Free Fall - Into Other Worlds

Chapter 6 - The Living Forest (Part 1)

Kara and Mage Wix were woken from their beds just as the sky began to lighten, the sun yet to pass the horizon. With so much to prepare, Eron hadn't slept for more than two hours but he was full of energy. After being fed breakfast, the groggy pair were handed their share of luggage. Both were worried at being handed a heavy looking rucksack each, yet to Kara's surprise when she lifted it, the bag was almost weightless.

"An enchantment?" asked Mage Wix with interest as he studied the bag.

"It's woven from a magical plant only found in the Living forest," Eron informed him while he busily cleaned up the breakfast things. "Aside from allowing you to carry heavy loads, it should help reduce your presence in the forest."

Kara was curious so she had a look through. A pot, food rations, three flasks of water, a blanket, and spare clothes were all carefully packed into the bag. There was still plenty of space, so she went and got her bag that was filled with her own clothes and sneakers and packed it inside the rucksack. The mage busily braided his long silky hair so it wouldn't get in his way while travelling. With nothing else to do, Kara simply watched from the side as Eron attached belt bag after belt bag filled with gadgets and other unknown things to his waist before adding his weapons. A machete was hung at his side, a bow and quill thrown over his shoulder, a folded crossbow fitted at his wrist, and lastly two knives slid into his boots. Kara couldn't help but wonder how much it all weighed once he'd finished getting ready.

Not long after the sun had risen, the three of them stood before the towering trees and plants bigger than houses that marked the entrance into the Living Forest.

"Okay, I'll remind you once again," said Eron as he turned back to his companions. "Don't use magic. Don't think violent or malicious thoughts. Don't touch anything colourful or moving without asking." He paused for breath. "Most importantly, don't wander from the path I make, and ensure you can see me at all times. If I can't see you I can't save you. Understand?" Most of what he said was solely directed at Kara, but the mage was just as worrisome a character.

"That's the third time you've told us," whined Kara with annoyance. "We understand."

"Fine, then let's go." Eron pushed aside the tall grass and led the way into the forest.

Covering ground was much tougher than Kara and Mage Wix thought it would be. Gigantic tree roots lay entangled all over the ground creating constant obstacles to climb over or squeeze under. The undergrowth was no joke either. Plant stalks that stood taller and thicker than most men grew everywhere. Their surfaces covered with millions of tiny spikes that could easily draw blood. Eron insisted on them clambering over and along the tree roots to avoid the dangers on the ground as much as possible. Though the roots had their own dangers, for the moss covering them was sometimes rough and easy to walk on, while other times incredibly slippy. Then there were the all the insects, giant centipedes, snakes and spiders they needed to avoid contact with. Despite all his weaponry Eron insisted that killing was a last resort method, as it would anger the forest.

"Ouch!" Kara yelped as she slipped on moss and fell to her knees. She'd already lost count how many times she'd fallen over, and she was getting grumpy.

"Be more careful child!" Mage Wix called back to her from a few feet ahead.

You're one to talk, grumbled Kara internally as she picked herself up. The mage had fallen over just as many times as she had. "Don't keep calling me 'child'. I'm seventeen already! You're not that much older than me."

"You're really underestimating his age Kara," laughed Eron who was waiting for them to catch up. "Wix is at least in his early thirties."

"What? No way!" Kara stared at the face of the beautiful smooth-skinned mage who was grinning widely at the compliment. "Really?" She found it hard to believe such skin was that of a man in his thirties.