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Chapter 7: journey as a human

The reason Tristan lost his wings was the same reason that he’s no longer on fire. Tristan is no longer an angel. It was his angel powers that gave him the ability to create the black fire and without dose powers his fire no longer burns. Since he’s no longer an angel he has to become something else and Enlil turned Tristan into the creature that Charles got banished for protecting, a normal human. Humans don't have any special powers and more importantly they don't have any wings, so his wings withered away till there was nothing left. His larger feathers crash to the ground as the small ones run away with a breeze.
Tristan lays there staring at his hands wondering what he has become. As his mind goes one place his ears go another. He hears a voice saying “Sorry Tristan, but that was the only way I could save your life. I loved you as a son and I am going to mess you and your brother. I will miss you so much.” The voice comes from Enlil. No other angel says a word, and awkward silence haunts Tristan. Enlil has no choice, but to brick the silence. He is the only one with the courage to speak is final words to a friend. “Farewell Tristan, I turned you into a human and I am sending you to same planet as your brother. I really hope one day you can find your brother and help him free his soul from that armour and you can live together forever in whatever life comes next. I am not disappointed in your actions, I am proud. You fought against impossible odds to save your brother and even if you lost you fought. You never stopped fighting.” Once more the wind surrounds Tristan, but this time by the time the wind is gone so is Tristan.
There is so much wind around Tristan that I can see a thing. It is only when the wind is gone that he notices something different about this world. He isn't sure where he is. All he really knows is that he is no longer in the world he called home.
He stands in the stands on top of a hill of sand somewhere between the angel world and nowhere. Tristan tries standing up only to fall back down. The sand his hot and his body isn't as strong as it once was. Trying to discover his own whereabouts he gets back up to take a better look. In every direction all he could see is sand, sand and more sand. The wind even blows the sand in the air forcing Tristan to cover his eyes if want to keep them opened.
Standing around isn't going to get him anywhere so he decides walk in the direction of the sun. Walking through sand isn't as easy as Tristan thought it would be. Every step he takes leads to a foot sinking in the sand and when they didn’t sink is because is entire body is sliding down a hill of sand. The only way to describe that desert journey is through the wall Tristan feels and he feels like the world is trying to eat him. His armour doesn't help him but he refuses to abandon it. It is the only thing he has and might prove valuable.
After a few hours of walking in the same direction Tristan hears water. The desert already dried his leaps and his thirst is overpowering. Tristan runs to the water falling down more than a few times and once there he waste no time. He jumps in the water wetting his entire body, while drinking more than a camel. Once his thirst his quenched and his body hydrated he continues on his journey. His journey is easier now because Tristan knows all rivers no matter how small need to come from somewhere. He also knows from experience that if there is a city in this dessert he has to be near a water source, so he follows the river.
As the sound of the water gets louder Tristan knows it isn't long before he reaches civilization. He begins to walk even faster hoping to find something on the other side of this last sand hill. The hill is so high that his feet dig into the sand. His arms fall elbow deep as he pulls himself up. Just climb takes a great deal of time and effort. This is because even with his great effort is doesn't make the hill any smaller and it doesn't stop gravity from constantly pulling him down. He does make it to the top and it is worth it because once up there he sees the start of an enormous river. That isn't the only thing he sees, He lights up at the sight of people. Tristan waves hello only to notice the three men that he sees seem to ignore him as the chase and attack another men. Tristan as a warrior feels that he needs to do something, this man could die. Tristan pulls out Charles’ sword and charges forward. Tristan runs through the sand screaming while waving a sword in the air. It might have been that makes him look intimidating. Or it might be his impressive body and incredible armour that gives him an image of intimidation. All Tristan knows is at the sight of him charging forward the three man start running in the other direction.
This wimp of a man covered in rags runs to Tristan kissing his feet while saying “Thank you, thank you so much you saved my life.” Tristan is humbled by this man’s response, but he cares more about finding his brother then this man. Tristan might not have his angel powers, but he is still stronger than the average human. He picks this man up to ask him “where are we.” With a look of confusion and a stare that gives the impression he thinks Tristan is crazy he says “we are in the deserts of Egypt, where else would we be.” Tristan doesn't realize he is thinking out loud and says “Egypt, Egypt, Egypt. I don't know a world, dimension or nation with the man of Egypt. Sir what world are we in.” This time the man knows Tristan is crazy as he says “are you a crazy person. We are in the world, planet earth the only one people live on.” Tristan knows many worlds with people, however there is only one that has deserts and snow. He noticed snow as Charles feel. At first Tristan thought he imagined it but now he knows it is true. He and Charles are in the same world that Charles attacked only weeks ago. He also knows if he is to find his brother then he must go north. To anyone else finding one person within an entire planet is impossible. However Tristan can feel the direction his brother is in. Tristan asks the man which ways is north. That is when he knows it is brother he is feeling because the man points in the direction he is drawn to.
Once his direction is confirmed Tristan starts walking. The man is the one that screams “wait. How about I show you the way, we can be a real team.” Some of this man’s actions have to do with him thinking Tristan is completely nuts and some have to do with him wanting some protection. “People call me Gold, because I sell gold. That’s what you should tell me.” Tristan doesn't really say Gold could follow him, but he doesn’t really say that he can’t. As they walk Gold doesn't most of the talking with Tristan providing his name and the answers to very little questions. For example Tristan never tells gold where he came from.
The next few days Tristan and Gold debark on their journey. It is a long journey, but things worked out really well. Gold paid for any kind of food, shelter and even drinking water that they needed on their journey. In return all Tristan has to do is a combination of protecting gold and help him collect from buyers. The collecting part is easy. Once someone sees Tristan and his sword the money came out. The hard part is protecting Gold. Turns out he really screwed those guys over and they really wanted him dead. It is only after four attempts at this man’s life that they realize as long as Tristan is there they aren’t getting to Gold. Tristan also discovered that those three men weren't the only ones in Egypt trying to kill Gold. He eventually reveals that is career is based on screwing Egyptians over to sell their gold to the Greeks. Turns out that before this trip the Egyptians never knew. Gold says “the moment one guy finds out you're a little crooked everyone in the country thinks you're a criminal.
