Chapter 12 Flickering Embers
Elias awoke to the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle sounds of the forest. Morning light filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground around his campsite. Stretching his stiff muscles, he felt the weight of yesterday's exertions but was quickly filled with thoughts of what lay ahead.
He glanced at the Draugr, its lifeless form hidden among the foliage. A mix of pride and unease settled over him at having raised the hunter, now a mere tool for his will. Satisfied that it was still concealed, he turned his attention to the grimoire resting on a nearby rock, its pages filled with arcane knowledge.
With a deep breath, Elias opened the grimoire and flipped to the section on tier 1 spells. His heart raced; this was his chance to make progress. He had practiced summoning the dead, but elemental magic felt different. After a quick breakfast of dried meat and berries, he noted that he still had six days' worth of rations left—enough to sustain him while he worked on his magic.
Elias ventured into the forest to gather components for his spells, collecting herbs and small stones. Returning to his campsite, he set up a small area for practicing. He decided to start with summoning a flame. Kneeling, he focused his thoughts, visualizing the fire. After several failed attempts, a small flame finally erupted in his hand, flickering brightly and filling him with exhilaration.
"Success!" he whispered, grinning at the flame that danced in his palm. With motivation ignited within him, he turned to the next challenge: manipulating water. As he summoned the water, he felt the drain on his energy—stronger than he anticipated. The result was weak, a mere ripple barely rising above the ground.
Disheartened but determined, Elias reminded himself that developing magical skills would take time. He started strategizing against the looming threat of the bandits. His new flame spell could serve as a distraction or a signal if they drew too close.
Just then, his undead bird returned from scouting, landing nearby. Elias mentally linked with it, seeing through its perspective as it reported on the bandits' increased activity in the forest. They were closer than he had anticipated, and the danger was mounting.
Feeling urgency, Elias gathered his supplies, ensuring he was prepared to defend his hiding spot. He checked on the Draugr, feeling a strange responsibility for the lifeless figure, then positioned himself behind the thicket, ready for any danger that might approach.
As shadows lengthened and the forest grew quieter, Elias prepared for the unknown. He was determined to protect his newfound power, his ambitions flickering like the flame he had conjured.