In Search of the Sorcerer

I journey this night deeper into the forest than what my sensibility prescribes,
Discarding all reasoning and exchanging morsels of fear for emboldened steps.
My aging mare is becoming increasingly skittish and trying with unprecedented
Determination to alter the course of her foolish owner's misguided direction.
To ease her nerves, I stop at the edge of a small clearing and tether her to a
Drooping branch while whispering to her a reassurance of my prompt return.
I enter the blackness of the woods again and follow solely the strength of my
Intuition as glowing eyes of the night guardians track my trespass through
What is rumored to be sacred or forbidden, depending on the teller of the tale.
Undoubtedly I am close to my mark as I see the fabled Monster Rocks shining
Beneath a wicked moon; I swallow and encourage my feet to continue forward.
The over-damp night is settling into my skin, giving me cause to pull the hood
Of my cloak over my head. I shake off the last bit of doubt that lurks within me.
Spotting what I presume to be an encampment, I note the sweet smell of
Amber and myrrh and marvel at the curling plumes of dragon smoke that ascend
With a bit of honorable apathy from a fire that is momentarily unattended.
The hairs on my arms and neck rise just enough to cause an uncomfortable
Sensation as they brush against the layers of linen and wool surrounding my frame.
I warily approach the blaze and study the scent of what might transpire on this
Ordinary night, when a surprisingly refined voice pierces the silence in salutation.
In an instant, I am plagued with a case of ataxia and flounder in search of words and
Manners; I stumble, dropping my bag of coins along with any remnant of poise.
He bids me to find myself at ease and to take a seat on the velvet covered stones
Which encircle the flames so that we might discuss my plight in relative comfort.
I secretly delight in the way his silver tresses mimic the hue of his eyes.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I want to speak the words I have so carefully prepared,
But a look of genuine understanding halts my insane proposal before it is uttered.
I am all but humbled as he offers up a flask of wine and the hint of an infinite grin.

Image via Pixabay