The Mageborn Cycle

Chapter One: A Road Less Traveled

I stared at the fork in the path. On one hand, the left path would lead me straight back to Cylian. The right would still take me back to the city, but wound through a thicket of trees. The latter would take me near a half hour longer. Admittedly, I was in a bit of a hurry. I had spent the better part of the day in the forest, collecting the herbs my master had bided me. He had told me to return well before dark. By now, the sun was already approaching the horizon. The Rasilian forest is a dangerous place come night. Even from the city strange noises are heard. Some even claim to see floating lights. But despite these dangers, the pasture bored me. I had traversed it many times and it had long lost its appeal. Against better judgment, I decided to take the long route. It would not be the first time I was late. As small as a decision I thought it to be, it would change my life.

I set off at a brisk pace, not caring to be late, but less than motivated to be on my way back. Mossy rocks lined the path as the trees began to thicken, weaving a ceiling of branches and leaves far above my head. The old woods began to block out most natural light. I came to a halt, set down the basket of plants I had picked and I unclipped the lantern fastened to my belt. I lit a match and set the lantern aflame, illuminating the woods around me. The light casted eerie shadows that danced in the wavering flame. The trees creaked and groaned in the wind, as though they were alive. But I was hardly scared. I felt at home in the forest. I could focus, and I could think. A strenuous task at best for me anywhere else. I took the time that I had to simply observe the beauty of the forest. But as I gazed into the darkness a feeling came unto me that I couldn't shake. It felt as though I would not again set my eyes upon these trees for a long time. Surely it wasn't true. I would be back to gather more herbs for Thyron within the week. Still, the feeling remained.

Very suddenly, I was awakened from my thoughts by distant shouting. I paused and listened. It sounded as though it were coming from off the trail, deeper into the woods. There may perhaps have a brief moment where I considered to keep walking, but the idea was quickly swept from my mind as curiosity got the best of me. Afterall, who else would be out this late, especially off the path? I dampened the light of my lantern, and stepped over the rocks that guided the path. I had felt safe nigh a moment ago, but I felt as though I had crossed a barrier into another world. The forest was safe enough to wander during the day, but strange things happened at night. Stories and legends of the beasts that roamed and reigned the forest after the sun had set. Even so, my curiosity won over superstitious fear, I didn't let it deter me from my now set path.

I crept through the forest as quietly as I could. Still each step resulted in the crunching of leaves that seemed to me to echo for miles. As I made my way, the shouting became louder. I couldn't make out any words, but I could distinctly make out the voices of two people, one man, and one woman. Ahead I made out the light of a large fire pit. The light revealed a small cottage built around several trees that shot through the tangle of woven sticks that were the roof. Two figures stood near the fire, face to face in a heated argument. Something deep inside of me told me to stop, to turn back and return to the alchimist before I was late and to leave this behind me. Yet once again my curiosity won over my gut. I blew out the lantern, clipped it back to my belt and raised my hood. As silently as my feet would allow, I made my way forward. Soon the figures became more distinguished. The woman was facing towards me, she was scarcely clothed in animal skins. Several pendants were laced around her neck. Her hair was an unkempt tangle of knots, entwined with twigs and leaves. Her skin and clothes were spattered in mud, yet she bore herself proudly standing straight, eyes furiously blazing into the face of the man that stood before her.

The man stood with his back to me. All I could see of him was his dark blue hooded cloak and the staff he gripped with both hands. Along with this, I also noted his stature. He was very tall, and even with his back to me he seemed intimidating. I listened closely to try to make out what he was shouting.