The Endless Forest

Tal found himself staring blankly at the wall in front of him. A sudden jolt made him blink, he turned his head and stared out the small window next to him.

A gray scenery slowly scrolled by…

For almost a month he’d been either locked up in his ivory tower, or been put through arduous training. And now, for the last three days, he’d been stuck in a carriage.

Through it all, his mind was a thick haze of half-formed thoughts. Only one seemed to stick and guide him, Kill the Heretic…

Yet, the further away from the capital he got, the more he could think. It wasn’t much, and he had to concentrate in order to keep his thoughts from fading, but it was a welcome relief…

As the carriage traveled, the subtle pelting of rain could be heard. Where are…we going? He wondered. No one bothered to fill him in, his only guess was a port city. But– He winced, Which one? The cloudy sky made it hard to tell direction, and he still hadn’t had any premonitions.

Still staring out the window, Tal saw a horse mounted guard overtake his carriage. Doing his best, he peered as far back as he could. There were plenty more.

Es…corts? For my…protection? He grunted from the strain and fell back into his seat. Rubbing his temple, he let the thoughts go for now.

Tal closed his eyes.

Hello, Champion–

His eyes shot open. “W-who…?”

There was no one there. Must…be my imagination.

Please do not pan–

“Where are you!” Tal shouted, reaching for his sword. His hand grasped at nothing.

Relax, Tal, I am not there.

It was then that he realized the voice was inside his head. “Who are you?” He asked tensely. “What do you want?”

I am a…friend. There is no need to be so defensive, I cannot physically hurt you.

“Physically, but you are speaking into my mind.” Tal’s eyes carefully traced the inside of the carriage, looking for anything out of place. Still, he felt nothing from his premonitions…

I can only read your surface thoughts– Even if the rest of your mind wasn’t so clouded.

“Would someone use such trickery to speak to a friend?” he bit back.

It is unfortunate that we should meet like this. It is not by choice, I assure you. If you would allow me, perhaps I could show you my sincerity?

Still guarded, Tal hesitated before answering. “And just how, exactly, would you do that?”

Simple, you are under the influence of a rather tricky curse. It is poisoning your mind, making it difficult for you to form coherent thoughts. But, Tal, let me ask you, how are you fairing currently?

That caused him to pause. How am I– I can think! Clearly!

But of course, I gave you my gift the moment I reached out to you. I hope you enjoy this moment of clarity.

“Moment?” Tal asked suspiciously. “And I thought you could only read my surface level thoughts?”

For a brief moment, he thought the voice smiled. First, for as long as you are away from the cities, I can assist you. But I cannot stop it. Also, I did not lie. The curse is not deep, but its poison is seeping into your mind.

“What… What do you mean away from the cities?” Tal felt an edge of fear, but still nothing came from his premonitions.

The High Prophet concentrates his power within them and controls them from his throne. Removing your curse and then entering a city would alert him almost immediately. I am working on something that should help you…

“What are you working on?” He asked cautiously. Nothing is ever for free…

It is not. However, I assure you, our goals align. But I digress, I am working on your next step. Tell me, what is your impression of the High Prophet?

Tal scoffed, “I am simply the Champion. My opinions do not matter.”

And yet, you do not believe that. Very well, I suppose that answers my question. Now, about your mission. You are supposed to kill the Heretic–

“How do– Never mind…” He trailed off, feeling completely exposed to this voice.

If it makes you feel better, I already knew your mission. It is why I am reaching out to you at this very moment.

“Hah! So you know everything about me, yet I know nothing about you.”

Cassius, you may call me by that name.

“I somehow doubt that is your real name.”

You are right, but it is a name. I have many, you see? But none of them matter. It is the person who inhabits the name that matters. Now, back to your mission…

What will you do?

“What do you mean? My mission is to kill the Heretic, I will do it– Not because I am the Champion but because he is the reason why I am here to begin with. He is the reason why my family continues to suffer…” He is the reason why my brother is dead.

I see… What if I told you, I can bring your brother back?

“What?! Impossible!”

It is not. How do you think the Heretic returned? He was dead, now he is not. I know how to do it, I can bring your brother back.

Taking a deep breath, Tal calmed his nerves. The idea of resurrection wasn’t entirely lost on him, plenty of tales spoke of it. But they also spoke of great sacrifices…

There is nothing to worry about there, especially if you listen to me. Let me give you a second option, one that will satisfy everyone.

“What…is it?” Now, his premonition was warning him.

Don’t kill Felix, capture him and bring him to me.

Felix waited for Zira to enter the barn, but already he was impressed. “How long did it take you to construct this?” he asked, entering the building.

The inside was spacious, well, for him. When considering it was meant for dragons, it was a little cramped. Zira and Kyrith would fit and be comfortable, but it would be tight. Thankfully, the ember-colored dragon wasn’t here with them.

With just one dragon, a human, and two elves, there was enough space for them all.

“Admittedly, we only finished construction a week ago,” Chief Yorlen said, stepping in behind him. “I hope it’s to your liking, Zira. We…didn’t really know what you or Kyrith would want or need.”

Zira turned her head towards them. “It is perfect, thank you.” She had found one of two nests, each being made up of thick padding and leathers. “Much better than our other accommodations,” she added humorously.

