The Endless Forest

Gods! Why must it rain? Why must it rain today? Felix asked himself, as he slipped out from Zira’s wing.

I don’t know but at least you are dry. I have been laying here getting drenched the entire time. Zira grumbled.

He flinched. Thank you for that.

You’re welcome. But this is going to slow us down even more. The amethyst dragon stood and quickly shook the water out from in between her scales.

Both quickly surveyed the camp. Most of the elven workers who were traveling with them were still hunkered down within tents or under trees. It was morning, but the cloudy skies made it hard to tell the actual time.

Three days of slow, boring, monotonous traveling… And now we might be stuck here for even longer! Felix kicked at the ground out of frustration and anger. He just wanted to get home.

It had been a week since he and Zira left the manor and while they had only spent less than two days in Bernel, they had been slowly making their way back for the last three.

At least when we left the manor we were on our own and could move at whatever pace we wanted! Now, we’re damn stuck to this slow moving group!

Zira let out an angry snort. She was just as agitated as him. We’re close too. We could be there in two hours, even in this rain. But if we continue with the group, we might not make it tonight.

“What’s the matter with ya? Don’t like a little rain?” an old, gruff voice asked.

Great… “It’s not the rain so much as it's the fact we still haven’t left yet,” Felix snapped back, turning to face Gillador.

The ancient elf looked between him and Zira before shaking his head. “Ya kids these days, so impatient… Always rushing, never stopping to enjoy the moment. Take it from me, cherish those brief moments of pause. Ya’ll never no when ya’ll get another one.”

With that, Gillador strode past them heading…somewhere. Felix didn’t bother to pay any more attention.

Thank the Gods that Aluin is the sage and not him…

Can I eat him, or at the very least send him back? Zira asked only somewhat jokingly. But which part she was joking about, Felix didn’t want to know.

No, sadly not. According to Aluin, he’s probably the most important person here… Speaking of, I’m going to find Aluin. Maybe see about us going on ahead, or at least scout…or something.

Why are we even sticking with the group again? Zira asked with another grumble.

Because, it wouldn’t be polite… But I’m starting to not care, he added as he began making his way over to where the Sage had sent up his tent. Thankfully, Aluin was already standing outside, holding a hand up to catch the rain.

“Great weather we’re having,” Felix greeted him. “Is it going to rain for long or…?”

Aluin dropped his hand and faced Felix. “Should end soon, but I am going to start getting everyone to pack up. We need to get back to the manor by nightfall.”

He perked up at that. “That’s actually what I was going to ask next, me and Zira are… Well, I hate to admit it but we’re getting impatient.”

“I figured, but don’t worry I will start to gather everyone. Go ahead and get ready, you can take to the sky but please stay close. I shouldn’t have to say it, but people are still unsure about you. If you run off on your own, it will leave a bad impression.”

“Of course.” Damn it. With that done, he didn’t waste any more time and rushed back to Zira.

I hope you don’t mind flying in the rain! he said to her.

I’ll manage, but I think it's you who will mind.

Funny, but I’ll do anything at this point to not be stuck around here. He quickly checked their gear and made sure everything was still attached. Nothing rubbing or–

She let out a low growl. Just get on, I want to see if we can at least get above the clouds. She lowered herself to the ground.

His only response was to hop up to his usual spot on her back before giving a pat on the side. The next moment, Zira was backing up to give herself enough space.

She took off at a quick pace, immediately beating her wings. There was very little room and she needed every inch. It was just enough and she began lifting herself up through the trees…

***

Time passed but the boredom remained. Neither were feeling enthusiastic, and the only good news they had was the rain letting up. Now, though, they aimlessly circled overhead.

Felix leaned over Zira’s shoulder and stared down into the forest below. How much further is it?

Four more hours, but at least they are finally picking up speed, she answered.

The group below had found a thinner part of the forest, and according to Zira they were having a lot of success in getting their pack animals through the trees.

Oh, looks like Aluin is using his magic again, Zira suddenly added. He’s literally pushing fallen logs out of the way and– He’s building a path!

Felix felt a shiver run down his back. You know, he kinda scares me… Just casually making a path through the forest! Though, I guess I shouldn’t complain. He was very adamant about getting to the manor by tonight.

For what it’s worth, it looks like he is breaking out into a sweat, she said with a comforting tone.

He let out a concerned chuckle. Good to know that some things are hard, even for him… The only time I’ve seen him struggle was after a week of constant magic usage. And even then, it was only after teleporting all of us back to the manor.

Leaning back in his seat, Felix let go of Zira’s neck and trusted that his mana would hold him. Should we practice more? he asked, unsure of what else they could do.

