Destiny Begins: The Forgotten Tale: Book One

Prolouge

"Merlin!"

"Coming, Mom!" I call over my shoulder, hoisting the water pail off the ground. Weary from trudging back from the stream, the cargo weighing down my lithe form, I sigh sadly. Every day feels the same—waking up at dawn, gathering food, helping Mom with breakfast, enduring the old ladies' gossip while she tends to their injuries. Grateful for all she's done, I still yearn for more, tired of the routine. It's not that I'm ungrateful; I just crave something different.

"Merlin, there you are! What took you so long to gather water? I sent you a while ago." I bite my lip, averting my gaze from her penetrating stare, unwilling to admit I got lost in another daydream.

"Honestly, Merlin. If you don't want to work, find something else to do. Mrs. Francis's son has a nasty case of poison ivy." I interrupt before she reveals too much information.

"Woah, Mom, I don't want to hear where his rash is. I'm going to the forest." I squeak, making a hasty retreat, escaping the lecture I anticipated.

Reaching the edge of the forest away from prying eyes, I sigh in relief, sitting by a large elder tree with drooping vines overlooking the village. I daydream of building a cabin, away from judgmental villagers, spending time with animals and nature. Despite being grateful for Mom, I long for a life beyond farming.

I'm interrupted as three smirking boys arrive, and my attempt to escape fails as I'm yanked back to the ground. John, the ringleader, mocks me, kicking dirt in my face. Irritated, I ask, "What do you want, John?"

Their bullying is halted by the arrival of Will, who intervenes on my behalf. John's friends attack Will, and in a moment of desperation, my magic is unleashed, sending the attackers flying. Rushing to Will's side, we're interrupted by Mom, who takes charge of tending to his injuries.

The night passes with Mom stitching Will's head wound, and as he awakens, he poses a question that changes everything:

"Merlin, you have magic?"