The Forbidden Forest

Chapter 1

“Many generations ago, Canaberra Island was home to a large tribe called ‘NatureEarth Tribe’. But in the year 530, NatureEarth Tribe broke into two separate tribes due to differences in interest and power. Now, Eastland habours SkySea Tribe, which consists of people who can control the elements of the sky and sea; while LeafFur Tribe, where its people has powers involving plants and animals, remains on Westland.

“For many years since they were separated, the two tribes had held a Treaty of Peace. This treaty, still in practice even till today, states that SkySea Tribe has to provide LeafFur Tribe with suitable amounts of rainfall during droughts while LeafFur Tribe has to provide SkySea Tribe with their information on Care Of Living Things.” Oh, thought Amber, as she finished reading a paragraph under the topic of ‘NatureEarth Tribe’ from her history book. She had learnt that there had been two tribes on Canaberra Island; she had been taught that fact a few years back, but it was only today, during her history lesson, when she flipped through the pages of her history book absent-mindedly and the word “NatureEarth” caught her eye; that she fully understood the situation the two tribes were in. So this was how we have had peace all these years. But why isn’t there any rain now? Many of us are getting weak because plants are withering and animals are dying. Why is this so?

“Hey Amber!” Maple, Amber’s best friend, jolted her from her thoughts. “History class is over, why haven’t you packed your bag? You’re gonna be late for your Battle Magic practical if you don’t hurry!”

“Oh, alright, give me a minute,” Amber replied, as she hurriedly stuffed her books into her woollen sling bag. “Why did I have to be born a Norwick?” She grumbled to herself. Battle Magic was her least favourite subject. She’d rather care for all living things than going to war.

Since the time of NatureEarth Tribe, Norwicks had been in existence. A Norwick was someone who had more powers that the others, the Commonfolk, and specialised in Battle Magic. As such, Norwicks were usually the ones which were sent to hunt or fight in times of war. Not everyone could be a Norwick; a person was born to be one, whether he or she liked it or not, regardless of parental heritage. It was believed that Norwicks were selected by their gods, the Plant God and the Animal God. Well, at least being a Norwick allowed her to have greater ability to communicate with animals and have higher healing powers as well, Amber comforted herself.

When Amber reached the clearing which was used as the venue for her Battle Magic practical, other younger Norwicks were already sitting patiently on the rocks, located in a heap on one side of the clearing. Silverpaws, a Wiford, and Amber’s petmate, was already sitting in the middle of two other petmates. His ears were pricked, alert for any commands. A rare breed of a cross between a dog and a wolf, a Wiford can grow up to one and a half metres in height. By nature, it was strong, fierce and loyal. Although Silverpaws was young, he already had a full, black-streaked grey and white coat and a pair of striking silver eyes. Upon seeing Amber, he wagged his tail happily. Amber smiled at him and proceeded, as quietly and quickly as she can, to where the other Norwicks were sitting.

“You are late again, Amber,” A gruff, firm voice cracked with age reverberated across the clearing. Amber froze in her tracks, turned her head slowly left towards the centre of the clearing and was met with the glaring eyes of her mentor and head of Norwicks, Stem. Uh oh, she thought.

“Come over here!” Stem commanded with a frown on his face. “I have something important to tell you.” Stunned, Amber nevertheless obeyed, wondering what in the world would there be such an important thing which required Stem to single her out instead of scolding her directly.

“As you know, there wasn’t any rain in the past two weeks, causing almost all living things to die,” said Stem to Amber, who nodded meekly. “Worse, today, at dawn, a basket full of black berries of an unknown kind appeared on the doorstep of Daigou’s hut. In the basket was a message which said that they were from SkySea Tribe. It claimed that a berry would boost the energy, health and power levels of the person who eats it.”

Amber nodded, listening intently. Hearing any news in relation to Daigou, the chief of LeafFur Tribe, was a serious matter. She had to pay attention to the words that were said.

“Believing that the basket was a form of apology from SkySea Tribe, Daigou ordered the berries to be distributed among the warriors and the weak. Unfortunately, the basket of berries was not as innocent as it seems.”

Amber gasped, her eyes widening. “Were the berries…”

“Yes, either the berries were poisonous, or they had poison injected into them,” Stem replied, gravity in his voice. “Those who have consumed the berries are now suffering from an unknown illness. The weak are getting weaker. Death is on its way.” Amber’s brows furrowed in confusion. Why would SkySea Tribe do such a thing?

“Now,” Stem continued, with greater urgency in his voice, apparently not having noticed Amber’s puzzled face. “We need someone to visit the Enchanted Garden, behind the Temple of the Gods, and pluck out a branch of TwinkleBerries. As you should know, TwinkleBerries could cure any unknown illness when consumed by a living thing. We need to have them in three weeks, before Death finally arrives.”

Amber nodded uncertainly. She had heard of TwinkleBerries before, in her Nature’s Secrets lesson. TwinkleBerries were reported to have ultimate healing properties and can only be found in the Enchanted Garden, one of the three gardens behind the Temple of the Gods. They could only last for a month when plucked and taken out of the only place they grow in. For centuries, her ancestors have taken the trouble to travel across the treacherous Forbidden Forest to obtain the TwinkleBerries in times of crisis. Many Norwicks have sacrificed their lives for these tasks.

“Daigou and I have made our decision,” Stem continued, “As the man Norwicks are not in a good health at this moment, and Autumn, the woman Norwick is currently pregnant, and the other Norwicks are too young…” Stem paused and looked at Amber’s questioning face.

“We have no choice but to choose you.”