Legacy: A Short Story

The trees were stunning this time of year. The leaves were a wide array of colors, tangerine, crimson, amber, and even a few olive stragglers. The crisp,cool breeze blowing through the branches brought the phenomenons associated with autumn including the putrid scents of all the woodland creatures around me. Wrapped around me like a blanket were the calls of birds, the rush of the water at Moonlight Lake, the almost silent steps of deer and even the growls of bears and werewolves.

I was perched in one of the tallest oak trees I could find, careful to not shift too much of my weight on the branch I was sitting on, for fear of making too much noise and alerting my target of my presence. Luckily for me, half elf hybrids aren’t that heavy anyway.

The only problem with hunting this time of year that I’ve ever encountered was that if you weren’t experienced, you won’t be able to find too many places to conceal yourself. I was using the absence of the leaves as practice for my camouflage skills, plus with my skin that changed colors as the leaves did during the fall I was blending in very nicely. I’m sure that with my elf hearing I could hear better than any of the creatures in these woods but you could never be too careful. As an added bonus I could always use my elemental manipulation to conceal myself from my target’s view.

I was wearing a brown fur shirt with a matching pair of pants made from bear hide. I decided to go without anything on my feet since shoes of any sort made my footsteps heavier and hindered my climbing skills. Over the summer I had cut my fawn colored hair so now it barely reached the tips of my ears. That means I now have less weighing down my head and I don’t have to worry about too many twigs and branched getting tangled up in my hair.

I picked this spot in the most mainstream area of Glen forest, at first light hiding on the bulkiest branch of a statuesque oak tree that grew close to the edge of Moonlight lake, because I knew that my target often comes by this way as a part of their morning routine. I knew, after carefully tracking and watching my target for months that they would arrive on the deer track to my right that lead to the edge of the lake, on their way to take a bath as the first werewolves started their morning howls.

Just then, the howls started, softly at first, then growing louder as more wolves joined in. Still, I kept my eyes on the trail and focused on slowing my breathing and tuning out the noises around me. Finally, my sharp eyesight paid off as I watched my target creep along the trail towards the water just as I predicted. I slowly grabbed my bow and arrow, careful not to make any sudden movements or sounds. I knew that my target also had incredible hearing and fast reflexes, so I would have to be very careful to ensure that this mission goes according to plan. My entire future as a mystical assassin was riding on my effectiveness on the missions my mentor assigned to me.

I watched as my target removed his shirt and from his back unfurled two magnificent wings of various dark colors. His wings were at least twice as long as my arms and they were midnight black, but when the light from the rising sun shone on them, they became a mixture of dark purples and blues.

I notched my arrow, trained my eye on the spot in between my target’s wings as he bent over the water’s edge, then released.

As the arrow was traveling through the air, I quickly slung my bow over my back and waited to see if it reached its mark. Just as the arrow was about to lodge itself in my target’s back, he swiftly turned and caught it between his fingers. I began to descend to a lower tree branch when I saw his eyes searching the forest surrounding him, trying to pinpoint the origin of the arrow’s location.

“Come out little archer,” he cooed softly. “I know you’re out there somewhere.” His voice was deep and rumbled through the nearly quiet forest, but it was gentle as well.

I narrowed my eyes at him, even though I knew he couldn’t see me, and scowled. His attempted sweet talking was going to be the death of him, literally.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, focusing my energy on the lake in front of me. I created a picture of the water rising from the lake and creating a fine mist. Opening my eyes, I was pleased to see that it worked. Now the mist would make it harder for my target to see me. Slowly I peeled myself away from the tree branch and stood up, making sure the branch could support all my weight. This was Plan B, since attacking from afar didn’t work, close combat was the only option now. As I stood, I made sure my target couldn’t clearly see me, but at the same time, I kept my eyes on him.

I could see him smirking in my direction, the mist not seeming to bother him in the least as I watched him, only a few feet separating us. He tilted his head to the side as he stared towards me quizzically. I never took my eyes off him as I leaned forward on the tree branch, falling out the tree. I spread my arms wide to the sides and mid air I flipped so that I landed on my feet facing him. Now the only thing separating myself and him was a few feet of grass. I watched him, calculating what my next move should be.

I decided to approach him and work on instinct from there. I would have to use my speed and the element of surprise to my advantage here on the ground. I crouched low to the ground to give a sense of being smaller than I am. As I slowly creeped towards him, I noticed his wings began to stretch to an even longer length as an attempt to intimidate me. It was a shame that not much scares me anymore because that wing trick surely would have worked on any other being in my place. He also began moving forward, his steps quick and unafraid, and opened his mouth again to speak.

I held up my hand to stop him, even though he could barely see me, “I don’t have time for your small talk. So be a good boy, shut up, turn around and let me kill you,” I stated with authority in my voice. My mentor always says that rule number five of the assassin’s code is; if you are required to speak in combat, use a voice that conveys your confidence and lets the other know who is in charge.

