Chapter 1: Introduction
The Forest at Night
The knight, Alanna, walked through the forest, her armor clinking softly as she made her way through the shadows.
She was on a diplomatic mission, and the other kingdom was only a few hours' walk away. Her destination was a small village on the edge of the forest, where she would rendezvous with her contact.
As she walked, the moon rose high in the sky, casting an eerie light on the forest. The trees towered above her, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The air was thick with anticipation, as though the very forest itself were holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
Alanna walked on, her sword at her side, her heart racing as she watched the shadows for any signs of danger.
Suddenly, she heard a rustling in the bushes ahead of her. She drew her sword, readying herself for a fight. But as she approached the spot where the noise had come from, she saw a figure standing there, leaning against a tree.
"Well, well, well," said the sorceress, eyeing Alanna up and down. "What do we have here?"
Alanna drew her weapon
, ready to defend herself. "Who are you?" she demanded.
The sorceress stepped forward, and Alanna could see her more clearly now. She was tall and lean, with long, dark hair and piercing green eyes.
"I am the sorceress," the woman said, smiling. "And you are in my territory, brave knight."
Alanna narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "A sorceress! A user of fell magic!"
The sorceress, who went by the name of Gwen, was taken aback slightly. The local villages were very respectful of her, calling upon her magic to help them when necessary, but this knight, she seemed to be from elsewhere. She'd heard of kingdoms where magic was seen as heresy. Gwen nervously realised this could be dangerous.
She had heard rumours of the knights of this kingdom, and how they dealt with anyone they perceived as a threat.
"I'm just a sorceress," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"I don't mean you any harm."
But Alanna wasn't convinced. She was too well trained to trust someone just because they said so. She watched the sorceress carefully, scanning her body language for any signs of deceit.
Gwen, for her part, was surprised by Alanna's mistrust. Most people were grateful for her help, but this knight seemed like she would rather kill the sorceress than listen to her.
Alanna, feeling wary, continued to watch the sorceress. "Sorcery is evil!" She said "Witch, I challenge you to a duel!"
Gwen looked at Alanna, her emerald eyes gleaming in the moonlight, and swallowed hard, feeling a twinge of fear in her stomach. Alanna was a formidable opponent - tall and muscular, her sword held with confidence and skill.