RECCANTI

PANEL 1:

TRAVELER: "I don't care about any of that! I just want to be rid of it"

PANEL 2:

The FAERIE again looks shocked

FAERIE: "I see. Alas, such a thing is beyond me"

PANEL 3:

The Traveler begins to put their glove back on.

TRAVELER: Is that so?

PANEL 4:

FAERIE: "Tell me, why would you wish for such a thing?"

PANEL 1:

The Traveler reveals their hand, which is covered in an inky-black shell that appears to be spreading.

TRAVELER: "This affliction on my hand. Do you know what it is?"

PANEL 2:

The Faerie appears shocked

FAERIE: "Ah, a mark of magic"

PANEL 3:

The Faerie begins to float behind the Traveler.

FAERIE: "Such a thing grants great power over this world. And in time, you could even learn to peak beyond it"

PANEL 4:

FAERIE: "What a gift for a mortal like yourself"

PANEL 5:

FAERIE: "Or perhaps you took it. But who can say?"

PANEL 1: A horned creature radiating light hovers in front of the Traveler.

FAERIE: "You've done me a great service. If there is anything you desire..."

PANEL 2:

FAERIE: "Simply ask, and I will deliver if it is within my power"

PANEL 3:

The Traveler begins to take off their glove.

TRAVELER: "I do have one request"

PANEL 1: VOICE FROM BLADE: "For centuries, I've been sealed in this blade"

PANEL 2: VOICE FROM BLADE: "Only by breaking the gem in it's hilt can I be freed"

PANEL 3: VOICE FROM BLADE: "So please, I beg you–"

PANEL 1: VOICE FROM BLADE: "For centuries, I've been sealed in this blade"

PANEL 2: VOICE FROM BLADE: "Only by breaking the gem in it's hilt can I be freed"

PANEL 3: VOICE FROM BLADE: "So please, I beg you–"

PANEL 1: The Traveler inspects up front, and sees that the merchant has an arrow lodged in their chest.

PANEL 2: The Traveler sees that the horse has been similarly struck by arrows.

PANEL 3: MYSTERIOUS VOICE: "Kind Traveler, your assistance, please"

PANEL 1: Through some strange force, the Traveler decapitates the bandit with a glance.

PANEL 2: The knife that the bandit was holding falls and lodges itself in the ground

PANEL 1: BANDIT: "Don't move! Not if you want to live"

PANEL 2: BANDIT: "I'm taking this cart and everything in it"

PANEL 3: BANDIT: "This blade's the sharpest you've ever seen, so if you want to keep your head on your shoulders–"

PANEL 1:

The merchant cart grinds to a halt, and the Traveler has to grip the sides to stay balanced

PANEL 2:

The Traveler looks to the front apprehensively.

PANEL 3:

TRAVELER: "Why are we stopping".

Behind them, a hand reaches out to them.

Title Page for The Faerie. The Traveler rides on the back of a merchant cart