Chapter 1



The night was cold, the wind howled across the fields out back of my home. As I looked out from my porch I could see lamps flickering in windows in the town below. I sighed and turned away, feeling the need to go for a walk. I stepped off the porch with my oil lamp swinging in my hands. The path down into the valley was long and dangerous. No one knew what lived there, monsters, ghosts, or bandits.

I walked along the dusty path for some time until I noticed that I had not brought a weapon with me. In my minds eye I could visualize my dagger laying on the mantle in the living room. I shook my head in disgust, how could I have been so stupid?

Then came the sudden feeling that I was being watched, but I quickly shook off the feeling, knowing that if I allowed it to bother me I would not make it to town. I could imagine the bandits or some form of horrid creature grabbing me as I panicked, trying to escape. I shuddered at the thought.

So I moved on, my blue eyes quickly glancing from one side of the road to the other. But I saw nothing. I sighed with relief.

I did not notice the first house until I was walking by it. I smiled, nothing had bothered me! I had made it to town! I ran to a merchants stand happily. There I bought herbs and spices for my mother. She would be so happy when she got home!

Then I felt slightly sad. What if she didn't make it home? She has been gone for almost a month now... Tears came to my eyes. I tried to swipe them away but they kept coming.

I held my bag tightly as I ran to an alley way and sat down. I could cry here and no one would see me.

Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see a beautiful lady looking down at me. Her eyes were grey and she had the prettiest smile that I had ever seen. She looked at me sympathetically. "What is wrong little one?" She asked with her velvet soft voice.

"Nothing..." I said quickly, trying to seem as if this was normal.

She smiled softly and ran her fingers through my midnight black hair. "Then at least tell me your name" She said.

I panicked, how could I tell a stranger my name? I had to make one up... "My name is...." I started to say. Then I looked up and saw a store name. "My name is Joe"

She looked at me strangely "That is a strange name for a Chinese boy..." She laughed slightly. That made me feel slightly angry. I hated it when people laughed at me. My sisters used to all the time, whenever I messed up a spell... The thought of them made me smirk slightly. Stupid girls... All they thought about was looking 'good' so guys would notice them...

I stood up "Thank you for your concern..." I said rather angry "But I must go now" I bowed quickly and walked away as fast as I could, without looking like I was trying to run.

I stopped walking and looked back "DARN!" I thought as I seen my lamp flickering from the alley. I figured that there was no reason that I should go back... So I started home, walking the path in the dark.

The lady picked up the lamp and watched the black haired boy go. She smiled as she began to follow him, taking care that she was not seen.