variety of weapons.
Because of the condition of the Temple, the painting is faded and the statue is covered with cobwebs and dust.
But Charles does not mind it.
Charles kneel in front of the statue and kowtowed nine times and then put his hand together and pray for a safe journey and thank the Gods for the miracle that has shaped him.
He kneels because he is showing his respect and gratitude, opening his eyes to the vastness of the universe.
He kowtowed nine times because he was expressing his gratefulness for once again returning him to his world.
He does not know whether that force is really Ulr the God of Thunder or something else but it is Ulr Necklace that brings him back.
He is just putting a face to this force. Whether it is Ulr or the Golden Emperor of the other gods in this world, he just wanted to express his gratitude.
Then he got up and put his hand together and bowed in respect and humbleness. Then coming out of the temple, he feels his soul is energized and his mind become clear.
His Uncle did not say anything only looking at the temple with a nonchalant attitude and then they continue their journey.
As hours passed they finally reached near the Dragon Gorge.
The Dragon Gorge is famous for its elegance. Winding over 25 miles, its starts from the estuary of Westwand River.
It is also called the Emperor Gorge. It used to be one of the Three Gorge but during the Age of Magic, the other Gorge was sliced out of existence.
'Nephew' Charles was startled as he saw his uncle rides beside him.
'Uncle! Uncle has startled me.'
'How is your body?'
'I'm still fine'
'That is good. After we reach my Honorable Teacher, Uncle will ask him what is wrong with your body.'
'Nephew thanks Uncle for this matter.'
Lancel nodded and once again slow down his rides as he guarded the rear.
A few days ago, when they make a camp in the forest, Charles urges his uncle to teach him some martial arts.
His uncle wanted to incite the internal energy inside Charles body only to find Charles squirming in pain.
'Hmph' Charles snorted.
Even he doesn't understand this.
When his body transported back, he clearly felt the power of his body compressed inside his body.
The accumulation of decades of physical training strength can clearly be felt.
But even then, his body could not expel this bizarre disease.
Even in Earth with all of its technological advances, the only thing Charles knows is that his disease would only flare up in cold places.
That is why every winter, Charles would feel indescribable pain making him suffers from headache, loss of energy, dizziness and confusion.
It gets worse every year. In Earth however the disease abated and even almost disappears completely during his adult's years.
But the moment he returns back to this world, he could feel that sinister energy in his body again.
'Ah. Forget it. I could not do anything about it yet. Maybe Uncle Teacher will know what is wrong with me.'
Even though Charles said this he was not holding any hope since even in his childhood his disease has always baffled physician.
It is better he enjoys the scenery as Charles smiles looking at the forest on his left and right. So different from earth with its steel cage they called a city.
Since there are strange peaks, and grotesque rocks as well as fog and clouds surround the gorge, it is notable.
Because of the long and deep canyons here, the daily period of sunlight is short which impedes the dispersal of air borne moisture within the gorge and so creates clouds and fog in a variety of fantastic shapes.
How wonderful it is!
Charles takes another deep breath of air and chuckles in happiness.
'Look, nephew, the Twelve Peaks' his uncle suddenly exclaimed as Charles looks at the direction his Uncle is pointing.
Along the Dragon Gorge there are twelve peaks on each bank. These are the most prominent aspects of the scenery of Dragon Gorge.
Then his Uncle said with great mood
'The six peaks along the northern bank are Climbing Dragon Peak, Sage Spring Peak, Facing Clouds Peak, Goddess Peak, Fir Tree Cone Peak, and the Congregated Immortals Peak. Each peak has a story; each peak is beautiful like the dwelling of Immortals in the belief of the Golden Emperor.'
Charles nodded.
'Uncle is knowledgeable' Charles respectfully said as he keeps looking at the peak with a sense of wonderment and awe and Lancel smiles.