Crossing his arms, Felix scoffed. “Well, I’m sorry, your Highness. But don’t forget, I too, sleep on those same floors while acting as your pillow.”

“As you should.” Her tone was of mock haughtiness, it elicited chuckles from him and Yorlen.

“I’m glad it is to your liking,” The Chief responded after calming down. “If there are any changes that are needed, please let me know.”

Actually, that makes me wonder… Felix thought to himself. “Not to sound rude, but why did you have this constructed?”

“Huh? Oh…” Yorlen suddenly looked a little uncomfortable as he answered. “Well, the idea came to me after you all left. I was upset that Zira and Kyrith had to fly off to seek shelter during that storm.”

“Ah… In that case,” Felix faced the Chief and gave a deep bow. “Thank you.”

“Indeed, you have my gratitude as well.” Zira added, also giving a bow.

“There is no need to thank me. As Chief, it is one of my duties to ensure honored guests are comfortable. If I had been wiser, I would’ve had something ready by then…” Yorlen looked away.

They fell into awkward silence with that. That is, until Aluin cleared his throat.

“If you two are fine with it, I would like to discuss some things. Otherwise, I can let you rest instead.”

Felix and Zira gave each other a look before Felix answered for the both of them. “We’re fine for now, though maybe something to drink? Turns out, the wind dries out your mouth, especially with the speeds we were going. I’ve already gone through my water skins…”

“Absolutely, I shall prepare us something special,” Chief Yorlen answered. “I will be back momentarily.”

Felix watched as the elf left before turning back towards Aluin. “So… What’s going on exactly? Who were those people? They didn’t exactly look like they were from here– And I’m pretty sure Chief Yorlen referred to one as another Chief.”

The Sage let out a sigh. “That is what I wanted to discuss, however, I think it would be best to wait for Chief Yorlen’s return. He is very much involved in what is happening.”

“Alright…” Felix felt a little awkward.

Apparently, Aluin felt the same way because he quickly changed the topic. “How are things at the manor? I know I left in a rush, and I apologize for that, but I am curious.”

Zira snorted in amusement. “Well enough, save for four rowdy hatchlings.”

“Each of the, uh, volunteers managed to bond and hatch an egg," Felix quickly added "That was…a month ago? Yeah, that sounds right…”

“That’s wonderful news!” The Sage said delightedly. “I’m glad that it all worked out.”

“Yeah… There were a few complications,” Felix added, rubbing his neck. “But nothing that we couldn’t handle.”

“Oh?” Aluin cocked an eye. “What kind of complications?”

Oh boy… Where do I even begin? he asked himself.

From the beginning, of course, Zira answered, much to his annoyance.

“Well…”

***

Felix had barely made it past the part of him waking up after his mana depletion when Chief Yorlen returned. The Chief actually made two trips, returning the first time with a small cask and the second bearing a tray with fancy looking glass cups.

“Now, I know you’ve tried dwarven ale… But this here,” Yorlen gestured to the cask, “is elven wine. Don’t worry though, it won’t make you do anything too crazy,” he added with a coy smile.

Felix just groaned at the almost forgotten memory. Meanwhile, everyone else shared a laugh at his expense…

The chief quickly poured Felix and Aluin a drink, handing them each a fancy glass filled with a red liquid. Felix took a quick sniff of it, hesitating to try it immediately. There were floral undertones mixed with a strangely earthly scent. Overall, it didn’t smell bad, but it did seem a little off…

“This is traditional elven wine, not like most wines you’d find. Those are more of a modern take, but this?” The Chief raised his own glass. “This is how our ancestors made it.”

Felix nodded but noticed Zira’s expression, she hadn’t been offered anything yet.

“Ah! Do not worry, Zira. I haven’t forgotten about you…” Apparently the Chief had also noticed. He quickly picked up the cask, which was still full, and set it down in front of her.

“Unfortunately, I have nothing larger for you to drink from, but the rest is yours.”

“Thank you.” Unlike Felix, she didn’t hesitate to start lapping at it, much to everyone’s amusement.

Shrugging, Felix too took a sip from his wine…

“Wow, this is good.” He quickly took another sip.

“Careful now, it's nowhere near as potent as dwarven ale, but it will sneak up on you.” Aluin warned with a smile before trying his glass.

“Funny, but I shall be careful. Also, thank you Chief Yorlen.”

“It is my pleasure,” The elf gave a slight bow.

With that, the four of them settled down. Felix and Zira ended up sitting together in one of the nests, with Felix leaning against her. Meanwhile, Aluin and Yorlen were both content with just the hardwood floor…

“Now that we are all comfortable, perhaps I should explain things…” The Sage said.

“Yeah, and I suppose I haven’t said why we’re here either,” Felix added guiltily. He had nearly forgotten why himself.

Chief Yorlen cleared his throat. “I…think it might be best if Aluin goes first. But I am interested as to why you two flew all the way here.”

Aluin nodded, “Indeed.”

“Fine with me,” Felix said with a shrug.

“Good, then I guess I will explain…” The Sage took a deep breath.

“We need your help in selecting a queen.”