Carson's eyes snapped open- glowing with an unnatural shifting light. His lips parted and a voice deep and resonant echoed from his throat. It was not Carson's voice at all, but something older, something seemed to chill the very air.
"Fools!" the voice rasped layered and strange. You meddle in powers you don't understand. The shadow is near, the hour glass is near at its end for man!"
The words seem to hang in the air, heavy and ominous, before Carson's body shuddered violently. His back arched and then he collapsed breathing shallowly the light fading from his eyes. Timitheous looked at Lord Nevelle, who had a confused expression. Shinera remained silent, just gazing at her best friend, fearful of what was happening to him. "What was that?" Shinera said her voice a whisper. "I do not know me lady but we best be figuring out whats wrong with lord Carson so that it can all make sense." said Lord Nevelle furrowing his brow.
Lying there, helpless and unable to move a single muscle, Lord Carson was fully aware of his surroundings, though the rest of the party remained oblivious to his plight. It was an incredibly isolating experience, causing him to reflect on just a few hours earlier.
They were sitting in Shinera's father's carriage, a fine display of modern craftsmanship. His best friend, Shinera, sat beside him, reading a book. The sound of Lord Nevelle's deep voice bellowed into the cab. "We are stopping to water the horses! You lads can get out and stretch your legs if you fancy."
"Oh, good," said Shinera, stretching and yawning lightly. "My back aches from this wretched carriage. I hate this part of the road trip," she complained. "Oh, elder Gods, please spare my dear friend from her silk prison where the chairs are soft pillows, and the company is smelly vagrants." Lord Carson pretended to faint, holding his hand to his forehead. "I didn't mean it that way," she punched him. Rubbing his arm and laughing, he got out of the carriage to go and find some fresh water. "Where you headed, young sir?" said Charlie, one of the mercenaries hired to assist Lord Nevelle, serving as guard for this journey. "Just to relieve myself, Sir," replied Lord Carson as he continued to walk away. Trying to get out of their sight, he didn't like to have someone watching over his every move like that. He understood the man was only doing his job, but he was 17 and didn't need a nursemaid. Finding a clearing where an old log lay extended into the river, he sat and took off his shoes. Rolling his trousers legs up, he stepped into the cool water and began to fill his leather bottle. Suddenly, he felt unfamiliar hands grab his leg and squeeze tightly. He looked into the clear water as the afternoon sky reflected the sun on its surface. But couldn't see anything. Carson tried to move his leg again, but the invisible hand held firmly. What is going on? He frantically looked around for whoever was playing this joke on him. He was too far away from the party to shout. Not knowing what else to do, he pulled the jewel-crested dagger from its sheath on his waistline. He had received it as a gift from his father on his 17th birthday. The hilt was adorned with exquisite stones that brightly reflected off the water.
Carson was breathing heavy, not knowing if he would have to fight this unseen foe. Upon placing his feet in the best defensive stance he could come up with. Suddenly, he realized something amazing—he could move his feet! With this newfound awareness spreading through his body, he raced as quickly as possible toward the shoreline. He hurriedly returned to the rest of the group, stopping to grab his shoes. The traveling party consisted of eight hired guards, their captain Lord Nevelle, Shinera, and himself. Yet, amidst the bustling crowd, no one noticed the frantic urgency etched on his face. He was about to tell his best friend what happened at the water, but she was too excited to share her own experience.
One of the guards caught sight of a water snake and almost got bitten. Upon finishing the tale, Carson set aside his less captivating story for another occasion. He believed the events were unimportant, so he let them slip from his mind. His reflections were interrupted by the distinct sounds of weapons clashing.
Yearning to open his eyes and witness the unfolding scene, he found himself powerless to do anything but listen.
"The wrath of the gods?" Shinera said, echoing the young warrior's last words with apprehension. Lord Nevelle's expression showed pure contempt, but he remained silent. "Yes, it's a term they use to describe the absolute power unleashed," responded Timitheous.
"Okay, okay, now for the sake of argument, we are going to go back to what you said when u first appeared," said Shinera.
"How did you conclude that Carson is under a spell?"
"Yes, please explain why we shouldn't be looking for a healer?" interjected Lord Nevelle, obviously not believing a word Timitheous was saying.
"I was searching the forest for a certain herb called witherap, a scarce plant that elves use in many of their medicines. I stumbled across a druid, caught in a hunter's trap."
"Druids are mystical creatures of legend; seeing one is a rarity. Only those who study the natural arts can even see them," said Lord Nevelle, with a scowl.
" No, sir, that is incorrect. Students of the natural arts are more prone to see them, due to their compatibility with nature ." Timitheous said without changing his stoic demeanor.
"That still doesn't give worth to your claim that you laid eyes on one," countered Lord Nevelle, still unwilling to trust the young man's word.
Despite the overwhelming skepticism surrounding him, Timitheous pressed on, resolute and undeterred.
"They can allow whoever they want to see them. In reality, druids operate beyond the constraints of human or any other race's laws, as they hold the profound responsibility of governing all living things. But I digress, the druid was pinned against a large tree under a large boulder. Consequently, I struck a deal with him; he would aid me in my search in exchange for my assistance freeing him. He agreed, and I set him free. Upon further explanation of the ailment, he assured me it wasn't any known poisoning; it was almost positive that it was a spell. Or perhaps even a curse. But more than likely a spell. Has your friend shown any signs of being unwell as of late?"
"No, I've been with him every day since we were lads. He has never mentioned anything about a sickness; he is healthy as an ox, that one is." Shinera said confidently.
"I was afraid you would say that."
A voice said that could be felt more than heard. It felt as if carried by the wind from far away, yet so close that it was whispered in their ears. Shinera and Lord Nevelle stared in shock, their jaws dropping simultaneously as a pair of eyes materialized out of thin air. Then, shortly after this, a pair of lips appeared, followed by a long, slender nose that looked distinctly like a twig from a tree. Then came the ears and the long, leaf-like hair that extended down its back. Limbs began to form, and then a human-like torso. Then there stood before them in all its splendor, a druid.