Dexter

I stared intently at the table of figures as Agrob explained what he knew. He moved the purple figures around to demonstrate where troops had to be deployed over the years and where they were whenever Almar grew short on patience. Agrob had conducted interviews with the survivors of Almar’s attacks, asked why the troops attacked, what they targeted, and if they left anything behind. There wasn't anything helpful there; everyone said the troops said nothing, just attacked. They didn't specifically target anything, just torched everything and they left nothing behind, save for the burnt-out torches that they used to blaze the buildings. He eventually got around to his behavioral interpretations of the events. There were a lot of words tacked onto the ends of his explanation, admittedly supporting evidence and a series of events that occurred before attacks, but the gist of it was; ill-tempered, impulsive, and very greedy. I nodded as he finished his explanation and looked up at me. He seemed more than slightly aggravated as he stared at me. “Would this suffice?” He asked, impatiently. I was silent for a minute as I mentally ran through his explanation again.

My eyes swept back and forth rapidly across the table as I thought deeply. “Alright, different from what I was expecting. Though, something doesn't quite seem right. The group is swift, brutal, and described consistently, in height voice, and that distinguishing feature; meaning they're either not having to replace people or they have a bunch of twins. The second option is unlikely. So, that means it's the same group. The fact that they've been doing this for so long means they're skilled; likely highly trained. If they're trained to efficiently torch a place they probably have other training. The fact that they responded perfectly to every change in guard means they're longtime observers; good at long-term stealth and scouting. That indicates patience, something that Almar supposedly doesn't have. Means they're not under his direct order; just told to go out and do something then report back when done. Inconsistent timescale after tributes supports that, finding a place worth torching can take a varying amount of time. The only way to stop them would be to know what they're doing and where they're going to attack. Best option against that would be some sort of trap. The fact that they attacked so far into Gashur and still managed to elude the search party means they didn't stick around. Lack of anything found in the village or the forests beyond means they're exceedingly efficient. They didn't even make a campfire, and if they did they somehow erased any trace of it. I'll need to neutralize them if I plan to make Almar sweat.” I shook myself out of my mental trance when Dubak barked my name. “Dexter!” He said loudly. I turned to him as I filed the information away for later. “Is this what you were looking for?”

I glanced back at the table as I blinked a few times. “It's different from what I was expecting,” I admitted, “but it's still good information. Thank you Agrob.”

Agrob let out a low grumble as he turned and stomped towards the door. “I have other matters to attend to. I expect something worthwhile when you visit me yourself.” He closed the door with a loud bam, causing me to reflexively blink.

I turned back to the table as I stroked my chin. “That went better than last time,” Bulak commented. “At least neither of you exchanged barbs.”

I nodded as I turned to her in time to see Dubak give her a quizzical look. He leaned forward, his hand pressing into the table. “He has met Agrob before?” Dubak asked.

I nodded as I reached up and rubbed my neck. “Twice actually; once down at a bar and once up at the Hall after my rite. The first time was extremely unpleasant for both of us. I egregiously insulted him, and he responded by threatening to chop my head off. The second time was better, we only exchanged what I'd call passive-aggressive remarks.”

Bulak's eyes went wide. “He threatened you? Why did you not tell me of this?”

I shrugged. “Didn't seem important at the time,” I admitted. “Besides, it wouldn’t have improved our relationship anyway. I know what I did and his response was in line with what I should have expected.

Bulak’s brow furrowed in confusion at my nonchalant behavior. “Not important? He almost killed you and you say it was not important?”

I nodded, causing Dubak to step forward and gesture at the door angrily. “If what you say is true he needs to be punished for his actions. I gave a strict order that you were not to be harmed. Champion or not, he cannot disobey me.”

I shook my head as I gestured calmingly at him, realizing what was going to happen. “It won't do any good. He'll know exactly who ratted him out and hate me even more for it. I need him on my side. Punishment isn't going to do that. Besides, I'm pretty sure sharing the title of Champion with someone like me is punishment enough for him.”

Dubak stared at me in shock. “You do not wish to see justice for his misdeeds?”

I shook my head again, glancing at the table as I ran through what Agrob had told me. “Not in this case. I'll just turn the other cheek and try and change his mind. Besides, I was the one that provoked the confrontation. I just didn’t have the skill to back up my words.”

Dubak rubbed his head as he glanced at the door. “You would allow him to strike you again?” He asked.

Again, I shook my head. “I never said that. I just won't make a fuss over that encounter. If he does something like then again, then I'll come to you. I’m in a lot better headspace for that now anyway. For now, I'm above retaliation. “

Dubak paused as he turned to look at the door. After a minute, he let out a low sigh and turned back to me. “Very well, but I ask that you avoid provoking him. It would be a shame if either of you was lost to the world.”

I nodded as I glanced at my watch. 6:46 “I'll try and avoid any sensitive subjects,” I promised. “Right now, I need to get back. I promised Amelia I wouldn't take too long.” I then turned and started making my way towards the door as I waved goodbye. “I'll see you later, hopefully when I found a source of rubber.”

“Good luck,” Bulak called out as I pulled the door open and started ascending the stairs beyond. I began making my way towards the barn as I started thinking through my routine for the next few days. “Get up, get packed, get down to the gate, then get out to the forest and hope that spring comes soon.”