Eventually the two friends find themselves in the city Alexandria. From there they are able to take a ship to Greece. It is a good thing it is a Greek vessel, because no single person on that ship wanted to kill Gold. Tristan could have protected him like before, but that might also get them kicked off the boat like the many inns that were kicked out of during their trip through Egypt. Once in Greece Gold offers Tristan a business opportunity, but Tristan refuses since he needed to continue his journey north. Tristan on the other hand asks Gold “are you going to be alright without me constantly saving your ass. Gold tells him “don't worry I'll be fine. No one’s trying to kill me in Greece.” Once goodbyes are said Tristan is once again alone on his journey.
As Tristan heads off on the second part of his journey he remembers Gold telling him that people in Greece don't speak the same language as them. Which is weird because Tristan doesn't realize which language he has been speaking to Gold in. He also remembers understanding everything the Greek people on that ship were saying. A little concerned he tries making conversation with however he passes. Turns out it isn't a problem because he understands everyone and they all understand him. Tristan isn't concerned about this phenomenon. The language the angels speak is pretty much unknown since they have the power to understand all other languages. It also works the other way around and others are able to understand them no matter what language that they speak back. Some angels are also born with the power able to communicate with nature. Tristan just assumes that he didn’t lose all of his angel powers or Enlil let him keep this power so he could survive on earth. The real answer is unknown and Tristan believes in not questioning a gift. Especially when that gift arrives when needed the most.
The time period that Tristan journeys throw isn't considered a peaceful time for Greece. It is currently the early part of 11th century and Constantinople and Greece attempt to regain prestige by resuming the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars. This is done in an attempt to reconquering the Balkans. Greece isn't that dangerous for a man of Tristan’s skill, never the less a war is in the way. The Balkans are a region north of Greece and the only way that Tristan is going to reach his brother in his lifetime is by going through the Balkans. Walking through a battle field is deadly for anyone.
Through treading goods and providing help to locals Tristan is able to survive just fine on his own and if necessary he knows how to hunt. Tristan is travels through the Peloponnesus when he reached the first major city. He doesn't know which city he is in, but he notices something big is going on. Tristan doesn't know about the war, he is still in the south of Greece. It seems that a high ranking officer of the Greek army is looking for more soldiers to fight in their war. The moment this man sees Tristan ignores the fact that a warrior stands before him and only sees his amour. This man tells himself he has to have his armour. It might be its beauty or the fact that it looks like it came from ancient Greece or maybe it made Tristan appear to be of a higher rank than this man. This man sends what seems to be a subordinate after Tristan. This man tries to take Tristan’s armour only to discover that Tristan is able to send this man flying on his ass. As two more soldiers approach Tristan knocks those down as well down. Next is another two soldiers and this is all done with Tristan ever drawing his sword.
Tristan hears the high ranking soldier yelling “stop, get away from that man.” Tristan also hears a tone to his voice that tells Tristan that he impresses this man. The same soldier walks towards Tristan as he requests him to spend dinner with him and spend the night at the same inn as him. Tristan agrees since he is always looking for his next meal and a place to stay for the night.
That night Tristan dines with a few other high ranking officers. The high ranking officer request Tristan tells him his story. Tristan tells him everything that has already happened on earth and all about his journey towards the northern world. That is when Tristan learns about the war and how travelling alone is almost impossible. The part about where Tristan is from is changed. He tells him that he is from an island in the far west and it was there that he learned how to be a warrior. More stories are told, but it eventually leads to Tristan asking about the war. That leads to the soldiers discussing their current battle strategies. The men including Tristan spend the night talking about battle strategies. It is because of Tristan adding his own knowledge to the discussion that the soldiers are so impressed. The amount of battle strategies and fighting techniques that Tristan knows is greater than any member of the Greek army. At first the soldiers only wanted Tristan to be among their army, but with a rank above the average soldier. By the end of the night Tristan is being offered a captain’s possession within the army. Tristan enjoys his meal and the many drinks. He needs both a way to stay alive and get to the north. Being a part of an army would make things take longer, but they would get him there. Tristan agrees to lead man within the Greek army as long as they continue to travel north.
A few days later Tristan discovers the military uniforms. Staying in his armour isn't an option. Tristan’s armour is extraordinary. No one is saying it isn’t. The problem is that it’s suited for the Balkans and later on it will even worse for the cold of Russia. That is way Tristan agrees to sell his armour to the leader for an incredibly high price. With the many from the sale and the money from the army money is never going to be a problem. The one item Tristan still refuses to sell is his brother’s sword. It might be because it is the last thing he has of his brother. Or maybe he felt like he will one day have the opportunity to give the sword back.
The journey to the northern border takes longer than Tristan first imagined, but the journey is easier this way. He travels on horseback the entire way there and he keeps the horse for the entire war. He is also provided with plenty of food and he is more than capable of purchasing items from shops within the cities and towns on his way north. When Tristan finally reaches the northern borders of Greece he is given a young soldier to act as his assistant and at the same time his student. This young Greek soldier is named Jason, which means "to heal." He tells Tristan he was given that name because of his mother’s love for Greek stories. This soldier is named after Jason the leader of the Argonauts. The stories say that after his uncle Pelias overthrew his father as king of Iolcos, Jason went in search of the Golden Fleece in order to win back the throne. During his journeys he married the sorceress Medea, who helped him gain the fleece and kill his uncle, but who later turned against him when he fell in love with another woman. His mother loved that story so much that she named her son Jason. Tristan was also given a lieutenant that is considered to be an expert in geography. Tristan doesn't like him much, but he does know all the fastest ways everywhere and where all the enemies places are, so he proved to me of value.
Through many battles and lives lost. With great injury and great sacrifice Tristan leads his man through constant battle. With a leader as brave and as wise as Tristan it is obvious that every battle ends with his victory. Tristan is in charge of a siege infantry. Greece and Constantinople did succeed in conquering most of the Balkans but this only happens after many years of war. Tristan’s time with the army is long and boring. However by the end Jason is no longer a child, but a man that is amazing at combat thanks to Tristan’s training. Tristan also ages. The speed that humans age at takes Tristan by surprise. When he started his journey he didn’t care if it would take him a thousand years to find his brother. Know he is lucky if he lives for fifty of those years. Tristan was a great help in the war and all his help is appreciated. He accepted promotions he would have been a major by now or whatever the Greeks called majors back then. Tristan refused promotions because they meant going back to Greece. He knows he has to continue his journey north and he knows he isn't going to be able to do that as a Greek soldier.
