Echoes of Time

Chapter 1 : Awakening

Lois Samaras has always been drawn to the past. As an archeology enthusiast, she spent her days poring over the dusty remnants of ancient civilizations, her fingers tracing the worn grooves of history. Yet, nothing in her wildest dream could have prepared her for the events about to unfold that fateful day.

The sun blazed in the clear sky, casting its golden rays upon a secluded cave nestled deep within the heart of an ancient forest. Lois had stumbled upon this hidden gem during one of her solo expeditions. she had considered sharing discovery with her team , but the allure of exploring it first, without anyone to disturb the untouched secrets was to strong to resist. Her heart pounded with anticipation, as if the forest itself had led her here, Lois entered the cave.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and musty, carrying with it the whispers of centuries long gone. "Okay, maybe this wasn't sure a good idea" Lois thought grimly. "Well, now you are here, so just get it over with" she grumbled. Oh, what was she thinking, venturing so far form town into this ancient looking-looking forest? Probably, no one had set foot here for eons. Well, that was her—always doing crazy things.

Lois set her weathered bag down with a soft thud, the beam of her flashlight slicing through the shadow. Her fingers trailed over the intricate carvings adorning the walls, stories etched into the very stone by hands long vanished. Each symbol held the secrets of a forgotten civilization waiting to be unveiled.

Yet, her gaze was irresistibly drawn to the cave's centerpiece—an imposing stone pedestal, crowned with an ornate amulet. It seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Its gem stone twinkling with with an ethereal light. It was screaming her name, begging her to touch it, well not literally. Against her better judgement, she reached out to touch it.

The moment her fingers brushed the ancient relic, a surge of energy surged through her, causing the very ground to tremble beneath her feet. it was as if it had waited for eons for this very touch, a long awaited forgotten magic awaken by her touch. "Okay, she should really make a run for it", she thought.

From the shadows emerged a figure—an imposing silhouette, a man draped in ancient garments. His eyes, the color of rich sand, Pierced the through the darkness, framed by long, flowing midnight-black hair. Without a doubt, he posses the stature of an ancient warrior. And he was looking directly at her.

"Am awake?" his voice was a deep resonance, an accent that spoke of an era long past.

"I—I—who are you?" Lois stammered, her voice barley more than a whisper. "what are you doing here?" "what..."

The warrior stepped forward, his movement fluid and deliberate. "Pray, what manner of attire is this?" he enquired, his gaze travelling up and down Lois clothing with evident curiosity, as though he had never encountered such before.

Lois examined attire, from her rugged hiking boots to her khaki cargo shorts equipped with a utility belt. She wore a light weight long-sleeved shirt with the buttons causally undone, revealing her black singlet. Her wide brimmed hat protected her form the sun's rays. she couldn't help but think there was nothing amiss with her attire outfit. In fact, if anyone should be asking questions about attire, it should be her enquiring about his ancient weird looking garments.

"No lady should attire herself thus. From which household do you hail? And, dare I ask, are you of sound mind?" His words came with a hint of puzzlement. But in any case, I've no time for such inquires . I must swiftly reunite with my people! Tell me, how may I find my way there?"

Okay, Lois had her fill of surprises, nd now it was time to make her exit. She had assume she would have the cave to herself, but she never anticipated encountering a stranger, and a mad one for that. Her primarily concern right now was getting back before he harms her. As she hurriedly considered her retreat, she couldn't help but mull over the audacity of the mad man's remarks. Who did he think he was, calling her crazy? In her mind, he was the one who appeared truly unhinged.

Lois carefully retrieved her bag from the ground, her gaze fixed firmly on the stranger who had left her feeling increasingly uneasy. His intense stare unnerve her, and she continued to take slow, cautious steps backward.

"I asked you a question lady. Where lies the path to Clan MacLeod, and in what land do I find myself?" His approach was deliberate and his tone held a sense of impatience and urgency.

Lois hesitated for a moment, weighting her options, then finally responded, "Am not familiar with Clan MacLeod or the location you mentioned, but you are currently in Wales. I may be able to assist you. I'll head back now and seek help.

Lois wasted no time and dashed out of the cave, putting as much distance as possible between herself and the enigmatic stranger. Her heart raced with each step and she couldn't help but think how her expedition had taken an unexpected turn. She sprinted through the forest, the dense foliage and towering trees surrounding her.

Lois was abruptly halted and an unseen force yanked her backward with brutal strength. She was swiftly turned around finding herself face to face with the angry face of the strange insane man. His grip on her upper arm was tight and his expression conveyed displeasure as he locked eyes with her.

"Where do you think you are going?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration and impatience.