text: “Ahoy!” a voice shouted. Startled, the Oldman looked around frantically not minding the hot tea he spilled on his arm as he jumped. “Up here!” The voice sounded clearer and more direct. The Oldman looked to his right and up. There was a boy standing on a thick tree branch. From a quick inspection surely, the boy was no older than his mid-teens, with skin like bronze that made his big smile all the whiter. “I bet you didn’t hear me coming did ya?” The boy asked proudly. The Oldman was sitting in a half lotus position with his back up against one of the larger oak trees that were around him, and to his sides were a couple Glumberry bushes. “You are as stealthy as a street cat in a City.” The Oldman replied. The boy smiled again then lowered himself from branch to branch without hesitation; gripping the arms with ease as he finally jumped off the lowest branch and onto the ground in front of the seated gentlemen. “And just as quick.” the boy said brushing his hands to get rid of the tree resin and bark. “Although I never been to a City before.” As quick as the boy said it the Oldman wound up and blurted “Good, and I don’t recommend going to one.” The boys face changed, and the old man noticed. “Cities... have not been kind to me I’m afraid young lad.” “Cities have not been nice to my family either, Sir.” The boy said looking downwards and his smile gone. “I’ve spent most of my life at Sea.” Said the boy. *No wonder* thought the Oldman, they say the Sea-riders have the best balance out of anyone in the world. The constant swaying of ships creates an equilibrium in their core to which the Sea-riders have an unchallenged balance compared to those who have not stepped a foot on a ship. And not to mention their ability to maneuver their weight in even the direst of waves. “The Sea-riders have an impressive reputation.” The Oldman said stroking his white beard that’s clung together at the bottom with a crimson tie with a Gold emblem on it. “A reputation that they move like *water* itself.” The Oldman rose from his seat and stands in front of the boy, then bows. “I’m Irahk, it is a pleasure to meet you young Sea-rider.” The boy returns the gesture and bows back to Irahk. “My name is Kiva, it is a pleasure to meet you too, sir.” Irahk offers Kiva to a seat and to join him to share some tea to which the boy accepts. The tea leaves were picked from the Glumberry Bush that seem to be everywhere within this forest. The bright yellow berries that are flecked with black burst with flavoursome juices that it’s hard to stop eating, but the downside is if you eat too much, the poison starts to play; turning parts of your limbs a horrible yellow colour while your stomach pierces with an sharp and sickly pain, as though a dagger is stabbing you from the inside. The leaves themselves however still hold that taste of the berries and can be used to make such a delicious brew and is one of the most famous and wide-spread teas of this region. “I have not shared tea with a stranger in some time.” Irahk says joyfully. “What brings you this far deep into the woods?” The Sea is about an hour’s trek from here, East. Yet it is very unusual for a boy of the sea to be so far inward from shore, and in a forest no less. “How did you make your fire?” Kiva asked curiously, ignoring the question that was given to him. “And don’t tell me you *rubbed some sticks together.* I’ll bet a hundred gold seahorses you don’t have a firecatcher in your bag either.” Irahk knew the Sea-riders like to bet and were very abrupt, and their ways of doing things have caught onto this boy like none other. *How could I have been so absentminded*, Irahk thought. *What should I tell him?* “You learn a few things when you get to my age, young lad. There are many ways to light a fire, ways that you have never dreamt of.” Irahk smiled whilst starring at the boy, hoping the boy is naïve enough to continue. “I didn’t expect that.” Said Kiva as he follows up on a sip of tea. “I’ve been following you, y’know. And I most definitely saw your light this fire with bare hands. You’re a wizard.” The silent that followed as they exchanged glances with one another made them both realise how quiet and alone they are in the forest. “You’ve caught me young Sea-rider.” Irahk laughed, hands in the air and chin tucked down. “Now tell me, what is it you plan to do now?” Irahk sips his tea. The boy could very well be alone here, and if that is the case the Oldman will be in no danger. But he was a Sea-rider, and no Sea-rider travels alone on land so surely there would be others akin nearby. Perhaps they were already watching him from afar, preparing for an attack when the moment was right. But something seemed wrong, why would a human come face to face with a wizard, alone? Kiva took a deep breath in and exhaled, it seemed even the boy was tensed up at the matter. “Irahk, I am a friend. I’m sure you’ve heard about the raid a couple weeks ago. The one that attacked a town that housed wizards, were you one of them?” The boys face seemed sullen, like he could understand the pain behind what he just said. “Yes, I am one of them.” Irahk said bitterly. It had been a few weeks since then. The wizards were housed in a small remote town where they thought they were safe from the outside wars. The war between Humans and Wizards has been endless. The Wizards are only but a fraction of what they once were, being driven to eradication by the bountiful and cruel Kingdoms surround. Ever since the attack of the town, Irahk had been travelling long and far in hopes to exile himself and finally be free of the constant war shed. The Wizards have no other choice. And if it came to it, Irahk would take no pleasure in killing this boy if things escalated. Kiva finishes the last of his tea and rises. “I’m sorry for what has happened, Sir.” He places a clenched hand on his heart. “It pains me deeply knowing what has happened to your people. I want you to know that I am going to do everything possible to end this madness and hatred that has plagued our world for long enough.” Irahk saw the anger, the sadness billowing in Kivas’ eyes. “I am moved by your words, Kiva.” Irahk becomes solemn. “But what can a *boy* do against the kingdoms that have destroyed my homeland and the people in it?” Irahk took a deep breath in and released. “There is no hope left, none. Sorry boy, my people are gone.” A single tear starts to sprout from his eye then slides down his face. “Irahk.” Kiva said notably. “I’m Captain of a large fleet of Sea-riders, one of the largest in the world; left by my father. We have been tracking down Wizards from all over to join us in our cause, that is why I am here in this forest. And may I now ask of you something, Irahk.” Irahk raises his head with tear filled eyes and looks onto the young boy’s bronze face with a smile that’s glistening with determination. “Will you join us and help stop further bloodshed of your people?” Kiva extends an open hand towards Irahk. “Will you join my crew?” Irahk saw a destiny flash through his mind as he looked upon the fire in Kiva’s eyes, he saw visions of prosperity and hope. Now it was obvious, there were no other answer than this. Irahk joins the boy’s hand and is lifted to his feet, bones cracking n all. “My bones are old and my mind is weary. I will join you young Sea-rider. My Captain.” “Nonsense. Wizards are the most brilliant people in this world, it’s a pleasure to have you.