CRIES OF A MAGE

Chapter 3: Exile Life

"Excerpt from the Journals of Leandra Alia Jollords, the beginning of Spring, 1459."

"I existed as a mere puppet, bereft of any capability to shape my own destiny. From my very birth, my heart lacked empathy, leaving me unable to comprehend or support the struggles of others. In due course, I became akin to a beast, driven only by the lure of a prize, forever subservient to the machinations of others.

Regardless of whether my path led me towards the dazzling light or the ominous shadows, life never granted me a chance to truly seize the concept of free will. Always shackled to the decisions made for me, I was held captive like a mere pawn in a treacherous game of fate. Two powerful wizards, like puppeteers, pulled at the strings of my destiny, while I drifted aimlessly like a fallen leaf, tossed about by the winds of change with each passing season, watching precious years wither away.

Perhaps this was my wretched curse; never anchored with a true sense of purpose, little did I realize the far-reaching impact my choices would have on others. My greatest regret is that I failed to foresee the inevitable repercussions of my actions, allowing my beloved niece Allendra to remain cloaked in uncertainty and waste her potential before my very eyes.

After spending a few more days in Anthedia for Alleyna's funeral and bidding Alleyna a meaningless farewell in Anthedia, Elaphar had whisked us away to a hidden Orion Abbey nestled within the Stardust Mountains near Harven.

This sanctuary served a dual purpose as a nursing home and sanatorium, where the skilled hands of the Orion priests tended to the shattered mind of Alex, whose sanity had all but crumbled, and provided the necessary care for Allendra, a mere babe in desperate need of a mother's tender love - a need I, sadly, could not fulfill. The old sage vanished shortly thereafter, leaving with the promise of a swift return.

We spent what seemed like an eternity within those hallowed halls, though time itself lost all meaning and slipped through my grasp like grains of sand. How often had I yearned to flee without even so much as a glance behind me? But I knew that attempting to slip the grasp of Elaphar was a fool's errand, a feat that could not be accomplished without the approval of the powerful mage. Yet, the old sage had presented me with an unexpected opportunity to escape by leaving us in a public place like the Orion Monastery, as if testing my loyalties.

To this very day, the reason for my decision to stay with my niece remains as enigmatic as ever, even to myself. It wasn't because of a sworn oath or a deep love for my niece, although I must admit to being petrified of the old wizard. But such terror alone was insufficient cause for my choice. Perhaps my fascination with Allendra's latent potential was the closest answer. I yearned to witness if the prophecies spoke true, and if she could transform into a formidable being.

Then, on a fateful day, a mysterious fire erupted in the monastery, originating from the nursery where two-year-old Allendra was playing. Out of nowhere, Elaphar reappeared, and during his brief return, presented me with new conditions for a fresh start, with no guaranteed reward awaiting me at the end of the road.

"As of now, you shall be Lena from Harova. Rule number one: thou shalt not remain in any place for more than a moon's cycle," decreed the old man as he began to list the rules that would lay the foundation for a life of exile.

"Cities are forbidden. North and West are barred to thee. Thou shalt only traverse the path I have set forth, first east, and then south to Illuthar."

"Do not tarry in well-known inns. Steer clear of dark alleys. Meld into the throngs like a specter. Do not forge friendships. Do not form bonds. Do not borrow, do not lend."

"On thy journey, thou shalt encounter members of our Sect, the Deep Wanderers. Fear not, they shall find thee. Trust only those who offer thee dried yellow sycamore leaves. Be wary of all others, no matter who they may be."