The sunrise was due in an hour, but the village was already bustling. This night a thunderous explosion shattered the air, waking every single person in a village. It came from somewhere in the woods, away from the capital, towards the border. Guards and priests of the church were on standby in case it was the attack from the east.

  Tensions with the Republic put everyone on edge, so everyone expected to see enemy troops from that direction. Every man was at the ready, holding whatever tool they could find to protect themselves and their families. Everyone, but one person. Father Gregor was the only person in the Rivervale who knew that east of the settlement was a hut of Verden, his old friend. Verden was intentionally making a detour to enter the Rivervale from south to avoid unwanted suspicion, so Gregor was guarding southern gates, hoping to see a familiar face in the woods. The lantern he held didn't give off a lot of light, and it was barely enough to notice a movement from behind the trees. He strained his eyes, desperately trying to discern the details. It was only after the figure walked onto the road, could he understand who was the person in front of the gates.

  He saw a teen, no more than 15 years old, every inch of his body covered in dirt. Blood streams from scratches and cuts were dried and falling off. His hair was soiled so much, it was impossible to deduce its color. The robe was torn in many places and drenched in mud, hanging on his small frame. And despite all that, he knew this boy.

  Gregor began walking forward, but the worry pushed him forward faster and faster, until he reached the boy. "Sirius, it's me Gregor! How are you? Where is..." he said, lifting the lantern. As soon as the light touched the boy's face, Gregor gasped. The golden eyes of the boy were bloodshot and wide open, his gaze unfocused, streaks of tears marking his dirt covered cheeks.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Not saying a word he tightly hugged the boy. Only then the strength left Sirius' body and he collapsed into Gregor's arms, and he began wailing, finally giving into his emotions. Gregor gently lifted the boy and carried him towards the village. Gregor didn't have the time to reach the gates before Sirius' voice calmed down and he fell asleep, devoid of any strength.

  "Who's that, Gregor?" a guard asked him, ready to defend his friend in case of the trap.

  "Verden's disciple" he answered calmly. "He is in state of shock, I need to bring him to the church to rest."

  "Verden? Didn't know this hermit had any disciples"

  "It's not like he kept it a secret, you know. If you talked more with people you would know that such a renowned healer had an apprentice."

  Terrified shouts from eastern wall cut their dialogue short. Someone spotted a tree made entirely out of green crystals in the distance, as the sunshine refracted in its multifaceted surface. It towered over the surrounding forest, dwarfing even the highest trees. Its trunk was extremely bendy, like it was made of ropes weaved together. It curved from side to side and threatened to fall every minute, but the hard material stood strong, unmoving, like a mountain. And, the most terrifyingly to Gregor, it stood where Verden lived.

  Gregor shook his head, chasing away a whirlwind of thoughts that took place in his head, and hurried to the hospital. Internally he began connecting the dots, and he didn't like what was the result of his reasoning.