Keeper of Light

I woke up at the first light of day. The stars were gradually disappearing, and the sun was barley peeking from the horizon. The others where still in their tents, snoozing away. I crept slowly back into the tent, remembering what a wonderful night I had yesterday. I knew that, by the time I return to San Francisco, I was going to be tested for my kendo skills. I changed into my kendo uniform which consisted of wide hakama pants and jacket. I took out my ever-perfect stick and headed for the center of the field. I took 3 deep breaths and did my routine. My concentration was soon shattered by various squeaks and scouring coming from the woods to the north. I peered toward the source of the noise. It was at that moment when curiosity took over me. I followed squeaks deeper into the woods.

There was a giant oak tree, which apparently housed a hawk’s nest. The nest was upon a branch reached over a rapid river. The nest was currently unoccupied, but evidently the mother had returned w/ the day’s meal in her beak anxiously searching for her young. But there wasn’t a single chick in the nest. The squeaking continued down the river. I ran along the banks until I found the source of the crying. And there it was, floating with what was what was left of the air bubbles trapped under the feathers.

Just then, a sudden urge to save chick grew immensely strong. I felt that if I didn’t even attempt the save, I would be left with nothing but guilt and distress, watching a death of a young soul disappear. Without much hesitant, I jumped in. The current dragged me in as soon as I touched the water. The squeals of help grew fainter and fainter. Once I spotted the helpless baby hawk, the depth increased from 4 feet to 8 feet. The rapids were increasing strength. I was able to grab the drowning hawk. With my stick, I hung on, this time for my own life. I held the tiny hawk to the surface for air, but then a violent current broke my grasp….



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This was it…… This was the end. I was probably drowned by the rapids, or at least shredded to bits by the razor sharp rocks. I could feel neither pain nor the ground I’m on. Maybe this was what death really felt like.

Slowly I opened my eyes. Nothing but the ambiguity of my surroundings where covered in darkness. With my aching hands, I grouped my way. To my amazement, I felt the ground I was sitting on. I continued to feel my way around. A tiny squeak from my lap confirmed that the hawk was still alive. I gently felt for the feathery ball, and tucked it gently under my jacket. I stood up to find something much more gruesome in store for me.

4 pairs of red gleaming eyes, staring down at me with great interest. I was even more shocked to discover that it owned 8 hairy legs, 2 death-defying incisors; 100 times the normal size of a penny. I used to have a problem with spiders, back in S.F. See one on the wall, squish them and they’re gone. But this one is an acceptation. It drew closer to me. I backed, with both my hands searching franticly for anything serving as a weapon. I was even more bewildered to find my kendo stick lying right behind me, as soon as I saw no hope to this monster spider.

It gave piercing strike, aiming for my chest. I lunged forward and was able to hold it back with my stick pushing it back. Great….. Just what I needed, real practice for my kendo testing. My stick no longer lasted in 5 seconds, when it broke in half. I made a quick dash for it from under the creature’s foal legs.

To my horror, I ran into 2 more of them. And both pursued me as soon as they laid their nasty eyes on me. I was cornered by the time they reached me. With the other half of my kendo stick still gripped tightly in my hand, I was able to blind one of them. The other lunged at me, but my instincts lead me climb on a nearby tree. Hanging by its limbs, I did an amazing flip that landed me both feet balancing upon the tree limb. Even I couldn’t believe I had that much physical talent. Unfortunately, I captivated even more gargantuan arachnids. They circled the tree, and even worse a few of them started to climb up after me. With a rush of exhilarating speed I was able to reach the top, but this time there was no way down. I saw the familiar sky full of stars and to my astonishment, I was overlooking a sea of trees. There wasn’t a single empty field to be seen. Giant spiders were at my heels and I felt worse was never going to be over.

Up until I heard the twang of a bow that left a spider, who was an inch closer to my ankle, falling down to the forest floor. I slowly descended from the tree, I witnessed 5 more spiders pierced by arrows coming from apparently no where. One by one each fell, until none were left to endanger me. I slowly crept back down to the forest floor alert for any signs of life. I delicately pulled out the hawk chick that’d been wriggling in my jacket the whole time. To my relief it was still alive from all that commotion. For some reason, felt that it was calm the whole time. It only started moving around once I got down from the tree. I understood that it wanted food and was starving.

