Allen sat on the narrow path at the edge of the village, staring blankly at the blue sky. Allen was not his real name; it was a childhood nickname given by his father, who feared the boy was too frail to survive. Following the local custom, they called him by a humble name. His true name was Martin Lynn.
The Lynn family was a prominent name in the surrounding villages and the county town. Their ancestors had been carpenters, and even in the county town, the Lynns were well known, owning several shops that sold wooden goods.
Martin's father, Thomas Lynn, was a second-born son of a side branch of the family. He had no right to inherit the family business. Instead, after his wedding, he left the county town and settled in this village. With his excellent carpentry skills, the family lived a comfortable life, free from hunger and cold, and was well respected in the village.
Martin had been exceptionally bright since childhood. He loved to read and was full of ideas. He was almost universally regarded as a child prodigy in the village. Whenever his father heard others praise him, the wrinkles on his face would bloom into a happy smile. His mother doted on him even more. In short, from birth, Martin had grown up bathed in his parents' love. He knew they had high hopes for him. Other children his age were already working in the fields, but he stayed home and studied.
The more books he read, the more thoughts came to him. He was filled with a longing for the world beyond the mountain village. Looking up at the end of the path, Martin sighed, closed the book in his hand, and walked toward home.
His father sat in the yard, holding a clay pipe. After taking a deep puff, he said to Martin as he pushed open the gate, "Allen, how are your studies coming along?"
Martin gave a vague reply. His father tapped the ashes from his pipe, stood up, and said, "Allen, you must study hard. Next year is the county exam. Whether you'll have a future depends entirely on that. Don't end up like me, stuck in this village for life. Ahh."
"Enough of that. You're always nagging. I say our Allen will definitely pass." Martin's mother carried the food to the table in the yard and called the father and son over to eat.
Martin mumbled an acknowledgment, sat down, and hurriedly ate a few mouthfuls. His mother looked at him lovingly and put the few pieces of meat on his plate.
"Father, Uncle Frederick should be coming soon, don't you think?" Martin looked up.
"Yes, any day now. Your uncle has done better than me." His father sighed. "Wife, you've packed the wild vegetables for him, haven't you?"
His mother nodded and said with emotion, "Allen, your uncle Frederick is a good man. Thanks to his help these years, your father's carvings have sold well. If you ever make something of yourself, don't forget to repay him."
Just as they were speaking, the sound of horse hooves and wagon wheels came from outside. A cheerful voice called out, "Second Brother, open the gate!"
Martin was overjoyed and ran to push open the gate. A sturdy, middle-aged man with bright eyes stood outside. When he saw Martin, he laughed heartily and ruffled his hair. "Allen, you've grown taller in just half a year."
Martin's parents hurried over. His father laughed, "Frederick, I figured you'd be here soon. Come in. Allen, fetch a stool for your uncle."
Martin happily agreed, ran inside, and brought out a stool, placing it by the table. He wiped it carefully with his sleeve and looked at the middle-aged man expectantly.
The man winked at him and teased, "Allen, why so diligent this time? Last time I came, you weren't like this."
Martin's father pretended to scold him. "This little rascal was just asking if you were coming soon."
Seeing Martin blush, the man said, "Allen, your uncle didn't forget what he promised you." He took two thread-bound books from his coat and placed them on the table.
Martin cheered with joy, picked up the books, and flipped through them, unable to contain his happiness.
His mother looked at her son fondly and said to the man, "Frederick, your brother always talks about you. Stay a few days this time."
The man shook his head. "Sister-in-law, the family has many matters these days. I have to leave early tomorrow morning. Once this busy period is over, I'll come again." He looked apologetically at his brother.
Thomas sighed. "Frederick, don't listen to your sister-in-law. Load the goods tomorrow. The family's affairs are most important. We can catch up later."
The man looked at Thomas and asked, "Second Brother, Martin is fifteen now, isn't he?"
Thomas nodded and said with feeling, "After the New Year, the little rascal will be sixteen. Ah, ten years fly by." He looked at his son with doting eyes.
Frederick thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, I want to tell you something. St. Helman's Abbey is accepting disciples this year. Our family has three nomination slots, and one of them is mine."
Thomas was stunned. "St. Helman's Abbey? The monastery of holy light, where all the saints are?"
