Loraine Hawks is a young woman who lives with her aunt and uncle in a small village in the south of Scotland. Her life has always been a torment, until one day, a strange, silver-haired man of elegant bearing appears at her door. With a voice that...
The carriage descended until it finally touched the ground. Loraine, exhausted by the weariness of the journey, had succumbed to sleep on the last stretch. Her breathing, soft and measured, was the only sound in the compartment. Fig, sitting across from her, had pulled out an old notebook and was meticulously going over the programme of spells he was to teach his new apprentice. Despite his efforts, his mind was wandering, unable to anchor his attention on the runes and incantations that danced before his eyes. The young woman had leaned back fully into the seat opposite, her head resting gently on her arm. She should be exhausted. Fig couldn't help but wonder in what condition she had slept in that house. Judging by her clothes on some battered bed. Suddenly, a treacherous bump in the road jolted the carriage and Loraine awoke.
—Are we there? —she asked as she rubbed her eyes, trying to clear the veil of sleep.
— We're almost there —Professor Fig replied, and just then he spotted the signpost leading into the city.
The young woman slowly straightened up, stretching the muscles stiffened by the long carriage ride. She leaned towards the window with curiosity. The sign with letters cast in bronze read:
~ Welcome to Elderwood ~
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The carriage stopped shortly afterwards.
—It looks like we're going to have to continue on foot —Fig announced, sitting up.
They both got out of the carriage and looked around. The street, surprisingly deserted, stretched out before them with unusual calm. Normally a hive of activity, today it seemed to have taken a breather, giving them an unexpectedly tranquil setting. Eleazar went to the rear to grab all the luggage, again making use of the levitation charm, and went to the coachman to pay him for his services.
—The inn is only a few yards away, sir. At the end of the street, —said the coachman, extending his arm in the direction indicated—. I'm sorry, but strangely the Thestrals refuse to go on.
—Don't worry, we'll manage fine —Fig replied calmly. He pulled out a few gold coins that glittered in the dim afternoon sun and placed them in the man's outstretched hand.
With a cordial gesture, the coachman waved goodbye and proceeded to turn the reins, leading the way back along the same route they had followed so far. Professor Fig, with a gentle turn, turned his gaze to the young companion, whose eyes reflected a mixture of curiosity and caution.
—Have you ever been to Elderwood before? —He asked, and she shook her head— Well, the only thing you need to know is that you need to be careful. Elderwood is no ordinary place. There are a lot of goblins around here and I warn you, they are not known for their good intentions....
—Not all wizards are to be trusted, Professor —Loraine replied as her eyes scanned the horizon of the enchanted place.
The professor looked up at her, a smile creeping across his face, recognising the spark of bravery in her pupil.
