Fragments Gallery
Great Journey
The man forced his way through the deep snow as he led his people across the valley. Their world had recently been turned white as fall had faded and was replaced with winter. In other years there would have been a great festival to celebrate the coming of winter and the beginning of the New Year. But not this year. Instead they cursed the snow as it slowed their journey across the mountain range. The trek had not been easy to begin with, especially for many of the old and young among his people, but the snow and the cold that came with had made things much worse.
The man was middling height, with a stocky build. Like the rest of his people he was dressed warmly in heavy wool and furs. From the white streaking his hair and the deep lines on his face one could tell that he was growing old. Outwardly he seemed as strong as he always had, to those who had known him for long anyways. At the moment his brow was furrowed as he reminisced.
A journey such as this had not been needed for many years. The last journey of this scale had been attempted by his people had been in the time of his grandfather, many moons ago. The last time the journey had taken months of travelling before his people had found a place to settle. That journey still lived among the legends of his people, the great journey his grandfather had always called it while others had called it the time of trials. Now history repeated itself as they had once more been forced from their home.
The man ran a hand through his hair as he turned back to survey the long column. His people, just as he was, were tired. The stories never told how hard a migration such as this was. The long line of his people stretched back as far as he could see. They were a strong people, most would survive journey. Most would. Then they would grieve their losses.
The man began to walk forwards once more when he heard someone call out to him from the path ahead. He raised a hand in greeting as he recognized the young woman who was returning. She was one of the many scouts who had been sent ahead to find shelter and supplies for the column. Hopefully she brought back good news.
"How fare you?" He called out as she drew closer, she flashed a grin at him and he felt a surge of hope. Could this be good news at last?
She stayed silent until she grew closer and when she spoke it was in an undertone.
"I found someplace Galad… I think we could stay there. But you should see it before we instill false hope."
"Thanks Crystal…" Galad replied glancing around for his son, upon seeing him a few paces behind waved a hand to bring him over.
"Yes father?" asked the young man as he approached.
"I must go ahead to see something. Roland I need you to keep our people moving. We should be back before too long."
"Is this something going to be a problem?"
"I hope not," Galad replied with a smile, "But we'll know for sure when we return. Can you do that for me?"
"Of course, safe journey."
With Crystal at his side Galad left the column. Hopefully they could end this journey.
"This place you speak of… is it far?" asked Galad.
"No more than a half day's march, I think this will be the place."
"I hope so Crystal. I hope so…"