Chapter 1: Guardian and Hunter
It was windy with a chill in the air. The tree's leaves rustled slightly, hugging each other in the descending sun's light. The grass whistled around the base of its trunk, where it stood on the hill of the woods. For years, the tree overlooked the village. For years, it was a Guardian; overseeing the safety of it's surrounding inhabitants. Until now.
A twig snapping cut through the peaceful air. The wind stilled. The leaves stood on end. The branches bristled. All remained cautious, awaiting this strange, unwelcome visitor.
Minutes crept by, followed by an unusual amount of tension. Calmness always resided in the forest. There was no immediate need for the Guardian; he was just a precaution. One that now proved worthwhile.
From the brush emerged a delicate foot. A slim figure followed in it's wake. The unfamiliar creature wore leather, vines, and cotton. It appeared to be a Hunter, yet had a curved figure. Meaning the Hunter was female. Which meant it was against the Code. No woman was ever known to be a Hunter. You were born to be what you were destined t be. Every Hunter, Fighter, Swordsman, Wizard, Necromancer, Bowman (Archer), and Healer were only ever male. It's t he way it has been for centuries. The Guardian knew things were going to be different now.
The tree felt vibrations near him. He felt a delicate and strong hand rest upon his trunk. He sensed this creature brought peace.
"I am Zalia, the Hunter of Today, and I have come far, Mighty Guardian. I've heard tales and songs speaking of a danger that may befall your people.I'm sure you know of the Eight Warriors of the Forest. You are that of the Guardian and I am that of the Hunter. I felt in the air the power which flows through your roots. I have come to help, to assist, to fight and to protect."
At that, the new comer bowed at the Guardian's roots.
The Guardian was familiar with the Eight Warriors of the Forest. He knew the myth well; at that's what the villagers called it – myth. But danger? Befalling his people? No danger had ever fallen upon them, not for the entire time he stood proud on that hill. The only danger that would ever call upon the Warriors would be the greatest danger of them all; the reason the Warriors even existed. The Inferno. The most threatening organization to the trees and animals residing in the Guardian's home. And if this Hunter, Zalia, was true to her word, then that meant The Inferno were moving. And the most imminent danger was upon them. And they were still six men short of the most effective army that had the slightest chance of overcoming their enemy.