The Crone and Her Son 3D Render, Digital Art by RedSpartan

The Crone and Her Son 3D Render, Digital Artwork by RedSpartan

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The Crone and Her Son

3D Render by RedSpartan

The meeting at the river had unnerved her as she continued deeper into the forest. Something about the woman she'd encountered seemed so mysterious, and yet, familiar somehow, like a buried memory desperate to resurface. Night fell quickly and the enchantment of the forest suddenly became foreboding and cold. A mist rose and she felt a quiet dread enter her. She stopped for a moment, a new noise in the darkness drawing her attention. Then, seemingly out of nowhere two powerful hands gripped her arms and lifted her into the air. She kicked and struggled, but the grip was vice like and unmoving. What, or whoever had her began to carry her unceremoniously between the trees, a familiarity to its steps that indicated it knew where it was going. She tried to protest, plead for mercy, but this was only met with a grunt. Presently they came upon an old stone wall, beyond which was a rough dirt road. There she saw a wooden wagon, not dissimilar to a gypsy caravan in her own world. Upon it sat an old woman, hair long and grey, her expression cold but curious, yet full of malice.

'Look MarMar,' A voice cried in childish glee from the giant holding her tightly, 'see, a pretty thing I found in the woods.'

The old woman stared at her icily, an evil grin forming on her face. 'Well done Duthbet, that one there will fetch a good price in Aranoth. I'd say fortune has smiled on us this night my son. Go tie her to your cart and we'll be on our way.'

'Now wait a damned minute...' Emilia pleaded, but to no avail...