Liinken's feet ached as he trudged through the darkened woods around him. It had been two days since he had slept or ate, and his body was beginning to rebel against him. If it hadn't been for the stamina spell he cast an hour ago, he may have passed out from exhaustion a long time ago.

Liinken looked to the sky, seeing the setting sun between the openings of the trees. He had made his way from the City of Terotid in good time, taking him only a day to make it this far. However, he did not dare stay in the city for too long, as it was well known for its many dangers, especially for children with no parents to protect them. Because of this, he was unable to find a place to sleep and fill his belly.

But Liinken was no ordinary child. Having been on his own since he was 4, he had a higher-level intelligence then those of his age. While his peers were busy learning their primary colors, he was already mastering equations and reading chapter books. This intelligence allowed him to develop interests in other areas, while leading him to what he would later discover to be his greatest talent: magic.

Magic was a rare gift, one that was only passed down to one in every three generations. His magical aptitude was apparent early on. He devoured the words from all the magical books and scrolls he could get his hands on, soaking in every bit of knowledge he could. It was more than a joy for him, it was an obsession. His parents fostered his love of learning, and thoroughly encouraged him. Liinken felt his stomach drop as he thought about his parents. He could barely remember them, as he had lost them so many years ago. He had been alone for more than half his lifetime, wandering the Realm, stealing and smuggling to survive. He often wondered what his life would be like if his parents were still alive today. Perhaps he would have been enrolled in the Magician's Academy, which was his dream for as long as he could remember. But it didn't matter anyway. He didn't need a formal education, he could learn anything he wanted to on his own.

His stomach grumbled audibly as he walked. He was beginning to feel faint. The effects of the stamina spell must be wearing off. He had to find some food and shelter for the night. Opening his satchel, he retrieved an old, weathered map. He had been walking through the Royal Woodlands, being careful not to leave the marked trail. The Council of Safety placed wards on these trails to protect travelers from the creatures that occupied darkened woods. Stepping off the trail and out of their range was not usually a good idea.

After inspecting the map, he saw that there was an inn about two leagues north, at the mouth of the forest. He replaced the map and withdrew his money bag. He had ten gold coins, six silver, and five copper. He would have enough to purchase a meal for sure, but he would most likely have to find shelter elsewhere. Lodging was usually expensive, and he didn't wish to splurge if he didn't have to.

An hour passed as he made his way through the winding trail. Finally, he breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the roof of the inn from the map. Once he approached it, he stood back to get a good look. It was not the largest inn he had ever seen, and it was obvious that it was old and slightly decrepit. There were many broken tiles in the roof that were patched by home-made rather than professional means. One of the windows was broken out entirely, covered with boards. The lawn in front was uneven, with several items ranging from toys to articles of clothing strewn across it. To the right of the inn was a stable and a barn, where he could see several horses and animals buckled down for the night.

As Liinken approached the entrance of the inn, he could smell the heavenly aroma of suckling pork, mutton, and various other meats, as well as the delightful yeasty smell of freshly baked breads. His ears were met with lively music as he opened the door, pleasant to listen to, but rather loud for his liking. He approached the innkeeper's table, ringing the bell on the counter for service.

"Aye, be right with ye," he heard a voice from the door behind the counter. A few moments later, a tall young woman walked through the doorway. She wore a white flowing dress with a light-blue bodice, her bright yellow hair cut short, stopping midway down her neck. She looked no older to be 17, but carried herself with a maturity beyond her age. She looked frazzled, with a harried and impatient look etched on her face.

"Welcome to the McCloud House," she said in a dry tone. "If it be lodgin' that ye desire we have plenty of room, or if it's just food ye—" she stopped short as her eyes settled on Liinken, her face filling with confusion as she looked him up and down. He was used to this, but still found it annoying at times. His cloak was old and worn, with several holes and haphazard patchworks covering it, the frayed and discolored hood drooping over his snow-white hair. Beneath that he wore a simple white shirt and brown vest, old breeches with several patches covering them as well, and worn boots that looked to be falling apart, held together with rope and other bindings. The shirt was too big for him, and the breeches looked too small, causing some discomfort as he walked. He knew he looked like a vagabond, and because of this he usually avoided conspicuous areas, preferring to keep to himself.

