Book of Fate: Enchanted Origins

Chapter 1

It took us three days to get to the edge of the Enchanted Forested. We spent a night in the safe spot before we moved on the next day. On the way there, Alaric’s father, General Talon, showed us more safe spots he made, just in case we ever needed it. Esmera told me about her home, and she didn’t leave any details out. She also taught me more about the powers as a Vassal like manipulating things not made of my original element.

When we reached the forest, my thought process must’ve been very obvious about just flying the rest of the way there. She explained to us that any creature that flies above the tree line is actually bound to never reach the place we were headed towards. She also warned us to not go anywhere near the plants unless she says so, which is fair.

I can see why it is called the Enchanted Forest, I could feel an insurmountable source of pure magic energy surrounding us. I also felt like something was watching us, hiding among all the bushes or in the treetops. And the creatures we would run into at random parts of the day were certainly different from Siren Salt. Although the plants were beautiful, I actually witnessed some of those different creatures get swallowed whole. I really took her advice literally, not wanting to have first-hand experience with that.

As we moved our way through the forest, Esmera had me practice moving branches, vines, and roots out of our way and around us to make shelter for us. Having me focus on the water inside the vines before trying a different method. I was able to do it with ease for the majority of the day, and when I showed any signs of exhaustion, Esmera would take over. I noticed that she moved all the foliage back to how they were. Probably to cover our tracks in case King Blood decided to have us followed. If both of us were exhausted, then Alaric, Skye, and Helia would then take turns to slice the foliage. However, Esmera asked if they could keep it to a minimum as to not disturb the trees too much.

When we were resting, Zale would be teaching me about using the surrounding magic energy to sense danger to set up our camp for the night. Each time it was my turn to take watch, Alaric would stay up with me. Helia and Skye would tease him every morning about how we were spending our shift for fun. I mean, they are not entirely wrong. Straya helped with all the cooking, while Esmera and General Talon helped with gathering food and hunting.

By the end of the week, we had finally arrived in the village located at the base of the largest tree I have ever seen. The trunk was so thick, I don’t think my village could surround it. It was surrounded by trees that were just a bit shorter. In the branches at the top, I could see there were pods hanging from them. The villagers used the pods for their homes. There were also these flying-looking lizards also sitting in the branches, looking down at us, menacingly. Judging us, no doubt. Their wings were translucent, like an insect’s.

The villagers had gathered at the base of the tree with excited faces. At the front of the crowd was a woman who looked to be the Chief of the village. “Elder Wren!” Esmera called from behind and ran toward them excitedly.

The Elder laughed and said,” Welcome home, Esmera.”

“It’s good to be home,” Esmera said. “Oh, I brought some guests along. You already know Lord Talon, Alaric, Skye, and Helia.”

She looked at them and greeted them warmly. “And my new friend, Kresla. She is the-”

She gasped when she made eye contact with me. “The Undine Vassal.”

She came up to me and knelt in front of me. The villagers followed her actions, kneeling where they stood. Esmera and the others smiled knowingly, while I stood there a little flustered, since I’m not exactly used to having people bow to me as a greeting. They continued to kneel, as if waiting for me to say something.

I make eye contact with Alaric and he makes a small gesture. Finally catching on, I said,” Hello, everyone. You really don’t need to kneel like that to greet me.”

I then reached my hand out towards Elder Wren. “Please get up,” I said,” I’m not exactly sure how to address you, or any of that.”

She took my hand and I helped her get back up. “It’s an honor to have you in our village. You can call me Elder Wren, since everyone calls me that despite my age.”

I smiled and nodded my head,” I’m Kresla, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She smiled brightly. “All of you must be tired from your long journey through the forest. I’m guessing Esmera made you do a lot of work to get you here.”

“Elder,” Esmera whispered in embarrassment. The crowd starts chuckling.

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” I said reassuringly.

“We’ll show you to your rooms. I’m guessing you and Alaric would like to be in the same one,” she says with a smile and leading us to the biggest tree.

She whispered a few words, and soon a magic circle formed under our feet, lifting us off the ground. “Esmera sent us a message when you entered the Enchanted Forest, and we got everything ready for you.”

Alaric comes to my side and puts his arm around my waist and says,” Yes, please. Any room you give us will work.”

He winks at me with a knowing look. “Oh, don’t worry, Alaric. We prepared the rooms you used the last time your family was here.”

The last time he was here? I looked up at him. He must’ve visited all those years ago before he met me.

The circle disappeared when we reached the highest point of the tree, which actually had another tree growing on top of it. It was so high up that we were actually above the clouds. I have never seen anything like this. “This is where you’ll be staying. Please make yourself at home. I have other things to attend to, so I will let Esmera and Alaric take you on a tour.”

My mouth dropped as I took in the surrounding view. The branches were supporting a palace made from the trees growing on top of it. Going inside, there was a natural spring pooling in the center of the tree trunk. And there was steam rising from it. The branches were carved into stairs leading to other parts of the palace. With all this openness, I was surprised to not feel any strong winds. “Thank you, Elder Wren.”

Well, either way, I’m very much looking forward to our “honeymoon.”