Bored with only picking flowers and throwing them away again, I decided to braid Stargate's mane and tail, decorating them with flowers and leaves. It proved to be quite a challenge. Stargate's hair was so silky and soft, it kept slipping through my fingers. Frustrated, I gave up. Tucking my hands into my pockets I silently walked the unfolding path before us to the rhythm of Stargate's hoofbeat.
That's when I saw the strangest thing so far. It was an owl of some sort, sitting about two meters away from me on the ground. Its body looked more like a grape than an owl. Also, its wings were much too small to support its weight. And it was fluffy. We both just kind of stared at each other as I walked past.
Slowly, I noticed how our surroundings started to change
Slowly, I noticed how our surroundings started to change. I didn't hear any birds anymore and the forest became more and more silent.
Soon after we finally stopped for the night and Ferras pulled off the headphones, grinning. "You have some interesting songs." I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "Oh r-really? Heh... you don't say." Damn, of course, he'd come across some of those songs.
I took back my headphones and slung them around my neck. "No, really. I really liked them. They have this kind of power feeling in them." I was surprised by his reaction.
Elegantly, Ferras dismounted Stargate and stretched his stiff legs. "We'll stay here for the night and leave tomorrow at daybreak. We should hit Lotar tomorrow evening. You can help gather some wood for a campfire." Hallelujah!
My legs were killing me. I had no clue where or what Lotar was, but I hoped they had a bed and a toilet there because I really needed both of those things right now.
Then I remembered that I was all alone at the mercy of some stranger, had no money and was generally screwed.
Ferras unsaddled Stargate and took off his reins. How convenient, a horse that will never walk away. Following his orders, I headed off into the woods to collect some wood while he cleared up the area a bit and prepared a campfire site with stones. The spot we chose was nicely covered by a series of small trees and bushes, with one huge willow-like looking tree hanging over the small clearing, making it feel like a little cocoon. But, was it really safe here? No trees would help against any predators. Also, I didn't like the vibe around here. It reminded me of that creepy forest with Kat.
Gosh I really hope she's okay.
As if to answer my question, Ferras yelled after me.
"Wait! Jacklyn, one more thing." I spun around.
Ferras was already holding a bunch of rocks to the fire pit. "There are no animals here, as you may have already realized. We are near the cursed forest. Nothing lives here. It's a foul place to be and it's said a ghostly creature protects the forest from any intruders. It's surrounded by magical wards. No magic can be used within those borders and anything that does enter will have its magic suppressed which will lead to instantaneous death. Do not go near there. Stick close to the path, only take wood from the right side and you should be fine. If anything happens, just scream. Okay?"
"Well, that made me feel better now. I feel a lot safer, knowing that the reason no evil comes for me, is because there is an even bigger evil behind me. Very comforting indeed." Ferras snorted in amusement.
"Just watch out where you go. I don't want to be responsible for your death." He dropped the pile of rocks, creating a cloud of dust rising from the ground.
"Yeah yeah. Don't worry!" I cut him off and walked away. The moment I was out of sight my brave facade fell.
Holy shit! A forest filled with death?? My knees were shaking. This truly wasn't a dream. This was real.
I wanted to go home.