I staggered out of the shack, bloodied sword and all, and into the forest. I had never seen it before, but the true simplicity of the forest was one of the most beautiful things I had ever laid my eyes upon. It was clear to me that the old woman would not be the worst of my problems, but I took comfort in the fact that I was able to defeat her with my limited swordsmanship. My whole body ached with the effect of the woman’s potent elixir, although incomparable to the agony I had endured when in her thrall.

       My legs pushed on, carrying me deeper into the woods. I was glad the sun was shining bright over the treetops, the heavenly light guiding me through the endless maze of trees and foliage until my eyes were met with a second clearing. I hid quickly behind a tree trunk as I observed the space thoroughly. It was barren save a beautiful, golden mirror that stood in almost the direct center of the clearing. The mirror was decorated with intricate spirals and hundreds of precious stones in colors my eyes had never before witnessed. The mirror was absolutely remarkable.

       Before I knew it, my fingers were grazing the golden structure’s intricacies. “How beautiful you are, mirror!” I exclaimed, stepping in front of it to peer at the reflection. What I saw was decidedly more remarkable than the mirror’s shining exterior. Glinting in the mirror’s face was an image of myself standing in front of a monstrous cadaver with my sword dripping blood and raised high above me. I stared at the image of my success, my eyes following the sword as it swung again and again over the body of the monster. The monster was a vapid obstacle in my mind now, something that I would easily conquer. The blood splattered through the air in marvelous display as the sword pressed deep into the beast’s heart.

       And then my real sword slipped from my fingers. I let out a painful scream as it sliced through the leather of my boot and entered my foot. My eyes darted to the ground where I found blood pooling around my boot. With great anticipation, my hands grasped the sword’s hilt and pulled the blade swiftly out of my foot. I screamed again with the crack of bones. Likely, my foot was beyond recognition, but what my eyes could recognize was that the sky now darkened with late evening. I furrowed my brow; that meant that I had spent an entire day, possibly more, staring into the mirror. I raised my fist and slammed it down upon the glassy trap and watched as the pieces clattered and fell to the earth. The mirror was shattered now. I backed away from the shards as if afraid their prideful poison would seep into me through my wound.

Next Chapter: The Beast