Agnistan

image source: google images

Fila crept up to the edge of Flame Forest, where the border to The Earth Estuary lay. There stood Agnistan, the holy tree of the Followers of Flame. Its branches twisted tall and wide, the ever-burning yellow and red leaves lighting the border at all times. Just beyond lay the land of the Caretakers of Earth. It was distinct and not at all hard to determine where the changes in land occurred; while the Flame Forest burned bright in hues of red, orange and yellow, the blues and greens of the Earth Estuary were striking in contrast. Lush green foliage and ponds of pure fresh water lay just ahead.

Fila crept low behind the tree that lay just behind Agnistan; only the elders and a select few of the Fighters were allowed this close to the border. For now, most everyone would be at the Festival being held in the center of their village to celebrate their powers and how they would help during the changes in season. Practically everyone would want to be there, so she knew that only a few sentries would be stationed to do rounds now. It was lucky that Mother was taking part in the festivities or else there would’ve been no way for Fila to have escaped under her normally hawk-like watchful eyes. 

Just as she was about to step out from behind her tree, she heard a snap coming from the other side of the border. She whipped back around, settling down into the giant roots, and covered her mouth to quiet her breathing. Slowly and carefully, she peered around to see where the noise had come from. A young boy was sneaking out from a tree on the Estuary side of the border. Fila watched silently as he weaved silently through trees and rocks until crossing and reaching Agnistan. He put on a thick leather glove, brought out a small tin canister and began reaching up to grab one of the branches.

“NO STOP!!” Fila ripped out from her hiding place, feeling like she was going in slow motion as his hand got closer to touching the holy tree. His face twisted in horror as he saw her barreling towards him, but just before he could reach the branch, Fila slammed into him, both of them falling forcefully to the ground. 

Out of breath she panted angrily, “You can’t just put on a glove and think you’ll be fine touching Agnistan, you idiot! It’s a carrier of the Eternal Element you would’ve combusted instantly!”

“I - I’m sorry,” he gasped, “they just dared me to do it; they said nothing would happen - I never meant - I’m so sorry.”