War Of The Wildlands(41)

“I don’t know how,” Yori admitted.

“I’m trying to teach you, but you’re not listening. You have to connect with the earth. Concentrate.”

Yori took the chisel and scrap metal once again. Wiggling his toes into the cold snow, he tried his best to feel the earth. In truth, all he felt was the cold. He began to etch the fire runes into the metal and passed it back to Darin.

Sighing, he said, “I must not be explaining this very well. Your father came so naturally by his magic that I never really had to explain it at all.” He crossed his arms and stared off into the forest for a moment. Just as Yori began to worry that his grandfather was too ashamed of him to continue the lesson, Darin spoke again. “Close your eyes and listen.”

Yori obeyed. He heard Lem’s hammer as he pounded a piece of metal on the anvil, a baby crying somewhere in the village, and the hissing of a campfire as the flames competed with the snow for dominance.

“What do you hear?” Darin asked.

“A hammer, a baby, and a fire,” Yori answered honestly.

“Don’t listen to that crap!” his grandfather shouted, slapping his hand against the workbench. Yori opened his eyes and glanced over at Lem, who had stopped hammering to eavesdrop. “Listen to the forest. Tune out everything else, and listen to nature.”

Again Yori closed his eyes. He tried his best to ignore the sounds of the village and find any sound from the forest itself. To his disappointment, he heard nothing but the snow falling all around him. Looking at his grandfather, he replied, “I only hear the snow.”

“That’s a start.”

Yori was surprised to hear those words. He had expected to disappoint Darin once again.

“Try closing your eyes and focusing on the snow for a moment before you etch the runes.”

With a nod, Yori closed his eyes and focused his ears to the sound of the snow. It was coming down harder now, and his feet were quickly being covered by the cold white blanket it left on the ground. Opening his eyes, he gave the runes another try.

Darin inspected the metal closely. “That’s better. They aren’t glowing red, but they look a little shiny. I don’t think they’re going to do anything, but you’re getting there. Why don’t you grab a blanket from the hut and go and sit a while at the edge of the forest. Just try to clear your mind and relax.” Yori started to leave when Darin added, “I’ll let you put your shoes back on now.” He chuckled to himself as Yori grabbed his wet shoes from beneath the snow.

Grabbing a thick fur blanket, Yori made his way to the edge of the village where the forest became denser. He sat upon a low tree stump and stared into the forest. His mind, however, had no intention of relaxing. For the last few days he had studied the runes relentlessly. Nearly every waking moment was spent staring at scrolls and memorizing which runes created which effects. As he had never attended any school, he never considered himself to be very intelligent. He was determined not to disappoint his grandfather, and he wanted nothing more than to learn quickly and efficiently.

As he closed his eyes and attempted to focus on the sound of the snow, his mind swam with all of the different symbols he had learned. They flashed unceasingly in his head until he once again opened his eyes. Before him he saw a world of white amid a dense, unending forest. Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes again. Focusing with all his strength, he still could not hear the sound of the snow. The runes had returned into his mind and were taking over his every thought.

Feeling completely defeated, he placed his head in his hands and stared at the ground. In the distance, he thought he heard the sound of running water. Though he had found his father’s clan days ago, he had not had the chance to explore the area. All of his time so far had been spent in the smithy. Remembering his uncle’s words, he wondered if he was hearing the Blue River nearby. His curiosity overcame him, and he decided to venture into the woods to find out.

The snowfall relented as he pressed on through the woods. He lost track of time and focused solely on finding the river. After an eternity in the woods, he emerged into a clearing and caught his first glimpse of the riverbank. Crossing the white field, he was drawn to its banks as if hypnotized. The swift current bubbled and splashed as it climbed over the unseen obstacles in its path. Closing his eyes, he allowed the sound of the water to enter his soul. The runes no longer flashed over and over in his mind. In their place was the image of flowing, clear water.

As he inhaled deeply, the fresh, cool air filled his lungs. He opened his eyes once more to behold the mighty river before him. The water was fresh and clear with a slight blue hue to at its depths. Yori could not guess how deep the water might be, but it felt like it delved down into eternity. Never before had he beheld a sight so lovely. He felt as if the river itself had reached up and enveloped him in its waters.