Chapter 4 - Back To Misthaven part 1

Gasping for breath out of fear, they sought refuge in the cave. The beast, frustrated, stood outside, peering into the darkness, its hot breath seeping through the cracks. It attempted to insert its hand but failed.

Then, with a mixture of dread and relief, it extended a finger into the cave. The other side was blocked, and Asher and Henry pressed themselves against the end. The beast's finger came dangerously close, almost brushing them, but luckily, it didn't quite reach. After several attempts, the beast gave up and departed.

Asher spoke softly, "I think he's gone. Let's get out of here."

"Wait, let me check if he's gone or not," Henry suggested.

"No, we'll get out together," Asher replied, his voice determined.

They both emerged from the cave, scanning the surroundings for any sign of the beast. Finding none, they continued running and eventually stumbled upon an unfamiliar village.

As they entered the village, they saw a weathered sign board that read "Welcome to Frost Holm." The town was surrounded by a river, creating an enchanting setting. Exhausted from the ordeal and the loss of blood, Asher fell unconscious.

Henry, shouldering the burden of carrying his injured friend, searched for a place to stay. With the shillings given to them by the old man, they sought a hotel. In the village, Henry spotted a girl and recognized her as his former neighbour from Silver Brook. Intrigued, he approached her as she made a purchase at a nearby shop.

"Gently," Henry asked, "Excuse me! Are you Alexia?"

Startled, Alexia replied, "Yes, I am, but I don't recognize you."

"I recognize you," Henry explained. "I'm Henry Williams. I was your neighbour in Silver Brook, remember?"

Alexia, in shock, responded, "Oh, Henry! It's you. Glad to see you alive, but as much as I got to know, you died in that disaster."

"Well, look, I am alive, and also, he is my friend. He's injured, and I'm looking for a room for us to stay," Henry said, concern evident in his voice.

Alexia generously offered, "Why don't you come with me?"

"Sorry, we don't want to be a burden on you," Henry replied, expressing his gratitude.

"It's totally fine," Alexia reassured.

Guiding them to her home, Alexia welcomed Henry and Asher. Henry provided first aid to Asher, tending to his injuries. Later that night, Asher woke up, finding himself lying in a comfortable bed.

As Asher ventured out of his room, he saw Henry and Alexia sitting outside by a warm fire in the fireplace, providing comfort on the cold night. He approached them with gratitude in his eyes.

"Good to see that you're awake," Henry greeted Asher.

"Thank you," Asher replied, his voice gentle.

Introducing Asher to Alexia, Henry said, "Meet her. She is Alexia Gray, my former neighbor from Silver Brook. And Alexia, he's Asher Blackwood, my brother and my only friend."

Alexia warmly welcomed Asher, "Nice to meet you, Asher."

"Nice to meet you too," Asher replied, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and admiration.

As Asher looked closely at Alexia, he felt an inexplicable connection. He couldn't take his eyes off her, continuously gazing in her direction.

Try as he might, he couldn't divert his attention. Alexia noticed this and started smiling.

Alexia's curious gaze fell upon Henry's bandaged hand, her voice soft with concern as she asked, "What happened to your hand? And how did you end up here in Frost Holm?"

Henry's eyes clouded with sadness, and he replied, "Well, no comment about my hand. As for how we got here, we're on our way to find Neverland."

Beside him, Asher chimed in, "Also, we're from Mist Haven."

"Oh, I see," Alexia responded with newfound understanding. "That's how you got here. I recently heard about the disaster in Mist Haven."

"Yes," Henry sighed, "it was a challenging journey. But enough about us. Tell us about yourself. Where are your parents, and what do you do for a living?"

Alexia's expression turned wistful as she replied, "My parents are no more, and I'm a professional hunter. I take contracts to hunt and eliminate magical beasts and creatures, earning my living from it."

Intrigued, Asher inquired, "We encountered a formidable beast on our way here too. But how do you manage to kill them? Their strength and impenetrable skin make them daunting foes. I tried to cut one's hand, but I couldn't even leave a scratch."

Alexia's steady voice revealed years of experience, "Well, that's my expertise. I've been honing my skills as a hunter for over five years. I once attempted to awaken my own magic, but it seems I don't possess any. What about you guys? Do you have magic?"

Henry nodded and answered, "Yes, both of us awakened our magic recently. I possess stage 5 healing magic, and Asher possesses stage 7 black flames magic."

Sceptical, Alexia scoffed, "Stage 7 magic and black flames? You're talking nonsense, and yet, he couldn't defeat a beast."

Henry interjected, trying to calm the situation, "It's true. But Asher couldn't control his magic properly during the encounter."

Asher, determined to prove himself, unleashed a display of his magic, causing flames to dance on his palm. The room's temperature rose, and Alexia could no longer doubt their claims.

Enthusiastically, she exclaimed, "Well, colour me impressed! But how can a commoner like you possess stage 7 magic?"

Asher admitted, "I don't know."

Alexia grinned, "Well, if you want to master your magic, I have an idea. The day after tomorrow, the magic festival begins. Mages from all over Everwood participate, and it's a perfect opportunity for you to practise and potentially master your abilities."

Excited, Asher asked, "What's the procedure to participate?"

"Leave that to me. You prepare yourself. The reigning champion of the festival is known as Dark Blizzard, and they possess stage 6 Mirror Magic."

Intrigued, Asher inquired, "Mirror Magic? Sounds fascinating. What makes it special?"

Alexia confessed, "I'm not entirely sure, as I haven't seen it in action. But Dark Blizzard has been winning the festival for three years straight. They are a formidable opponent."

Undeterred, Asher exclaimed with newfound determination, "I'll defeat them."

Alexia cautioned, "It won't be easy, but I'll support you."

Henry chimed in, "We believe in your potential, Asher."

Grinning, Asher said, "With you both by my side, I can overcome anything."

They proceeded to have dinner and later retired to their rooms....

*****