Chapter 1

Today was the day I decided to change my life forever. Today was the day I packed up everything valuable to me and hitched a ride on a hay wagon owned by a man named Cain who was heading to the small island of Castanet. I could hardly remember much about the small island other than my grandfather's farm.

I visited a few times when I was little but that was over ten years ago. I honestly had forgotten about the place until a couple days ago when a strange letter appeared in my mailbox. I had just gotten home from a stressful day of work and barely noticed the envelope until it fell onto the floor. The first thing I noticed was my name written in my grandfather's handwriting on the front.

I couldn't believe it. My grandfather passed away over five years ago. How did a letter from him show up in my mailbox? I had opened the letter to find my grandfather's final wishes: to see me take over his beloved farm and make it my own. I wasn't sure how the letter had gotten to me in the first place or why he left the farm in my hands instead of my parents'. Not to mention if I'm getting this letter now, then who knows what state the farm is in now.

When my grandfather passed, my father was sad but he hardly ever mentioned him. He left the farm life and moved to the city as soon as he turned eighteen. Then he met my mother and soon enough I came along. He tended to leave his old life behind and with it my grandfather. When we heard the news of my grandfather growing ill, my father finally returned for a visit. It was brief but I remember enjoying myself and helping out with the farm. Perhaps my grandfather saw some potential in me and my love for the outdoors.

I had taken the letter and a small key tucked away in the envelope and placed them in my drawer. I wanted to think things over whether or not it was worth going back. I had gone to work the following day only to be reminded of how awful my job was. I was unappreciated, underpaid, and yelled at constantly for mistakes that I didn't even make. Something inside me snapped and I blew up at my supervisor to the point where I flat out quit right then and there. I rushed home before I made even more of a scene and quickly packed up my belongings and waited for the next bus out to Castanet. When I realized none went out as far I ran into Cain who just happened to be delivering some animal products to a nearby store. He heard me asking around and offered me a ride back. I couldn't believe how lucky I was.

We've been riding for over two hours now and I stretch out my arms and rest my head against the hay bales behind me. The sunlight warms my body and the rocking of the cart is relaxing. I close my eyes for a moment to enjoy the peace.

"What a beautiful day, wouldn't you agree?" A voice breaks the silence.

I peak open one of my eyes and turn my chin towards the front of the cart. Cain remains facing forward but I know he's trying to make conversation.

"It is. The sun feels so good out here compared to the city," I say lowering myself back down.

"The sun is always the brightest this time of day. Really brings out the color of the grass doesn't it?"

I make a sound of agreement and close my eyes once again. Cain remains quiet for a moment then begins to talking about his ranch. Turns out he was in competition with my grandfather when he first started. He left the city and made a life for him and his family on Castanet and has been happy ever since.

Cain finishes telling his story and the only sound heard is the occasional squeaking of the cart wheels. I finally bring up the urge to ask how much longer when Cain suddenly speaks up, "We're nearing the Flute Fields. Not much longer now."

I sit up and look around me. Lush green hills surround us and large fields of sunflowers and vegetables lay behind a fenced area with some houses. We grow closer and a large barn and house peak out from behind a small hill. "The house before us is Marimba Farm. They'll sell you seeds and fresh veggies. Around the corner is Horn Ranch. That's where I live. If you ever need any livestock or animal supplies feel free to stop by. My wife and daughter would be glad to help you out in any way we can."

"Thank you. I appreciate it," I say and see a small smile spread over his face. We push through an opening to Marimba Farms and Cain stops the cart as soon as we reach a fork in the road. "This is as far as I can at this point. If you continue going straight you'll come across a concrete bridge. Cross it and you'll find your grandfather's farm. It's not in the greatest condition right now but I'm sure with some elbow grease you can get it looking as good as new."

"Thank you for the ride, Cain. I'll be sure to visit you and your family soon," I say and extend my hand. He takes it and gently shakes it. "I'm glad to see someone take over the old place. I can't wait to see how it turns out," he says.

He releases my hands and I use it to grab my left arm. "Well, I'll try my best," I say.

He smiles at me before grabbing the reins to his horse, "I'm sure you'll do well. Well, I'm off now. Welcome to Castanet." He nods his head before snapping the reigns alerting his horse to take off. I watch as the small cart rolls out of view before adjusting my rucksack over my shoulder and face the direction he told me.

I find a sign dictating areas I can visit and one of them intrigues me instantly. Fugue Forest catches my eyes and I remember my grandfather telling me the place was off limits when I was a child. I was always curious about the place and now that I'm an adult, I might as well check it out. I gaze up at the sun and it's halfway across the sky. I had plenty of time to explore.

Shadows intensify as I near the forest. My heart starts to pound in excitement when I reach an old crooked gate barely holding on y its hinges. I reach out for the handle and the gate opens slowly with a loud creak. Fluttering startles me as birds fly out of the trees frightened by the sound.

"It's just birds," I whisper to myself to keep calm. I gaze into the forest and it's darker than I expected. The leaves of the trees block most of the sunlight. I reach into my backpack and pull out a small flashlight. My path is barely illuminated by the small ray of light but I've come this far now so there's no point in chickening out now. I take in a deep breath and step into the forest.

