The Dark Path by James M. Bowers, Stacy Larae Bowers Page B

head hurts and I just broke that beautiful glass," Duncan replied staring down at the shards.
    "Don't worry about the glass. Do you remember what happened last night?"
    "I remember I had another spell and I was fighting it off because I didn't want to miss out on the conversation. Then I remember waking up here."
    "Yes, you did have another spell as you say. It was a bad one. You are lucky I was there."
    "Thank you. I don't deserve this help though. I just wish I knew why I keep having this problem."
    "I know why Duncan, and I will tell you later when you feel better. For right now, how about something fun?" Gen asked with a smirk.
    "Like what?" Duncan replied.
    "Like magic."
    "What do you mean? You mean me? I can't do magic."
    "Yes you can, once you learn how. Anyone can do it. Now I want you to listen to my words very carefully and remember them." Gen incanted slowly four words and the candle in his hand lit up with a small flame.
    "Wow!" Duncan said wide-eyed.
    "Now you try it," Gen said and blew out the candle.
    "I don’t know. I don't think it will do anything." Duncan stumbled over the words and on his second try he felt a rush flow through him and the candle melted all the way down covering Gen's hand with hot wax.
    "Oh my gods. I'm so sorry! I knew I would screw it up." Duncan said chewing on his lip.
    "Don't worry about it. You didn't screw it up. You just have too much power. Try it again and concentrate on the logs in the fireplace this time," Gen replied as he peeled the wax from his hand.
    "I'll try," Duncan said the words again and the logs burst into flame the first time.
    "See. You did fine. I'll teach you more later but for now just lay down and relax."
    "What about the glass?" Duncan said looking back at all the glittering shards.
    "I'll fix it." Gen incanted softly and the glass instantly pulled itself back together. He picked it up and put it back on the table beside the bed. "Now get some rest and I'll be back after while. Your father left you something.
    A few hours passed and Duncan fell back to sleep. He awoke when Gen returned with a large package and a note.
    "Here." Gen said and laid the package beside Duncan and handed him the note.
    Duncan opened the note and read:
     
    Dear Son,
    You are to go with Gen and his friends. They can help you. Come back and see me and your mother when you are better. I left last night. It is easier this way.
    The package is for you. Use it well.
    Love,
    Paul
     
    P.S. I have always loved you like my own son but now its time you knew that you are not mine. We found you on our doorstep when you were but an infant. Please don't hate us for never telling you.
     
    Tears ran down Duncan's cheeks as he folded the note back up and placed it inside his shirt pocket. He then turned to the package beside him. It was big. He untied the twine and unwrapped the leather. More tears came to his eyes when he saw what was inside. It was a beautiful axe. It had a large head made of a silvery metal and a handle that was a bit short. "Dwarven," Gen said when he saw it. "Very nice. We leave in three hours." Then he walked out of the bedroom.
     

 
    XV
    The Forest
     
     
    The day was gray and the sky poured down with a constant rain that was a bit more than a drizzle. The group, with the exception of Duncan, pulled their hoods down low over their faces to keep them from the moisture. Duncan didn't seem to mind the day at all. They walked down to the stables and acquired the horses Thomas had purchased the previous night. Duncan found that his father had left him one of the horses and had provided him with some provisions as well. Tears once again came to Duncan's eyes. He wasn't ashamed of them and they joined the drizzle that covered his face. After making sure they had everything, they rode slowly out of town towards the forest that covered the area to the east. Silence filled the group till they reached the trees. Thomas pulled his horse back and rode beside Duncan.
    "So, friend, tell