? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Five: Crossroads of Destiny


    I was walking behind Elena on our way home, my mind drowning in a whirlpool of tangled thoughts. The choices ahead of me weren’t easy. Should I decide to live here in Desilta, this strange land I had suddenly found myself in, and become an immortal young man... or should I seize the few remaining days to search for a way back to Liverpool, my familiar home city? Or perhaps, what I truly wished for: to suddenly wake up from this surreal dream that felt disturbingly real.


    Everything I saw, touched, and heard here was brimming with life. This world felt like one of those parallel universes I had often read about in science fiction books, but I never imagined I would experience one myself.


    I started to feel that it might be a unique opportunity to live the life I had never been given... a life full of adventure and discovery, a completely new existence. But with that choice came heavy commitments—it meant binding myself to this foreign land and its laws, which I still knew so little about. As I mulled over these options, a middle ground appeared in my mind, a solution that could allow me to remain in Desilta while still returning to my own world.


    Unable to suppress my words, I called out,


    ‘Elena… I have an important question. What if I decided to leave the Kingdom of Desilta and live somewhere else? Is that possible?’


    Elena stopped walking and looked at me with surprise and curiosity, as though she hadn’t expected my question. She took a deep breath before answering.


    ‘Yes, Bradley, you can leave Desilta if you wish. If you do, you’ll live like any other person outside our borders—you’ll grow old and age naturally, without being bound to the laws of Desilta. That way, you’ll avoid the consequences of the Seven-Day Law we told you about.’


    I felt some relief at this option, but before I could take a breath, Elena added in a serious tone,


    ‘But… there’s something important you need to know. Unfortunately, the kingdoms surrounding us are not like Desilta. They suffer from endless wars and conflicts. If you decide to leave, there’s a significant chance you’ll find yourself caught up in those battles, and you may not be lucky enough to survive.’


    A sharp disappointment pierced me upon hearing that. I didn’t want to live in the midst of wars and strife. I screamed internally,


    ‘Wars? Conflicts? That’s not what I want at all!’


    I wished for a peaceful life, to start a family, to see my children grow up before me, and to enjoy watching my grandchildren one day. These simple dreams now seemed unattainable in light of these hard choices.


    Suddenly, Elena cried out in warning,


    ‘Bradley! Watch out!’


    At that moment, a heavy goods cart sped uncontrollably down the hill towards us. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around Elena and leapt with her out of the cart’s path, landing safely at the side of the road. I felt a surge of adrenaline flooding through my veins, my body moving with an unfamiliar swiftness, as though I had been granted entirely new strength.


    Elena looked at me with deep astonishment and sincere gratitude, then said,


    ‘How did you move so quickly and so nimbly, Bradley? You’re truly remarkable! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saving me.’


    I answered calmly,


    ‘It’s nothing. It seems the poor driver lost control of the cart, and it slid downhill so quickly.’


    At that moment, I found myself questioning the strength and energy I had just discovered within me. It was truly strange; even in my youth, I had never possessed this level of vigour and strength. But what bewildered and amazed me even more was that I cared more about Elena’s safety than my own, something that wasn’t typical for me. Was this the change I had always been searching for?


    At that moment, I made a decisive decision. I would live a new life, one filled with meaning and purpose. I want to build genuine relationships with those around me, care for them sincerely, and share their joys and sorrows. I would become the version of Bradley I had always longed for—the version I had lost all those years ago in that lonely apartment, drowning in regret day after day.


    As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice calling from afar.


    ‘Mum… Bradley… you’re late!’


    It was Luca, standing in front of the house, waiting. As we approached, I noticed how his eyes scanned my clothes with curiosity. He smiled and said,


    ‘Wow, Bradley, you look like one of the people of Desilta! These clothes suit you perfectly, as though they were made for you.’


    Then he burst out laughing, clearly trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. I attempted to return his smile, but it was a strained one, as everything I had just learned still occupied my mind.


    We entered the house, and Elena went straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Luca approached me with a curious look and said,


    ‘What happened, Bradley? Tell me everything!’


    I found no reason to hide the truth from him, so I explained the entire story, from my encounter with Thomas to the laws of Desilta and my hard choices.


