Atop Crescent's Peak

“Art, my boy, go up to Crescent’s Peak for me and bring me my black cloak and my greater staff. It’s time I visit the capital for supplies.” My grandfather sat at his Guéridon table that my father’d made for him years ago, sipping his tea. “Oh, and when you return, I’ll show you a new spell or two.”

“Crescent’s Peak?” I started, “There’s nothing up there!”

“Ah, but have you ever used the spell of Light and Shadows atop the peak? I built a small cottage up there decades ago, and it seems I’ve forgotten my cloak and staff. Would you mind bringing them back down for me?”

I sighed. “Fine, but you’d better teach me those spells when I get back…”

“Of course, my boy.”

Crescent’s Peak was a day’s hike from my grandfather, Master Ranai’s outlandish refuge. I sighed, marching up the steep mountainside. I’d only come back from my journey to check on him, but of course, his first request was to send me on a side quest.

Halfway up the mountain, I came upon a young woman. Dressed in dyed leather and linen journey garments, she sat by a charred campfire, sharpening a dagger. “Who’s there?” she hollered.

I came out of the thicket, hands raised. “ The name’s Arthur Redmond. My grandfather’s from down the mountain. You?”

“Amaria.” Her hands never paused. “Lost.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, thinking. “I have to grab something from my grandfather’s cottage at the peak… Would you…?”

“Yes!” Her eyes lit up. “I’d love to!”

A few hours later, at the top of Crescent’s Peak, I glanced around. There was no cottage… Or so it appeared. I closed my eyes, softly murmured the spell of Light and Shadows, and then — Stabbing pain radiated through my back. “Amaria!” I hissed through gritted teeth. “You treacherous-“

In the barren darkness, she cackled, fuming. “Who knew it would’ve been this easy! A spell! So that’s why no one could find it! And now, that old man’s treasures are mine! All mine!”

I inched away from her murderous glow. His treasures. And I’d led her right to them. Clutching at my side, I bolted toward the lone, stone dwelling, snapped the door shut behind me, and pressed all my weight against the heavy door, all while hastily mumbling the spell for strength under my gasping breath.

She screeched behind me, her light feet pummeling the earth, and she grunted as her body collided with the old wood. “No!” She shrieked. “No, I finally-“

I recited the spell of Light and Shadows once more, focused on the dwelling’s outer walls. Her screams faded; silence filled the room.

My body fell to the ground as the adrenaline left my body, sapped. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small box. A match. I struck it; its glowing light filled the room. Grandfather’s cloak and staff were right there, alongside barrels of gold and treasures untold. Oh, grandfather… forgive me.