Illusion

The last time Michael was in this place, it was dark; at least that is how his mind painted this dreadful place. The scene of that fateful day playing out vividly.

Caster had picked the same path Michael had used the last time.

The meandering route was carved out by many passerby's, the grass on it brown and dead. The earth along the path was moist, muddy even. It appeared to always rain in the forest. Or maybe the density of it's canopy obscured warmth and heat leaving the area in it's fold cold and dump. Whatever the reason, the looming trees with their thick trunks rose around them in imposing gait.

Dew covered the local green in a veil of moisture that glistened in the measly light that manged to tear through the dense tree cover. The scent of moist soil was more potent and the breeze colder. The skies above the field beyond the forest were dotted by few clouds, however, the skies above the forest were shrouded by massive gray and heavy clouds.

The wind whistled through the depths of the forest, carrying with it the chirping of birds and call of creatures that roamed it's grounds. The sounds of the various animals were unfamiliar to him. Some were guttural, so guttural that they made the hairs on his back rise on their ends, others were like a melodious song from the mouth of an enchanting opera singer. They varied from normal to enthralling, from soothing to terrifying.

Michael felt cold, unnaturally cold. His body shivered as the cold of dew kissed his bare feet and his nerves from the cold of apprehension.

Up until then, he had been unbothered by what he wore; a simple pair of pants and a white shirt with no shoes. The ground where of Caster's house was, was not harsh, his skin was surprisingly resilient that walking around barefoot didn't bother him. He had also been too occupied by his thoughts to pay it any serious heed.

Now, walking along the forest floor; his mind conjuring up all kinds of horrors from the shadows cast by the measly light that broke through the canopy, Michael dreaded the lack of shoes.

Icy apprehension caused his posture to fall as he walked. His shoulders slouched and head fell low as he wearily and quickly walked to catch up with the flying man.

Step by step, they made their way deeper into the belly of the forest. Michael wanted to make conversation to alleviate some of the tension but he was too scared. Scared that speaking might alert some horror that would proceed to make short work of him.

Caster felt the young man's terror and almost chuckled. He was more composed as they advanced deeper. To him, this was no more than an area filled with overgrown plant life. The leaves were green and luscious glistening in the light that flooded the forest floor. The sweet sound of birds calling to each other echoing through the trees as their wings flattered in the air reached his ears. It was a breath of fresh air from the bleak environment of his home.

He lazily allowed his hands to caress the bushes along their path, feeling the cool of their touch on his skin, appreciating the scent of moist soil and the cool breeze that whistled through the land. The forest, despite it's imposing scale and ominous bearing; to a young mind, was simply beautiful and breathtaking.

Besides tickling his six senses, this special quality of the forest also ruffled his magical senses. There was a magical quality to it. The air was dense with magical aura. Caster could see it; wisps of kaleidoscopic mist rising into the air around them making the air look fractured. It was like he was staring at the surface of a soapy bubble. They danced and shifted making the world look like a giant assembly of many mirrors. He appreciated the view.

It was potent and diverse. The power permeating the forest causing the hairs of his body rise on their end. He slowed down as they approached a clearing and turned to face a sweating Michael

"By the gods are you ill?" he asked half shocked and half amused. Michael's face was ghostly pale and his demeanor was that of prey hiding from a ferocious predator. The young man really was traumatized.

Michael didn't respond, instead keeping his guard up as he desperately tried to steady his breathing.

"If you are going to die, do it fast. Otherwise, we rest here for now."

Staring at Caster, his face a mix of relief and terror, Michael walked towards where the man was and plopped himself on the ground next to him. Seeing Caster so calm managed to alleviate some of his worry. Some.

How long had they been walking? Michael was too engrossed in watching out for danger he lost his sense of time. If anything, it felt like they had been walking for a barely a few moments, but to him, it felt longer. Fatigue weighing on him.

"Can you see the fractured light floating around us?" Caster asked assuming the lotus position.

Michael remained silent with a hint of puzzlement. What kind of question was that? What light was he supposed to see, everything around him appeared to dilate and twist before his eyes. There were no lights. The place was simply too unsettling, he found himself missing the cold monotonous atmosphere of Caster's cottage.

"Close your eyes and assume the same position as me"

Was the man out of his mind! Michael was already having a hard time keeping his wildly beating heart in check and the man wanted him to close his eyes? What for? He wanted his eyes open, if anything was going to attack him, he would rather see it coming.

"Relax, if anything was going to attack you it would already have. Don't you think you are giving yourself too much credit. The beasts around here have a rather specific pallet you don't fit the bill. Now do as I do"

Michael incredulously stared at Caster. This man was truly demented.

"Oh for the love of all that is green. Here-", Caster proceeded to cast a spell that spawned a glowing, golden dome around them. "That is a protection spell, nothing, and I mean nothing can break through it."

No bone in Michael's body believed Casters words. But his heart did feel slightly at ease.

The calm made the world appear a little brighter. His breath steadied, if only slightly, and so did his heart.

"Now, before I loose my patience, do as I do."

Michael hesitated for a few seconds, weighing his options. He had none, what would he do, run? Fend off whatever horror that came at them? He didn't even know why they were in the forest in the first place. 'calm down' he thought to himself allowing himself to trust Caster's words before eventually assuming the lotus position and closing his eyes.

"Follow my lead... to the letter"