Markous Lodious in a Small Forest near the Black Hills- Dawn
It was a short walk through the forest to reach the lake that Markous and his father had been getting fresh water from all these years. Before his Mother’s death the path was tangled, rough and unclear.
“It’s a little bit like having an adventure every time you need water, isn’t it?” His mother would remark as they jumped over tree roots, or ducked under a low hanging branch, “It’s important to keep finding those little adventures even when you’ve settled down.”
She would smile after saying that, a huge big smile that Markous loved to see. It filled him with warmth and joy. It made him feel safe.
Not the path was clear, neither a single branch nor plant lay on it. Markous and his father spent hours upon hours clearing and maintaining the path.
“If we could have just gotten water sooner, it would have never happened.” Markous’ Father spoke as he swung at another branch. “She wouldn’t be-“ That would be when his father would break into tears, that would be when Markous would ignore his father, that would be when Markous would keep cutting the braches, keep clearing the path.
“My father is weakling.” Markous said now, as he walked along the path, his steps heavy but his pace slow. “He is a coward and a fool. Though, he does make some sense. This taint must be cleaned.”
Speaking in a low tone to himself Markous kept his eyes focused on the ground as he slowly began to approach the clearing.
“I need to head to the capital. I’m sure that someone there can help me.” Markous paused as he raised his hand, his gaze shifting towards it. Calloused and dirty, he had a hand of peasant, even if he were to head to the capital, what help could he expect? It’d be simpler to execute him than try and cleanse him. His hand formed a fist and began to shake slightly.
“No. I will conquer this myself. I will not turn myself to the gallows before I get my revenge.”
Swallowing a gulp of air, Markous shook his head twice before continuing his stride; he halted however right before the clearing where he knew the lake lay. The ever subtle noise two sticks being rubbed together could be heard in the silence of the forest. Markous took a step forward and put his head around a tree. He could just make out a figure sitting near the lake.
“A Gor!?” Markous shouted in his head, the axe in his hand raising as he started to dash forward, “Wait. No. That’s not possible. Not this deep into Gurg land, and never alone.” He stopped himself, and lowered his axe. “What are they doing here?”
Taking another step forward, Markous entered the clearing. “Who are you and wha-“ He started to ask, before taking note of the chicken that he hadn’t seen, lying next to the figure. “Hey! That’s one of my chickens! Thief!”