I knelt beside the twentieth bush of green as I carefully examined the budding plant. I reached out and crushed one of the stalks, wetting my fingers on the sap of the plant. I let go and examined my fingers, prints completely visible through the translucent sap. I let out a sigh as I stood up and flicked my fingers clean. “Definitely not it; latex sap is white.” I turned and started walking further into the forest, eyes scanning the floor for anything that might yield the proper material. I felt my concentration start to lapse as I trudged over roots and under branches. “The odds of finding a proper substitute in these conditions is starting to feel low. On the other hand, I haven't searched the whole forest yet. I might be able to find something if I head east. Plus, I could try and substitute with the resin in these trees. A resin mix might work. Then again, a single crack would spell disaster. The autoclave requires massive pressure and resin isn't like rubber. It'll explode if it fails or I get the mixture wrong. I need the sap and the sulfur to make it int-” Snap I stopped and turned sharply as I heard a branch snapping behind me. The stillness of the forest stared back, branches swaying in the cold air as the sun cast shadows onto the forest floor. I felt uneasy as I searched for the source of the noise, my own heart starting to mask the sounds I could hear. I brought my hand down and slowly pulled at my sword, unsheathing it as I felt invisible eyes watching me. I gestured with my left hand and causing a small flame to appear above my palm. It felt like I wasn’t alone. I suddenly spun around and looked at where I was heading as I felt a breeze on my back and a chill run up my spine. The same forest I'd been walking through for the last four hours looked back as I squinted through the trees, trying to differentiate between shadow and actual movement. I readied myself as I turned again and began looking around. I was on high alert as I searched for the source of my panic. I tried desperately to see what had caused the noise, the silence of the forest doing little to comfort my heightened state; not even a single bug made a noise as I trampled the ground beneath me, just me and my pounding heart. I was almost tempted to shout out but decided against it. “It's the one thing you say not to do during horror movies, don't do it now. Don’t draw attention.”

After several minutes of turning in place, flame crackling softly in my palm, I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm. “Calm the fuck down. It was probably a fallen branch. Nothing to be worried about. It's not like any animal could hurt you anyway; you have a mother fucking sword. . . People, on the other hand.” I slowly turned and began silently creeping to a shallower area of the forest, away from any would-be forest people. I had no idea the kind of creatures the forest could hide. “Better safe than sorry.” I treaded lightly, avoiding branchy paths or loose stones, all the while glancing around me as I tried to find movement. It was silent as I crept, the flame in my hand giving a slight warmth against the cold air. I held my sword at the ready and flaming palm raised as I quietly moved past the trees. Eventually, I reached an area where I could see the outline of the city, giving comfort to the eerie feeling rampaging through my mind. I grinned and sped up my movement, heading back towards the city and safety.

I faltered and stopped myself as I reached the edge of the forest, leaning onto a tree as I panted. Only now did I realize I had been holding my breath. “The fuck am I doing?” I suddenly realized. “I'm running from a fucking twig. I have no idea what made that noise. For all I know, a fucking rabbit could have made it. So why do I need to run?” I looked down at my watch as I forced myself to straighten. 1:02 “No point heading back right now. There's still hours before sundown.” I glanced behind me as my heart finally slowed in my chest. A breeze caused the branches to sway, casting a dancing shadow in the forest, taunting my fear. I growled as my heart finally reached a calm pace and I forcibly turned around as I stared into the woods again. They seemed to radiate a sinister aura. “I faced a mother fucking troll and a mother fucking army. I'm not about to let a collection of overgrown twigs stop me.” I lifted my foot and determinedly stepped forward as I started making my way back into the woods.

I spent the rest of the day on alert, glancing behind me at the slightest of noises, but I didn't leave the forest until the sun finally started to sink in the sky. My winding journey through the woods wasn’t marked with plant searching though. I wanted to know why my fight or flight instinct had gone off. I kept glancing behind me as I walked, searching for the source of my panic. Nothing showed itself though and the rest of my day ended up being a fruitless endeavor. I sighed as I finally emerged from the tree line and made my way towards the city. “The fuck is this all about? Why the fuck was I so on edge? I spent all day in the woods yesterday and I never felt like this. Hell, I got close to a roaming pack of wolves and I didn't even flinch as I watched them. Not to mention the four pounds of razor-sharp metal currently hanging at my side and the fucking fireball I can create from thin air. Anything that stood a chance of threatening me and my sword has fuck all when it comes to me and my fireball. So Why The Fuck Am I Still Looking Behind Me?” I forced my head to turn forward and remain there, ignoring my pounding heart and myriad of mental alarm bells. “There's nothing worth fearing in those woods. Be it bear, wolf, or boar, none of them stand a chance against me.”

I let out an angry sigh as I crossed the threshold again and stepped back into the city of Snakhagr. I looked behind me at the now partially constructed gate as my heart slowed again, the panic gone once more. They had added another two or three logs since I left the city, closing the gaping hole a quarter of the way. They were already cutting the logs that would be hoisted into place the next day, laying them on their side near the door they would compose. I turned back to walking as I refocused on my tasks. “The Cauldron and acid should be here either today or tomorrow. I can set up everything on the enchanted stove and wait for the final piece. I no longer need to isolate the ends, but that doesn't mean I no longer need the rubber. Given the size of the crystals they've given me and their theoretical rate of growth, I can probably make a fist-sized crystal in the space of a month. From there I can mass produce it and even use the synthetic quartz to grow more crystals. After that . . . I'll have to think of a weapon.” I let out a sigh as I rubbed my temple. “I face the same problems there as I did before. Technology is too slow, and magic is too primitive, especially against cannons, and an extra fifty years of time and research that's produced god knows what else. I don't even know what period cannon they are. They could be the more basic seventeenth-century cannons or the more versatile civil war cannons. Hell, it could be neither and he made some sort of hybrid that's more akin to the modern artillery we have. The presence of magic complicates things. They might not even use powder. Leroy might have found a way to make a rail-gun type weapon. That definitely won't be good to defend against. All I know for sure is they spit metal that can destroy a gate in a single volley.”

