The wind was brisk, yet warm. Sunlight poured down lazily from the sky and through clouds like golden honey. The vibrant, green grasses swayed back and forth. They were stark against the soft, blue of the sky. The sword at my side bumped against my hip as I strode towards the forests entrance. Its weight was a comforting reminder. If I wasn’t wearing armor I would have never even come this close to the North Forest.

          I was recently hired by the Faintree family to find their missing son, Oliver, who left on a hunt not two days ago. And still hasn’t returned. Their obvious wealth might have been another thing to add to the reason for why I accepted this job. It was hard to turn down that much gold. But now as I stood just before the weather-beaten gates, I really wanted to kick myself. The North Forest was one filled with nightmares and demons made flesh. As I slipped between the trees, dodging the thick, thorny branches, I tried to keep my fear at bay.