Chapter Five: The Sage

Many nights I had thought I heard a hellish scream from the direction of the city, but I told myself time and time again, that I needed to continue forward.

Thoughts crept into my mind. Perhaps the man had escaped and now had a city of helpless victims.

The mountains were still a good four days trek away. I had visited a man there once before. With luck that man was still alive in his seclusion.

I had gone on for days with little food;My mind rushing with the endless fears for the city I both loved and hated. I valued life, yet hated those who squandered it.

It was on day five that I heard rustling behind him. The next evening I didn't sleep, keeping a watchful eye. My fears welled up, seemingly confimred that the beast had escaped and his desire to free the man inside it was in vain. If this were so the village would be destroyed, a gathering place for half eaten carcasses and defiant spirits defiant and angry at the life he had caused to end prematurely.

I shook his head. I was taking the proper actions. I wouldn't just save the city. I would save a tortured man as well.

What if the man wanted to die because of his affliction? He was blind after all.

My thoughts overtook me and I found a toppled log to pause.

I woke from my silent reverie to realize the sun was beginning to set. I had wasted valuable time in the process of thinking of how I was wasting valuable time. Truly I was a piece of work.

The following day after the sun had unfurled his beaming face at the height of his glory, I had begun my trek up the mountain. The only markers I had were from memory.

Nighttime was nearly upon me as I reached a small cavern. Frow now this would suffice.

A howl pierced the evening calm.

This was no regular cry.

I looked out. THe moon was half there. There was no full moon. Surely my fears had gotten the best of me.

I looked down the path I had taken.

Something was definately following me.