I shook my head as I continued to walk through the city. “Positive thoughts; whatever he did, you can think of and even find a counter for it. It's all down to determination and the number of good ideas you can make. You even have the advantage, modern tech and all that. Fifty years is quite a while for technological advancement. Plus, the boxes of books you happened to bring along with you. You've already brought the orcs a steel mill, likely jumping them to the most advanced group out there. All you need to do is widen that gap and try and make a weapon that probably exists back home. How hard can that be?” I let out another sigh as I rounded the corner and spotted the barn in the distance. “It's like Amelia said, as much as I dislike how she phrased it, I just got to read from an instruction manual.”

I breathed a sigh of relief as I pulled the barn door closed, causing a low boom to echo around the barn and cutting off the one source of light. “Huh, I guess Amelia isn't back yet.” I gestured with my hand and cause a ball of light to appear in my palm. I tossed it forward and willed it to catch on a hook, causing it to bounce there as it hung in the middle of the room. I strode over to an open chair and sat down with a heavy sigh, pulling off my shoes as soon as I got the weight off my feet. “I'm glad I have these shoes to walk in. These are the only ones that'll feel this comfortable, at least before I get the orcs to make their own better.” I tossed them under a table as I wiggled my toes, stretching them out from the hours of walking. I then stood and stretched as I walked over to the table carrying an open spellbook. “Might as well learn a spell before bed,” I said out loud, no longer cautious of anyone hearing me.

I pulled the chair back and moved to sit down, but quickly scrambled back and fell on the floor as Amelia's grinning face suddenly materialized beside me and she let out a sharp “BOO.” I quickly jumped back up and reached for my sword as Amelia started laughing.

I let out a sigh as I relaxed and finally realize what had happened. “Jesus fucking Christ. You scared the hell out of me.” I sighed, placing a hand on my chest. “I'm assuming this means you've found another spell? What's this one called, Invisibility?”

Amelia shook her head as she gestured with her hand, causing a solid black tetrahedron to materialize in it. “Catch.” She said, tossing the object. I reached up to grab the object in midair but blinked in surprise as it passed right through my palm and through my face. I turned in time to see it disappear through the floor. “It's an illusion spell.” She explained as I turned back to her. “About a square yard of manipulatable space for a single point of mana. I set up that little cloak just as you were approaching the door.”

I nodded as I looked down at the book, now able to see that the book was open to the entry on Mirage. I grinned as I turned to her. “That's pretty useful. I couldn't see you at all. You could probably sneak up on anyone like that.”

Amelia shook her head as she gestured again. After a second, she disappeared again, the space around her shimmering and fading into stillness as her image was removed from the world. She then reappeared, stepping out from the side and causing the space to make a very obvious ripple, like the surface of a pool of water. She then stepped back in and reappeared on the other side, the space rippling twice to this action. “It's a stationary field, I can move it around, but it'll be obvious that it's there.” She directed her hand at the field and had it move around, causing the walls of empty space to sway as if they were a loosely held fluid.

I turned and pointed at where the tetrahedron had vanished. “So, why didn't that look like that?”

Amelia shrugged as she released the spell and caused the field to disappear. “The book said it's because it's easier to make something than to unmake something. Like this.” She gestured again and caused another field to appear, this one a near-perfect image of herself at that moment. Everything from the shirt she wore, to the freckles on her face, even to the stray strands of hair that had snuck free of her ponytail was exactly where they were on the duplicate.

I let out a low whistle as I circled the illusionary Amelia. It didn't react as I examined the folds of the shirt it wore. They cascaded perfectly as if she was really there. “That still seems useful.” I reached out to touch her chest, but my hand passed right through it, my skin not feeling anything as I pilled my hand out again. “Sounds like a good way to distract someone,” I remarked, turning to her.

Amelia nodded again as she gestured at the image. “I can even make it run around.” The Mirage Amelia suddenly bolted to the side, passing through tables and chairs as it ran around the barn. “Even some crazy gymnastics.” The mirage suddenly stopped and began doing flips, jumping from one table to another. I felt uneasy as I watched it, as if something was absent that should have been there. “It doesn't even need to obey the laws of physics.” The image suddenly jumped up and began flying around the barn, Superman-style. “I can even make someone else.” The mirage suddenly did another flip and landed on the floor, straightening as it morphed from an image of Amelia to me.

I walked over and circled this new image of me, a thin layer of hair creeping down my neck and eyes uncomfortably swapped from what I was used to seeing. Even my glasses were cracked correctly. I rubbed my neck as I stared at the facade, further disturbed by the clarity at which I now saw my face. “Definitely useful for a distraction. It's a perfect replica.”

