Esharion, the heartland of Solarinism, my country, is where the Citadel of Flame stands.
This is where the Messiah, Sol Aurelion, once walked. He is said to be a god who reincarnated in human form. He lived as a wandering teacher and miracle worker, preaching the doctrine of mercy and truth.
The miracles he performed are still spoken of healing the blind, and burning away disease with a touch of fire that caused no harm.
He condemned the corruption of the old priesthood and challenged the ruling class for abusing divine law.
But in the end, he was betrayed by his own follower, Anares, and executed by the Diarchs, rulers who feared his growing movement.
He was burned alive at the stake.
According to legend, his body turned into golden ash and rose into the sun.
A prophecy foretells that Sol will return, riding a chariot of flames, to cast divine judgment.
County of Solmere in Esharion, Embrion, 21, 1910
I woke up early in the morning to help my mother on the farm.
My father was a soldier.
He died in the war against the Velgrath Empire, a theocratic nation ruled by the high priest known as " The Holy Father."
The war was about the empire's expansion. Esharion successfully defended its borders, and peace was eventually established.
but only under the condition that the Church would hold supreme authority within Esharion, thus making the king their puppet.
I left my room and picked up my father's gun. I was heading into the forest to hunt. As I passed the main room, I saw my mother knitting.
"Mom, I'm going out to hunt," I said.
"Take care, son," she replied without looking up.
I opened the door and stepped outside. The morning air was cool. As I walked down the dirt path toward the forest, I saw our neighbor standing by his fence. I called him Uncle, though I never really knew his name. People said his wife died from a disease years ago.
"Good morning, Uncle," I greeted him as I approached.
"Morning, boy. Out hunting today?" he said, noticing the rifle slung over my shoulder.
"Yeah, Uncle. You want to join?" I asked when I saw he was holding his own gun.
He gave a small nod. "Sure, boy. I could use some company."
We started walking into the woods together, keeping quiet and cautious. The leaves crunched underfoot, and we both knew a single noise could scare the prey away.
"Shhhh, you hear that, boy? Sounds like elk," Uncle said. Even though I didn't hear anything, but I nodded anyway.
"Yeah, I hear it too," I said.
"Now let's walk carefully. We might lose our prey," Uncle whispered.
We walked slowly, step by step, not making any noise. After a few minutes, we saw two elk standing ahead, perfect, one for each of us.
"Two elks, boy. I'll aim at the right one, and you aim at the left," Uncle said.
"Okay, Uncle," I replied.
"Now aim properly and hold your breath. I'll count to three, and we shoot together. Got it?"
"Got it, Uncle."
"Alright, boy... One."
I raised my gun and aimed at the elk's head. I held my breath.
"Two..."
"Three."
Gunshots echoed through the forest. Birds flew into the sky.
Both elk dropped to the ground.
"Nice shot, boy. Right in the head," Uncle said, impressed.
"Thank you, Uncle," I replied.
"Now let's carry those elk before the wolves come."
We started carrying the elk. It was heavy.
We walked for a while until Uncle suddenly said something.
"Boy, do you believe in God?" Uncle asked.
"I do believe, Uncle," I replied.
"If God is real, why are we suffering?" Uncle said.
"Because He gives us challenges we can overcome. God doesn't give a problem we can't solve," I answered.
"Then why is there war? Slavery?" Uncle asked again.
"Maybe because God gave us free will, Uncle," I replied.
Uncle was quiet for a moment, then said,
"You know, boy… I think God doesn't have a religion. That's why wars done in His name are just selfish wars started by one man."
I looked at him and asked,
"Uncle… are you perhaps a non believer?"
He chuckled.
"Well, who knows? I'm just curious. Maybe." He replied with a force smile
"Good thing we're in the forest, Uncle. If someone heard us, we might be burn in stake or in prison," I joked.
Uncle smiled faintly and said,
"You know, boy… If God is real, I don't think He wants His creation killing each other because of their beliefs."
And then silence came back as we walked back to our homes.
"Boy, nice hunting with you," Uncle said.
"Thank you, Uncle," I replied.
"Oh, by the way, boy—here, take this."
Uncle handed me something.
"What is this, Uncle?" I asked.
"That's my pocket watch. I had it back when I was a soldier. It saved me many times. I planned to give it to my son… but now, I'm giving it to you."
"Thanks for this, Uncle," I said while looking at the pocket watch. It looked like it was still in good condition.
"By the way, Uncle… this watch looks new to me?"
"Ah, that, boy… I always kept it looking new. After all, it was once pierced by a bullet from the enemy. I thought I was dead. But this watch saved me," Uncle said with a small smile.
"Caelen!"
I heard my mom's voice calling me.
"Seems your mother is calling you now, boy. Well, I'm leaving. Take care of that watch for me. It might save you someday," Uncle said.
"Bye now, Uncle," I replied.
I looked at the watch again.
What does he mean it might save me soon? Weird old man.
When I reached the house, I saw Mom chopping wood. She turned to me and asked,
"It was our neighbor, right? That man you call Uncle?"
"Yeah, Mom. It was Uncle," I said.
"It's a miracle he got out of his house once in a while," Mom said while wiping her sweat.
"He said he went hunting and wanted to accompany me," I replied.
Mom paused, then said,
"I feel sorry for him, Caelen. They say his wife died. And he has no children to take care of him."
"Mom… he gave me this pocket watch."
I showed it to her.
She looked surprised.
"That Uncle? You said thank you, right?"
"Of course, Mom," I nodded.
"Good. That's my son. Remember, if someone gives you something or does something for you, you should always say thank you."
"Okay, Mom. I'll go to the kitchen now and prepare this elk for breakfast."
"Alright, son. You go now. I'll finish chopping this wood."