Then the night of his departure comes on a night after the soldiers celebrate another victory. The reason he needed to leave wasn’t the victory, but the news that the soldiers are heading home. The home the army speaks of is in the wrong direction. Tristan has no other option than leaving the army. The army got him close to Charles he could feel it. During the night, as the soldiers are unable to notice a thing, because of the amount that the drink, Tristan prepares his departure. He takes only what he can carry. This includes warm clothing, food, water, weapons and some money just encase. Tristan then covers himself in a black clock he walks out of camp, while remaining to the shadows. Tristan disappears once he reaches the woods. The Greek army never heard or seen Tristan after that night.
As Tristan hikes through the woods it isn't long before he gets lost. Using the stars as direction as always been Tristan source for direction. However under the tick and many tree branches and a layer of fog Tristan is unable to see a single star. Soon Tristan goes from not being able to see the stars to not being able to see what’s in front of him. Once again he only has one option. He stops to set up camp. It isn't hard because he lights a fire, but only after he feels that he is far enough from the army’s camp to go unnoticed.
Tristan does sleep that night. Every time he tries to close his eyes he hears a sound. It isn't clear, but something or someone is looking for him. That is way Tristan spends the night awake leaning against a large tree with his sword already in hand. As dawn approaches the noises Tristan hears start getting louder and louder. Tristan’s ears aren't the only thing working. His eyes are able to see the shadow of a man emerging from behind the trees. As the shadow approaches Tristan, Tristan doesn't move an inch. The shadowy figure is only a few feet away from Tristan when it lets out a scream. Seating up camp also includes trip wire. Tristan grabs a log from the fire to use as a torch to see how is following him. As he approaches the shadow he finds his apprentice Jason lying on the floor covered in dearth.
There is an awkward silence. The first words of the night came from Jason “was that really necessary, you have traps encase one of your own man was flowing you. I came to help.” Tristan responses with “I don’t need your help” as he helps Jason off the ground. “I want to help you find whatever you're looking for. Also no matter what you tell me I am never going to leave your side. You can tell me you are betraying the country or you can tell me nothing, I don’t are.” Jason is determined to follow Tristan wherever he goes. The reason behind this is because Jason’s father died during the war and for the first time since he was a young child he felt like he has a father. Helping Tristan with his goal gives Jason a purpose. It gives him a reason to be alive. Tristan realizes after sometime that Jason isn't going anywhere unless it’s with him. Tristan meth many people on his journey and made so many friends, but he still never told anyone that he was once an angel. For the first time his heart tells trust him he found someone he could trust. Tristan waits a few nights before starting a campfire. It is around that camp fire that Tristan tells Jason his story. It takes the entire night, but everything is told. He tells Jason about him and his brother from when they were young to the moment he saw him turn into a monster. He even includes everything that happened to him as human.
The sun is up and breakfast isn't being prepared, but finished by the time the story comes to an end. Jason is surprised and amazed. Jason has always been very religious and believed in angels. If any other man told Jason he was once an angel Jason would assume the man is crazy. However Tristan has always been different from any other man. Tristan is special. Jason bows his head telling Tristan “I will follow you to the end of the world.” He continues to talk and treat Tristan like he himself is good. Tristan hats it and spends the rest of the day trying to convince Jason that he is a human now and has nothing to do with god.
By the next day when Jason starts acting like a normal human being discussions begin and plans are made. Once the bags are packed they head north. Fate is on their side because after the wars many of the Bulgarian noble families settled in Constantinople and merged with the Greek and Armenian aristocracies. That means there isn't as much conflict in the country. So their journey begins peaceful. They get out of Bulgaria without a problem. The journey gets even better when Tristan discovered that his horse has been following him for what seems to be days. The horse even has a bag with food on his back. They don’t know how the horse found them or why it has food. Tristan once again chooses not to question good luck.
Mankind has very little history of what happen during this time in history as well as this place and just like history this story has very little facts about what happened to Tristan and Jason. It is mainly because there is very little happening during this time in their journey. Their journey in modern time would look like they are going to Russia, but at this time in history there still isn't a united country which might be called "Russia". Much of the area is formed of different groups of people that have their own culture. Patzinaks is the land that they entire after they lift Bulgaria. The Patzinaks are tough, nomadic people of the southern Ukraine, who if thirsty simply dismounted, opened their horses' veins with a knife and drank the blood. They often ate the fattest of the horses, slightly warming the meat over a fire. In spite of the fact that the extreme south of Russia is filled with semi-barbarian tribes, the Kievan state reaches its peak at this time with the absorption of the previous Scandinavian invaders and domination of both Slavic blood and speech.
Tristan and Jason are now in the lands of barbarians. Encountering them might cause a lot of problems like fight off a small army. To avoid conflict they travel away from the towns and stay off the roads. This plan works out great for them at first. It goes south when they start running low on food and the lack of a path causes the trip to be difficult on their horse. So a new plan is made. They never needed a horse and the fact that horses are hunted in these lands they decided to let the horse go. Tristan removes all the stuff from the horse’s back and tells the horse it’s okay for him to return home. The horse turns around and begins to leave. He turns his head back at Tristan to say goodbye before he disappears running. Tristan and Jason never see the horse again, but they know he’s in a safer place. It’s time for their new plan. This plan is simple they decide if they want to survive among barbarians they need to live like a barbarian.
At first this just involves catering food from nature, fruits from trees and plants that are believed to be safe. The lands that they are in are not that flourished with vegetation and neither of them have any experience in gathering food from the land. There is also the fact that both of them have no clue how to tell if something is poisonous. Barbarians eat and hunt a lot of meat, but once again hunting isn't as easy as it seems. Neither of them knows how to hunt. Jason all his life was trained to be a soldier and Tristan never needed any hunting skills, because he was able to fly fast enough to catch anything. If on the rare occasion he wasn’t fast enough he had his fire, something that works better than a hunting rifle. Their traps aren't that bad, they are able to catch some small animals like rabbits and porcupines and this even works for a few weeks. It stops working because animals are not stupid and these animals stopped falling for their traps or just run away.
