The Well of Mana
For days, he had forced his way through inhospitable landscapes and fought off mortal enemies until finally Alex stood before the door that led to the fabled wellspring of mana, hidden deep in a valley and walled in on all sides by towering mountains. The air around vibrated with energy, and the atmosphere was alive with energy in a way he had never felt. He knew he was standing next to something ancient-incredible.
"This is it," Alex whispered, mopping the sweat from his brow. His heart throbbed in anticipation as he gazed at the glowing pool of energy shimmering ahead: soft, ethereal blue of water, rippled with an inner light, not similar to any ordinary lake, but a wellspring of great power he had sought.
But as Alex drew closer, a sudden blow from the wind nearly saw him stumble. The earth vibrated; space seemed to turn around him. In the same instant, he had drawn his sword, his instincts on automatic.
