Chapter 2: THE BANDIT TRAP

"B-B-BAN-!" yelled a villager before having his throat slit by a bandit. The bandits had known well that the greed of the chief would cause him to charge the people for use of the Cullis Gate, forcing the people to walk through Witchwood. It was a trap. The chief had his strings pulled like a puppet.

The citizens ran, but their hope of survival was crushed as the Eros Clan bandits slaughtered everyone in sight. Men, women, and children, none were spared.

"Greedy bastard, I knew he wouldn't be able to give the people a free ride to safety." said Svice, the leader of the Eros Clan.

"Boss, we've got the chief, he's turned himself in as a prisoner." said a bandit henchmen.

"So…" said Svice, turning to the chief. "You see what your greed has done to you!"

The chief just knelt there silently. He had nothing else to live for. He knew that he betrayed his people. He knew he would die. Svice gave him one final glare, and sliced his sword across his head, beheading the beaten chief.

Only one family survived the slaughter. It was Maze. He had some untapped power in him awaken his rage as the bandits approached him.

"Leave us alone! The chief is dead, we have nothing you want!" said Maze's mother.

The bandits laughed "Boss's orders darling!" and as they lunged towards him, Maze had let out a blast of power locked within. The blast paralyzed the bandits, giving Maze and his family enough time to run.

The blast had caused the young Maze to pass out. As his father carried him, they wandered through the vast Witchwood, looking for refuge.

"What on Earth was that!" said his mother.

"I…I don't know, but it seems our Maze has the ability to use his will, even if it is uncontrollable." said his father.

"Wow…we could have a little hero on our hands. Do you think we should…?"

"You're thinking of the Guild of Hero's, aren't you?"

"He can really make a difference in this world."

"I suppose you're right, and he does have the potential…but right now, our concern is refuge. I suggest we go to the Temple of Avo. We've been donators for some time now, so we should be welcome."

"Right, but we have to get through Witchwood first."

"I know, and if we pace ourselves, we can-" he stopped. "Did you hear that? Damn! Those are Balverine howls! It seems the road to the Temple will be more dangerous than we thought."