If they want to survive they would need to go against their own rules and find other people and walk through towns that they live in. Their new plan is to steal whatever food and supplies that they can, like a barbarian. The northern trips that they encounter are nomadic. Being nomadic they are harder to find, but it is easier to steal from nomads. Sneak into the camps at night and get back into the woods before anyone notices. This time they are finally good at something. Not something most people would be proud of, but it is still something. The fact that the Patzinaks are hunters they have plenty of meat and most of it is already cooked, smoked or salted. All the work was already done by the time they steal the meat. They also steal some fur coats. They needed them for their journey. The further north they head the colder the weather gets. This type of lifestyle continues until they reach the northern lands of Russia and Jason is proud to say they never got caught once stealing.
When Tristan and Jason are in the south of Russia they encounter another nomadic group and they too are heading north. At night when they went to steal some food they notice that this group isn't barbaric like all of the others. Tristan wants to find out more about this group, so he whispers in Jason’s ear “don't steal anything. I'm curious about this group. We will return in the morning as friends.”
Jason doesn't like Tristan’s plan at all. Jason tells Tristan constantly that his new plan he's going to get them killed. Tristan tells Jason to trust him and once again Jason trusts Tristan blindly. The next morning Tristan approaches the group. It isn't a surprise that the group surrounds them as the demand reasons to why they approach them. Jason doesn’t understand a word this group says. He simply laughs while say “I told you. I told you they were going to kill us and it looks like they want to kill us.” Tristan asked them they are doing. Both sides wait quietly for the opposite side the make a move. The standoff is broken when a large older man pushes his way through the crowed. He has lung silver hair and is covered head to toe in a mouse fur coat. He had every part of the mouse in that coat including the antlers hanging from his back. He tells Tristan to follow him into his tent. Without hesitating or showing any sign of fear Tristan follows the old man. Just to be safe Jason stays close to Tristan.
The old man tells Tristan this group of people is his caravan and he is the leader. He tells Tristan that his people were tired of living a barbaric life and they were heading north in an attempt to escape the rest of the Patzinaks. Tristan asks the old man why north. The old man answers with “it is the only place that I have never seen any conflict and there are constant wars in the south.” Tristan then asks the old man “can I and my friend stay with you and your people. We also desire peace and head in the same direction.” The old man tells Tristan with open arms “we accept anyone who desires peace into our caravan.” At the sight of the old man with opened arms Jason starts asking Tristan “what’s going on. You know I don't understand anything the old man is saying and I want to know if they want to kill us or not.” Tristan explains everything to Jason and he’s delighted to join the caravan. He’s tired of being alone in the woods without any girls. His only condition is that someone teaches him the local language for once.
The time Tristan and Jason spend with the caravan is great, they got along with everyone else and it makes their journey a lot easier. They no longer need to steal or hide in the woods. The people in the caravan don’t mind them because they are both very strong even in Tristan older age. The caravan needs as many strong men as possible and both Tristan and Jason are warriors capable of teaching the caravan how to defend themselves if necessary.
Joining the caravan is harder for Jason then it is for Tristan. He isn't able to speak to anyone other than Tristan. With help from Tristan and others in the caravan he slowly learns their language.The fighting techniques that Tristan teaches the people of the caravan aren't necessary. The journey is both safe and easy. The only problem is the speed that the caravan travels at. Tristan and Jason traveled not much faster when it was only the two of them. It takes years before the people of the caravan find a place that they feel like they could call home.
Together they create a small village cut off from the rest of the world. A place where society is peaceful and barbarians are nowhere to be seen. This village is perfect. The only person that doesn’t want to stay is Tristan. He tells the people of the caravan that he still needs to head north. Not even Jason wants to go with him. During their time with the caravan Jason fell in love with a young girl. However since he still considers Tristan to be his master he tells Tristan “this is going to be the last thing I do for you. I am sorry, but after one year of searching I am coming back to this village to live the rest of my life.”
This is the coldest part of their journey. They might have departed in the summer, but winter quickly reaches them long before they reach Charles’ new body. Tristan knows that they are getting close. He is able to feel Charles spirit stronger than ever. Charles didn’t lose all his angel powers when he was turned into a monster. It is with these remaining powers that Charles calls out to Tristan even in a coma like state. That is the reason Tristan is able to tell they are getting closer. That is how he knows what direction to go, even when the snow completely blocks out the sight of anything.
One day the snow is coming at them harder than ever. The snow is so high it’s like they’re summing through it. At the start it’s only up to their waste, but in a few hours the snow reaches their chests. Tristan barely passes through the snow. Age is effecting him and his body is so tired. As he forcing his way through the snow throwing his body with every step things get hard. His vision is blurry and his feet know longer want to move. Tristan after so many years reaches the point where his human body is no longer strong enough to carry his spirit. His body collapses in the snow. Jason with all his strength forces his way to Tristan, but by the time he got there Tristan is no longer concise. Jason picks his body and begins the scream “wake up, come on wake up we still need to find Charles. I know his out here, we're so close.” Tristan doesn't wake up. His final words as his mind fades to nothing are “I'm sorry Charles.” He died there in Jason’s arms.
That night the storm stops. Jason is able to find shelter under a clef. The clef blocks out the snow so it wasn’t that wet. That is where Jason burns Tristan’s body. This way Tristan gets the send-off of a king, the king that Jason always saw him to truly be. Jason is the only one there, but he hears a voice whispering “goodbye.” After the fire stops he buries Charles’ sword beneath the earth Tristan was burnt. Once buried he walks back to the caravan crying over the loss of his mentor and his greatest friend. Jason heads for the village because after his long journey all he wants is a place to call home. The Greece he knew was long gone and the family he left behind was no longer alive. The village created from the caravan was the only place he had left. That is where Jason lives a happy and peaceful life with the women he loves. He starts a family with four kids, including two sons. He names one of his sons Charles and his other son Tristan.

