Into The Woods

Chapter I

People have always told stories of ancient folklores about the land of Melwin. I was one of those people who, unfortunately, did not believe in them and often disreguarded them. That was until it almost cost me my life, but at the same time saved me. 

I guess those creatures do make their presence known after all and, people were right, humans must never disrespect or, worse, challenge them. These creatures have existed longer than we can imagine. Back since the beginning of time itself. Their knowledge is treasure for those who believe. Only them can get rich. Not for their body but for their soul. Spiritual guides, described by some. Now i understand and i most certainly agree. Of course i should propably begin from the start.

My name is Ivor Ellis. Melwin was my homeland. Our kingdom was strong and lasted for generations. Brave kings and strong queens have ruled the land for decates. Wars nearly ever knocked on our doors. The kingdom was well respected by many. Not by fear, but from fairness. That was until the last ruler decided to test his power, and fate. Something that should never be challenged, unless you want to taste defeat. Son and heir of our previous leader, King Zayan, who was one of the best amongst many, laid on his deathbed due to an incurable sickness. The land of Melwin fell into deep sorrow, from losing his emperor. Things got worse as soon as his son Arthur took over. His greed grew as he wanted to expand the kingdom. My people faced a heavy loss from the battles he created. He didn't know when to stop, blinded by his ego. He was mad. Many were against him. Whoever tried to interfear with him, was punished heavily. I believe the loss of his father made him cruel and coldhearted. After all he was only 9 when it happened. 

Years passed and the kingdom of Melwin lost all its power, hope and strength. King Arthur took his own life at age 26 once he had realized the consequences of his actions. He could not bear it, believing he could not fix it. After the incident, people had to fend for themselves. They could not rely on any king or queen anymore, too scared of history repeating itself. Everyone was relying on eachother. For a while Melwin had no leaders. It was peaceful. Exactly what everyone needed after all those dark years of doom. Days, months and years went by and everyone slowly started to forget the past, barely mentioning what life was like before, wanting to move forward. But with no kings and queens this time. As if everything was just a story lost in time. Or just a cruel nightmare everyone wanted to wake up from. My people had more trust with one another, and, eventually, we operted without the need of emperors. It was a new start for everyone. Slowly, the land parted in smaller civilizations, creating small villages. One of them was mine. Everwind the name. Near the forest and almost outside of the old ruins of the castle. I was living with my mother and younger sister Mirah. My mother owned a small bakery. We were not very rich but we were making just the right amount to survive and, trully, people helped eachother enough. Our lives were pretty simple, until i was asked by my mother to bring some berries from the valley. That was when it all started.