The Arcadia Chronicles III: Wood Elf Quest

The Hidden Forest

Third person's POV

The group rode for a day before the twins could see the trees of the Hidden Forest. The passengers barely felt any impatience for they started a lively conversation, Alexander asked Lief Can you tell us about yourself? Janus added Yeah, so that we can know you better.

They looked at him expectantly that Lief had no choice but to talk I'm just an ordinary swordsman in my village, not only I'm protecting everyone there but also protecting the forest around us.

Valien asked What do you mean by protecting the forest?

Our elders believe that everything that we needed to live is provided by nature and someone will deliberately destroy it. Since the forest surrounding our village is pure, there are idiots who cuts the trees beyond count or hunts animals just for fun.

Sylvia grunted as she thought This guy would be a good forest ranger if he was in the future, plus he would be pissed when he realizes that the green jungle he protects there is now a concrete jungle. She then said So, what did you do? Did you take them out?

Only those who pointed their swords and arrows at me. Of course I let a few kind-hearted people to take their share of nature's blessing, I'm not that strict.

Dianne asked How about your sword? It seems complicated when you use it.

Yes, my blades are embedded with rune stones.

Elsa added I'm curious about that as well.

Lief answered Before I was born, a group of men were going to mine - before they dug through a rock wall, one man saw a shining stone with a strange marking. Out of curiosity, he touched it and he was surprised that he was able to perform magic. In their excitement, they dug through that wall on where they discovered it and found a rune stone for themselves. As they told this news to everyone, they wanted it as well and the result - everyone has their own magic and named our place Runa Village. Thinking that some wicked people will get their hands on the stones, we, the Village Guards, were created.

Anastasia said in awe That's impressive.

Lier continued Since we could use our magic in our everyday chores, which makes things easier, we also use the power of the runes for combat. You guys are probably surprised that my sword is unusual for each blade is embedded with rune stones. I admit that controlling the shards on my will is tough. When I still can't control them, they just flew off to random directions that's why I had to practice slowly by controlling one, then two, until I mastered all four of them.

Dianne asked Does it drain your mana when you use them? He admitted Yes, but only a small amount that my mana recovers fast that I barely feel it draining.

Dianne thought How convenient.

Kiyan asked Is every swordsman in your village has a sword like yours? Lief admitted No, I like it when I don't follow the usual. It took a long time to train but was worth it.

Sylvana asked Does the runes have certain elements, like water, fire, wind, lightning? Lief shrugged I can't tell but the runes have different colors, mine is green - like the color of the forest.

Liliana said Lief has introduced himself, let's have Axel talk about himself as well.

Axel cleared his throat Okay, I'm what you call a wandering swordsman, I wandered the forest alone - going from one place to another to find shelter. I eventually come across bandits burglarizing small communities while wandering, and as I continued protecting the people but keeping my identity hidden, I was known to them as the Flaming Assassin. I got nothing on me except a few clothes, my sword, and my precious fishing rod that helped me survive everyday.