Description
Chapter 7: journey as a human

The reason Tristan lost his wings was the same reason that he’s no longer on fire. Tristan is no longer an angel. It was his angel powers that gave him the ability to create the black fire and without dose powers his fire no longer burns. Since he’s no longer an angel he has to become something else and Enlil turned Tristan into the creature that Charles got banished for protecting, a normal human. Humans don't have any special powers and more importantly they don't have any wings, so his wings withered away till there was nothing left. His larger feathers crash to the ground as the small ones run away with a breeze.
Tristan lays there staring at his hands wondering what he has become. As his mind goes one place his ears go another. He hears a voice saying “Sorry Tristan, but that was the only way I could save your life. I loved you as a son and I am going to mess you and your brother. I will miss you so much.” The voice comes from Enlil. No other angel says a word, and awkward silence haunts Tristan. Enlil has no choice, but to brick the silence. He is the only one with the courage to speak is final words to a friend. “Farewell Tristan, I turned you into a human and I am sending you to same planet as your brother. I really hope one day you can find your brother and help him free his soul from that armour and you can live together forever in whatever life comes next. I am not disappointed in your actions, I am proud. You fought against impossible odds to save your brother and even if you lost you fought. You never stopped fighting.” Once more the wind surrounds Tristan, but this time by the time the wind is gone so is Tristan.
There is so much wind around Tristan that I can see a thing. It is only when the wind is gone that he notices something different about this world. He isn't sure where he is. All he really knows is that he is no longer in the world he called home.
He stands in the stands on top of a hill of sand somewhere between the angel world and nowhere. Tristan tries standing up only to fall back down. The sand his hot and his body isn't as strong as it once was. Trying to discover his own whereabouts he gets back up to take a better look. In every direction all he could see is sand, sand and more sand. The wind even blows the sand in the air forcing Tristan to cover his eyes if want to keep them opened.
Standing around isn't going to get him anywhere so he decides walk in the direction of the sun. Walking through sand isn't as easy as Tristan thought it would be. Every step he takes leads to a foot sinking in the sand and when they didn’t sink is because is entire body is sliding down a hill of sand. The only way to describe that desert journey is through the wall Tristan feels and he feels like the world is trying to eat him. His armour doesn't help him but he refuses to abandon it. It is the only thing he has and might prove valuable.
After a few hours of walking in the same direction Tristan hears water. The desert already dried his leaps and his thirst is overpowering. Tristan runs to the water falling down more than a few times and once there he waste no time. He jumps in the water wetting his entire body, while drinking more than a camel. Once his thirst his quenched and his body hydrated he continues on his journey. His journey is easier now because Tristan knows all rivers no matter how small need to come from somewhere. He also knows from experience that if there is a city in this dessert he has to be near a water source, so he follows the river.
As the sound of the water gets louder Tristan knows it isn't long before he reaches civilization. He begins to walk even faster hoping to find something on the other side of this last sand hill. The hill is so high that his feet dig into the sand. His arms fall elbow deep as he pulls himself up. Just climb takes a great deal of time and effort. This is because even with his great effort is doesn't make the hill any smaller and it doesn't stop gravity from constantly pulling him down. He does make it to the top and it is worth it because once up there he sees the start of an enormous river. That isn't the only thing he sees, He lights up at the sight of people. Tristan waves hello only to notice the three men that he sees seem to ignore him as the chase and attack another men. Tristan as a warrior feels that he needs to do something, this man could die. Tristan pulls out Charles’ sword and charges forward. Tristan runs through the sand screaming while waving a sword in the air. It might have been that makes him look intimidating. Or it might be his impressive body and incredible armour that gives him an image of intimidation. All Tristan knows is at the sight of him charging forward the three man start running in the other direction.
This wimp of a man covered in rags runs to Tristan kissing his feet while saying “Thank you, thank you so much you saved my life.” Tristan is humbled by this man’s response, but he cares more about finding his brother then this man. Tristan might not have his angel powers, but he is still stronger than the average human. He picks this man up to ask him “where are we.” With a look of confusion and a stare that gives the impression he thinks Tristan is crazy he says “we are in the deserts of Egypt, where else would we be.” Tristan doesn't realize he is thinking out loud and says “Egypt, Egypt, Egypt. I don't know a world, dimension or nation with the man of Egypt. Sir what world are we in.” This time the man knows Tristan is crazy as he says “are you a crazy person. We are in the world, planet earth the only one people live on.” Tristan knows many worlds with people, however there is only one that has deserts and snow. He noticed snow as Charles feel. At first Tristan thought he imagined it but now he knows it is true. He and Charles are in the same world that Charles attacked only weeks ago. He also knows if he is to find his brother then he must go north. To anyone else finding one person within an entire planet is impossible. However Tristan can feel the direction his brother is in. Tristan asks the man which ways is north. That is when he knows it is brother he is feeling because the man points in the direction he is drawn to.
Once his direction is confirmed Tristan starts walking. The man is the one that screams “wait. How about I show you the way, we can be a real team.” Some of this man’s actions have to do with him thinking Tristan is completely nuts and some have to do with him wanting some protection. “People call me Gold, because I sell gold. That’s what you should tell me.” Tristan doesn't really say Gold could follow him, but he doesn’t really say that he can’t. As they walk Gold doesn't most of the talking with Tristan providing his name and the answers to very little questions. For example Tristan never tells gold where he came from.
The next few days Tristan and Gold debark on their journey. It is a long journey, but things worked out really well. Gold paid for any kind of food, shelter and even drinking water that they needed on their journey. In return all Tristan has to do is a combination of protecting gold and help him collect from buyers. The collecting part is easy. Once someone sees Tristan and his sword the money came out. The hard part is protecting Gold. Turns out he really screwed those guys over and they really wanted him dead. It is only after four attempts at this man’s life that they realize as long as Tristan is there they aren’t getting to Gold. Tristan also discovered that those three men weren't the only ones in Egypt trying to kill Gold. He eventually reveals that is career is based on screwing Egyptians over to sell their gold to the Greeks. Turns out that before this trip the Egyptians never knew. Gold says “the moment one guy finds out you're a little crooked everyone in the country thinks you're a criminal.
