Chapter one: The Traveler

The fire was burning out. Embers flashed and flickered in the darkness, slowly suffocating in the moist air. I pulled my hair back, wrapping my thick cloak around my hunched form. I picked at a few loose pieces fraying off of my worn leather doublet. It was going to rain, I knew it, the dark sky and moist air was just right—not to mention the thunder I could hear crashing in the distance.

I was camped on a small path in the woods, surrounded by dense brush and ancient trees. There was the chance of a wandering merchant or traveler passing by, but that didn't bother me. I was comfortable for the most part and I had created enough light in the camp to see any intruders. My bed roll was still dry and my bag of holding still had plenty of food within its dark depths. I was safe, full, and happy. A snort echoed into the darkness coming from a large lump across from me. I looked over to my traveling companion I had just met the day before, who lay quite asleep and boulder-like in appearance. He was in need of one who knew any Art, and I was in need of one who bashed skulls in for pleasure. Thus, we teamed up on our way out of the forest. He seemed a reputable enough man, a Barbarian from the South. Though he did not mention why he was traveling through the forest in the first place, neither did I.

My eyes were beginning to feel heavy. I had traveled far that day and I was still making good time if I were to ever reach my destination. A familiar "caw" echoed from behind me. The raven hopped to my arm and nuzzled me gently with its ebony beak. I smiled at my familiar, Morrigan, or Mor for short, and handed him a dried piece of meat from my bag. He gargled and cawed as he ate the morsel hungrily, his intelligent eyes flashing. He was right, I was on watch and had to stay awake. I ate a few pieces of the salty meat myself, hoping that the little bit of food would give me energy.

"Is that all I get?" he asked humorously in his hoarse voice. I laughed softly as not to wake up our traveling companion, but turned to Mor and smiled.

"I'm afraid so. We'll be to the city soon." I scratched his soft head absently.

"Very well. Though I saw you eat at least two pieces just moments ago, and—" I placed a finger on his beak and he looked up at me indignantly.

"Mor?" I whispered.

"Mmmfh?"

"Let's not wake up our kind friend, or I will have to send you as bait the next time we are in a battle," I said. I was mostly joking, but either way, Mor drooped his head slightly in defeat. My finger moved away from his beak.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to be bait anyway," he added, fluffing his feathers and hopping to a log next to me.

"And why is that?"

"Because it seems our friend has run off." I stood up instantly, my hands gesturing to cast a more powerful light spell around us as Mor took off into a tree. The Shadows were thick, I saw them watching us harmlessly, but I did not see the barbarian. The only light other than mine was from a few feeble stars above us. I didn't even see any footprints. How could someone so large move so silently? I thought to myself. But it was too late. I saw the blade appear at my throat as soon as I felt the man's warm breath on my neck. Invisibility potion, that's how. I cursed under my breath at my own stupidity and held perfectly still, the cold steel pressed dangerously close to my neck as I took in a sharp breath.

It began to rain.