An Excerpt From Year 0

As Kautes wandered through the rich, earthy expanse of the forest floor, he felt an overwhelming sense of solitude enveloping him. The playful animals that once delighted in his presence had grown weary, darting away in search of more stimulating company. His five siblings, too, were indifferent, their laughter echoing in the distance as they reveled in their own adventures, leaving him to grapple with his loneliness.

With a heavy heart, he made his way to the grand gates of his family’s palace, an impressive structure adorned with intricate carvings that whispered tales of old. As he stepped into the majestic halls, he bowed low before his father, the sovereign of this realm, his head filled with trepidation and hope.

“Great Father, the architect of my existence,” he began, his voice steadying with determination. “I come to you with a humble proposition. May I craft a new companion, a creature with whom I can share my time? The others have grown weary of my presence; my voice seems to fade into the tapestry of their excitement.”

His father, a figure of immense wisdom and strength, regarded him thoughtfully. “Of course, my son,” he replied, extending a hand that held a lump of earth, rich and pliable. “Take this clay and immerse yourself in the wondrous act of creation. I wish you nothing but fortune in your endeavor.”

“May the winds guide you,” his mother added, her gentle voice as soothing as a summer breeze. Her eyes sparkled with encouragement, shining with maternal pride.

In a vibrant patch of wildflowers, bursting with colors reminiscent of an artist’s palette, Kautes knelt on the soft bed of grass and began to mold his creation. He worked quickly, imbuing the clay with his own fervor. He crafted two strong, agile legs that promised speed and vitality. The design of the creature took shape—broad shoulders and two arms sprang forth, each adorned with five dexterous fingers, perfect for holding and manipulating.

He carefully sculpted a pair of vibrant eyes, full of life and curiosity, along with a well-defined nose, a wide mouth ready for laughter, and two alert ears that could catch the softest whisper of the wind.

Once he had completed this intricate being, Kautes eased himself onto the vibrant grass, the sun warming his back, pondering over the name that would fit this new life.

“I bestow upon you existence, my creation,” he declared, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss upon the creature’s forehead, infusing it with the spark of life.

As the clay figure opened its eyes, the rich brown of its irises mirrored the fertile earth from which it was formed. It inhaled deeply, filling its lungs for the very first time.

“Greetings, my Creator,” it said, its voice smooth and melodic. “I am Romero.”

As Kautes stood back, a swell of pride filled his chest. Romero, his creation, blinked in wonder at the world around him, taking in the vibrant wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze and the towering trees whose leaves danced above them.

“Romero,” Kautes repeated, testing the name on his tongue. “Do you know who you are?”

The creature tilting its head in curiosity, responded, “I feel an echo of your thoughts, a whisper of your dreams. But I seek to understand more. Who am I in this vast world?”

Kautes smiled, sensing an innate spark of curiosity within Romero that mirrored his own. “You are my companion, my friend. Together, we will explore the wonders of this realm, the secrets that lie hidden in the heart of the forest. You will learn, grow, and perhaps even teach me in return.”

Romero’s eyes brightened at the prospect of adventure. “Then let us begin.”

With a shared understanding, the two set off into the depths of the forest, navigating through shafts of light that filtered through the dense canopy above. Kautes spoke of the stories his father had told him—tales of great battles, wise creatures, and forgotten paths. Romero listened intently, occasionally offering insights that surprised Kautes, revealing a wisdom born of his clay and his connection to the earth.

As they wandered, they came across a shimmering stream. The water flowed gracefully over stones, and Kautes knelt to take a drink. Romero mimicked him, savoring the coolness against his lips.

“Do you feel the pulse of the forest?” Kautes asked, closing his eyes to attune himself to the sounds surrounding them—the rustling leaves, the distant calls of birds, the faint whisper of the wind.

“…I do not,” Romero replied. “Not like you do. You feel the steady heartbeat of the trees and animals. I, however, feel the physical part of the world. The wind in my hair. The grass beneath my feet. I don’t belong here.”

Kautes looked at Romero. This magical connection he shared with his creation felt profound, as if they were two chords harmonizing with a melody that spoke of adventure and belonging.

He smiled softly, understanding resonating between them. “You are part of this world, Romero. More than you realize. The forest sees you even if you can’t see it back.”

Romero frowned, the shadows of doubt crossing his features. “But I am just a shadow of your artistry. I don’t have the same bond with nature that you do. I can’t even hear its song.”

Kautes rose to his feet, brushing the grass from his knees. “Perhaps it’s not about hearing the song, but about feeling its rhythm. Let the world seep into you, let it guide your steps. Close your eyes and let your other senses awaken.”

Reluctantly, Romero complied, shutting his eyes tight. He inhaled deeply through his nose, taking in the earthy scents of damp moss and blooming flowers. The hum of life around him began to emerge—a delicate balance of rustling branches and the distant chittering of woodland creatures. Then, almost imperceptibly, he felt the earth beneath him shift. It was subtle, like a heartbeat, steady and reassuring. His chest tightened as the realization washed over him, spilling warmth into his veins. “Is this…?”

“Yes,” Kautes whispered, his voice barely above the sound of the stream. “That’s it, Romero. Every part of this land is alive, just like you. We all belong to this tapestry of existence.”

Their continued exploration led them through glades filled with mushrooms that twinkled like stars and meadows alive with the unmistakable chatter of creatures large and small. They encountered playful foxes, curious deer, and even a wise old owl who shared stories of the forest’s ancient spells.

With each encounter, Kautes and Romero laughed, learned, and forged a bond that would transcend the boundaries of creator and creation.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Kautes felt a wave of fulfillment wash over him. “I once walked these paths alone, but no more. With you beside me, the world seems vast and inviting.”