Eventually the two friends find themselves in the city Alexandria. From there they are able to take a ship to Greece. It is a good thing it is a Greek vessel, because no single person on that ship wanted to kill Gold. Tristan could have protected him like before, but that might also get them kicked off the boat like the many inns that were kicked out of during their trip through Egypt. Once in Greece Gold offers Tristan a business opportunity, but Tristan refuses since he needed to continue his journey north. Tristan on the other hand asks Gold “are you going to be alright without me constantly saving your ass. Gold tells him “don't worry I'll be fine. No one’s trying to kill me in Greece.” Once goodbyes are said Tristan is once again alone on his journey.
As Tristan heads off on the second part of his journey he remembers Gold telling him that people in Greece don't speak the same language as them. Which is weird because Tristan doesn't realize which language he has been speaking to Gold in. He also remembers understanding everything the Greek people on that ship were saying. A little concerned he tries making conversation with however he passes. Turns out it isn't a problem because he understands everyone and they all understand him. Tristan isn't concerned about this phenomenon. The language the angels speak is pretty much unknown since they have the power to understand all other languages. It also works the other way around and others are able to understand them no matter what language that they speak back. Some angels are also born with the power able to communicate with nature. Tristan just assumes that he didn’t lose all of his angel powers or Enlil let him keep this power so he could survive on earth. The real answer is unknown and Tristan believes in not questioning a gift. Especially when that gift arrives when needed the most.
The time period that Tristan journeys throw isn't considered a peaceful time for Greece. It is currently the early part of 11th century and Constantinople and Greece attempt to regain prestige by resuming the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars. This is done in an attempt to reconquering the Balkans. Greece isn't that dangerous for a man of Tristan’s skill, never the less a war is in the way. The Balkans are a region north of Greece and the only way that Tristan is going to reach his brother in his lifetime is by going through the Balkans. Walking through a battle field is deadly for anyone.
Through treading goods and providing help to locals Tristan is able to survive just fine on his own and if necessary he knows how to hunt. Tristan is travels through the Peloponnesus when he reached the first major city. He doesn't know which city he is in, but he notices something big is going on. Tristan doesn't know about the war, he is still in the south of Greece. It seems that a high ranking officer of the Greek army is looking for more soldiers to fight in their war. The moment this man sees Tristan ignores the fact that a warrior stands before him and only sees his amour. This man tells himself he has to have his armour. It might be its beauty or the fact that it looks like it came from ancient Greece or maybe it made Tristan appear to be of a higher rank than this man. This man sends what seems to be a subordinate after Tristan. This man tries to take Tristan’s armour only to discover that Tristan is able to send this man flying on his ass. As two more soldiers approach Tristan knocks those down as well down. Next is another two soldiers and this is all done with Tristan ever drawing his sword.
Tristan hears the high ranking soldier yelling “stop, get away from that man.” Tristan also hears a tone to his voice that tells Tristan that he impresses this man. The same soldier walks towards Tristan as he requests him to spend dinner with him and spend the night at the same inn as him. Tristan agrees since he is always looking for his next meal and a place to stay for the night.
That night Tristan dines with a few other high ranking officers. The high ranking officer request Tristan tells him his story. Tristan tells him everything that has already happened on earth and all about his journey towards the northern world. That is when Tristan learns about the war and how travelling alone is almost impossible. The part about where Tristan is from is changed. He tells him that he is from an island in the far west and it was there that he learned how to be a warrior. More stories are told, but it eventually leads to Tristan asking about the war. That leads to the soldiers discussing their current battle strategies. The men including Tristan spend the night talking about battle strategies. It is because of Tristan adding his own knowledge to the discussion that the soldiers are so impressed. The amount of battle strategies and fighting techniques that Tristan knows is greater than any member of the Greek army. At first the soldiers only wanted Tristan to be among their army, but with a rank above the average soldier. By the end of the night Tristan is being offered a captain’s possession within the army. Tristan enjoys his meal and the many drinks. He needs both a way to stay alive and get to the north. Being a part of an army would make things take longer, but they would get him there. Tristan agrees to lead man within the Greek army as long as they continue to travel north.
A few days later Tristan discovers the military uniforms. Staying in his armour isn't an option. Tristan’s armour is extraordinary. No one is saying it isn’t. The problem is that it’s suited for the Balkans and later on it will even worse for the cold of Russia. That is way Tristan agrees to sell his armour to the leader for an incredibly high price. With the many from the sale and the money from the army money is never going to be a problem. The one item Tristan still refuses to sell is his brother’s sword. It might be because it is the last thing he has of his brother. Or maybe he felt like he will one day have the opportunity to give the sword back.
The journey to the northern border takes longer than Tristan first imagined, but the journey is easier this way. He travels on horseback the entire way there and he keeps the horse for the entire war. He is also provided with plenty of food and he is more than capable of purchasing items from shops within the cities and towns on his way north. When Tristan finally reaches the northern borders of Greece he is given a young soldier to act as his assistant and at the same time his student. This young Greek soldier is named Jason, which means "to heal." He tells Tristan he was given that name because of his mother’s love for Greek stories. This soldier is named after Jason the leader of the Argonauts. The stories say that after his uncle Pelias overthrew his father as king of Iolcos, Jason went in search of the Golden Fleece in order to win back the throne. During his journeys he married the sorceress Medea, who helped him gain the fleece and kill his uncle, but who later turned against him when he fell in love with another woman. His mother loved that story so much that she named her son Jason. Tristan was also given a lieutenant that is considered to be an expert in geography. Tristan doesn't like him much, but he does know all the fastest ways everywhere and where all the enemies places are, so he proved to me of value.
Through many battles and lives lost. With great injury and great sacrifice Tristan leads his man through constant battle. With a leader as brave and as wise as Tristan it is obvious that every battle ends with his victory. Tristan is in charge of a siege infantry. Greece and Constantinople did succeed in conquering most of the Balkans but this only happens after many years of war. Tristan’s time with the army is long and boring. However by the end Jason is no longer a child, but a man that is amazing at combat thanks to Tristan’s training. Tristan also ages. The speed that humans age at takes Tristan by surprise. When he started his journey he didn’t care if it would take him a thousand years to find his brother. Know he is lucky if he lives for fifty of those years. Tristan was a great help in the war and all his help is appreciated. He accepted promotions he would have been a major by now or whatever the Greeks called majors back then. Tristan refused promotions because they meant going back to Greece. He knows he has to continue his journey north and he knows he isn't going to be able to do that as a Greek soldier.
