Prologue

The forest was cool and still. The early morning sun had just begun to rise and many of the creatures that called this place home were still sleeping soundly in their hollows and dens. However, one creature was awake, and running for its life. A small green crystalline rabbit, a magical beast, bounded through the ferns as fast as its legs would go. It was being chased through the forest by a human.

The wizard, an old man with a long wispy beard, glided along the ground, propelled by magical flames. He hurled fire balls recklessly at the creature, scorching innocent plants and trees. The rabbit fled faster and faster heading to the one place it knew it could be safe. The wizard had other plans though. In a huge burst, he summoned a wall of fire that blocked off the creature’s path forward. It just barely avoided the blaze as it skittered to a halt. It turned back to run the other way only to be met with the looming figure of the human.

“I’ve got you now, you little rodent.” The wizard spat.

The rabbit's tiny heart thumped away in its chest like a drum, its glossy green eyes full of terror. It tried to back itself away from the wizard, but its cotton tail got singed by the fire. It cowered as the human reached down with it’s huge gnarled hand, casting a hideous shadow on the magical creature. Just as he was about to grab the rabbit by the ears, they both heard a small cough. The wizard froze, looking around through the smoke. He didn't see anything though. Once again he reached down for his prize. He had worked so hard chasing the little critter down and couldn't wait to get his hands on it.

“AHEM! Could you please stop harassing that guy?”

The wizard spun around towards the source of the voice. Just a few feet away, and stomping out a fire with her bare feet, was a young woman in a flowy white summer dress. Her skin was a vibrant pink and her short midnight blue hair glittered in the sunlight. Her slight build and cherubic face made her seem harmless enough but the wizard knew better. She was a forest spirit. He would have to be careful with her, since he was technically trespassing in her domain.

A sly thought crossed the wizard’s mind at that moment. Maybe he could bag the rabbit and this spirit as well. He’d originally just come to gather the spell component he needed, a crystal hare’s heart, but spirits were invaluable if you could trap them. They could be used as servants or sold as pets. He could make a healthy amount of gold if he played his cards right.

The spirit crossed her arms, looking at him sternly. The wizard would need to disarm her first, make her think he wasn't a threat. Once she lowered her guard, then he could strike.

He turned away from the rabbit and knelt down, bowing dramatically. He spoke to her in a reverent tone.

“My deepest apologies, O spirit of the forest. I beg your forgiveness for my transgression.”

The spirit looked down at him inquisitively. She stepped a bit closer and called the rabbit to her side. The little creature scurried over, hiding behind her legs.

“You can’t just go around throwin fireballs at cute little guys like this, you know? You could’ve hurt somebody!” She scolded.

The wizard was taken aback by the spirit’s strange, informal way of speaking. To be fair, he hadn't met many spirits in his life so he wasn’t so sure how they were supposed to sound. He raised his head, plastering on a fake look of remorse to hide his intentions.

“I will strive to be more careful in the future. If I may be so bold, can I ask what kind of spirit you are?” He said.

“That’s a little personal don't you think? I don’t even know you man.”

Stupid impudent brat! You think you have the upper hand here but you should be the one bowing to me!

It didn't really matter if she answered his question because he already knew the answer. She was a nature spirit, tied to the forest itself and all nature spirits had the same weakness.

Without warning, the old wizard popped up to his feet. He thrust both of his hands toward the spirit and shouted

“Infernus!”

There was a blinding flash as he made the whole area explode with flames.