Extract

This is an extract from a piece I'm working on. Hope you enjoy it.

A cold hand enveloped the land of Eyeldor. The last few lingering days of Leaf-fall were always cold, carrying the scent of the oncoming Frostbare on their winds. The now setting sun rode low in the purple-tinged sky, as was usual even at the height of day. The Sun’s characteristic warm rays failed to penetrate the icy prison that claimed the country, at present. Few animals move at this time, most taking to their nests and burrows to sleep away the coldest hours, though the minority that braved the falling temperatures scuffled noiselessly amongst the whitened leaf litter. Only the southern-most town of Corragon was unaffected by the drastic change in season; the temperatures near the mountains were rarely above freezing and the inhabitants had long ago adjusted their lifestyles to suit their snowy climate.

Further north, however, in the Great Forest that surrounded the city of Camarden, a young wolf slipped silently from the shadowy depths of the forest. Its silver-grey ears were pricked intently as it searched for sounds of life – and dinner. Eyes watchful, it prowled, paws making no noise of the frosty ground, thick fur brushing only slightly on the outermost leaves of nearby plants. Catching the smell of a warm creature, the wolf sank to the ground, belly fur scraping the floor, eyes glinting hungrily. Snuffling around the base of an old Eliban tree was a small but substantial-looking mouse. The wolf waggled its haunches momentarily, froze, then it pounced. It landed with its two front paws squarely over the creature, biting down quickly before it could struggle or squeak. The sweet scent of fresh-kill wafted through the wolf’s sensitive nasal passages. Proud with its catch, the wolf picked up the warm body and trotted off through the trees, to its den, silver-grey tail flicking as it disappeared into the forest.

Deep within the city walls, in what was known as the Higher District, a young woman moved as silently through the streets as the wolf had in the forest. She was just as watchful, though she lacked the predatory glint in her hazel-green eyes that has been so prominent in the animal’s. Phoenix moved like a ghost, hardly attracting the attention of the guards stationed at the West Gate to the Lower town. Her black hood was pulled close to her face, concealing her fiery red hair, though her fringe was just visible in the shadow. She walked with her back straight, a definite air of authority around her, which was only strengthened as she passed a group of five or so young boys. They bowed to her respectfully, only rising when she was a metre or so away from them. They gazed after, undisguised awe in their eyes.

“Magician” she heard one of them say. She permitted herself a quick glance back to where the boys stood. They were now huddled together, heads bent in a secretive manner, no doubt sharing stories and rumours about the magicians who took up residence in this city. Phoenix shook her head slightly, rolling her eyes at the level of reverence she received as a Magician of Camarden. Even the lower classes, who held deep resentment and in some cases hatred of magicians, showed some kind of respect, even if it was just plain ignorance of their existence. It was rare for Phoenix to venture into the slummy areas of the city past the lower towns, choosing instead to dwell at the Guild or a family’s residence in the Higher District. Oh, don’t assume from that that Phoenix was a snob; in fact she was far from such. She cared deeply for the well-being of the lower classes, often providing food and healthcare for those in the direst need of it. Her actions though, were often viewed with disdain by some of the families, who choose to waste their money on luxuries for themselves, oblivious to the misery in the Lower Districts.

Turning left, she walked through the great stone gates that marked the entrance to the Magician’s Guild of Eyeldor. She nodded at the stationed guards, as they bowed to her, before continuing up the long winding path to the Entrance Hall. Although she did not favour the imposing appearance the marble steps and great heavy doors gave to the Guild, she could not deny that it gave an aura of grandeur to the Guild. Flexing her will minutely, as she reached the top of the steps, the doors swung open with a tug of magic. The warmth of the Entrance Hall was in great contrast to the outside world, the heat penetrating Phoenix’s skin immediately. She swung her black cloak from her shoulders, revealing her deep purple magician’s robes beneath. They floated softly as she walked towards the doors that led to the Magician’s Quarters of the Guild. As she past the beautifully ornate stairs that lead to the classrooms above, Phoenix passed another magician. He was older than her, with short hair that was beginning to grey. Instead of the dark purple robes that Phoenix wore, this magician favoured green robes.