Amelia nodded as she gestured at the image again. “Almost perfect.” My image suddenly opened its mouth and adopted an angry expression. I waited for it to say something before I noticed the vibrating throat and realized it was meant to be shouting. I bent slightly and saw the moving uvula at the back of my throat, moving violently in the nonexistent bellow. “It can't make a peep,” Amelia explained as the image closed its mouth again. “It can be anything from your wildest imagination, but it can't speak.”

I nodded as my Mirage disappeared into thin air and I turned back to Amelia. “It's still useful,” I remarked, giving her a grin. “in the heat of the moment a small detail like silence from a running figure is easily missed.”

Amelia nodded as she stretched. “The book mentioned this is usually used in duality with a spell called Noise to make the effect more realistic, but I haven't found that one yet.”

I nodded as I looked down at the spellbook. “Either way I know what spell I'm going to learn today. Silence or not, making a Mirage seems useful.”

Amelia nodded as she let out a yawn. “I'll leave you to it then, building that press has left me a little worn out.”

I turned to her as she was about to round the car. “You finished the press already?” I asked curiously.

Amelia shook her head as she stopped in her tracks. “Just the apparatus.” She explained. “Shurkul is making the other components we need, the letters, the numbers, the frame, then we can finish building it.” I nodded as Amelia gestured again and let another Mirage materialize beside her, this one a wooden structure slightly taller than I was. It was a partially finished wooden archway with a wooden table beneath. A long recess running perpendicular to the arch was carved into the wooden platform. “That's what it looks like right now. We still need these pieces.” The Mirage suddenly morphed and grew grey parts that completed the basic press. Another board also materialized, opening up to reveal dozens of compartments with innumerable pieces of metal of various sizes and embossed with every letter of the alphabet. I nodded as Amelia let the spell dissipate and continued walking. “Goodnight.” She yawned, casting her glowing orb as she got ready in the shadow behind the car. I nodded as I turned and sat down in the chair drawing my orb lower so that I could read the text on the page.

The sun barely broke through the trees overhead, casting a mesh of light onto the ground. I trudged through the forest as I scanned the foliage for my target, moving away from the latest patch of plants, as I gave some thought to my immediate future. “At the rate, I'm going, I'm learning one spell every night. That's over three-hundred spells per year, assuming I don't forget about any of them. Once I find a viable source of sap I could triple that. Once I learn how to cast enough I might have enough of a feel to accurately gauge the powers and limits of magic. Though that's assuming I don't spot an obvious workaround that allows me to stretch that limit immensely. I also have a week or so before the branding ceremony. There, I can further cement myself as someone to trust. Maybe I should give a small speech beforehand. Though it doesn't feel quite right to have my chest branded, especially not with something so innocent and fragile. Then, of course, there are the other tribes to consider. I'll have to figure out how to get them to cooperate, a weapon is the best option. I can kill two birds with one stone by making a weapon against Almar and offering the knowledge of it as an incentive to the others. Plus, if I want to move quickly I'll need as much time as I can get to design and perfect said weapon. Knowing engineering the first twenty, no hundred, or so models will fail before I find the perfect balance. Assuming I'm efficient, I can improve on a failed model and make a new one once a week, making it take about two years before it's finally ready to march on Adympia. I should try to start slow at the first Festival, mayb-” Snap

I turned sharply as I heard a branch break behind me. I felt my heart pounding in my chest again as I was now on high alert. I began to feel uneasy as I scanned the trees for something, anything, that could be a threat. The forest stared back silently as I practically scrambled in place, unphased by my panic. I let out a low growl as I realized it was nothing and forced myself to turn around, continuing to march through the woods. “Not going to let a fucking branch slow me the fuck down.” I walked for a few minutes, ignoring the fear coursing through my veins. I clenched and unclenched my fist as I tried to take my mind off this unusual panic. “Come on now. You can’t be this worked up over a forest. It’s not even the usual creepy forest. Just birds and sunlight and lift in these woods.” A second Snap sounded behind me, but I kept walking, stomping deeper into the forest. I would not be deterred by my illogical panic. This was nothing like my usual fear. This feeling was just off. It was without a prompt, target, or ready attack plan. This was just blind fear and Rodriguezes don’t do blind fear.

I turned around angrily as a third SNAP, like a broken tree, echoed around the woods. Now I was certain something was up. “Alright, no way is that something small.” Against my better judgment, I shouted out, likely drawing the attention of the entire forest. “Who The Fuck Goes There?” I reached over and pulled out my sword, scanning the mesh of trees around me. I saw no form of movement, save for the sway of shadows. The forest was unusually quiet now as if even the birds were forbidden from making a noise. I gritted my teeth and raised my weapon bearing arm as I scanned my surroundings again. “I Have A Fucking Sword And I Ain't Afraid To Use It!” I turned in place as I felt the adrenaline coursing through my veins, the panic growing without a reason and without a ceiling. “No Fucking Way Is This Not A Person. No Fucking Way Is This Not Someone Fucking With Me.” I gestured angrily and summoned a small flame into my hand. “Fucking Show Yourself, Coward!” I bellowed, daring the perpetrator to reveal themselves. I continued to scan the forest as my heart pounded in my ears. I panted angrily as I suddenly spotted a shadow of movement in the corner of my eye. “Get The Fuck Out Here!” I roared, throwing the fireball. It sailed past the trees and exploded on the forest floor, causing the bramble to catch fire. Another drift of movement and I immediately turned to chuck another flaming ball, determined to smoke out whoever was following me. “I Can Do This All Day!” I shouted, lighting more of the ground on fire.