He smirked at my command. “I’m sorry Your Highness, I didn’t realize that I was in the presence of royalty. Although it’s hard to tell with the sticks and leaves stuck in your hair.”

I sighed, this mission was going to take a little longer than all the others, I’d be lucky if I was even able to complete this one. Then an idea hit me, if I could just keep him talking, he’ll be distracted and I can finally finish him off. I confidently walked up to him, cutting off my connection with the mist in the air, my steps strong and firm, never breaking eye contact with him, until we were toe-to-toe. He was quite tall, so I had to lean my head back a bit in order to see his face.

“I’m so sorry sir, I said softly, making sure to emphasize the sir.

I slowly walked a circle around him, occasionally brushing my hands against his wings. If there was one thing I learned from all my studying it was that winged beings had unusually sensitive feathers. By subtly brushing against his wings, his nerves would be jumbled distracting him from what my true intentions were.

“I do believe I might have mistaken you for someone else,” I purred, continuing my slow torturous circle around him. It was amusing to watch his eyes try to keep up with my actions, I enjoyed watching his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

While I was still behind him, I discreetly pulled out my favorite hunting dagger from a secret pocket in the left sleeve of my shirt. I hid the dagger in palm of my hand until I was in position, and then I swiftly stood on the tips of my toes and held the dagger to his neck as I supported my weight from behind him.

“You know Princess, all those sticks and leaves I mentioned earlier look really good on you, it brings out your eyes,” he stated never once moving his head due to the dagger centimeters from his neck.

His statement stunned me for a minute, why waste your last breaths complimenting your killer? Unluckily for me, in my moment of stunned silence, he was able to flex his wings, loosening my hold on him. Before I could adjust my hold on him, he turned and grabbed me until my back was against his front and his wings formed a sort of cage around us, making my dagger fall out of my hand onto the ground.

“Your mission is a fail, Phaedra,” he growled in my ear. These were the words that I dreaded to hear from the greatest assassin in the magical world. Also known as my mentor, Ezra Darkwood.

“Ezra! That’s not fair! I worked really hard this time!” I cried, stomping on his foot to get him to release me.

He hissed in pain as my foot connected with his, but released me and crossed his arms. “Yes you did, but you did something wrong. Now can you tell me what you did wrong?”

“I let my guard down,” I huffed in annoyance. “But you distracted me! I mean, who compliments their killer?”

“Ah young one,” Ezra drawled, using his old and wise teacher voice, “rule number one of the assassin’s code; always use the element of surprise as a last resort. How do you expect to take over when I retire if you don’t follow these rules?”

I playfully rolled my eyes at Ezra, “you act like you’re an old man or something. You’re only like two hundred years old, right?”

“Two hundred and ten, and still young thank you very much”, Ezra muttered.

“Whatever old man,” I joked, “I’m ready to go home now.” I turned to go back to our house when Ezra cleared his throat causing me to turn back and face him again.

“Phaedra, you know that your training is never truly done,” Ezra said with a grave face.

I smirked and walked towards Ezra, I enjoyed our lessons, I really did but I wish he wasn’t so uptight and serious all the time. He should count himself lucky that he had me to liven up his life.

I gave Ezra a tight hug. “Ezzy, we’ve been training for years, I’m sure when something finally does happen we’ll be ready ok. You and I, together.”

Being the apprentice to the greatest mystical assassin in the magic world isn’t the easiest job in the world but I enjoyed. I just wished something would actually happen so that I prove to myself that I’m just as good as Ezra. But I guess not too many bad guys are too keen on battling Ezra Darkwood.

*I’ve been under Ezra’s care since I was just seven years old. I used to live with my mother Liliana Dewdrop, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever known. I never knew my father, but mama always said that he was a great man, even though he was a human.

Ezra was a close friend of the family, so when I mother died, I was entrusted in his care. He was a great mentor and all, but he couldn’t replace the hole in my heart from losing my mom.*

Ezra rubbed my head and smiled. Just then a gust of wind blew through the trees and scattered the leaves around us. I shivered, gripping Ezra tighter in search of more heat to warm up. Now that the adrenaline from the hunt had worn off, my body was now starting to feel how cold it actually was. Lucky feathered creature, he would never understand cold weather. Noticing that I was slightly shivering, Ezra tugged me to his side and used his wings as a shield against the cold.

“Let’s go home Phae.”

“Yeah, home.”

As we walked back into the woods towards our small cabin, I tried to slow the racing thoughts in my head. Ezra was right, my training will never truly be done, but hopely I have learned enough to actually be able to defend myself and carry on Ezra’s legacy when he retires.

But I’m confident that I will be ready. One day.