Frederick smiled and nodded. "Yes, that one. Our family is fairly well known in the region, so we have the privilege of recommending candidates. My own boy, as you know, is no good at studying, though he's handy with a sword. I doubt the holy monks would take him. This slot is precious, and I think Allen is clever and loves reading. He might just have a chance."
Martin's mother was overjoyed and stammered, "Frederick, this… this…"
Frederick ruffled Martin's hair. "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, let's decide it. Let Allen go and try. If he is accepted, it will be his blessing."
Martin looked at his parents and uncle, confused. He didn't fully understand what they were talking about. What is a holy monk? After hesitating, he asked softly.
Frederick looked at him seriously. "Allen, holy monks are those who can fly through the sky. Each of them has great powers that we mortals cannot fathom."
Martin, though still naive, felt a glimmer of curiosity.
Thomas excitedly stood up and pulled his wife to bow to Frederick, but Frederick quickly stopped them and said earnestly, "Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother died early. If not for your mother looking after me as a child, I wouldn't be where I am today. Allen is my nephew. This is only right."
Thomas wept with emotion and patted Frederick heavily on the shoulder. Then he turned to Martin and said sternly, "Martin Lynn, remember this: no matter what happens, never forget your uncle's kindness to our family. If you do, you are no son of mine."
Martin's heart trembled. Though he still did not fully grasp what it meant to be a holy monk, he saw how important this was to his parents. He knelt before his uncle and kowtowed several times.
Frederick pulled him up and said approvingly, "Good boy. Pack your things. I'll come for you at the end of the month."
That evening, Martin went to bed early. Through the window, he could still hear his father and uncle talking in the yard. His father was happy and, though he rarely drank, insisted on having a few cups with Frederick.
What exactly is a holy monk? Martin was excited. In his young heart, he vaguely sensed that this was his chance—a chance to see the outside world.
The next morning, Uncle Frederick left. Martin's parents walked him all the way to the village entrance. On the way back, Martin clearly saw that his father seemed younger, and the look he gave Martin was full of expectation—even more so than when he had spoken of the county exam.
In a small village, no secret can be kept. News spread through the whole village in an instant. Soon everyone knew. Neighbors and relatives came to congratulate them. Their looks at Martin varied: envy, jealousy…
"The Lynns have a good son. He's going to St. Helman's Abbey."
"I've watched Allen grow up. He's always been smart. Becoming a holy monk—he'll have a great future."
"Allen is talented. When you make it big, don't forget to come back and visit."
Such words filled Martin's ears. Gradually, it became as if he had already been accepted. His parents couldn't stop smiling; the wrinkles on their faces seemed fewer.
Whenever Martin walked through the village, everyone greeted him warmly. Some even used him as an example to scold their own children.
Half a month passed quickly. The news spread to the surrounding villages, and people came to offer congratulations. Each brought gifts. Martin's parents tried to refuse but couldn't. However, they always gave generous return gifts. As Thomas said, "Our son will be a holy monk. We don't want him owing too many favors."
Soon, members of the Lynn family learned that Frederick had given his nomination slot to Martin, and they came to congratulate them as well. Thomas took special care with these relatives—many had looked down on him before, and some had forced him out of the family years ago. Now they came to his home, and he felt a lifetime of suppressed frustration melt away.
He and his wife decided to host a grand feast. They paid the village teacher to write invitations. The teacher refused any payment, only asking that Martin acknowledge that he had studied under him since childhood. Martin had no objection—it was the truth.
When the invitations were sent, most of the Lynn relatives came to celebrate. Too many people came, so Thomas set up hundreds of tables in the village square.
The villagers helped with the hosting, and everyone praised Martin.
Thomas, his wife, and Martin stood at the village entrance to greet everyone. Thomas introduced each relative to Martin.
"This is your great-uncle Bartholomew. When I left the family, he secretly helped me. Allen, remember to repay his kindness." Thomas supported a white-haired old man and spoke to Martin.
Martin politely agreed. The old man looked at him and sighed, "Thomas, time flies. Your son is better than you."
Thomas, beaming, said, "Great-uncle, Allen has been clever since childhood. He's definitely better than me. Please, go ahead. Wife, help him over."
After the old man left, Thomas snorted quietly and said to Martin, "That old man looked down on me and forced me out. Now that you've done well, he comes to congratulate. That's how relatives are."