The wind glides over the leaves of the trees gracefully and the floor dances with small beams of light that manage to break through the canopy. The forest was peaceful and quiet. I continue walking farther when I reach an area with small mushrooms that glow in the dark. Curious, I lean down and examine the bioluminescent plants.

The light in my hand flickers before turning off completely and I slap my flashlight in hopes of turning it back on. "Damn, the batteries must've died." I shake the flashlight in one last attempt and toss it when it fails to turn on. "That's the last time I buy from a dollar store."

I hear the sound of twigs snapping and turn my attention the area to my left. I glance around frantically searching for a way out. The snapping happens again and I take off running. I have no idea where I'm going but I pray to the goddess that I'll wind up back at the gate. I continue running until my sleeve snags on a low hanging branch. "No, no!" I groan and try to remove my sleeve. My hands fumble as I panic.

I hear the sounds of footsteps and I fidget desperately to free my arm. Come on! Come on!

The sound stops and I freeze and hold my breath. Maybe it can't see me in the dark. I keep still for as long as possible until I can't hold my breath much longer. I release it and gasp for air and suddenly a dark figure steps closer.

I grab my backpack as a means of protection and swing the bag over my caught arm at the figure. I feel the impact of the bag hitting something solid and I accidently drop the bag as I freeze in horror.

"What the hell?" the dark figure says. The voice was definitely deep like a male's would be. My eyes widen as the figure steps into a small stream of light and I catch waves of blue peeking out from a fiery bandana. His eyes lock with mine and they glow a deep amber color in the sunlight.

"What's a girl doing out here in the woods?" he says. He steps closer and I don't know if I should be frightened or relieved someone found me.

"Please don't hurt me. I'm just trying to find my way out of here," I say realizing how whiny I sound.

I tug at my shirt sleeve in another attempt but it doesn't budge. The boy seems to notice. "Hold still for a second," he says and lifts something with his arm. Metal gleams in the sunlight and I scream as he swings an axe near my arm. The sound of metal hitting wood echoes through the woods and suddenly the tug on my arm is gone. I place my hand over my sleeve to find it torn but free.

"Ya know, you didn't have to scream like that" the boy says tossing the axe over his shoulders and rubbing his ear.

"I thought you were going to kill me! You could've warned me you were going to do that," I argue. I reach for my sleeve again and my fingers slip through the torn fabric.

"You were stuck, what else was I supposed to do?" he says. He steps back and kicks something. We both realize it's my bag and he reaches down to grab it. "Is this what you hit me with?" He says lifting it up and opens the front pocket. "What do you have in here anyways? Bricks?"

I grab the bag from his grasp quickly nearly causing him to stumble forward. "Please don't go through my things."

"Sorry," he says holding up his hand apologetically. "What are you doing out here anyways?"

If I told him I wanted to explore the forest because I wasn't allowed to as a child I'd only look like an idiot. "It's really none of your business. Besides, I was just leaving," I say and slide my bag over my shoulder and turn around. I take a step forward realizing I have no idea if this is the right way or not.

"You're going the wrong way but that's none of my business," he says mockingly. I hear the leaves crunch beneath his feet as he turns and walks away.

"Wait," I call out just as he starts to disappear into the darkness. "Could you help me get out of here?"

The boy laughs and flicks his finger towards him. I catch up to him and the two of us walk quietly through the woods. Sunlight grows stronger the farther we go and a smile creeps onto my face when the crooked gate comes into view. I dash over to it and sigh in relief when my fingers touch the old wood. I quietly thank the goddess for getting me out of there.

"I've never seen someone so happy about getting out of a forest before," the boy says from behind me.

I turn around to face him and take in his features now that he's in full sunlight. The axe remains over his broad shoulders. Muscular arms poke out from a sleeveless leather vest and a plain white tank hides beneath it. A thing rope hangs from his neck holding onto a large bear claw. Leather boots extend from under his knees covering the lower part of his jeans. My eyes find themselves back on his face where those golden eyes from before are watching me.

"I'm still waiting for my thank you," he says with a smirk.

"What?"

"You were a damsel in distress and I'm the hero who saved you. I think that deserves a thank you." He says lowering his axe and leaning against the wooden handle. Was this guy cocky or what?

"Thanks," I say rolling my eyes and head back to the fields.

"That's it?" He says stepping in front to stop me. "I save your life and that's all you're going to say?"

"Yep," I say and try to move around him.

"Next time you get lost, don't come crying to me," he says letting me pass. I take a few steps before I hear him call out from behind, "I should also remind you to read the signs next time. They tell you how dangerous the forest is. I guess you're not very smart."

I stop and turn around to find him smiling at me. I stare at him angrily and blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, "Don't think I won't hit you in the face if I see you again!"

He laughs and puts his thumb up before tossing his axe over his shoulder and disappears into the woods. I remain standing there for a few minutes letting myself cool off after the last hour's events. I gaze up and see the sun slowly moving towards the horizon and realize I need to get moving before it's completely set.

I shake the boy from my memory and follow the sign pointing to Harmonica Town. When I reach the concrete bridge I take in a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air of the fields before taking a step toward my new life.