I kept turning and throwing more fireballs as the flames around me continued to grow. “I Will Burn Everything Down As Long As You Are One Of Them!” I roared, at least trying to drive away whoever was following me. I continued lobbing spell after spell as my anger grew larger and larger. The flames were starting to spread, creeping up the trees and turning the world around me into a blazing inferno. I panted as I continued looking around, feeling a sense of déjà vu as I searched for my opponent. “You Can't Hide Forever!” I bellowed, winding up for another toss. “I Will Find You And Then I Will-”

I stopped as a soft disembodied voice finally replied. “I would appreciate it if you refrained from throwing that.” I froze as my heart continued to sound in my ears. I turned to a nearby tree, the only one not ablaze from my assault on the forest. No matter how close the flames grew, the tree stood strong and unburned. “Either I've gone completely crazy or that tree just spoke to me.”

I shook my head as I banished the thought. Trees couldn’t talk. They were pieces of wood, a hard exterior with a living interior that provided nutrients. They had no method of speaking or understanding language. I turned again as I tried to identify the voice, both its origin and intent. “Where The Fuck Are You?” I asked angrily. “I Don’t Like Being Toyed With!”

The voice scoffed angrily, undeterred by the flames around it. “Nowhere near you, thankfully, but your little tantrum may grow to be a nuisance. A cleanse is always welcome, but the time is not right for one. So, I would appreciate it if you refrained from spreading your fire any further.”

I raised my arm higher. “That Doesn't Fucking Answer My Question!” I spat, unsatisfied by her response. “Where The Fuck Are You? Why The Fuck Have Been Following Me?”

The voice let out a sigh as I stood there. “I have not been following you. You have strayed into my domain and wandered over my defenses. In all honesty, I did not expect such a severe reaction from some plant particles.”

I lowered my hand as I continued to search the forest. “You Make It Sound Like You've Been Experimenting. Do You Treat Everyone Like Your Guinea Pig? That’s A Quick Way To Get On People’s Bad Side!”

The voice didn't reply for a minute. “I do not know what a Guinea Pig is.” It admitted. “However, I have not been ‘experimenting', merely ensured that those that would wish harm upon me are dissuaded from approaching. Surely a creature such as yourself knows the importance of personal safety.”

I continued to turn as I thought about her words. Something about them itched me the wrong way. “You Say That Like You Have Enemies,” I countered.”Enemies That They May Have A Reason To Fear You. If They Have Reason To Fear You, Then You Must Be Some Kind Of Threat.”

The voice sigh, just as a gentle breeze blew through the trees, diminishing the flames for a moment. “For what reason does a deer have to fear a wolf?” She asked. “It is merely the way of things. The wolf has no personal qualm against the deer, just as the deer has not wronged the wolf.”

I scoffed as I turned again, trying to find the source of the voice. “I'm Pretty Sure Wolves Eat Deer,” I responded, giving context to her musings. “Doesn't Exactly Make Things Better.” I continued to search the crackling fire as the voice remained quiet for a moment.

There was a loud cracking and I turned sharply to it, expecting the source of the voice, but all I saw was a fallen branch, scorched by the flames below. The voice echoed through the forest again as the flames I created reached higher. “Before we continue, would you mind if I extinguish your fire? I know a cleansing is needed soon, but I have not taken the necessary steps to direct it. I do not wish this chaos to spread further.”

I paused as I looked around and considered, my heart still telling me to panic. If I allowed her, I might have been able to finally tell where the voice was coming from. “If you really need to,” I replied in a calmer tone, shrugging slightly. There was a pause, then a freezing cold gust of wind blew through the forest, pushing me slightly and making me stagger. I quickly turned to the origin of the wind as the flames were suffocated and snuffed out. I raised my sword again, putting it between me and the source of the wind. I peered carefully into the wind as I tried to find its origin, but I could see nothing but swaying branches and drifting shadows.

After the flames were extinguished the voice let out a sigh, as if out of boredom. “Now then, why are you here?” It asked, unphased by my scrutinizing gaze. “Why have you trespassed and attempted to set my forest alight? Surely a creature such as yourself, capable of magic, is without purpose. Come to think of it, you must be the one that wandered near the other day.”

I took a few breaths as I forced myself to stay calm, looking around warily at the still smoldering woods. They seemed to stare back as I finally replied. “I never intended to trespass, let alone set the forest on fire. I merely came here to search for something, something that can help me in my endeavors.”

The voice sighed again as I continued searching. “You did not think to avoid this place?” It asked. “Surely your feeling of unease would dissuade you from coming again.”

I gritted my teeth as I squinted to try and find the source of that voice. “What can I say? I’ve never been one to back down. I wasn’t about to give up because of a bad vibe”

The voice hesitated again, leaving the forest to stare silently at me. “You did not think of my defenses as a warning?” It finally asked. “Surely an unseen obstacle such as this would indicate a wish for isolation. An invisible obstacle is far from conquerable.”

I swallowed angrily as I directed my eyes forward, resigned to the fact that the voice was coming from something out of my line of sight. “That doesn’t change my needs. Nor does it alter my goals. It doesn't matter how many obstacles I have to overcome, I will find that sap.”