Walking through the woods, I tried practicing some of my skills. As a half elf hybrid, I have some abilities gifted to the elf clan. I was gifted with elemental manipulation; I haven’t quite mastered all the elements yet but I’m getting pretty good with water and fire.

As I walked beside Ezra, I started my breathing exercises that help me focus my powers. Slowly breathing in and out, I focus my energy on the trees towering over our heads. I imagine being part of the trees and close my eyes.

“Phae,” I hear Ezra whisper after a few moments, “open your eyes.”

Slowly I opened my eyes and saw that the trees around us had slightly bent at their trunks, almost as if they were trying to bow to me.

“Your connection with the earth seems to be getting stronger,” Ezra observed gravely.

I sighed, this meant that I would have new training missions by tomorrow. I cut off the connection to the trees and began to walk faster towards our cabin.My growing anger distracted me from the cold. I hated that Ezra still seemed to think of me as someone who needed to be protected. I can take care of myself, and I’ll show him that no one babysits Phaedra Dewdrop.

As we finally navigated through the twisting paths leading to our cottage, I stomped off to my special garden that was behind our home.This was my special place that I had grown myself, I usually came here whenever I was stressed or angry.

My garden was looked like a giant mound of ivy leaves from the outside, but once you went inside, you could see how I carefully crafted the ivy to grow into the shape of a room of sorts. Inside I grow all kinds of flowers, daisys being my favorites. Something about being so close to the flowers calms me, it may just be my earthly connection strengthening, but whatever it is, it’s very comforting.

Today I was going to have to think of something to show Ezra my skills so that he could finally let me go out in the world on my own. I sighed in frustration, then I stopped. Why was I upset? I could just go out on my own, Ezra’s not what’s stopping me. It’s really just my fear that’s stopping me from finding my own way.

I jumped up, excitement coursing through my veins. This is the perfect way for me to show Ezra that I can take over. Leaving my garden, I remembered to seal it back up with the ivy wall before darting into the house. Ignoring Ezra, who was looking out the window with a forlorn expression, I bustled around the house gathering things in my bag that I felt would help me with my mission.

I grabbed my satchel and threw in apples, a loaf of bread wrapped in a cloth, my special occasion clothes, an extra shirt and pants, as well as my knives and daggers. Never once did Ezra’s gaze leave the window. Grabbing my bow and arrows, I walked towards the front door, as my hand reached out to push the door open, Ezra finally spoke.

“I know you want to leave Phaedra.”

Turning to face him, I replied in a calm voice, “yes Ezra. And I am leaving with or without your blessing.”

With a sigh that came deep from within him, he answered, “I know I can’t keep you sheltered forever, so I’m letting you go as long as you can promise me one thing.”

“What do you mean I can’t -,” I stopped my prepared speech as I thought about what he was saying.

“So you won’t fight with me about this? I can really go?”

“Yes. I believe you can handle yourself, I’ve taught you all I can. Just promise me that you’ll come back after a year to come and visit.”

I thought about it for a moment. All the freedom in the world, in exchange for a visit in a year? I could do that.

Standing tall and proud, I looked at Ezra with a face full of determination.

“Yes, Ezra, I could do that.”

“Good luck on your travels,” he looked at me with an expression of fondness and love.

I was shocked, this encounter wasn’t going like I had planned. I had steeled myself against Ezra’s anger and a confrontation. I wasn’t expecting Ezra to be so calm and ready to let me go.

Dropping my bag and bow at the door, I walked over and stood in front of him. I stretched out my arms, then hesitated, something wasn’t quite right with this situation, although I couldn’t figure out what it was. Sensing my unease, Ezra grabbed me into a tight hug and began to stroke my hair slowly. He took a deep breath and as he exhaled, he surrounded us with his calm aura like a blanket.

“Phaedra, as your mentor, my job is to teach you everything I know so that I can pass on my work. But what I do is dangerous and it would kill me to know that you died by my line of work. But, as your friend, my job is to encourage your adventurous spirit and tell you to spread your wings,” and with that he spread his wings and wrapped them around me.

“So to fulfil both your duties, you’re letting me go as long as I come back,” I replied, finally understanding.

Wordlessly he nodded as he released me. I patted down my rumpled clothes, avoiding his searching eyes. I backed away from Ezra’s warmth and walked back to the door, grabbing my bag and bow, I opened the door and looked out. The sun was still climbing higher in the sky, so I’d have time to make it to a town before night came. But I couldn’t just leave, at least not before I fixed my last mistake.

Still looking out the door, I spoke.

“Thank you Mentor Ezra for teaching me the ways of your life and for providing for me all these years. Thank you also Friend Ezra for understanding that this is something I have to do in order to grow. See you in a year.”

And with that, I walked out the door and into the world. Looking behind me, I saw the house I’ve lived in for years, my special garden, and Ezra even now still looking after me. In front of me, I saw new opportunities and things I’d never imagined I’d experience, but I was ready to take them all on head first.