Then the night of his departure comes on a night after the soldiers celebrate another victory. The reason he needed to leave wasn’t the victory, but the news that the soldiers are heading home. The home the army speaks of is in the wrong direction. Tristan has no other option than leaving the army. The army got him close to Charles he could feel it. During the night, as the soldiers are unable to notice a thing, because of the amount that the drink, Tristan prepares his departure. He takes only what he can carry. This includes warm clothing, food, water, weapons and some money just encase. Tristan then covers himself in a black clock he walks out of camp, while remaining to the shadows. Tristan disappears once he reaches the woods. The Greek army never heard or seen Tristan after that night.
As Tristan hikes through the woods it isn't long before he gets lost. Using the stars as direction as always been Tristan source for direction. However under the tick and many tree branches and a layer of fog Tristan is unable to see a single star. Soon Tristan goes from not being able to see the stars to not being able to see what’s in front of him. Once again he only has one option. He stops to set up camp. It isn't hard because he lights a fire, but only after he feels that he is far enough from the army’s camp to go unnoticed.
Tristan does sleep that night. Every time he tries to close his eyes he hears a sound. It isn't clear, but something or someone is looking for him. That is way Tristan spends the night awake leaning against a large tree with his sword already in hand. As dawn approaches the noises Tristan hears start getting louder and louder. Tristan’s ears aren't the only thing working. His eyes are able to see the shadow of a man emerging from behind the trees. As the shadow approaches Tristan, Tristan doesn't move an inch. The shadowy figure is only a few feet away from Tristan when it lets out a scream. Seating up camp also includes trip wire. Tristan grabs a log from the fire to use as a torch to see how is following him. As he approaches the shadow he finds his apprentice Jason lying on the floor covered in dearth.
There is an awkward silence. The first words of the night came from Jason “was that really necessary, you have traps encase one of your own man was flowing you. I came to help.” Tristan responses with “I don’t need your help” as he helps Jason off the ground. “I want to help you find whatever you're looking for. Also no matter what you tell me I am never going to leave your side. You can tell me you are betraying the country or you can tell me nothing, I don’t are.” Jason is determined to follow Tristan wherever he goes. The reason behind this is because Jason’s father died during the war and for the first time since he was a young child he felt like he has a father. Helping Tristan with his goal gives Jason a purpose. It gives him a reason to be alive. Tristan realizes after sometime that Jason isn't going anywhere unless it’s with him. Tristan meth many people on his journey and made so many friends, but he still never told anyone that he was once an angel. For the first time his heart tells trust him he found someone he could trust. Tristan waits a few nights before starting a campfire. It is around that camp fire that Tristan tells Jason his story. It takes the entire night, but everything is told. He tells Jason about him and his brother from when they were young to the moment he saw him turn into a monster. He even includes everything that happened to him as human.
The sun is up and breakfast isn't being prepared, but finished by the time the story comes to an end. Jason is surprised and amazed. Jason has always been very religious and believed in angels. If any other man told Jason he was once an angel Jason would assume the man is crazy. However Tristan has always been different from any other man. Tristan is special. Jason bows his head telling Tristan “I will follow you to the end of the world.” He continues to talk and treat Tristan like he himself is good. Tristan hats it and spends the rest of the day trying to convince Jason that he is a human now and has nothing to do with god.
By the next day when Jason starts acting like a normal human being discussions begin and plans are made. Once the bags are packed they head north. Fate is on their side because after the wars many of the Bulgarian noble families settled in Constantinople and merged with the Greek and Armenian aristocracies. That means there isn't as much conflict in the country. So their journey begins peaceful. They get out of Bulgaria without a problem. The journey gets even better when Tristan discovered that his horse has been following him for what seems to be days. The horse even has a bag with food on his back. They don’t know how the horse found them or why it has food. Tristan once again chooses not to question good luck.
Mankind has very little history of what happen during this time in history as well as this place and just like history this story has very little facts about what happened to Tristan and Jason. It is mainly because there is very little happening during this time in their journey. Their journey in modern time would look like they are going to Russia, but at this time in history there still isn't a united country which might be called "Russia". Much of the area is formed of different groups of people that have their own culture. Patzinaks is the land that they entire after they lift Bulgaria. The Patzinaks are tough, nomadic people of the southern Ukraine, who if thirsty simply dismounted, opened their horses' veins with a knife and drank the blood. They often ate the fattest of the horses, slightly warming the meat over a fire. In spite of the fact that the extreme south of Russia is filled with semi-barbarian tribes, the Kievan state reaches its peak at this time with the absorption of the previous Scandinavian invaders and domination of both Slavic blood and speech.
Tristan and Jason are now in the lands of barbarians. Encountering them might cause a lot of problems like fight off a small army. To avoid conflict they travel away from the towns and stay off the roads. This plan works out great for them at first. It goes south when they start running low on food and the lack of a path causes the trip to be difficult on their horse. So a new plan is made. They never needed a horse and the fact that horses are hunted in these lands they decided to let the horse go. Tristan removes all the stuff from the horse’s back and tells the horse it’s okay for him to return home. The horse turns around and begins to leave. He turns his head back at Tristan to say goodbye before he disappears running. Tristan and Jason never see the horse again, but they know he’s in a safer place. It’s time for their new plan. This plan is simple they decide if they want to survive among barbarians they need to live like a barbarian.
At first this just involves catering food from nature, fruits from trees and plants that are believed to be safe. The lands that they are in are not that flourished with vegetation and neither of them have any experience in gathering food from the land. There is also the fact that both of them have no clue how to tell if something is poisonous. Barbarians eat and hunt a lot of meat, but once again hunting isn't as easy as it seems. Neither of them knows how to hunt. Jason all his life was trained to be a soldier and Tristan never needed any hunting skills, because he was able to fly fast enough to catch anything. If on the rare occasion he wasn’t fast enough he had his fire, something that works better than a hunting rifle. Their traps aren't that bad, they are able to catch some small animals like rabbits and porcupines and this even works for a few weeks. It stops working because animals are not stupid and these animals stopped falling for their traps or just run away.
