• Chapter 3
    “Happy Birthday, Noman! Boy, I can’t believe you’re already seventeen. You’re almost a man!” Tara exclaimed
    Gavin added, “Tomorrow, son, you’re going to start working like a real man.”
    Noman smiled weakly.
    “But before you do that, I want to give you this.”
    Gavin pulled out a beautifully carved bow; along with several arrows.
    “The name of it is Arwin. This bow has been passed down by my family for many generations. The string was made of Unicorn hair, so it would last forever, and the wood is made of Anifaer trees that once grew west of us where the Ancients once lived. The trees were said to grow by the emotions of the Ancient people. When their race slowly died out, so did those trees. The emotion you are feeling reflects on how the condition of this bow works. Also, you will never run out of arrows because the arrows are magic. They multiply every time you use one.
    My father said that he never used his bow for combat, even though that’s what it was made for. It is powerful; remember that.”
    Noman nodded.
    “I understand. Thank you.”
    “Wait,” Said Tara, “I also have something for you.”
    She ran to one of the cabinets and grabbed a ragged book from there.
    “It is my grandfather’s spell book. He was one of the few Human mages that existed here in Glawdor. These are all the spells he recorded while he traveled along Glawdor. Be careful how you use it.”
    “And now it’s time for you to go to bed, sir.” Gavin ordered
    “Good night father; good night mother. Thank you for the wonderful gifts.”
    . . .
    “Come on, Framaran, we must go before dawn.”
    “Noman.” Called a voice from the shadows.
    The boy with his black cape over his head turned towards the call. His mother was standing at the gate of the barn.
    “I knew you would leave; so did your father. As soon as the Elder told you, we knew that you’d try leaving as fast as you could.”
    “Where is father?” Noman asked
    “He was angry, so he stayed in bed. He wishes you success on your journey. Here, I packed you some food and supplies for you. You’ll need them.”
    “How come you guys are letting me go like this?”
    “DO YOU WANT TO PUT UP WITH A STRUGGLE?!”
    “N-no. Thank you for your kindness, mom. Thank dad too.”
    “I will, son. Take care, and make sure you come back in one piece, otherwise your father and I…”
    “Ok, ok. I will. Goodbye mom.”
    Noman gave his mother a hug before taking the saddlebag from her. He threw it upon his steed, Framaran and left his mother alone in the stables behind him.