THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

PROLOGUE

Gabriel had a year before college so had decided to do what many students did - to have a gap year. He went to the little town, Paradise, in the North Valley district.

From there he wanted to explore and climb the local hills.

He had been told of an old man who exchanged food and lodging for manual work.

It wasn't too difficult to find the place. Obviously not many came this way by the signs of neglect and decay he could see.  He knocked and the door soon opened slowly and creakily.

"What do you want?", growled a quavering voice.

"Great welcome", thought Gabe. Aloud he said: "Food and lodging for some yard work. I want to explore the area and I don't mind hard work.

The old man eyed him, astutely. "You ain't got much baggage!"

"Nope!" was the answer. "Travel light."

"Come on in then." Gabe stepped over the rickety threshold and the world from that date changed forever for him.

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