A loud bang echoed through the air, and one of the figures went flying as a burst of red energy shot from Elowen's hand, sending the body tumbling. Two more figures charged out from the treeline. Elowen shoved the one closest to her aside and shouted to Leo, "Run! Get to the next town and warn them before it's too late!"
Leo felt stuck. He had just gotten his mother back, but he knew he wouldn't be able to help. He focused on the little magic he knew, and a soft white light emanated from his fingers. Elowen suddenly felt a spark of energy as her wounds began to close slightly. "So young, yet so talented. Your father would be so proud," she said before Leo's fingers left her back, and he took off at full speed.
As he reached the other side of the clearing, he looked back and saw his mother with her sword crackling, lightning arcing toward a target. Two bodies lay at her feet, and more glowing eyes emerged from the forest.
Magic isn't rare in this world, but it's uncommon for people to be truly talented. Anyone can learn it to a basic level, but reaching a higher level requires a lot of practice and a strong connection with the world.
Leo ran as fast as he could, his body trembling as the sounds of battle behind him grew quieter the deeper he went into the forest. However, he could still hear heavy footsteps closing in on him with every passing second. Desperate, he had to think quickly. While running, he found a dense part of the forest where he could set a trap. Waving his hand, he whispered "growth," causing the vines and flora at foot level to thicken, hoping to trip the pursuing figure.
Leo hid behind a nearby tree, waiting. When he heard the footsteps grow closer, he darted out, drawing the figure's attention. As it charged at him, its foot caught in the tangled vines, and it tumbled to the ground. Without hesitation, Leo plunged his dagger deep into the figure's body, channeling as much lightning as he could muster into the blade. After several stabs, the creature's body went still.
Leo removed the helm from the body, revealing a creature unlike anything he'd ever seen. He had read about dwarves, elves, and various beasts and monsters, but nothing in any of his books had prepared him for this. The creature stood about six and a half feet tall, with broad shoulders and fur that burned with shades of gray and black. Its face was a strange mix of beast and human.
After inspecting the creature, Leo noticed a sword at its side. He grabbed it, slung it over his back, picked up his bag, and continued his run towards the town.
After running for an hour, Leo finally made it to the edge of the town. He started yelling, hoping to get someone's attention. Two guards approached him, trying to calm him down.
"What are you yelling for, kid? It's late, and people are trying to sleep," one of the guards said.
The guards walked with Leo, bringing him to the station. They waited for him to calm down and provided him with some food and water.
After a few minutes, Leo caught his breath and explained everything that had happened—from the attack on his village to how he and his mother had been on their way to this town when they were ambushed. The guards looked shocked, and one quickly ran to inform the chief, who came to meet with Leo.
When Chief Thorne entered, he said, "Son, I'm sorry to hear about your village, and I hope that some have made it out. Thank you for this warning. I understand you've come a long way, so please, let one of my guards take you to the inn. We will house you for a few days."
Leo looked up with a weary smile. "Thank you, but before you go, I must warn you—the creatures... they're unlike anything I've ever seen or read about. I know we're just a small town, but knowledge is spread far for the sake of the kingdom," Leo said.
Leo handed over the helm and explained in more detail the speed and strength of the creatures, and how they had shown no mercy to the people of his village.