"Just a meal, please," he said, placing several coppers on the table. The Innkeeper paused for a moment before nodding, taking the coppers. She led him into the den, sitting him at a table, pouring him a flagon of mead. He winced as he took a sip of the bitter drink. Liinken didn't quite care for the taste of mead. In the larger cities, you could usually find fresh water or other milder drinks. However, fresh water was expensive and cumbersome to clean, usually requiring boiling and cooling, which took hours on end. The rich could usually afford a mage to clean the water for them with magic, but in the more impoverished parts of the Realm, water was a luxury that was ill-afforded, so they made due with fermented beers and wines.

A few minutes later, the Innkeeper reappeared with a plate of food. Liinken could feel his mouth water as he surveyed his bounty, wasting no time tucking in. As he hastily ate his meal, he noticed that the Innkeeper continued to stare at him from across the room. Another blonde woman, looking to be around her age, came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of food and mead. She stopped for a moment as the Innkeeper pointed towards Liinken, speaking in a low voice. This made him slightly nervous, but he would leave as soon as he finished his meal, so he paid no mind to it.

His head snapped up as he heard a loud crash from behind him. He looked back to see the young barmaid carrying the tray was now sprawled out on the floor in front of her, with several of the trays and flagons scattered all over the floor. One of the men from the table she was passing was standing, his entire face and chest covered in mead and food.

"Please forgive me!" Said the woman, trying to pick up the pieces of the shattered plates. She looked up as the drunk man slapped her across the face with the back of his hand, sending her crashing to the floor.

"Lenniera!" Shouted the Innkeeper, rushing to her side.

"Ye did tha' on purpose," the drunk slurred, barely able to stand. "Ye blasted wench, ye oughta watch where ye –" suddenly, his voice caught in his throat. He began to gasp for air and cough violently, kneeling on the ground as he tried to expunge whatever it was that was growing in his lungs. As the man sank to the ground, the Innkeeper noticed the young boy standing behind him, his hand outstretched.

"What ails thee, my lord?" He said to the drunk. "Mayhaps ye have a frog in thine throat?"

The second the words left his mouth, the drunk opened his mouth and vomited up a large toad onto the floor, causing the people around him to scream in fear. The Innkeeper only looked on in amazement. As the drunk gagged and reeled from his ordeal, he looked at the boy in fear before running at full speed out the door. Several of his friends ran after him, while the rest of the tavern roared in applause. Lincoln simply turned and sat back down to his meal, not saying another word.

He could feel eyes staring at him, however, and when he looked up, he saw the young barmaid and the innkeeper standing before him. Before he could say a word, the barmaid flung her arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek. Liinken could feel his face grow hot as she broke from the hug.

"Thank you, my lord," she said, curtseying, before rushing off to clean up the mess. Liinken was rather taken aback, not only because of the way she thanked him, but because she addressed him as "my lord." Most of the time, he was rarely regarded as anything more than a stray dog, let alone being addressed so politely. The Innkeeper continued to stare at him.

"Aren't ye a little young to be a traveler?" She asked finally.

"Peace, madam. I am a mage, and am powerful and wise beyond my years," said Liinken defiantly.

"Are thee now?" Said the woman in an amused tone. Liinken grew slightly irritated, but said nothing, returning instead to his meal. The young Innkeeper simply walked to the other side of the table, sitting down before him.

"What is your name, sir mage?" She asked gently.

"Liinken," he replied curtly.

The Innkeeper was silent for a moment, confused. "And your house name?" She asked.

"I have none," said Liinken.

The woman grew more confused. "Ye have no house name?" She asked. "What about your family?"

"I have none," Liinken repeated. The woman gaped in surprise, but remained silent. It was common for the family to receive travelers in this part of the Royal Woodlands, but never were they one as young as the boy before her, never unescorted. Sensing the conflict within her, Liinken finished his meal and stood. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You're leaving?" Said the woman, suddenly alarmed.

"I must away," said Liinken. He turned toward the door of the inn, but felt something grasp his hand. He looked back to see the woman holding onto him, preventing him from leaving.

