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The next morning, after saying his goodbyes and reassuring his son he would be back to visit soon, Lord Michael and the soldiers from the castle set off for Sevria.
Damion watched his father disappear into the surrounding forest, then sighed sadly. After a few moments, he turned to Lady Skie. “May I go and explore for a little while?”
Lady Skie smiled, then looked at her father. “I haven't any objections, do you?”
Damarius shook his head. “There is nothing in this valley that will harm him. I made sure of that.” He looked at Damion and smiled. “Go ahead, little one. Just do not wander too far, and be back before lunch.”
Damion nodded, then scampered off to investigate the enormous willow tree near the stream.
Lady Skie watched as he ran off, then sighed heavily. “He is such a remarkable child. I cannot help but wonder what fate has in store for him.” She watched him for a moment longer, then returned to the cottage to begin preparing for lunch while her father wandered off to work in the garden.
When Damion reached the ancient tree, he stopped short, overwhelmed by the sheer massiveness of the towering willow. He had never seen such a large tree on the castle grounds or near the village. He could hardly believe something could grow to be so huge! Its great branches soared high into the air, seeming to almost hold the sky in place, and it cast a huge shadow over the entire clearing, providing a welcome relief from the blazing hot sun.
He approached the tree apprehensively, and gently placed his palm against its smooth bark. He was surprised to find a warm tingling of energy emanating back from its surface, and a strange calmness seemed to envelop his mind and spirit. It was almost as if the ancient tree was greeting him; inviting him to explore its depths, and relax in the comfort of its shade. He slowly started up the tree, easily finding hand and footholds on the rough bark, then he carefully scampered his way up, taking his time to find sturdy branches that could safely hold his weight.
Climbing onto a large branch, he paused to catch his breath and to take a look around. The view was magnificent! He was surprised he had climbed so high. He could see the entire valley from his perch. He could even see Damarius working vigorously in his garden on the other side of the cottage. There was a large flock of colorful songbirds swooping and diving through the orchard treetops, and their beautiful singing floated up to him on the gentle breeze, giving the view an almost surreal feeling.
He sat enjoying the view until he had caught his breath, then turned and looked further up the massive tree. He noticed a large crack a few feet above his head that appeared to lead deep into the enormous tree's trunk. Curious, he cautiously climbed up to the crack and peered inside. He was surprised to find a hollow the size of a large room that appeared to be empty, save for a few leaves and twigs that littered the floor.
He carefully climbed through the opening and into the hollow, and looked around. The walls and floor were unusually flat and smooth, but appeared to be completely natural. It was obvious that a large number of creatures had made their home inside the large hollow over the years.
As he examined the strange void, he suddenly felt safe and secure, and somehow, he knew that the tree had drawn him here to find this place. The hollow was meant for him, a place to escape from his worries and cares. A safe haven.
Without really knowing why, he drew in his magic, feeling the prickling sensation of energy gathering throughout his body, then laid the palm of his hand against the smooth wall of the hollow. He was immediately bombarded with hundreds of bewildering images that flashed through his mind, and a strange feeling of timelessness suddenly overwhelmed his senses. He watched with astonishment as the world around him began to change, and he was suddenly witnessing the birth of the enormous mountains surrounding him. Explosions ripped through the once level plains, and great eruptions of molten rock spewed into the air, forming the great peaks of the Godstear Mountains.
Damion snatched his hand away in surprise and the images immediately ceased. He sat down against the smooth wall of the hollow, his senses momentarily overwhelmed from the strange experience. He pondered the meaning of the unusual occurrence for a while, then noticed it was nearly midday.
He quickly climbed down from the hollow and went in search of Lady Skie, his thoughts still on the welter of the images that had flashed through his mind while he was in touch with the tree. He found her in the kitchen area, quietly preparing lunch. He climbed up into a chair across the table from where she worked. “Aunt Skie? How old is the willow tree by the stream?”
“Well,” She started, looking up from slicing a fresh loaf of bread into slices. “It's at least several centuries old, judging by its size.” She glanced at Damarius, who entered the kitchen in search of his ale barrel. “What do you know of the old willow tree, father?”
Damarius shrugged. “Not much, really. It has always been here. My father once told me that it was placed here by the gods when the world was created, and that it will remain here until the end of time.” He chuckled. “My father was always one to believe in fairy tales and other such nonsense.” He gave her curious look. “Why do you ask?”
She gestured to Damion, who was still a little preoccupied from the unusual experience. “Damion was asking.”
Damion shrugged. “I was just curious. I have never seen a tree that big before.” He decided not to tell them about his experience in the willow tree, not wanting to chance having to reveal his new secret place.
The old wizard looked unconvinced. “Is that all that is bothering you? You look troubled, little one.”
He shrugged again. “I guess I just miss my father, that's all.”
Lady Skie leaned across the table and gave him a gentle hug. “Do not worry, little one. He will be back to visit soon.” She fixed him a large bowl of stew and several slices of bread. “You will feel better after you have eaten.”
When he finished his lunch, Damion decided to explore around the orchard and garden. He examined the bright, fragrant flowers that grew around clearing in colorful patches while he snacked on a juicy apple he had plucked from one of the apple trees. He eventually wandered over to the wide stream that flowed through the valley. It appeared to be fairly deep, and was absolutely teeming with fish. Damion climbed onto a branch of the old willow tree which hung low over the stream, and quietly sat watching the fish as they struggled upstream against the strong current.
After a while, he was struck with a sudden inspiration. He rose to his feet, carefully balancing on the sturdy branch, and looked around to make sure that no one was watching. Seeing no one about, Damion gathered his courage and leapt into the air, landing in the stream with a great splash. The fresh mountain water was shockingly cold, and the current was much swifter than he anticipated. He was dragged downstream for quite a distance before he was finally able to struggle to shore. When he finally made it back to the cottage, he was dripping with water and his lips were turning a bright shade of blue.
Lady Skie took one look, and silently fetched him a blanket so he could dry himself off. She then poured him a steaming hot cup of tea, and sat him in front of the fire to help warm him up. “Now, do you want to explain what happened?” She asked with a knowing look on her face.
“I was climbing the old willow and lost my balance. I fell and landed in the stream.” He gave her an innocent look. “It was an accident. I really didn't mean to. Am I in trouble?”
Lady Skie stared at him sternly for a moment, then laughed. “Of course not, little one. I used to fall in the stream at least once a week when I was growing up. I would be surprised, and a little disappointed, if you didn't fall in at least occasionally.” She looked at him lovingly. “But do try to be careful, okay? The currents are a lot stronger than they appear.”
Damion smiled and nodded. “I will, Aunt Skie.” He was rather surprised at how easily he was able to lie, and even more surprised that his aunt had believed him.
She smiled at him warmly. “It is
almost time for dinner, then you must retire for the evening. You begin your lessons tomorrow, and you'll need plenty of rest. Father will be waking you bright and early.”