Chapter Seventeen: A Flower amongst Thorns

Chrysanthemum stood still in the forest. All over she was torn about what to do. she looked back to her home on the side of the mountain.

Everything had gone in twists and turns she had not forseen. A simple act to save her dying father had brought so many new faces into her life.

At the heart of these problems was the dark man. His voice had given her the creeps. He was no medicine man. He was a liar. He was also a thief. She had taken note of this, but there was not much to do.

He hadn't stolen anything tangible persay, but rather he had stolen her father's wits. For he came and spoke at great lengths about the magics to her father. She had done her best not to listen, but when words such as "necromancy, lycanthropy and final arcanix" were spoken, she found it altogether quite difficult not to eavesdrop.

And so she stood there in the forest, thinking and churning thoughts over in her head.

The snapping of a brnach snapped her into reality.

A man was coming towards her, someone new.

His hair was long and braided in various parts. his beard was sparce in places, yet clearly visible against his pale skin.

"He's alive."

She made a jerk, as if to speak, but kept silent out of fear. Her hands clenched her dress.

"The ranger with the ax. He is alive. You were with him. I've been following him, since he had been following one of my own."

Her head turned to the side.

"You may ask what questions you wish, but for the moment, I require need of you."

He held out a gloved hand. The movement pushed his cloak to the side a bit, revealing a sword at his side. He did not attempt to hide it.

"Leave me." she had spoken the words with vigor and strength, but all the while she felt horror overtake her. Alone with this man, she feared for her life.

"What I ask of you will be hard, but worthwhile in the end. I cannot speak more right now."

He walked towards her.

She screamed and fled back to her home.

The man sighed and took off in pursuit.

He was quick to catch her, running in front and stopping holding his arms wide.

"I will not lay a hand on you if I can help it. Please..."

she had half-guessed he would tackle her and yet he had stayed himself. He was no common brigand.

"We have little time." With some struggling he continued to speak ,"My master had visited your home on the mountain. " he paused to check hre reaction. Assuming her silence confirmed his theory, he resumed, "Your father will be dead shortly. I am hoping to halt my master. I admit, my own gain in this is less than ideal, but regardless, it is true that he is by all means a most villianous man. I need you. Come."

His voice was powerful and commanding at the end. She winced as her hand touched his and he led on.