    When I finished, Luca began sharing his own ambitions and personal story—about the outstanding leader he was named after, and his father, who couldn’t achieve his dreams and ended up settling for reality. I sensed that his words carried many pent-up emotions, as though these stories represented wounds that had yet to heal.


    As Luca spoke, I noticed the sadness on Elena’s face as she listened while preparing the food. It seemed like his words touched something deep inside her—old memories and sorrows she was desperately trying to hide. When she finished cooking and began serving the food, silence fell upon us all. The atmosphere grew heavy, as though Luca’s words had opened the doors to everyone’s painful past.


    I felt the need to break the silence, so I asked Elena a question that had been on my mind:


    ‘Elena, is it true that Thomas is 200 years old?’


    She nodded and replied,If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ‘Yes, that’s true. In fact, Thomas is considered one of the great sages of Desilta, thanks to his long life and deep wisdom.’


    Before I could inquire further, Luca interrupted with his usual excitement,


    ‘Absolutely! Our village is lucky to have a great sage like Thomas, not to mention my father, who was a friend and companion of the outstanding leader, Luca!’


    This information piqued my curiosity even more, so I continued,


    ‘Does that mean Thomas is immortal? I mean, can he live forever?’


    Elena’s eyes widened in surprise at my question, and she answered,


    ‘Well… immortality is one of the traits of the Elves, but even an immortal can die if they suffer an accident, such as drowning, falling, or being in a war.’


    I felt the need to clarify my question, so I said,


    ‘I understand that, but what I mean is: if someone doesn’t get sick and avoids accidents, can they live forever?’


    Before Elena could answer, Luca jumped in excitedly.


    ‘No, that’s impossible. Eventually, when the glow of your Life Bracelet fades, it returns to its original silver colour, and that means you’ll inevitably die.’


    Elena added, clarifying his words:


    ‘Yes, that’s true. Every person in Desilta’s life is tied to their Life Bracelet. If the bracelet’s glow fades, it marks the end of their life, stripping them of their Elven traits, and they’ll quickly fall ill and die—especially if they’re very old. We don’t know exactly how it happens, but we know it’s deeply connected to our lives and the bracelets themselves. Take Thomas, for example; even though he’s over 200 years old, he remains healthy because his bracelet still shines brightly.’


    These secrets that governed life in Desilta deeply fascinated me, as though an invisible system ran through everyone’s existence here.


    All this new information made my head spin. How could a simple bracelet possess the power to control someone’s life, determine its course, and even its end? How could something so small hold such profound influence? My mind felt like it might explode with all the questions and the overwhelming flood of unfamiliar knowledge.


    After dinner, I felt an urgent need to rest. I thanked Elena and Luca for their generosity and for all the support and information they had given me, then told them I wanted to retire to bed. The day had been packed with astonishing events, and I needed peace and quiet to reflect on my new reality.


    Over the following days, I wandered through the fields surrounding the village and strolled along its winding paths, savouring the richness of nature and its serene beauty. Those days were filled with deep thought—I felt as though I were on a journey of self-discovery, searching for an answer to a lingering question: Was this an opportunity to start a new life? Or just another test I had to pass?


    In those days, I began to learn about the laws of Desilta—strange and complex as they were. The deeper I delved into them, the more I felt they would take months to fully understand. Among those laws, I learned that the leaders of Desilta always came from the Path of the Warriors, while advisors and ministers were chosen from the Path of the Sages, reflecting the value of wisdom in governing the kingdom''s affairs.


    What truly surprised me, however, was the rule that forbade those on the Path of the Builders from holding positions as advisors or ministers. It was also impossible for men working on the Path of the Servants to marry outside their path, whereas women were allowed to marry outside their path .


    As the days passed, I continued to test the capabilities of my renewed, youthful body, now full of energy and vitality. I no longer suffered from illnesses or exhaustion, and I found myself able to run long distances without feeling tired. Everyone noticed the physical transformation in me, amazed at my newfound strength and energy—something I had never possessed before.


    Whenever someone needed help, whether physically or emotionally, I offered a helping hand without hesitation. And with each act of assistance, I felt an overwhelming happiness—something that came from deep within me.


