Chapter 4
The days following Shen's arrival were marked by growing restlessness in Castian's heart. The old traveler's stories seemed to echo in his mind, as if they were fragments of a distant life full of adventures. The world beyond the mountains surrounding Liang, with its peaceful beauty and predictable routines, began to feel small and, somehow, suffocating. The flame of curiosity ignited by Shen burned ever brighter.
Castian couldn't avoid the anxiety that washed over him every time he passed through the same fields, performed the same tasks, or heard the same conversations in the village. It was as if the familiarity of his home, which once brought him so much comfort, had transformed into an invisible cage. He wanted more-he longed for more.
"Castian, where's your head today?" His father, Cheng, called out from behind him as they worked in the fields. Cheng was a strong man, with calloused hands and a face marked by the sun. Despite his austere appearance, he was a loving and understanding father. "You've been distracted since Shen arrived. What's going on with you, my son?"
Castian stopped what he was doing and turned to his father. He hesitated but knew he couldn't keep his feelings to himself any longer.
"Father, I can't stop thinking about Shen's stories." He wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked beyond the hills that surrounded the village. "I know life here is safe and beautiful, but I feel like there's something more for me beyond these mountains. I want to see the world, to discover what lies beyond."
Cheng was silent for a moment, watching his son with a thoughtful gaze. Finally, he sighed and spoke:
"I knew this day would come." He placed his heavy hand on Castian's shoulder, conveying both comfort and the weight of his words. "Your grandfather, before me, also longed to explore beyond the mountains. But remember, my son, the world out there is cruel. It's not like the glorious stories Shen tells around the fire."
"I know that, Father. But even so..." Castian looked toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and red. "I can't ignore this feeling inside me. It's as if something is calling me."
Cheng squeezed Castian's shoulder a little more firmly.
"Following the call of the heart isn't always the easiest path, but I understand what you're feeling." Cheng's voice was grave but filled with understanding. "However, you must be prepared for what you will face. Out there, not everything is beautiful. The unknown is a challenge, and there are more dangers than glories."
Castian looked at his father for a long moment, gratitude and determination mixing in his eyes.
"I know, Father. But I'd rather face the unknown than spend my whole life wondering what could have been."
Cheng smiled melancholically, recognizing that the spirit of adventure burning within Castian was stronger than any advice or warning. He saw in his son the same spark that had shone in his own father's eyes, a passion for the unknown that was impossible to extinguish.
"Your mother won't be happy to hear this," Cheng remarked, letting out a short laugh, trying to ease the tension. "But if this is the path you choose, you'll have my blessing. Just know it won't be easy."
Castian nodded, feeling a mix of relief and excitement wash over him.
That evening, Castian sat at the table with Shen and his family for another simple meal. The old traveler's presence had already become common, but tonight, the young man was restless. The decision he had made earlier in the day still lingered over him, and every word Shen said seemed to stoke his desire to leave even more.
"Shen, tell us more about the warrior clans," Castian suddenly said, his voice filled with curiosity. "How did they become so powerful?"
Shen smiled as he chewed the last piece of bread.
"Ah, the warrior clans..." he murmured, wiping his mouth with a cloth. "They dedicate themselves not only to physical strength but to the mastery of mind and spirit. Their teachings come from past generations, a combination of discipline and tradition that molds their warriors from childhood. Some say their skills are so refined they can fight with their eyes closed, guided only by their senses and connection to the environment."
Castian leaned forward, completely immersed in the narrative.
"Do they accept new apprentices?" he asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Could someone like me learn from them?"
Shen raised an eyebrow and looked at the young man with a mix of surprise and consideration.
"You're a brave young man, Castian," the old man said at last. "But the clans are closed. It's rare for them to accept outsiders. However..." he paused, studying Castian with a perceptive look. "There are stories of exceptional warriors who came from outside the clans. People who proved their worth through determination and courage."
Castian felt his heart race. He was about to ask another question when his mother, Mei, who had remained silent until then, interrupted.
"Castian, you speak as if you're thinking of leaving." Her voice was soft but worried. "Our home may not be full of adventures, but it is safe. Life here is stable. You have a family that loves you."
Castian looked at his mother with a sad smile. He knew her words came from a place of love and protection, but the desire within him was too strong to ignore.
"Mother, I love you all, and I will always love this place. But something inside me tells me that I must explore the world. I feel like my destiny lies beyond the mountains."
Mei closed her eyes for a moment, as if battling the emotions rising within her. When she opened them again, her gaze was calm but determined.
"If that's your decision," she began, her voice firm, "then know that, as difficult as it is for me, I will support you. Just promise you'll be careful, Castian."
"I promise, Mother," Castian said, a lump in his throat.
That night, as he lay in bed, Castian couldn't sleep. The wind blowing through the mountains seemed different, as if it were whispering secrets only he could understand. The moon, high in the sky, bathed his room in soft light, almost as if it were guiding him.
He got out of bed and walked to the window, where he stood for a few minutes, gazing at the peaceful landscape of his sleeping village. Shen's, his father's, and his mother's words echoed in his mind. He knew his decision had already been made, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed on him.
What if he failed? What if the world out there was far more dangerous than he could handle?
Castian sighed, running his hand through his hair. Excitement and fear danced together in his heart, like two forces in constant conflict.
But as he looked toward the horizon beyond the mountains, he felt something shift within him. There was a purpose to his journey, something he couldn't fully define yet, but it was there, waiting for him.
"I will leave," he thought, finally. "And I will find my destiny, whatever it may be."
And with that firm decision, Castian returned to his bed, where, for the first time in many days, he felt the peace he had been seeking. His journey was about to begin, and he was ready to face it.