Out From the Forest, Into the Farm

In his divination, Otso foresees an imminent disaster that is the giant beast trampling through the woods. It walks right on top of Septimus and his legion, killing most, and maiming Septimus. Climbing from the wreckage, Otso attempts to activate the soldier's magic armor and fly them to safety.

Using Septimus' flying vest, the two float through the woods and happen upon the family farm, where Owin and Dorian have just returned. They carry the wounded inside.

This is how our four main characters come together.

The New Map

This map, drawn by the young man himself, hangs in Owin's bedroom. Beneath it is his collection of precious objects on his dresser and on the post of his bed's headboard. The scale of this map is quite smaller than the Old Map, as it only concerns the woods surrounding Owin's house.

Note: The large white space in the top right corner serves as the title page and credits, yet to be added.

The Old Map

Here is the map of the world in which the naked Mouse Man lives. A sprawling civilization covers one entire continent, and has reached across a vast ocean to begin covering another. But by Owin's era, this map will be considered ancient, and many things will have changed since its making.

An important note: Alec drew this two page spread! It's gorgeous.