Anti-Mage

Magical Creature

Surprisingly Rachelle made a very pleasant and useful companion in my journey. She was quick, quite and helpful. 

She was cooking whenever we stopped for the overnight stay. Most importantly she didn't ask questions.  Although I knew she was curious.

Rachelle did tell me a little more about her life before Inn. Her mother passed away long ago, and father spent most of his tome and money in places that lady shouldn't know off. She was alone in the world. The same as me.

We were traveling for two days with hardly any stops and our food reserves were coming to an end. We planned to replenish supplies in the village called Husky. It would be nice to have a warm bath and rest on beds for once.

The quickest way to get to Husky was through the Elder's Forest.

Do you really want to do that? Rachelle asked. People say it is dangerous and not many travelers made it out to tell what's inside that thicket. 

I am also dangerous, I said. I prefer a battle with a magical creature over starving to death.

With that I entered the forest. I know that sometimes I am terribly stubborn but she should get used to it. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Rachelle would choose to stay in Husky in the end. Maybe it would be for best.

Rachelle sighed acknowledging the defeat and followed me. It shouldn't take longer than few hours to cross the Elder's Forest, I told her. 

I had a feeling that we are being watched, but tried to not think too much about that. 

Do not touch anything in here, I told Rachelle. Such beautiful places are usually guarded by the forest spirits that can be easily offended. We must be accurate. 

Akina, stop making me scared even more. 

Do you hear it? 

Yes, there must be river nearby. I am so thirsty, she said.

We reached for the crystal clear water with such a greed. I couldn't stop drinking. 

Once I felt full with water, I turned back to see that Rachelle was trying to open something. I saw a mussel shell in her hands.

Don't! I shouted, but I was late. 

Rachelle has already opened the shell.

What? Look there are white pearls, we can sell them, she said happily. 

Idiot, I whispered in anger. 

Suddenly the water has darkened and the wind started blowing. I heard wolves howling close. 

What is that? She stuttered. 

Run if you want to survive, I said and turned to run. 

I was running yet again. Not alone this time. The bushes left scratches on my skin but I never allowed myself to stop. I heard wolves running close to us. They circled me and Rachelle anticipating the late dinner. 

Finally we were out of breath, surrounded and almost dead.

Suddenly, a white wild horse appeared out of nowhere jumping right into the circle. The horse was enormous, it kneeled down for us to get on it. 

Without thinking much I grabbed Rachelle's hand and we both got on the horse. I've never experienced such a fast and smooth at the same time ride ever in my life. I closed my eyes tightly trusting that the horse will bring us out of the Elder's forest. 

Soon enough, we reached the meadow and it stopped. We both got off the horse. And only now did I notice something that was hard to believe. This was no horse, but a unicorn. Beautiful and proud he looked me in the eye as though he knew me. 

He then turned away and disappeared in the forest.