There was another pause as the voice seemed to think. “Whatever mystical herb you seek is unlikely to grow here. The ones with truly magical properties grow north, in the mountains. A novice such as yourself ought to have read up on where they grow instead of wandering the forest without direction or idea.”

I shook my head as I continued to scan the forest. “I'm not searching for a magical ingredient. Hell, they don't even know about the substance I'm trying to make. I'm just trying to find an adequate source so that I can bring justice to a terrible wrong.”

The voice paused again. “You do not speak as if you belong here. Are you foreign to this land? Perhaps from one of the other tribes, or even the elven kingdom?”

I shook my head again, feeling of unease still present. “Admittedly neither. I came through a Banestorm.”

The voice let out a gasp and grew louder, an air of intrigue now present. “An outsider?” It asked curiously. “From a land beyond this? With magic of untold power?”

I hesitated at the sudden interest then nodded. “You might consider it magic, but where I come it’s pure science. None of this mystical or mysterious bullshit. Now stop hiding and come out so I can see how well this sword cuts you!” The voice remained silent as if displeased with my response. I sighed annoyedly at the voice before speaking again. “Yes, I was torn from my own home. Since then, I’ve had to endure countless hours of training and a godforsaken troll to be given this modicum of freedom. An innocent girl lost her life because I wasn’t fast enough to save her. Not only that, but I find out the country that caused her death is rife with injustice and slavery and I’m not one to stand for it. I intend to set things right. To do that I need a substance, a particular sap that I've spent the last three days searching for.” The voice was silent again, leaving me alone with the deadly gaze of the forest. I sighed again before rubbing my head annoyedly. “I’m sorry if I upset you. I’m just on edge and talking to a disembodied voice is Unnerving with a capital U.

The voice paused again. “You truly require this substance?” It finally asked. “You foresee no alternative?”

I nodded as I gazed in towards the source of the wind. “I swore to do something, and I intend to do it. There are bad people out there and so long as they’re out there I intend to stop them.” I waited for the voice to reply, but it remained silent. I took a step forward, towards where the wind had come from. If the spell had come from there then that’s where the voice would be.

I jumped back as the voice suddenly sounded just to my left. “Are you certain your substance can be found here?” It asked. I jumped in shock, falling on the ground as I instinctively scrambled back, pointing the sword at the mysterious figure. I sat there panting as I took in the sight before me. It was a woman, brown hair a tangled mess, with twigs and leaves protruding from the frizzy blanket of hair that fell down her back. Her pale skin highlighted the stark green eyes that stared calmly at my scrambling form. I directed my attention downward as I noticed she was extremely underdressed for the environment we were in; ample breasts exposed to the cold air, her light brown nipples seeming unaffected by the chill. I forced my eyes back up as I looked further south and notice the mat of hair on her head was the only trace on her entire body. My heart no longer pounded in fear. The woman repeated her question, taking a step towards me. Her voice seemed to drip with sweetness as if honey flowed from her lips. “Are you certain you can find the substance here?” She asked.

I swallowed as I felt my hands shake slightly. “I-I know where it comes from in my world and I k-know it's in other plants. So, t-the only thing I need is t-to find those other plants h-here.”

The woman tilted her head as she stared at me. “You seem uneasy; is something the matter?”

I swallowed again as I pointed my sword down slightly. “Y-you are completely naked,” I explained then grinned at the absurdity of the situation I was in. “Haha. I am cowering in front of a naked woman in the middle of a god damn forest. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the orcs slipped be something and this entire day has been one bad trip.”

The woman tilted her head the other way. “You are uncomfortable?” She asked.

I hesitated for a moment, no longer finding absurdity in the situation. “I've just found a naked woman in a fucking forest. Most of the time I'd say the woman was dangerous or-or being used as bait for some dangerous people. So, you'll have to excuse me if I'm not the most relaxed person right now.”

The woman looked down at herself, then at my still burning palm. “If I change into something more . . . appropriate, would you promise to not use more of your fire?”

I glanced down at the flickering flame then looked back up at her as I nodded. “That sounds reasonable,” I replied. The woman nodded and brought her hands to the sides of her head as she closed her eyes. I looked down and clenched my fist, smothering the flame as I stood. I kept my sword trained on the woman as I watched something completely unexpected happen. Branch-like protrusions sprouted from her back and wrapped around her torso, growing leaves to cover her private areas. I watched in amazement as she went from completely naked to clothed with a short dress made of leaves in a matter of minutes.

Once she was done she opened her eyes and grinned at me. “Better?” She asked sweetly. I nodded as I gazed at the dress. It was composed of brown oak leaves that formed a downward spiraling pattern. The leaves stopped just short of her knees, leaving her legs, arms, and shoulder still exposed to the cool forest air. I finally lowered my sword slightly as I realize how short she was, barely five feet tall.

I gripped the piece of metal tighter as the woman stepped forward again, reminding me of how uneasy I still felt. “You mentioned defenses,” I asked hesitantly, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “Is there a particular medium these defenses use?” The woman nodded as she stepped closer and reached up. I instinctively took a step back and readied my sword again.

