Calytrix's Journey

Chapter IV: Flowers and Men

I spent hours continuously walking through the forest. Despite my love for the color green, it was annoying me. Everything appeared identical. Everywhere I look, it's green: grass, trees, bushes, weeds, moss—an endless expanse of green. Despite using my tracking magic repeatedly, I couldn't find any sign of human presence. I was concerned about ever getting out. Perhaps this was a hidden, boundless forest at the world's edge, visited only by myself and that eccentric princess.

According to a book I read, heavy moss growth correlates with the presence of human civilization, but I got nowhere following the moss-covered trails. I used every wilderness escape trick in my repertoire, to no avail. If I could teleport like Akios, my problems would disappear, but that's far beyond my magical abilities. It's probably a decades-long learning process.

Discovering a forest glade filled me with happiness. The clearing was carpeted with small lilac flowers in full bloom. I finally arrived at a refreshing, small change of scenery. Exhausted from walking and the day's events, I sat among the flowers to take a break. Sitting down was quite comfortable, especially after some time. I reclined and looked up at the cloudless azure sky.

A wonderful scent emanated from the flowers. They made me forget the unpleasant smell of that dark magic. A moment of peace like this wasn't bad. To fully appreciate the moment, I took a few playful rolls in the grass. It evoked memories of my childhood. I felt free. My dress was already damaged from my forest adventures, so I could be careless with it.

"Princess, how much longer do you plan on lying down on the grass?" A man's voice called out to me.

Instantly, I sat up to look at the man. He was entirely clad in gleaming, polished armor, helmet included. Sunlight reflected beautifully off the silver armor. A red cape adorned its left shoulder. His visor obscured his face, making it impossible to see. He was very tall, almost like the mage Akios. 

"I'm not a princess!" 

I covered my head with my hands. The word "princess" gave me a headache when I heard it since I had the worst possible encounter just a few hours ago.

"I'm a witch. My name is Calytrix," I introduced myself.

"Pleased to meet you, Calytrix. I'm a humble knight in the service of a great future prince," the knight said.

I stood up and noticed that my left hand revealed the contract sign. The camouflage magic didn't work. Perhaps Akios's weak spell has worn off? There was no point in concealing the magical circle, as it was already visible. I'll just ask for directions and be on my way. I'll avoid a more in-depth discussion.

"I got lost, so I was resting here. Could you point me the way to the nearest merchant road?" I asked.

"I'm headed that way. Let me escort you," the knight kindly offered.

I trailed the knight through the forest for a short while. The road was very close by from the glade.

Two more knights, clad in full armor, waited at the forest's edge. Their lower rank was obvious from the poor quality, rust-spotted metal of their armor.

"Thank you for showing me the way. May the spirits be in your favor," I expressed my gratitude.

 Although I was on my way to leave, the two guards, intrigued by my appearance, stopped me. 

"Is that the princess?" asked one of the knights.

"No," I denied, emphasizing a no with my hands.

I saw the heart tattoo camouflage reappear, but it failed when I was alone with the knight in the woods. That was odd, but it wasn't the right time to pursue the reason for it.