If they want to survive they would need to go against their own rules and find other people and walk through towns that they live in. Their new plan is to steal whatever food and supplies that they can, like a barbarian. The northern trips that they encounter are nomadic. Being nomadic they are harder to find, but it is easier to steal from nomads. Sneak into the camps at night and get back into the woods before anyone notices. This time they are finally good at something. Not something most people would be proud of, but it is still something. The fact that the Patzinaks are hunters they have plenty of meat and most of it is already cooked, smoked or salted. All the work was already done by the time they steal the meat. They also steal some fur coats. They needed them for their journey. The further north they head the colder the weather gets. This type of lifestyle continues until they reach the northern lands of Russia and Jason is proud to say they never got caught once stealing.
When Tristan and Jason are in the south of Russia they encounter another nomadic group and they too are heading north. At night when they went to steal some food they notice that this group isn't barbaric like all of the others. Tristan wants to find out more about this group, so he whispers in Jason’s ear “don't steal anything. I'm curious about this group. We will return in the morning as friends.”
Jason doesn't like Tristan’s plan at all. Jason tells Tristan constantly that his new plan he's going to get them killed. Tristan tells Jason to trust him and once again Jason trusts Tristan blindly. The next morning Tristan approaches the group. It isn't a surprise that the group surrounds them as the demand reasons to why they approach them. Jason doesn’t understand a word this group says. He simply laughs while say “I told you. I told you they were going to kill us and it looks like they want to kill us.” Tristan asked them they are doing. Both sides wait quietly for the opposite side the make a move. The standoff is broken when a large older man pushes his way through the crowed. He has lung silver hair and is covered head to toe in a mouse fur coat. He had every part of the mouse in that coat including the antlers hanging from his back. He tells Tristan to follow him into his tent. Without hesitating or showing any sign of fear Tristan follows the old man. Just to be safe Jason stays close to Tristan.
The old man tells Tristan this group of people is his caravan and he is the leader. He tells Tristan that his people were tired of living a barbaric life and they were heading north in an attempt to escape the rest of the Patzinaks. Tristan asks the old man why north. The old man answers with “it is the only place that I have never seen any conflict and there are constant wars in the south.” Tristan then asks the old man “can I and my friend stay with you and your people. We also desire peace and head in the same direction.” The old man tells Tristan with open arms “we accept anyone who desires peace into our caravan.” At the sight of the old man with opened arms Jason starts asking Tristan “what’s going on. You know I don't understand anything the old man is saying and I want to know if they want to kill us or not.” Tristan explains everything to Jason and he’s delighted to join the caravan. He’s tired of being alone in the woods without any girls. His only condition is that someone teaches him the local language for once.
The time Tristan and Jason spend with the caravan is great, they got along with everyone else and it makes their journey a lot easier. They no longer need to steal or hide in the woods. The people in the caravan don’t mind them because they are both very strong even in Tristan older age. The caravan needs as many strong men as possible and both Tristan and Jason are warriors capable of teaching the caravan how to defend themselves if necessary.
Joining the caravan is harder for Jason then it is for Tristan. He isn't able to speak to anyone other than Tristan. With help from Tristan and others in the caravan he slowly learns their language.The fighting techniques that Tristan teaches the people of the caravan aren't necessary. The journey is both safe and easy. The only problem is the speed that the caravan travels at. Tristan and Jason traveled not much faster when it was only the two of them. It takes years before the people of the caravan find a place that they feel like they could call home.
Together they create a small village cut off from the rest of the world. A place where society is peaceful and barbarians are nowhere to be seen. This village is perfect. The only person that doesn’t want to stay is Tristan. He tells the people of the caravan that he still needs to head north. Not even Jason wants to go with him. During their time with the caravan Jason fell in love with a young girl. However since he still considers Tristan to be his master he tells Tristan “this is going to be the last thing I do for you. I am sorry, but after one year of searching I am coming back to this village to live the rest of my life.”
This is the coldest part of their journey. They might have departed in the summer, but winter quickly reaches them long before they reach Charles’ new body. Tristan knows that they are getting close. He is able to feel Charles spirit stronger than ever. Charles didn’t lose all his angel powers when he was turned into a monster. It is with these remaining powers that Charles calls out to Tristan even in a coma like state. That is the reason Tristan is able to tell they are getting closer. That is how he knows what direction to go, even when the snow completely blocks out the sight of anything.
One day the snow is coming at them harder than ever. The snow is so high it’s like they’re summing through it. At the start it’s only up to their waste, but in a few hours the snow reaches their chests. Tristan barely passes through the snow. Age is effecting him and his body is so tired. As he forcing his way through the snow throwing his body with every step things get hard. His vision is blurry and his feet know longer want to move. Tristan after so many years reaches the point where his human body is no longer strong enough to carry his spirit. His body collapses in the snow. Jason with all his strength forces his way to Tristan, but by the time he got there Tristan is no longer concise. Jason picks his body and begins the scream “wake up, come on wake up we still need to find Charles. I know his out here, we're so close.” Tristan doesn't wake up. His final words as his mind fades to nothing are “I'm sorry Charles.” He died there in Jason’s arms.
That night the storm stops. Jason is able to find shelter under a clef. The clef blocks out the snow so it wasn’t that wet. That is where Jason burns Tristan’s body. This way Tristan gets the send-off of a king, the king that Jason always saw him to truly be. Jason is the only one there, but he hears a voice whispering “goodbye.” After the fire stops he buries Charles’ sword beneath the earth Tristan was burnt. Once buried he walks back to the caravan crying over the loss of his mentor and his greatest friend. Jason heads for the village because after his long journey all he wants is a place to call home. The Greece he knew was long gone and the family he left behind was no longer alive. The village created from the caravan was the only place he had left. That is where Jason lives a happy and peaceful life with the women he loves. He starts a family with four kids, including two sons. He names one of his sons Charles and his other son Tristan.