The woman let out a gentle sigh as she gave me a look of exasperation. “I cannot remove the effects if I cannot touch you.” She explained. “Even if it is just for a moment, you must trust me.” I stood there, sword still at the ready, as I considered the offer. “The levels of insanity this day has reached are astronomical. I'm talking to God knows what in the middle of a god damn forest. For all I know, she could be one of those entrapping entities that just wait for the opportune moment. Then again, she didn't seem eager to get me deeper, more like exasperated with my incompetence. Plus, this feeling is definitely something that would send people away, not deeper into the forest. It also sounds like she knows a bit about plants, maybe she really can help me.” I hesitated for another moment, then lowered my sword slightly. The woman grinned as she stepped forward again and reached up. I complied by lowering my head slightly and allowing her to grip the sides. I watched as she closed her eyes and let out a low hum. I felt an odd sensation permeate my chest as my heart finally slowed and I felt myself relax again. The woman grinned as she let go and took a step back. “There we go, all done. How do you feel?”

I raised my hand and flexed my fingers experimentally, my mind felt more focused that had been a short while ago. “Better, thank you,” I replied. “What was that?”

The woman shrugged as she grinned. I only now realized she seemed more approachable over her little ritual. “I have found a great many plants create a feeling of unease when inhaled. I merely willed most plants in my land to excrete this substance in conjuncture with their pollen.”

I let out a huh of intrigue as I glanced around. I couldn’t see any such plants, but I also had no reason to doubt her words. “You can do that?” I asked curiously, turning back to her.

The woman nodded then turned as she gestured for me to follow. “A simple matter for the likes of I. Now come; we must discuss your quest further.” She began walking through the woods again, past the scorched trees and plants.

I followed hesitantly as I sheathed my sword. “We can’t talk here?” I asked as I started hiking again.

The woman shook her head, causing a few stray leaves to fall from her hair. “Your fire created virile ground, but the fumes of dead plants are not pleasant for me to inhale. I may be isolated, but I cannot shake my nature.”

I looked down as I stepped over one of the burned bushes, noticing the pile of ash it had become. “I’m guessing I should apologize for that?” I asked, looking back at the woman.

She shook her head as she gestured dismissively. “Worry not. It al part of the cycle. Plus, it only gives me an excuse to play host to an outsider such as yourself.” I swallowed nervously as I glanced behind me, seeing just how much destruction my display had wrought. The trees were blackened and the underbrush was utterly destroyed, likely eliminating any plant in the path of my fire. I turned back as I reminded myself of crucial detail. “Don’t worry too much. Worst comes to worst, you just start making fires again and burn down everything in your path as you flee. She looks plant-based so while the sword might not do anything, a good fire should take care of her.” I sigh as I brought a hand behind my back, ready to start the spell. “Just wait and see how it plays out. With magic, there’s always an exit strategy.”

We walked for half an hour, the plants around us gradually shifted from the dull winter-green to a more vibrant and warm green. Even the air around me seemed to heat up as we walked. The woman's hair did a similar shift, going from the soft brown to a bright green, as we neared our destination. I glanced back and forth as I tried to find an indication of a trap or some malicious action, but I only saw more woods. Finally, she turned to me as she gestured forward. “Welcome, to my world.” She said softly. I looked up and saw a strange sight. An archway of wood sitting on a small mound in the middle of a clearing. I gave the woman a curious look as I gestured at the archway. This is where you wanted to talk?” I asked.

The woman shook her head as she pointed at the archway. “The destination is within.” She explained. “Come; I promise you will not regret it.” With that, she stepped forward and approached the archway. I followed her at a distance as I eyed the sight warily. I felt like it was surely a trap and any moment I would need to fend for my life. I was about to ask the woman what she meant by inside when she stepped through the archway and just vanished. I blinked in surprise and hesitated as I looked around. Had I imagined the woman? Was this really a trap? Did the orcs do something with my food? Suddenly, The archway shimmered and the woman’s arm emerged from it, detached from anything. It beckoned me forward before disappearing again. I hesitated for another moment before letting out a sigh. “Fire is always an option.” I reminded myself. With that, I gripped the hilt of my sword and stepped through the archway.

I gazed in amazement as the world shimmered and changed, turning into a display of paradise. Around me radiated heat and warmth and growth. The field before me was clear, only interrupted by animals, both predator, and prey alike, as they grazed on the plants around them. I saw bears, deers, wolves boars, even small badger creatures. I looked upward as the archway receded to show a massive canopy of bright green branches. I watched as birds flitted through the trees, twittering as they gave chase to one another. I looked forward as I saw a massive tree, unlike any I'd seen before, its branches making up the epicenter of the canopy and bathing the floor below in a warm light. The tree sat upon a small earthen growth, rocks of various sizes sticking out from between its thick roots.

I stepped forward and continued to look around in amazement. “Holy fuck.” I gasped. “This is amazing. What is this place? I've never seen anything like it.”

The woman gestured about as she strode forward, towards the tree. “This is my domain.” She explained. “That archway you entered allows you to see my home for what it is. If you were to walk around that structure, you would only see an empty field.” She grinned as she turned to me, her smile giving off a soothing aura. “Naturally I would see the truth of the field anyway, but visitors require a veil to properly see the majesty that is my home.”

I nodded as I looked about, enthralled by the peaceful sight before me. “I can’t believe this is real.” I gasped.