Zira thought for a moment before responding. Why don’t we combine our minds? We still haven’t done that while flying.

I suppose we can…

She turned her head to get a look at him. What, you don’t want to?

That’s not it, I guess… I guess I just wanted to prove to myself that I can keep up with you, he said with an awkward smile.

Really?

Really. Felix shook his head, and quickly added, Yes, I know I’m being difficult. But you are right, we should really practice that, especially with my mana manipulation.

Indeed. Are you ready? she asked, but before he could respond her mind was already reaching across their bond. An instant later, they touched and a familiar jolt ran through both.

He and She became They.

They soared higher into the sky, each body working in tandem. Zira’s did much of the work, but Felix’s body could adjust and shift its weight. These things they understood, but that had been on the ground. Up here, though? It was drastically different.

We should have done this sooner. The thought was said from one part of their mind, but the sentiment was echoed by the other.

Together, they continued practicing and maneuvering. All the while, Felix’s mana coursed around them keeping his body tightly latched onto her’s. They could taste it, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. One that felt both like their own and not.

The agitation, the frustration of wanting to get back to the manor melted away. They no longer cared how long it would take, they were enjoying the moment.

Tal for the last– four…five…six days, was it? He had lost count once again, but this time not because of some curse poisoning and clouding his mind. No, he wa

s simply bored to death while he sat silent and lonely in his carriage…

For the entire time, him and his entourage, as he started thinking of his guards, had hardly stopped. Only for brief moments to relieve themselves or to set up camp for the night. Even then, he was barely allowed outside his little portable prison.

However, while he had nothing to keep himself entertained, he did take the time to pray and to try and learn what sort of curse was bestowed upon him.

That was a tricky endeavor though, for he lacked the knowledge of mental curses. But that did not stop him from trying. He was educated in most physical blessings and curses, and combined with the knowledge he was under a curse? He felt that he might be able to find a way around his predicament…

Now, he leaned towards the window of his carriage doing his best to see ahead. Squinting, he could just make out the faint walls of a city.

But…which one? The fog in his mind was starting to return. He had a guess, they were traveling east but he couldn’t know for sure for how long.

Ancor? Has…to be– Damn it! He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. There was no point in getting frustrated now, he knew this would happen…

He had a plan.

F-focus… Tal closed his eyes, and began putting what he figured out to use. He needed something he could anchor his entire being to. It couldn’t be something as simple as a concept like freedom or truth.

No, it needed to be something personal, something so deeply rooted that the curse couldn’t reach it.

But…what– His vision of bodies flashed through his mind. The man standing above him, looking down. Tal studied the man’s expression, the first time he truly paid attention…

Sorrow. That was the only word that came to him. H-he suffered…

His eyes widened as a vague and fleeting understanding came to him. He did not know what, exactly, he learned but it did not matter now. He knew what must be his anchor.

Felix.

Torm paced back and forth, waiting for the dwarf to return once more. His…employer was also missing, but that didn’t mean he could simply run away. It didn’t matter how much he thought about it, there would be no escape from him.

I’ve made a terrible, terrible mistake…

His act of vengeance was going to cost a lot of lives before it was over. And yet, I cannot stop it. The gears are already turning, a figure of speech he’d learned from the dwarves.

And what of the dwarf, Hanzel? He was at his temple, gaining access to the key. Once done, he would be returning. Once done, Torm’s job would begin…

He began sweating, the pressure and simply knowing what was going to happen was getting to him. And he could not escape.

He was doomed, that much was a certainty. Hanzel’s life would be forfeit as well, the order already given.

So why did he continue on his path? Why not try and stop it? Why not simply say no?

Because… Because I’m a coward! He gritted his teeth, the truth of that statement hurt him more than any physical wound could. It cut right through him, shattering the persona he once held.

It left a husk of an elf.

It left him in despair.

Torm collapsed to the floor, crying. He shook as he curled into himself, wishing for this to all end.

A sudden coldness swept through him.

Ah, I see you finally grasp the totality.

“W-why?!”

Because you were simple enough to fool. And now, you are mine to do with as I wish.

There was a pause, it was longer than it needed to be.

You are my slave. You will do as you are told. If you succeed, then I will end this suffering for you.

“Y-you mean k-kill me!”

There was a laugh.

Of course. Your life will end– But tell me, Torm, do you want to be remembered?

Of course he wanted to be remembered, no one wanted to be forgotten… But the question was bait, a trick, a trap. He would not fall for–

Answer me!

A surge of magic flowed through his body, compelling him to answer with pain.

Torm screamed, feeling his entire body wreathed in flame.

“Y-YES!” The pain suddenly ended. He let out a gasp.

You shall be remembered…

In infamy.