Chapter 10 (Part 3)


     Oliver's gaze lowers, and a furrow forms on his brow. A flicker of thought swirls within his mind, just out of reach. He takes a deep breath, attempting to grasp the elusive idea that teases his consciousness. As the thought crystallizes in his memory, he lets out a sharp gasp.


Oliver looked at Aaron. "I have recalled the situation concerning the livestock and crops," said Oliver. "Would you guide me to them?"

"I shall lead you there," Aaron replied.


     Oliver and his companions trail behind Aaron, their steps leading them to a barn. As they reach their destination, Oliver abruptly comes to a halt, and a shudder courses through his body. His breath catches in his throat, for the sight that unfurls before him is nothing short of heart-wrenching. The scene stretches out, heavily burdening their souls like a colossal boulder resting on their chests.


     Sheep, goats, and cows lie on the ground, their bodies weakened and bowed, crushed by an invisible mountain. Their laboured panting and parched tongues reflect their exhaustion, yet no tears escape their eyes, for they have none left to shed. Only a soft whimper escapes them, a sound void of teardrops.


     As Oliver witnesses the plight of the dying animals, his heart shatters into a million pieces, his heartbeat clinging to the fragments. With a trembling hand, he clutches the remnants of his heart. His gaze explores the surroundings, and his brows rise higher, seeing the scene before him, revealing even more distressing signs.


     The once-filled buckets of animal food, overflowing with wheat and leftover carrots, now stand empty. Cement bowls that once quenched the livestock's thirst have dried up, resembling desert sands. Nearby plantations wither, their vibrant green hues replaced by the morning sun's yellow glow.


     Without hesitation, Oliver strides forward, extending his right arm as he marches. The line of cement bowls swiftly fills with water, nearly overflowing. The animals rise to their feet, stepping forward eagerly. Goats, lambs, and cows plunge their faces into the water-filled bowls, indulging in the long-awaited relief from the torment of dehydration that has left their throats dry and sore.


     Reaching the end of the barn, Oliver spins around and raises his arms. Vibrant bushes burst into bloom, infusing life into the surroundings inside the animal pens. Mature leaves sprout from the ground, adorning the stems with their verdant beauty.


Aaron gasped in astonishment. "Wow..."

Oliver approached Aaron. "Can you show me where the crops are?" he requested.


     Soon, Oliver arrives at a vast plain of land stretching for a mile, filled with crops. The sight leaves him speechless; his lips tighten, and his fists clench as a breeze passes through the area. Oliver comes to a halt alongside Aaron and his companions, glancing at them and realizing that a crowd of curious farmers has gathered behind them.


     The crops have transformed into a yellowish-brown hue, appearing wilted and limp. Instead of standing upright like straight poles, they bend like springs burdened by an invisible stone. The land lacks moisture and bears the signs of aridity, with visible cracks and fissures marring its surface.


"The crops are dying," said Aaron. "I'm hopeful you can help restore them to their former health..."

Oliver gazed at the land. "Oh, this will be easy. I used to do this all the time when I was younger," Oliver said as he bit his lips.


     Oliver casts a playful smirk at his companions, exchanging a knowing glance. His gaze shifts to the observing farmers, acknowledging them with a subtle nod. With his attention back on the land of crops, Oliver takes a deep breath and lets out a loud sigh, releasing the weight of his burden.


     Each step Oliver takes crunches against the soil beneath his feet. Drawing nearer to the crops, he kneels on one knee, fixating on a single strand. Carefully, Oliver places his fingertip on the spindle-like surface of the plant, only to rise back to his feet and retreat a few paces.


     Suddenly, an unearthly transformation occurs. The brownish, flaky crops burst into vibrant shades of green, shimmering like summer trees. They stand tall and erect, resembling an army of soldiers at attention.


     The bright green hue, as radiant as a crystal, spreads rapidly throughout the crops. The touch of Oliver's hand brings them to an upright position. The process continues relentlessly, without pause, until no wheat plant shows signs of withering.


     A blissful wave of jubilation erupts from the background as the farmers cheer. Some drop their bales of crops, raising their hands to the sky. Others jump and bounce on their toes, while many exchange congratulatory handshakes. Whistles and thunderous applause resound across the farmland, filling the air with an echo.


     The sight of the exuberant, leaping men brings a smile to Oliver's face. He exhales through his nose as he watches the farmers' joyous celebration. Oliver nods before casting his gaze back on the now-green crops.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top