    Little by little, I began to open up to the world around me. I laughed, smiled, and joined people in their conversations and jokes. I played with the children and watched them laugh with innocent joy. Each morning, the villagers, with genuine smiles that spoke of true happiness, greeted warmly me.


    I had become the Bradley I had always dreamed of being.


    I noticed that Elena and Luca carefully avoided talking about my future plans, and I understood it was their way of giving me the time and space to make my decision without any pressure. Every evening, I enjoyed listening to Luca talk about his day—his work, the events, and the minor incidents that filled his hours. Those moments brought me great comfort and a sense of familiarity.


    In truth, I began to feel as though I had found an actual family. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, and the simple conversations gave me a deep sense of belonging—something I never thought I would experience again. Each time I sat with them, the thought of leaving grew more distant. I found myself thinking: I don’t want to lose this family... I don’t want to leave them.


    In Luca, I saw the son I had never had. I enjoyed witnessing his enthusiasm and the energy that filled his days. As for Elena, she was far more than just a kind host—she had become a close friend who stood by me, cared for my needs, and gave her all to ensure I felt at ease.


    As the days went by, I felt I was no longer just a guest here, but a part of this small family.


    That evening, as the aroma of delicious food filled the kitchen and their laughter echoed warmly in the air, I came down from my room and approached where they were preparing dinner. I looked at Elena with confidence and said,


    ‘I’ve made my decision.’


    Elena stopped what she was doing and turned to look at me, her eyes filled with anticipation, a mix of worry and curiosity. She said:


    ‘I was wondering when you’d decide. Tomorrow is the seventh day, and I was afraid the deadline would pass without you making up your mind.’


    There was relief in her voice, as though she could finally breathe freely. Then she turned to Luca, who was watching us eagerly, and I announced with certainty,


    ‘I’m going to take the Path of Life test tomorrow.’


    Their faces lit up with pure joy, but I added, still slightly puzzled,


    ‘But as I understand it, people usually take the test when they turn twenty. I’m well past eighty! Am I even allowed to take this test?’


    Doubt clouded my mind. Even though I had regained my youth here in Desilta, I knew I was far older than the usual age. Luca burst into laughter, his joyous laugh echoing through the room. Despite my confusion, I couldn’t help but smile. Elena looked at me with her warm, reassuring smile, the one that always made me feel safe, and she explained gently,


    ‘It seems you really did hit your head harder than we thought. When I examined you, I confirmed that you haven’t passed twenty-four.’


    Her words hit me like a shockwave. I had been certain that I was much older. She continued, clarifying:


    ‘In Desilta, any outsider who decides to stay can take the Path of Life test. From that moment on, they are bound to the land of Desilta forever.’


    I began to understand the seriousness of the decision I was about to make—how deep and far-reaching its impact would be on my future.


    Suddenly, Luca broke into discussing his usual excitement, asking,


    ‘What do you want to become? Will you choose the Path of the Warriors?’


    The light of anticipation sparkled in his eyes as he waited for my answer. I smiled at him and replied calmly,


    ‘Luca, I’m a peaceful man... I spent my life working as a builder, so I think I’ll choose the Path of the Builders. That way, I can stay by your side and help you.’


    Luca’s joy was palpable. It was clear that this was exactly what he had hoped I would choose. Elena looked at me, her eyes shining with pride, and said,


    ‘Tomorrow, you must wear the ceremonial clothes and head to the place of celebration.’


    Her words were a clear sign that the day of my test—and my choice—was drawing near. Her voice carried both excitement and solemnity, making me realise the weight and importance of this step I was about to take.


    This wasn’t just a decision to stay in Desilta—it was a promise to myself, a commitment to become a part of this community and embrace a new Path of Life.


    That night, as I lay in bed, my emotions swirled between anticipation and uncertainty. I felt a strange mix of excitement for the new chapter ahead and fear of the unknown.


    I never imagined I would find myself in a place where I truly belonged, surrounded by a family who offered love and support without asking for anything in return. In this new world, I was certain I had made the right choice, and that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a life filled with meaning and strength.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.