The Forsaken Hero

The road to Heartland City was a vibrant tapestry woven with the hustle and bustle of merchants and travelers alike. The towering, ancient trees of the forest hovered over the path, their canopies creating dappled patterns of sunlight that danced upon the worn cobblestone road. Many times, we passed large, rumbling wagon trains, hailing from distant corners of the continent, adorned with colorful banners and emblazoned with the sigils of various trading companies.

Sorrin and Tana took it all in stride, merely gazing curiously at the summer bustle, but I eyed each merchant closely, my heart leaping in my throat, desperately searching for the dreaded "wealth" rune, the symbol of the Unbroken Chain trading company. We were coming from the west, while Brithlite and the company headquarters were in the east, but it was still a relief when we came across none boasting the affiliation.

The summer was young, and the nights remained cool, but the long, exhausting days of travel combined with wide, cloudless skies, brought the full heat of the sun upon us. Fortunately, I’d picked up a simple, first-circle spell, Soothing Breeze, somewhere along my journey, which broke the brunt of the summer heat. Just a week before, my soul had recovered to the point where I could cast fourth-circle spells once more, allowing me plenty of mana to protect our small party from the summer.

But reaching fourth level was far more significant than simply sustaining a convenience. From the moment the Grand Inquisitor placed the Soul Binder around my neck, fourth circle became my limit, forcing me to overcome countless trials and battles through sheer force of will and ingenuity. I closed the sixth-level gate with fourth-circle spells, becoming intimately familiar with their power, limits, and abilities. Spells such as Dispel Magic, Restoration, and Detect Presence brought me much confidence and would be invaluable in the fight against the Circle of Chains.

By the end seventh day, the glittering lights of the city came into view far below us, standing out amid the ancient forest. Dozens of small, burning torches lit the mountainside below, tracing the many switchbacks the road took descending into the steep valley.

"Ready?" Sorrin asked, glancing at me, holding out his arm.

"It’s alright," I said, putting a hand on Fable’s head. "Thank you for the offer, but he can carry me down."

Sorrin nodded and stepped back, giving us some space. Fable looked up into my eyes and shook his pelt, his soul blazing with light. After a single deep breath, he glowed brightly and expanded, swelling to nearly thirty feet in length. His horns grew crueler, the stars in his eyes brightened, and the fur on his back bristled, taking on a near-metallic sheen. Had we not taken cover off the side of the road, his appearance certainly would have terrified any passing merchants.

Tana let out a low whistle, her eyes shining with appreciation. "Rasce said he was big, but this...he’s incredible!"