Chapter 1: Chapter 0 – A Burning Memory

In an otherwise dark, cold expanse, a radiant flame flickered. And as it glowed, it chased away the distant blight.

The brilliant inferno sat at the heart of a grand shrine. It had been constructed in an era long-forgotten, and yet still remained. The shrine was an object of splendor, a majesty that had refused to fade, even as countless seasons passed. And the blaze had always roared at it's center, despite the bellowing winds and pouring rain that often afflicted the thick forest surrounding it.

It had been long since the golden sun had risen over the faraway horizon, shining its shimmering beams of light upon the woodland of Niwe. And kneeled solemnly before the great shrine was a tall figure. A woman, elegant and refined in both posture and expression, was silently reciting a multitude of chants, firmly clutching a set of wooden prayer beads as she did so. Strands of sleek black hair fell upon both her shoulders, and she was draped with flowing white robes that bore red accents. And as she quietly chanted, her eyes shut and her head bowed, the benevolent flames would crackle and sputter, as if to respond to her earnest pleas.

And at her side, their eyes fixated on the priestess, sat a younger-looking boy. Their deep black eyes, although partially obscured by their short black hair, were filled with a boundless fascination. His small hands tightly clasped onto the soft, dark red fabric of his robe, as they eagerly awaited the moment they would embrace their mother.

For as long as the boy could remember, he had been instructed by the other priests to never disturb his mother while she was communing with Niwe-Khan. Although never informed of the reason behind it, he had always obeyed their command. And thus, although he wished desperately to cling to his mother, he patiently anticipated when she'd conclude her ritualistic duties.

Suddenly, from thicket of shrubbery not too far from the shrine, a loud rustling noise could be heard, startling them both. The frightened child fell backward, evidently fearful of the sudden movement. On the other hand, the woman swiftly rose to her feet, pulling her son close to her right side, a maternal ferocity overtaking her. She spoke but a few cautious words, words that echoed through the boy's confused mind.

"Stay close, Ohene." 

For what seemed like a finite eternity, they both stood still, awaiting what lay in the dense greenery before them. The susurration grew louder by the second, and they both began to see violent motions in the shrubbery. Under her raspy breaths, the woman began to chant once more, and a fiery determination took hold in her eyes.

A moment later, a small, shadowy figure emerged from the bushes. However, as it slowly appeared from out of the greenery, the woman was overcome by a feeling of overflowing relief. At once, her hastily strung-together invocations halted, and her tense body began to relax once more.

The tiny creature that came into sight was not one of danger, nor one of harm. It was a timid, fragile creature, one that desired to be nurtured and protected.

A child had appeared to them. A child from the forest.

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