“It’s time we leave, Edan.”

Taking a deep breath, the boy struggled to tie off his shoulder bag. He was making sure everything was secured and required no extra adjusting. His wrists were aching from the constant pressing and pushing, his belongings squishing together tightly in the sack. Just from the sight of his overly-stuffed bag made it hard for him to breathe.

“Edan, my boy,” a roughed-up voice came from outside of the dimly-lit bedroom, “we must leave quietly before the sun wakes the village.”

“Aye, Master,” Flustered, Edan quickly threw his thick cloak over her shoulders, covering his thin, oversized tunic and worn-out trousers, “my apologies. I’m just quickly checking for anything else I may be forgetting.”

A set of boots slowly stepped towards Edan’s bedroom, becoming louder with every creak in the floorboards.  Everything else was completely still; no signs of the village life outside, no bells from oxen ringing, no chickens cooing in the early morn. All Edan could hear were his Master’s boots.

“My boy,” A tall, rather brawny man stepped into Edan’s view, his auburn-brown beard barely touching his clavicle, “there is no need to pack more than what you can carry. Only pack the essentials.”

Edan sighed deeply. The thought of him leaving his favorite novels and antiques behind scared him; what if someone came and stole them behind his back? What if his time away caused deterioration? However, what truly bothered him most was that he was leaving his grandmother Joy and his younger sister, Niya, behind. Being the age of ten, Niya was already incredibly smart and took care of her chores and responsibilities. But would she be able to lift their grandmother if she couldn’t rise from her favorite chair? So many worries stirred within Edan. He anxiously rubbed his thumb against his sweaty palm.

A hand patted against his back, surprising him from his troubles. His Master only stared down at him, a somber smile appearing on his face. He then felt somewhat relieved; he shouldn’t worry about the materialistic things or worry too much of his family. The Walk would only take half a year, he was told. That’s plenty of time away to not only focus on his training but to come back quick enough to help the village.

“I understand how you feel, Edan,” his Master then rested his hand firmly on his shoulder, “leaving home is hard, especially with what responsibilities you have here. It’ll be all right. Your family is in good hands.”

“Thank you, Master.”

“Now, we really must go. Light is barely peeking beyond the mountains. Come along.”

Edan nodded, slipping the bag over his shoulder. He then looked around his room one last time, taking in all of the details. From the single window next to his small bed to the standup closet of his clothing and belongings, it would be there when he returned. Or so he hoped at that moment. He then turned around and closed the door quietly behind him.