The Path of the Adventurer

Chapter 3

            Erion sauntered down a path in a tranquil wood. As usual he cherished the nostalgic atmosphere of the forest around him, despite Carolin's warnings of recent danger in the land. However, he was uncertain if he was on the correct path to his destination. As Erion traveled, his eyes constantly switched back and forth from his map to the path ahead. His destination could very well have been nearby, or it may have been far away. But no matter where his destination was, Erion did not give in. His passion for adventure drove him forward coupled with his obligation to see this unknown sage no matter what.

Sitting on a stump ahead was a wizard. He was a tall, elderly man with pale, wrinkly skin and a grey beard. In the manner of the great wizards of old, he wore a blue robe and a blue pointed hat. Some thought his raiment made him look rather silly or dull, like much like a character out of an old story, but the wizard paid no heed. The shadow of the hat's brim obscured his eyes as he sat silently near the entrance of a cave, one with the woods around him.

Erion soon noticed the wizard up ahead and walked up to him. "Hello? Are you the sage?"

The wizard glanced back at him. His hat no longer obscured his elderly, light green eyes. "I apologize, but I am not the one you are looking for." The wizard's voice was wise and welcoming.

"Damn, just as I thought." Erion dug through his slightly torn satchel for his map. "Guess I should leave, then."

"Going so soon?" The wizard asked suddenly, with a welcoming smile.

Erion turned around, having just pulled out his map. "Huh?"

The wizard pointed his wrinkly finger to a cave ahead. It was a cave leading underground, with its damp entrance amidst moss. "Don't you see it?"

Erion looked closely at the cave, peering his eyes for clouded details. "It's just a cave." He paused. "Wait - is that the sage's cave?"

"Correct."

"Yes! I finally made it!" Erion said in relief, putting away his map.

The wizard shifting his sitting position. "So, do you know why you have been summoned here?" He queried.

"I don't know, but I feel like it could be something to do with my recent adventure."

"Hmm, that might be possibility." Replied the wizard. "Do you enjoy adventures?"

There was no way that Erion could say no to this. "Yeah! Of course I do! In fact, I left my home just so I could go on adventures." He replied, excitedly. "But what does that have to do with the sage?"

"You'll find out soon, my friend. Tell me, what is your name?"

"My name? Sure! I'm Erion Xilar."

The mage lightly tapped his fingers across his chin. "Erion... Where have I heard that name before? Hmmm... Oh, yes! Erion! I've heard of you. You're that wonderful elf who helped Sir Thomas slay the undead dragon, right?"

Erion's emotions instantly rushed out. "Yep, that's me!" He exclaimed. Just the thought of his name and tale reaching outside the walls of the capital made his heart pound.

"How old are you?" Asked the wizard.

"...16 years old."

"16? My, you've displayed quite impressive feats for someone of your age. My name is Magon Lightcaster."

"Nice to meet you, Magon." Replied Erion. "I see that you're a wizard. That outfit and beard makes it pretty obvious." He commented, chuckling.