Dragon's Hex

Chapter One: Discoveries

Causing mass destruction and panic was not on Maelil's to-do list, though it didn't stop her from achieving it.

I mean, it wasn't her fault everything decided to blow up and set fire to the village when it did, or that the animals had to stampede, or that the big tree that has always towered over the high mage's house collapsed onto the road.

The day had started out normal, so to speak. Nothing unusual happened, no demons or spontaneous combustion of any sort. It was another day of Maelil getting up, nearly smacking her head on the low door frame, and trudging out into the yard with her hair pulled back with a bandanna.

All of the fiery detonations and chaos didn't happen until later in the day, when the sun was low in the sky, with streaks of orange and pink racing toward it. It was the time of day when the sun was casting long shadows and turning the mountains which loomed over Maelil's town gold. As it set over the forest that seemed to never end, that was when mayhem ensued.

Maelil had been working on her small garden, which was quietly tucked away behind her house. Whilst listening to the drone of hooves, shouts, and stomping feet, there was something amiss. It was a different sensation, like a mix of a beating drum and the howling of wind. It was the thrum of a stiff soldier's march, yet the light swiftness of a flowing creek.

It was a new feeling, yet it seemed as if it were as old as time. It was wavering, fading in and out of power. First it was weak and vulnerable; next it was overwhelming and steadfast.

Strange as it was, Maelil was intrigued.

Setting aside her shovel, Maelil tightened her headband and unlatched the gate. Stepping out onto the uneven path, she moved forward without realizing it. Whatever this was, it was beckoning Maelil  without a single gesture or word.

The forest that surrounded the village on two side towered high over the little houses in the village. Dark brown branches intertwined, tree trunks stood rigid, and copper leaves dangled high above the forest floor. It reeked of enigmas and treachery.

The smart thing to do, of course, was to follow the mysterious tug of power into the deadly forest.

Inside of the woods, the dirt paths got more and more narrow as Maelil ventured forth. Dead brown leaves littered the ground, and the occasional rustle of birds' feathers sounded overhead. Shadows nearly consumed all of the forest, save for streaks of yellow sunlight that shone here and there.

It was almost completely dark when a new surge of strength came from the pull, yanking Maelil forward almost unwillingly. By now, there was a slope to the path. She stumbled and almost tripped as she finally reached the river.

Standing at the bank of the river, Maelil paused. The sun had gone down, and looking back up the hill, she could see the glow of torches from where her village would be. How did I get here so fast?

Turning back around, Maelil fell back onto her rear. Across the river, a crack had appeared in the ground. A copper color shone from it, flickering like a bronze fire. It widened and shrank, pulsing with power. Maelil managed to stand, and took a small step forward.

That triggered it. The bronze flames nearly exploded, copper light flooding the air. An off-gold color seemed to seep into the nearby ground, jutting out like streaks of lightning. Green grass wilted instantly, leaves on the ground exploded into fire. There was a loud boom and Maelil was thrown back.

Maelil's vision swam, and black spots dotted her vision. She saw a smoky outline of what look to be a humanoid creature rise up from the crack, before the sound of running feet disrupted her thought.

"Maelil! Maelil!", a familiar voice cried.

Tilting her head back, Maelil saw Jade running toward her.

Jade was a girl a bit younger than Maelil. She was one of the prettiest girls in the village, with vibrant green eyes that shone with enthusiasm. Her skin was nut-brown in color, like hot chocolate. Incredibly dark brown hair was tied back into a braid. Jade was a bit broad with muscles, and was much shorter than Maelil.

Maelil tried to stand, and felt Jade's hands on her.

"What..What was that?" Jade worried, green eyes wide with fright.

"I'm not sure, it just...I felt it," Maelil said, "I can't describe it; it was this invisible pull..."

Jade began to tug Maelil along at a brisk pace, "Whatever it was, and we need to go now."

With a short gesture, Maelil's friend waved her hand at the sky above where their village would be. Black smoke clouds circled high into the sky, and a fiery orange light danced across the sky.

Sprinting as fast as their legs would take them, the duo raced back to town.

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AN: Uh hi, everyone! This is a story I've decided to write, and here's the first chapter! Please, please, please leave feedback! It helps so much! Tell me what you think about this, was it boring/too descriptive/not enough descriptions/confusing/too fast/too slow/etc. etc. etc.

Thanks for reading ♥

-Darcy