Merrin Meredith sat by a creek, his feet in the water. He looked up, envying the thin wispy clouds that rolled lazily across the sky.

He wished he could be free. He had been snatched away from his family when he was younger. He was just an eight year old child. He didn't deserve a wretched master that punished him for no reason.

Merrin had a few minutes off from Darke Magyk training, so he had ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry him to his favorite spot by the little creek that was close to his Master's house.

The creek was the only cheery thing around, Merrin thought.

He stretched his sore legs and yawned. Darke Magyk was tiring to an Apprentice of such young age. He slouched his tiny shoulders and let out a huff.

"Master is wicked." he said in a whisper, afraid DomDaniel would hear his soft little voice, no matter how far away he was.

The eight year old ran a pale hand through his short, spiky blond hair. Anger began to swell in his large innocent blue eyes. He did everything Master said and was never rewarded. He was hurt, physically and mentally.

"Boy! Get back to training!" a gruff voiced barked from a distance.

"Master, please. Lemme sit by my creek a little while longer…." the boy pleaded.

"Let me think… NO!" DomDaniel growled as he made his way over to the boy.

"I'm gonna run away." Merrin warned.

"Oh yeah? You think that with those little legs of yours, you can outrun me?" he challenged.

"I can try." Merrin said, more to himself then DomDaniel.

"You know what…. If you can reach that lone tree in the center of that hill before I can-his Master pointed with his thumb-you can have the rest of the day off. If not, you get no break tomorrow."

"I accept." the boy said, willing to have the rest of the day off, especially since it was just morning.

The boy's master took off without warning, gaining momentum with every step.

"No fair!" Merrin whined, pushing himself forward.

Merrin stumbled once, twice, three times. DomDaniel was nearing the tree.

"No one messes with me!" Merrin screamed, Darke Magyk surging through his veins.

Blood pounded in the boy's ears as he sped forward. The Magyk was giving him strength. He closed his eyes and scrambled towards the tree.

"Master is almost there. Curse him." he hissed through clenched teeth.

Suddenly, time seemed to slow down. The eight year old was running faster than even his Master.

Merrin Meredith had passed his Master. He smacked his hand against the tree, a sense of accomplishment rushing through him.

"Yeah!" he shouted, jumping and pounding his fist into the air. "I have the day off!" He had never felt happier in his entire life.

Time regained it's normal speed. DomDaniel gaped at his Apprentice in disbelief. "You… you outsmarted me… With Darke Magyk even!" he exclaimed.

Merrin beamed. He took that as a compliment. "I sure did. Bye, bye DomDaniel. I have the entire day to myself." he waved him away, smirking.

Little did DomDaniel know, his Apprentice had much more in mind then just relaxing during his day off. Merrin had spirited off into the woods and was long gone by nightfall. He had run away.

Merrin danced around in the woods shouting "I'm free! I'm free!" as loud as he could. He was much too far away for DomDaniel to hear him.

The trees shifted nervously. They sensed Darke Magyk inside this boy. He was too young, they thought, to be consumed by evil. It was dangerous for him.

The child flung himself onto the grass. He smiled up at the sky. No one could tell him what to do anymore.

Nightfall came sooner than Merrin expected. He squinted, the moonlight shining in his eyes. He held up a hand to cover his eyes.

"The moon is so unnaturally bright…." he gasped.

"I know… so beautiful, don't you think?" a strong steady voice asked.

Merrin whipped around, his eyes ablaze. "You!" he said, his voice shaky.

"Yes, me. I am Marcia Overstand. You are involved in Darke Magyk, so I'm afraid I have to take you captive." she growled, her eyes fierce.