Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen - Roots of a Man (2/2)

”Spiritual roots can be separated once more into major, minor and waste roots.Those with major and minor roots have the chance to rise to the highest peaks, while those with waste roots tend to falter without fail.They are not alone in this for a person with one or two roots is considered great, while a person with many is seen as trash.But too many roots or waste roots failing, this is not a law cast in stone, for I, myself, proved many times that those considered trash can still rise, but it is much, much more difficult and those without resolve will never achieve their dreams.”

”So what does lightning come under?” Dexter asked curiously.

”Minor, for the most part,” Ren Zexian told him and then shook his head with a slight smile.”But it is the one root that could not be considered so simple.It is on par with one of the major roots.”Dexter still felt that he was not getting to whole picture, that there was a great deal more to learn, but at the same time, he couldn't help but think that were they not surrounded by zombies and using strange powers, how ridiculous it would have all sounded.

”Don't want cheese!” Patrick suddenly yelped out before completely falling to the ground and snoring peacefully away.Dexter's face twitched in amusement and he indicated with a nod of his head that they should probably leave the sleeping 'beauty' alone.Ren Zexian smiled in response and followed the other man out of the room.

*****

Dexter was still dwelling over the stranger than fiction facts he had listened to spilling freely from Ren Zexian while poking the rice upon his plate with a fork.The others around the table stared at him knowing that he was a man who enjoyed his food, especially with a good beer.The men glanced at each other before Paul joked; ”You know, it isn't that bad!”

”What?” Dexter looked slightly confused over his words, before looking at his untouched plate.”Yeah, no it's fine.I was just thinking over some stuff, that's all.”He took a large mouthful of rice and curry sauce and stuffed it into his mouth to prove a point.It was a bit bland, he thought, needed more spice.

”So where's Ren?” Patrick asked, he felt quite refreshed after his nap and very hungry.His stomach had growled so much it sounded as if he had gained a second mouth!He had wolfed down half of his plate of food before letting up for air, slowing down to savour the remnants with the open can of warm beer.

”Said something about the kid offering him dinner,” Dexter responded.”He's probably eating over there as we speak.”

”I'm not sure if he is missing out or not,” Tyler muttered softly, happy to be eating meat... even if it was from a can and there was more sauce than edible lumps.He glanced out of the window at the garden where he could see the rows of plants in various states of growth, some with unripened fruits that in time could be harvested.”Now, I'm not saying we should,” Tyler mentioned, ”but were it any other squad, that garden would have been decimated by now.”

Harry snorted loudly, while the others looked grim.They all knew what Tyler was trying to say, that with so many vegetables and fruits just beyond their finger tips, who would not be tempted when food was so scarce.But it didn't mean that they should act like thugs and vandals.”No one touches it,” Dexter said, firmly.”That kid grew all of this, probably not because of any Apocalypse or for his own survival, but just cos he loved too.If it comes to it, we can ask him if it would be alright if we can take some, but we won't lower ourselves to steal from a kid.”

”Besides,” Winston mentioned, ”there's a whole village of rich people's houses around here.There might be more beer!”

”I could kill for a glass of Claret right now,” Tyler groaned as he sipped the beer with a grimace.

”What sort a man wants wine over beer?!” Winston teased, acting all offended.

”One with taste,” Tyler retorted, ignoring the five questioning faces that turned to stare at him.