Chapter 8 Tales of The Hunt
Elias ventured deeper into the forest, determined to carve out a life for himself beyond the shadow of his past. With only his incorporeal summon at his side, he felt a mixture of anticipation and dread as he navigated the thick underbrush. The forest was alive with sounds—the rustling leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the subtle whispers of the wind. He focused on his immediate goal: hunting for food and gathering herbs that could be used for spells or sold for coin. Each step he took was a step away from the world that frowned upon magic and necromancy, a world where he was forced to hide his abilities.
As dusk settled over the trees, Elias prepared for the hunt. He knew that his shadow summon could scout ahead without attracting attention, its incorporeal form slipping through the trees like a wisp of smoke. He whispered instructions, directing it to search for any signs of wildlife while he gathered herbs nearby. The moonlight filtering through the branches cast eerie shadows, but Elias found comfort in the darkness. It was a sanctuary, a place where he could connect with his ambitions without fear of judgment. The hunt was not just about sustenance; it was about proving to himself that he could survive and thrive despite the odds stacked against him.
After some time, his summon returned, its presence like a cool breeze against his skin. Elias was pleased to see it had located a small herd of deer nearby. Heart racing, he readied himself for the chase. Drawing on the skills he had honed in secret, he moved with precision, slipping through the underbrush and aiming to take down a deer for food. The thrill of the hunt surged through him, fueled by his growing confidence. This was a step toward independence, a way to gather resources that would eventually allow him to pursue his grand ambitions of establishing a kingdom of magic. With a deep breath, he prepared to strike, knowing that each successful hunt brought him closer to his goals.
Elias's heart sank momentarily when a twig snapped beneath his foot, sending the deer bolting into the trees. But instead of despair, he felt determination surge within him. He would adapt; he would learn. While he couldn't touch the world directly with his summon, it was still a powerful tool in his arsenal. The next time, he would send it to create distractions or drive the prey toward him. Each failure would only teach him how to be better, to survive. As night enveloped the forest, he would not return empty-handed.
The next day was a blur of hunting, gathering herbs, and practicing his magic in secret. Elias returned to a makeshift camp where he would lay out his finds, organizing the herbs and preparing for the next day's tasks. He imagined the day when he would have more than just a shadow summon by his side, when he would command an army of his own—each of them part of his grand vision for a magic-filled kingdom. But for now, he was content with small victories, like the handful of herbs that would fetch a decent price or the small game he had caught.
As Elias settled in for the night, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He was not just a boy hiding from a world that feared him; he was a burgeoning force with a purpose. The echoes of his ambition rang loudly in the silence of the forest, urging him onward. With each passing day, he would gather strength, resources, and allies—readying himself for the challenges ahead.