The woman nodded as she turned and continued to lead me towards the towering tree in the center. “The orcs I do not allow to approach my home unabated, but you, outsider, interest me. I couldn't tell from afar, but you have a certain scent about you. The orcs are covered in smells of the furs they don, the food they eat. Some of the more foreign ones are, by far, the most interesting; bathed in scents that are not at all of my forests. Yet, you have the most unique one of all.” She stopped and turned to me as she arrived at the base of the mound. “You smell of plants and animals and things I cannot fathom. Of materials that I have never encountered and processed this world has never seen before. You and your source intrigue me and that is why I have decided to help. If you truly require this substance I would be glad to assist you, provided that you offer something to me.”

I stepped beside her as I looked up at the tree, branches swaying in the wind. I turned to her as a thought occurred to me. “You call this your forest. Can you elaborate? What exactly are you?”

The woman shrugged as she affectionately stroked one of the protruding rocks. “I am of the forest, and the forest is of me. I was born of its energy and I protect it from those that might want the destruction of it, at least that is what most have told me. Though, I suppose that does not answer your question.” The woman suddenly grinned as she turned to me, the light growing brighter as if to bathe me and her in its warmth. “I am a Dryad, a spirit of the forest that is meant to protect its creatures. I am its master and it is my humble servant. If you merely ask, I can create what you seek.”

I nodded as I looked up at the tree again, recalling the scant few myths I heard about dryads. “Of fucking course there are Dryads. Next thing I know, vampires will be a thing too. . . . I just jinxed myself, didn't I?” I shook my head and focused on the present as I mimicked the Dryad’s action and placed a hand on one of the stones within the mound. “So, you come from this tree?” I asked curiously, recalling a lot of myths about those.

The woman nodded as she looked up again, admiring what must have been her work. “A sizable pine when I possessed it decades ago. My magic has sustained and grown it ever since.”

She suddenly gestured dismissively and the light grew dimmer again, bringing focus rather than intensity. She turned to me with that same air of intrigue she had when she first appeared beside me. “But enough about me, I am curious about this substance you require. Does it come from the plants or the animals?”

I hesitated for a moment, unsure about the woman again, then gestured towards the trees surrounding us. “It's from one of the plants,” I replied, again recalling what I’d read about the sap. “It doesn't matter which, as long as it's the right kind of sap; something with the right protein structure and whatnot. With it, I can refine it to something useful. If you’re really part of this forest, I'd really appreciate it if you could help me find the sap.”

The Dryad nodded as she glanced at the surrounding animals, the intrigue turning into deep thought. “And what can you offer in exchange for my help?” She asked, turning to me. “Surely you don’t expect my aid to be free.”

I hesitated for a moment before sighing as I considered the question. “Of course it’s not that simple.” I chastised myself. “Of course she wants something in exchange. Then again, it might be worth it to get help from her. It might take me months to gather enough sap from one batch, but if she can just make it straight up, that’ll push the timeline forward at least three months. The only question is what a Dryad would need from me. Hmmm.” I finally shrugged as I turned to her, the first answer springing to mind after a moment. “I can probably show you how to make fertilizer,” I replied. “It could help you grow the forest and give a more efficient use to some of the resources you have.” The dryad paused for a moment, thinking. Then she sighed as she looked at the animals again. This time she let out a light whistle, causing a nearby deer to perk its head and begin walking forward. Its bony antlers bobbed in time with its head as it approached. I realize she called it with that whistle and felt my hand drift for my blade once more. Despite the danger, I grinned as it stopped in front of her and bowed.

She turned to me as she gestured at it. “You may pet it if you want.” She said encouragingly. “It will not harm you.”

I hesitated for a moment then nodded as I reached out and stroked its muzzle. The creature let out a satisfied sigh as it pushed into my hand, relaxing me as its ease translated to my won. “It's a magnificent animal,” I remarked, feeling a sense of relief.

The dryad nodded, watching the two of us carefully. “It is.” She replied. “It truly is.” I suddenly flinched as a loud SHTHUNK echoed around the field and the deer let out a faint cry, freezing in place then slumping forward. I looked down in shock and pulled my hand away as I stared at the woody protrusion now sticking out of the mount and into the deer, piercing its heart. It let out another faint cry before the branch fucking moved and began sprouting smaller growths, turning into branches of their own and wrapping the deer in a deadly hug. I stared in horror as I watched the branches contort and break the skeleton of the creature and begin dragging it towards the mound. The sounds of breaking bone were clear as the muscles spasmed. Splintered bones began protruding from the animal's skin as the life drained from its eyes.

I instinctively raised my hands in horror as the limb reached the mound and began dragging the balled-up creature further within, contorting the skeleton further and even snapping off one of the antlers as the creature finally disappeared into the hill, soil moving on its own and sealing the hole that the root from hell had made. “SO THAT'S A FUCKING THING!” I thought loudly to myself. I turned to stare at the Dryad, still utterly shocked at the events that transpired. She looked back at me with a satisfied grin. “That is what I do when I grow low on food. With what I have sustaining the creatures here, they will not hesitate to come forth and offer themselves to my roots.” I turned to the field as I realized none of the other creatures so much as moved, choosing instead to graze on the grass growing from the ground below. I swallowed hard as I felt my leg begin to shake. “If I ever want an example, to any of those that wish harm to me, I merely display them on one of the trees around me.” The Dryad continued as she pointed. I turned to see a whole human skeleton embedded into a nearby tree, pilgrim-esque hat still attached to its head as it seemed to grow from the wood itself. The Dryad spoke one last chilling line before I dared turn back to her. “So, what can you offer in exchange for my help?” I let out a shuddering sigh as I cast my mind about and came up empty.