Martin nodded vaguely and asked, "Father, will Uncle Frederick come today?"
Thomas shook his head. "He sent word that he's out of town and can't make it. He'll come at the end of the month to pick you up."
Just then, another carriage arrived. An old man in his fifties stepped out, looked at Thomas, sighed, and said, "Thomas, congratulations."
Thomas's face was complex. After a long moment, he said, "Brother Victor…"
Victor looked at Martin and smiled. "Thomas, this is your boy? Not bad. Maybe he'll be chosen."
Thomas frowned, then relaxed. "Allen has no great merits except being clever and loving to read. He will definitely be chosen."
"That's not certain. Holy monasteries have strict requirements. It's about affinity with the holy light. I think this boy looks dull and simple. He'll probably fail." A sixteen-year-old youth stepped down from the carriage. He was handsome, with bright eyes and a contemptuous look on his face.
Thomas glared. Martin looked at the youth silently.
Victor scolded, "Sebastian, how rude! This is your uncle Thomas, and your cousin Martin. Apologize." Then he said to Thomas, "Sebastian speaks harshly, but I'm sorry. Still, being accepted is not simple. It requires destiny. My son here has been personally recognized by Father Theophilus of St. Helman's. That's why our family got three slots."
Thomas snorted. "If your son can do it, mine will be chosen too."
Sebastian sneered, ignoring his father's scolding. "Uncle, don't get your hopes up. Holy light affinity is rare. This dullard can't compare to me. I'm already chosen by the holy father."
Victor showed a flash of pride, then half-heartedly scolded Sebastian again, bowed to Thomas, and led his son into the feast.
"Allen, don't feel pressured. If you aren't chosen, it's nothing. You can still take the county exam next year." Thomas said after a long silence.
Martin looked determined. "Father, I will be chosen."
Thomas patted his shoulder gently, his eyes full of hope.
After greeting more relatives, Thomas finally took Martin back to the feast. The scene was lively, crowded, and noisy.
"Dear relatives and villagers, I don't have fancy words, but I'm happy today. My son has a chance to be chosen by St. Helman's Abbey. That's the happiest thing in my life. No more words. Thank you all for coming." Thomas downed his cup.
"Thomas, your boy is smart. He'll be chosen, just like Sebastian."
"Second Brother, you'll enjoy a good life because of Allen."
"Allen, make your father proud. Get into St. Helman's no matter what."
The celebration was grand. But in the shadows, some were just watching for amusement. Victor, for instance, pretended to be happy but inwardly looked down on his younger brother and his son. He glanced at his own son and then at Martin, thinking that unless the holy monks were blind, they would never choose Martin.
Life's many faces were on display. Thomas took Martin around to each table, introducing more unfamiliar relatives.
That day, Thomas drank a lot. He had never been so honored. Late into the night, the relatives left. Before leaving, Sebastian whispered in Martin's ear, "Fool, you won't be chosen. You don't have what it takes."
Then he left with his father, laughing contemptuously.
Back home, Martin lay on his bed, vowing to be chosen no matter what.
Another half month passed. One day, Uncle Frederick arrived with his carriage.
Thomas and his wife welcomed him inside. Frederick washed his face hurriedly and said, "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, I can't stay long. I'll take Allen and leave immediately. The abbey's envoy comes tomorrow morning."
Thomas was startled, then reluctant. He said decisively, "Alright. Allen, go with your uncle. If you are chosen, stay and work hard. If not, come home without any burden."
Martin looked at his parents reluctantly and nodded firmly. His mother brought a bundle from inside and said lovingly, "Allen, listen to your uncle. Don't cause trouble. The outside world is different from home. Be patient. I've packed you new clothes and your favorite baked sweet potatoes. I'll miss you. If you aren't chosen, come back…" She began to cry.
Martin had never left the village before. This was his first departure.
Frederick sighed and said, "Allen, make your parents proud. Be chosen. Second Brother, Sister-in-law, there will be a big family celebration in a few days. I'll come pick you up then, when the results are known for the three recommended children."
He then took Martin's hand, hurried onto the carriage, whipped the horse, and they sped away.
Martin's parents watched until the carriage disappeared, tears streaming.
"Husband, Allen has never left us. Will he be bullied?" his mother asked.
"Children grow up. They have their own fortune…" Thomas lit his pipe, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to multiply.