The Tragedy of Ravan the Great

Chapter Seventeen: One Step Closer?

Ravan arrived at the southern-most part of Bonn a couple weeks into the new year: the year 400. A new century promising a fresh start and a bright future, which was exactly what Ravan hoped to accomplish after leaving the Maja Forest. Once he was only miles away from the forest, he found it completely surrounded by a thick, dark fog, which made it difficult to determine whatever obstacle may lay beyond. He led his nameless horse around the forest-line, proceeding farther south for several hours, waiting for the fog to lift and watching for a section of forest where the fog was thinner in the slightest. This never seemed to happen however, and Ravan even began to wonder if this fog had grown thicker. Of course, he probably could've guessed that even with a powerful spell cast on the forest, there would be other protective measures placed to fend against outsiders.

Soon, Ravan approached a gently-wooded area called Valley Shire where glowing green crystals stretched out from around rocks and leafless brush, and ice orbs hung from bare tree branches. He couldn't decide if he wanted to set up camp here or not, so for a moment he posted himself on a rock and nibbled on some nuts while he watched the thick fog swirl about the Maja Forest. After what seemed about an hour of waiting and contemplating his next move, Ravan still couldn't bring himself to enter through the mist, so he proceeded to light a campfire. However, he still didn't make camp, having resolved to enter the forest by at least Northern sundown, regardless the status of the fog. Alas, hours after Southern sundown, the fog showed no signs of letting up. Ravan was forced to make the frustrating conclusion that this was, in fact, another method of security, and the fog would never let up. At that point, he felt there was no reason to continue stalling and put out his campfire.

Ravan rode his horse up to the border of the Maja Forest where wisps of the fog floated above the forest's swampy moat. It occurred to Ravan that this swamp may also have some sort of dangerous, protective aspect to it as well, however the slick stones which spotted the swamp appeared too slippery for his horse's hooves. After much hesitation, Ravan opted to give it a try and led his horse onward. The moment his horse took one step into the murky water, it kicked up and backed out with a scream of pain. Ravan fought to calm his horse, but was ultimately thrown into the snow. He jumped to his feet and regained the reigns to finally bring his horse back under control. The last thing he needed at this time was to lose yet another horse.

Upon realizing that he wouldn't be able to ride into the Maja Forest, Ravan led his horse back to Valley Shire and returned to the border where he hopped the stones into the fog. A minute dose of trepidation slowly seeped into Ravan's nerves when he thought he noticed the fog gradually growing too thick for him to see the next stone, but just before his vision was compromised to that level, the fog cleared so that Ravan could make out the form of thick tree roots which led up to the forest itself. Ravan leapt forward and gripped the slimy roots, then struggled to climb up the slippery slope. He worked to catch his breath once he reached the top and peered around one of the many trees into the darkness beyond. All Ravan could see was black and he gnashed his teeth in irritation. He did not feel confident enough to light his way around. Hopefully, he could carefully and quietly enter and allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness before continuing deeper.

Ravan slowly stepped into the Maja Forest, rolling his feet over the thin layer of snow so not to make a sound for whatever lay beyond to hear him. Once he was within the borders of the forest, Ravan could feel the air clear from the fog, and in the distance ahead of him he could see a faint glow of different colored light. Before he could advance toward it, Ravan heard the sound of multiple hoof-steps coming from his left and he quickly bolted behind a tree. He listened carefully as the steps got closer and were followed by the soft whispers of two concerned men. He listened carefully as the two riders passed the tree behind which he hid. His heart thumped heavy as he slowly inched around the thick trunk and the riders continued onward.