Winter of Discontent

Griselda met Thorax while on her winter walk. “Ho wood walker, what brings you here from the snowy peaks?” the forest guardian asked.

“Ho guardian, I travel to warn you of a new trouble in the forests. Word has been sent that fire demons have been seen crossing the northern peaks, and with them, there is incredible devastation to the trees,” replied the walker.

“Fire demons have not been seen in these parts since I was a mere sprout. What power could bring such evil to our land,” remarked Griselda.

“The Raven Watcher has sent word that there is a necromancer in the land and has joined with the Dark One,” explained Thorax.

“Mörken here, that is impossible. The Old Ones sent him and the Troth to the void. Are you sure the Raven told you the Dark One was with him?” asked the guardian.

“The Raven saw the Dark One and the necromancer. They joined with Ratlings to decimate the ancient forest with a purification fire,” said the walker.

“Dark days, dark days indeed, old friend. You must hurry back to your mountain and do what you can to wake the snow sprites. They will help you slow the fire demons,” said Griselda.

“Ho guardian, may the elements blow a favorable wind your way until we meet again,” said Thorax, who hurried back up the foothills.

The forest guardian waved goodbye and then turned towards Folksburywoods and the wise woman’s home. The wise woman would know if there was any way to stop the fire demons.

“Truly, this has become our winter of discontent,” muttered Griselda as she hurried along the path.