David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb by T.C. Crawford (tools of titans ebook .txt) 📕

more powerful than they look. And besides, we can’t just go running into the palace,” said Orin. “The four of us can’t take on the entire army, let alone the Wolf Guard, on our own. We have to trust that the Elders will handle the rescue of the King and Tyrius, they are far more powerful together than we are as we currently stand. At least until David learns to harness his powers.

“No…If we want to be any help in this, then I’m afraid we must find others to join the cause and help us take back the kingdom.” he finished solemnly.

“Well…I may know of some that can help…but it isn’t going to be easy getting it, mind you!” said Rex. “I sort of pissed everyone off back home.”

“What do you mean?” asked David, turning to the large man.

“I come from a place called Ravenfell. It’s the home of my people... outcasts from society who would no longer pledge their loyalty to either Kingdoms after the war. Most of them felt betrayed, having to fight brother against brother, for the sake of two old men with a centuries old grudge. After the war ended, we decided to claim the land between the two kingdoms as our own. We built a life for ourselves there, started raising families of our own.” Rex shrugged his shoulders. “On second thought, it’s probably best we don’t go there…” He trailed off.

David and Erin quickly shared a meaningful glance. That must be why the Mystics in his vision wanted David to travel North to the Northern Pass! To enlist the help of these warriors!

“Rex, if you could convince them to help us, we could have a whole army of soldiers on our side ready to fight and take back the kingdom! Isn’t that worth a shot? Right now, we have no other options. What do you say, do you think you could get them to help our cause?” asked David eagerly.

“Ahh…well, I don’t know…I don’t think they would take too kindly to me coming back and asking them to fight another man’s war again” he mumbled, scratching his beard.

“We need them, Rex. You’ve got to convince them to help us; it’s our only chance to save Tyrius and stop General Krauss!” cried Erin, pleading Rex to try.

“You’re right. I have to try…this cause is noble, and the fate of the world seems to depend on us stopping this General guy.” he said, coming to his decision.

“Great! Let’s get on the road. To Ravenfell!” said David holding his hand in the air for a high-five. Everyone looked at him with a strange expression on their faces, wondering why he was holding up his hand. Eventually, he dropped it, realizing that high-fives probably didn’t exist in this world. “Never mind…” he mumbled to himself, embarrassed.

Rex pointed to the south. “It’s a few day's journey that way, first through the Outer Woods and then across the Great Plains into the Draconian Mountains” he said. “Then, we take the winding road up the side of the mountain to reach the Northern Pass that crosses the peaks and leads into the valley of Ravenfell. It will be a hard journey. If we start now, we can reach the edge of the forest by mid-day tomorrow.”

They gathered their things and started off into the forest, Rex leading the way and the others following suit.

As they walked, David tried to comfort Erin. “I know you’re worried about Tyrius. Once we get some help we can go back to the palace and I swear we will do everything we can to save him. Plus, as far as we know, the Elders could be working to free him and the King as we speak!” David noticed his attempts to cheer up his friend had little meaningful impact.

“Thank you, David. But something inside tells me that Tyrius is in danger…he’s all I have left. He’s been like a father to me, and now I can’t help him when he needs me most. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him.” She grew silent as they walked, trying her best to hide the tears but they flowed freely down her cheeks despite her efforts.

“Look…I know you’re worried about your friend, but I know too that there is always hope, even when there seems to be none. I grew up in an orphanage surrounded by people who lost their hope, yet somehow hope always found them and they all got taken away one by one by loving families, and more children always came back to take their place. I always wondered why I was never picked. Was I too old? Was I incapable of being loved? But now that I’m here, maybe I’m starting to find those answers I was looking for all along.” he replied.

David could see that Erin was thinking about his words and it seemed to be helping ease her troubles, so he pressed his luck further.

“It’s strange you know. Fate seems to work its way out in life in ways you may never have expected before, but the important thing to remember is no matter what comes your way to never give up hope. Never.” He finished and let the message sink in while they walked together quietly. After some time, Erin finally smiled.

“Thank you, David. Somehow you always find a way to look at the brighter side.” she said.

They continued walking, stopping only to rest and eat, until the skies began to darken. They decided they could go no further in the looming darkness and they set up camp for the night.

Rex caught a small rabbit and Orin found some sweet berries and leaves to make what resembled a salad. They ate enough to be satisfied before turning in for the night. Rex was on watch for the first shift while the others quickly drifted off to sleep. The fire lightly burned in the middle of the company as they slept, each battling their own demons through the night.

✽✽✽

“David,