That's the first chapter in the story. Please, enjoy.

Note: Soul doesn't have any memories of the past nor wields any powers or knowledge.

With this in mind, enjoy:

Chapter 1: New life. First steps in another world.

Somewhere in Foresaken Realm...

This story takes place in a poor village, to the west of the Common Realm. Laisvall village was a place where time seemed to stop, everything was that stable. In this quiet, and yet wonderful place, that was placed a bit off the roads, locals knew the word peace too well. The last bandits were eradicated a long time ago, leaving the village face to face with the wilderness.

The soul of our hero was lucky enough to find itself a shelter not only in the human body but in the house, located in Laisvall. His parents called him Tom.

Tom grew up in a small family. Despite his willingness to travel and explore, he couldn't leave his parents since he knew, they were too old to take care of themselves. His father was a peasant, so was his mother.

Tom was a bit unlucky. He didn't have many peers around. The older kids were far too grown to accept him, but the younger kids were far too young for Tom to play with them. Being left somewhat alone, he was killing time exploring his magic abilities and discovering the beauty of the nearby forest.

It looked like everything has time-proof and nothing will ever be changed.

Laisvall village... Villages that are truly located in the godforsaken places always had specific challenges and problems. You see, being off the road means that you won't be spotted easily, but this also means that in the time of trouble, there will be no help. Villagers of Laisvall didn't even remember the last time their landlord visited them so that when problems came, they came here for long.

It was winter. After a scanty harvest, everyone prepared as hard as they could. They have prepared..., but no one expected winter to be this harsh.

It was dark in the morning. Tom woke up and went down.

"Mom? Dad?", - asked quietly Tom. Hearing nothing in response he thought they were asleep. He took some supplies from the food stall which they used to fold food. Basically, in their house were three food stocks: one in the kitchen, where our Tom is eating now, another one in parent's room and another is in his room. Tom didn't want to eat his own provision so he tended to eat from the kitchens stall, while parents ate from their stock. After finishing his daily meal he went to stay in bed. It was logical. The winter was so bad that everyone tried didn't to move much, so they can eat less. Sometimes, all food per day was just a couple of apples. Things were tough. Thanks to Tom's keen mind, he learned how to read by himself, and during daylight, he read the books, which he had stolen during the Autumn due to poor conditions he and his parents were in. But this time, something clearly was off the line.

" I have to check out, how mom is doing", - thought Tom. He got up from the bed and went to his parent's room. His mother was an old lady, who was from this village. In her youth, she was gorgeous, but the years took their toll. His father, originally a travelling merchant got ambushed and barely made it to Laisvall, where he met Josephine. After recovery Joel decided to stay there with her. Both of them were kind and valued education, but they both didn't have any. They were hard-working and honest with neighbours and didn't hide much from anyone. If the definition of the good, decent people will ever be made, Tom's parents are destined to fall into that line.

Hatred will never be eradicated. Humans always fear death. Once food disappeared, folks turned on each other and, as they have for ages, branded their neighbours their greatest foes. It was only a matter of time when blood over food will be spilt. So, when they were looking for prey, it wasn't for long when their eyes stopped at Tom's house.

Tom was going to their room. He was confident that despite the weather, they will survive. During harvest Tom and Joel worked harder than anyone, effectively acquiring them the biggest amount of food for winter. He was right in front of the parents' room. He opened the door and his eyes widened.

His dear mother Josephine was breathless. Her cold body and smile on her face proved that she was killed while being asleep. Their stash was opened wide and empty. His father, Joel, had a habit to eat at night, so when he came back to the room, he saw thieves and tried to stop them. His corpse Tom saw from 10 steps from a house on the outside. His face had a pitiful look. Before death, he probably begged for mercy. With the red snow around him, Tom saw that Joel is barefoot. They have not only killed his parents for food but take the clothes from his father's body as well. This is the day when 8-year-old Tom became an orphan. He stood there and cried until darkness. On the other day, he cried some more.

Spring was coming...

Being left alone, Tom started to ask for shelter, but everyone refused. After brutal winter no one had neither resources nor time for the orphan. Desperate for food, he started to hunt in the woods, but his keen wondered if there is any chance he can get out of this place.

One day, a group of travelling merchants lost the course and got into Laisvall. In this remote piece of land, any new face is a big event. The chief of the merchants Alfons started to trade with locals selling mostly food and supplies. Tom started to get to know them.

" Where are you from?" , - asked Tom.

"From the Kikka, it's in the Commoners Realm.", said a dark-haired man with kind eyes named Derek.

" Do you want to come with us?", questioned Lee, who was a brown-haired man with expensive, yet dirty clothes.

" Yes, I think I do.", said Tom quietly.

" I don't think Alfons will allow it, and besides, what can you do? I am sorry, but it is business.", said Lee.

"Okay...", responded Tom with distance in his voice.

After receiving a rejection Tom was depressed. The loss of parents was a heavy blow for a young man. He said on the log, his hideout in the woods. From this spot was a magnificent image of the surroundings. Placed above the hills, he could see the river flow and in a distant, a waterfall. This quiet spot he called "a log" and came here from time to time.

He was deeply in his thoughts. His eyes began to water as memories approached him. "Mother, father... It is unfair to me", he thought. But he recalled one advice, that his father told him. "Sometimes, you just have to put it behind you or it will never let you go" Joel said.

"Let it go... Thanks, Father..", mumbled Tom, starting to cry.

After a few hours, Tom, following his parents' advice, tried to put his past behind and move on. He understood that he needs a plan to sneak into the caravan, so he could leave this place. He stopped by the parents' grave and decorated it for the last time. He was going to leave, and live his own life.

***************************************************************************That's it. I am curious about what do you think about the story, so please, write down your comments.

Next Chapter: Tom will receive his grimoire. What's his magic? What's going to happen next?

Find out in the next chapter!

Take care/