Chapter 1: The Gambling Hero

When someone pictures a hero they usually picture a gallant knight in shiny armor. My mom and dad would always tell me that to go out of one of the only human dwellings on your own you needed godly strength, and ambitions. "How many times do we have to tell you Dante curiosity is not a valid reason to adventure on your own" they would tell me in a stern voice. Most people in Middleton famed for its completely average look, and scenery would agree with my family. Many of the older city folk have explained to me "this is for your own good, Harold and Alice just want what's best for you, I would listen to them." My grandpa Fredrick, was the only one that ever took my dreams of travel seriously, he was also the man that taught me everything I knew about this dream.

Grandpa used to be a merchant, and his legacy was well known in Middleton. Some called him mad, but the younger generation were in awe of his legacy. Grandpa had traveled the entire world selling goods to every country, and race. Grandpa taught me geography, history, over 20+ foreign languages, and how to understand the culture of these other races. I loved my grandpa when he died a year ago at the ripe old age of 95 after we had celebrated my 15th birthday a year ago I was very depressed. Grandpa's words echoed in my head however, the words of encouragement he gave me, so I did not stay depressed for long.

On my 16th birthday which was today I would finally pursue my dream. I had always had a thirst for knowledge, and my curiosity propelled me forward. I wanted to see what Grandpa saw when he completed his journey 50 years ago. First I had to say goodbye to the one special friend I had in this town. I had decided to travel alone like Grandpa did at the start of his journey.

I would break the news to my friend Noland who had shared a similar, but different dream. Noland knew about my dream, but he always hoped I would go once I was much older. Noland was the same age as me, and we often played together as kids, his dream was not to travel the world, but to uncover sacred weapons, and texts that have been buried in time. These sacred treasures were said to be planted in the Earth long ago by the gods. They were said to hide under thousands of miles of Earth, in deep labyrinths, but nobody has ever found these treasures. Noland was also inspired by my grandpa, but he was more interested in being a merchant than a traveler. Noland wanted these treasures to sell to many other countries, which contrasted to his specialty which was fighting.

Noland was looking over old maps in his usual place an old barn used many years ago to store animals. The old roof, and smell of rotting moldy wood would make anyone in town stay away. Noland liked this place because it was quiet, he told me in the past. His blonde long hair hung down over his ears, and his blue eyes seemed to scan an old piece of paper for something. I spoke up. "Noland, what are you going to find staring at that old map, there is no convenient X on any locations" I said with a grin. Noland looked up, not changing his expression, and then back down briefly before stating "should be obvious I'm looking for places that have been mostly unexplored, might be money to be made there."

Noland often did this while complaining about how most of the old town maps were very outdated. Noland spoke up "You know if you came with me in the future I wouldn't even have to use outdated maps like these." He said that despite one of the maps he was using was originally created by Grandpa. Unfortunately grandpa never completed his map of the world, but I wouldn't take it even if he did. I wanted to explore the world, and make my own map as I traveled.

That being said grandpa taught me the general layout of the world I just needed to fill in the details on paper. I laughed and said "Noland you know I want to start my travels like Grandpa." "I wish to start alone." Noland and I have had this conversation many times before, but this time was different. I furrowed my brows, and looked at Noland with a serious expression. "Noland I want to talk to you about exactly that today I have important news." Noland looked surprised and said "happy birthday man sorry I didn't say anything before."

I almost laughed, but maintained a serious face and said "no not that, but thanks I wanted to talk about something even more important." Noland, still surprised, said "more important than your birthday"? "Oh boy you better not say what I think you are going to say." I frowned."You might have already guessed it, but yes I will start my travels tomorrow." Noland's expression changed, he seemed down and said "but why you cant be ready yet we are still young Dante we will die if we head out unprepared." I frowned and said "grandpa started his travels at the same age as Noland. If I dont go now, when will I go?" Noland stayed firm and said "Dante I cant stop you, but please at least consider the dangers of traveling at such a young age."

I thought for a moment, and gently stated "I won't be defenseless you know what I am capable of." Noland paused and said "I don't condone this, but if you are serious I will have to speed my preparation up." Noland was a very serious type; he would never do anything dangerous without a good plan first. He was the opposite of me; he had actual redeemable qualities for one, and he was truly strong. I had not once beat him in a sparring session, and Noland had brains to back this up; he always calculated his chances ahead of time, and then acted.

I asked Noland what he meant, and he stated "originally I was going to start my journey in five years time, but since you are making such a rash judgement I will speed this preparation up to a year." Noland finally smiled "in one years time I will start my journey, and make my ambitions my reality." With a smile still on his face he said "Dante you are the only one I truly respect, so with that being said don't bother waiting for me I'll catch up soon enough." He said this in a lighthearted tone, but I knew what he said was a statement not to be taken lightly. I lightly tapped his firm shoulder with my fist "as if I would wait for you idiot." I smiled again and laughed as I walked away. Noland shouted from behind me "Don't bother saying goodbye tomorrow cause I know we will meet again, afterall I will be the man who will surpass Fredrick first." I walked back to my house with a dumb smile on my face tomorrow was the day I would start my journey.

That night I had prepared all the things I would need for the morning. I would wake up in the early morning hours, and set off without my parents' knowledge. My parents were kind people but could be very suffocating since I was an only son. My mom's black hair was given to me, but I got my looks from my dad. My face I was told by Noland was not at all masculine, and my dad's face was the same. They were so protective because my dad had tried to travel like grandpa. He had nearly died when my mom saved his life, and they fell in love. My mom seeing my dad in such a state hated the idea of me travelling especially alone.

I heard my dad started his journey in this same town, but my mom came from a distant land. She had betrayed her people to follow my dad back to this village where they had me. My mom never talked about her family, or what the village where she grew up was like, but she did give me the village's name, and told me that grandpa Fredrick had visited there before. I finally laid down for the night I didn't have anything to wake myself up, but unlike Noland who slept like a log I had confidence in getting up on time. I put my head on the pillow and felt myself slip into a peaceful dream.