The boy's bravado evaporated instantly, replaced by a stark fear that gripped his entire being. His eyes widened in terror as he stared at Erend, frozen in place as if caught in the grip of an unseen force.
The flames of Erend's warning danced ominously in the air, casting eerie shadows across the forest floor.
With a trembling voice, the boy stammered, "P-please... don't hurt me..."
Erend's expression softened slightly as he observed the boy's genuine fear. Despite his initial anger, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the child who had unwittingly stumbled into the dangerous world of necromancy.
"I won't hurt you if you stop raising the undead and promise not to dabble in dark magic again," Erend said firmly, his tone carrying a mix of authority and empathy.
The boy nodded frantically, his entire body shaking with fear. "I-I promise! I won't do it again, I swear!"
Erend nodded, satisfied with the boy's response.
The boy nodded vigorously, scrambling to his feet and fleeing into the depths of the forest. Erend watched him go.
Erend's curiosity gnawed at him as he watched the boy disappear into the village. But he couldn't shake the nagging question that lingered in his mind.
Turning back to him, Erend called out, "Wait!"
The boy paused, glancing back at Erend with a mixture of fear and uncertainty etched on his face.
"How did you come to possess the power of necromancy Magic?" Erend asked, his voice laced with a genuine curiosity tinged with concern.
The boy hesitated, shifting nervously on his feet as he mulled over his response. After a moment of tense silence, he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I found an old book in the ruins near the village," the boy confessed. "It... It had strange symbols and drawings in it. I-I didn't know what it was, but... but I felt drawn to it.
When I touched it, I-I felt a strange power coursing through me. And then... the dead started to rise."
Erend's brows furrowed in concern as he listened to the boy's tale. The allure of forbidden knowledge leading unsuspecting souls down a dark and dangerous path.
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, the villagers exchanging skeptical glances as they listened to the boy's confession.
"But why should we believe you now?" one villager demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.
"Because he's telling the truth," Erend interjected, stepping forward to stand beside the boy. "I've spoken with him, and I believe he regrets his actions. He's just a boy who made a mistake, like we all have at some point in our lives."
The crowd fell silent, the weight of Erend's words hanging heavy in the air. Slowly, the anger began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding and empathy.
"We can't undo what has been done," Erend continued, addressing the crowd. "But we can choose how we move forward from here. Instead of casting blame, you should work together to rebuild your village and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again."
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions softening as they considered Erend's words. After a moment of tense silence, one by one, they nodded in agreement.
Saeldir approached the young boy with a calm demeanor, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and wisdom. He knelt down beside the boy, his voice gentle yet firm as he spoke.
"Listen, young one," Saeldir began, his tone soothing yet authoritative. "What you possess is a gift, but it is also a responsibility. The power of Magic is not to be taken lightly, especially when it can bring harm to others."
The boy nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the ground as he listened intently to Saeldir's words.
"You have seen the consequences of using your Magic for selfish purposes," Saeldir continued. "But that does not mean your talent is without value. With guidance and discipline, you can learn to harness your abilities for good."
The boy looked up at Saeldir, his eyes filled with uncertainty and remorse. "But... what should I do?"
Saeldir placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "First, you must seek forgiveness from those you have wronged," he said gently. "Then, you must dedicate yourself to learning the ways of magic under the guidance of wise mentors who can teach you to use your powers for the betterment of others."
The boy nodded, his resolve strengthening with each word spoken by Saeldir. "I understand," he said softly.
Saeldir smiled, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Remember, boy, true strength comes not from the power you wield, but from the wisdom and compassion with which you use it. Embrace your talents, but always strive to use them for the greater good."
With those words of guidance, Saeldir rose to his feet, leaving the boy to contemplate his newfound purpose.
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