"Nay," she said. "The storm gathers and threatens to overtake thee. Stay here tonight. We have ample room."

"That is impossible," said Liinken. "I have far to travel, and have not enough coin to spare for lodging."

"Do not concern yourself," said the Innkeeper. "It would be an honor to have a mage such as yourself stay here, and I would like to repay thee for your gallantry."

Liinken thought for a moment. It was true, the skies were dark with storm clouds, and he did not know if he would make it to any kind of natural shelter before the storm hit. The woman seemed undeterred by his reluctance, still grasping his hand, as if afraid he would disappear in a whisp.

"I will even throw in a meal for the morrow," she said. "That way ye are both well-fed and rested for your journey."

This was an offer that was difficult for the hungry traveler to let pass. "I accept your gracious offer," he said, bowing.

"Wonderful!" Said the Innkeeper, a broad smile breaking across her face. "Come, sir mage, I will show thee to thine accommodations."

"Forgive me, my lady," said Liinken, a thought suddenly occurring to him. "I know not your name."

The woman smiled. "Lorrea McCloud, at your service, my lord," she said, curtsying politely. He bowed in kind, returning the gesture of respect. She turned and led him upstairs to the second floor, into a large hallway with doors of various sizes. She took him to the end of the hallway and opened the room. Lighting the lantern, they entered into a spacious room with a large, soft bed on the far wall, a desk and armoire for hanging clothes, as well as its own private chamberpot.

"This is one of our finest accommodations," said Lorrea.

"Surely I cannot –" Liinken began to protest such lush quarters for someone like him, but Lorrea simply placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I insist, sir mage," she said, smiling warmly. "You must be weary, sir mage. I will call upon thee on the morrow. Good night." She bowed before leaving, closing the door behind her.

He walked to the bed and placed his satchel upon it. It was then he truly began to feel exhaustion overtake him. He hadn't slept on a bed this soft in an age. As he lay on the bed, sleep already threatened to overtake him until he could no longer keep his eyes open.


Lenniera sat in her room, nursing the bruise on her cheek. She was renowned across the town for her beauty, and this blemish on her face left her sullen. She couldn't help that she was clumsy. Most of the time it wasn't an issue, but every now and again it did get her into trouble. If it hadn't been for that boy stepping in, she shuddered to think of what that drunk would have done to her.

The door behind her opened, and her older sister entered. "How are ye faring?" Lorrea asked in a concerned tone.

"I am well," Lenniera replied. "Please forgive me." She added sadly.

"There is nothing to forgive, sister," said Lorrea kindly.

"How is the young mage?" Asked Lenniera.

"He is resting," Lorrea replied. She paused for a moment. "Do ye. . . think anything strange about the boy?"

"Nay," said Lenniera. "But his garments make my heart ache."

"Aye," said Lorrea, smiling. If there was one thing that her sister would notice, it was always how the denizens of the inn dressed themselves. Most of the time, they were simply farmers and weary travelers, but every so often an aristocrat or noble would visit their humble establishment, wearing the finest silks in the Realm. These rare occurrences always left Lenniera in a dream-like state as she imagined the possibilities she could make with such materials.

"But I also did not know that one so young could use magic so well," Lenniera said.

"It is uncommon," said Lorrea, pondering to herself.

"Did you speak with his parents?" Asked Lenniera.

"Nay," said Lorrea. "I asked him of his house, and he said he belonged to none."

"What does that mean?"

"Perhaps he is a runaway," Lorrea replied. "But a boy of such magical prowess as he does not seem to me as such. Maybe a student at the Magician's Academy?"

"They would not look twice upon him the way he is clothed," said Lenniera. Lorrea supposed she was right. Magical ability was rare, and most of the time was found among the nobility, where the magical bloodline was the purest. Liinken certainly did not look to be among the nobility. But something about the boy was bothering her. He seemed very eager to leave, even after being offered a room for the night. That could suggest he could be running from something, or someone. But if that was the case, why would he risk exposing himself by rescuing her sister in the first place? Questions continued to swirl in her mind, but she supposed there was nothing she could do about it tonight, but she would be sure to talk with him in the morning.