But wait a minute, why and how in the world did I read that bird’s mind? How in the crazy world of nature did I make that flip? I didn’t even feel a single drop of sweat down my back when eight-legged freaks were chasing me? Why am I not even panting from all that work? And mostly: WHERE AM I?

Before I could ponder deeper into my thoughts, I felt a sudden rush around me. Clearly something was about to make a move on me. An unanticipated reflex forced me to dodge a capture. I was soon surrounded by mysterious shadows. I first presumed that they where people like me. Well, at least they’re weren’t creepy creatures waiting to suck every drop of blood from me. A hand grabbed hold of my arm. Without realizing, I performed a quick move that left my enemy of the ground. The next tried to take hold of me. This time, with quick reflex, I was able it dodge with no problem. Doing this in the dark, I figured that I’ve never laid eyes on my foe, but was able to defend myself with such ease.

But then, it was truly ambushed this time. I was cornered; all had arrows ready to shoot if I moved an inch. This time no miracle reflexes can save my life.

“ You have trespassed into the realm of the woodland elves. Follow our orders or shall you prefer the piercing of our arrows.” One said.

I had no choice but surrender. They bound my hands and eyes and forced me to walk within their guide. Minutes later, they removed the blindfold. And I found myself in a prison with nothing but a small window to the moonlit sky. My poor hawk must’ve been soaking with trauma by now, the poor thing now is shaking under my robes with such force that I had to leave it on my lap. Stroking its soft feathers, I fell into a deep thought. While stroking, I slowly comprehend. It flew into me like pieces of a puzzle that’d been forced to fuse in my mind. I was here for a purpose. Someone or something desperately needed me here.

Flashes of light struck me in my sleep. An obscure face appeared. Light distorted my view from it. The light was from two trees, glowing intensely in my eyes. I blinked and, the source of light changed to 3 jewels. Then darkness overcame me. Fire and smoke surrounded me. I witnessed faces of grotesque creatures of the foulest smell.

I woke up with a start. I was shivering from the chill of the stone floor. I tired to remember the vision that I had, but a block was in the way of my understanding. My hawk crawled off my lap when I was asleep, and now was nibbling on a plate of food. Apparently, these wood elves were gracious enough to keep me alive… or shall I say…malicious. While watching it munch it’s way through, I finally realized, it was a she. She looked so cute fluffing her feathers. She was the one that brought me here. Hmmm…. Maybe there might be a reason for her too….

Before I could stand it any longer, I started munching on what’s left of the morsel of bread. Sunshine was shining down from the window above. Its warmth replenished my energy. When my strength was fulfilled, I rose on my toes and peered though my portal to the outside world. I was enthralled to see the lushness and green of what was the forest at night. Yet darkness still linger in the woods. As I gazed deeper within the forest, the light of the sun was diminished without a trace. I turned back into my cold cell. I felt a chill down my spine just from the view I’ve experienced. *********************

It seemed like ages since I arrived in this wacky wonderland. I haven’t had a glimpse of a human ever since my departure from the real world. After the 4th day from my arrival, I had lost all my senses and spoke to my dear fluffy friend. I named her Anya after my dearest cousin living in Switzerland. I told her of my life in a place called San Francisco; Doria and Sarina; our days at the Yum Yum Shoppe; and our crazy idea for a camping trip that changed the course of my life. She would listen to me intently, as if she apprehended. I had sleepless nights after I had that vision. I couldn’t control the nonstop questions I had in my mind. It drove me almost insane… but the visions were impossible to decipher. From time to time I had an immense headache from all that thinking, yet I never gained any rest from those nights I had. By the sixth day, Anya’s wings was ready to take flight. She was awkward at first, but with my taunting her with food and throwing her in the air (then catching her if she fails). By the end of the 7th day, she was up and about independently. Her talons had grown relatively sharp for me to handle with my bare hands so I told her to perch on the rim of the food bowl. For a bird, she responded to her name as well as every command I’ve given her as if she knew English ever since she hatched. It just amazed me how much she could understand and execute each order I had for her. I had a certain bondage to her, and she had it within her to me.

On the 8th day I decided that a prison was not suitable for a winged animal. A bird like her needed the freedom to fly. Reluctantly, I released her through the window of the cell. I gave her my last request to gather knowledge about this world and return to me with her findings. With that she shot out of the window and disappeared within the clouds.

It was a depressing sight to see her leave. All I had left now was hope that she’ll return some day and that I’ll be released from this lonely cell. It was the night of the 10th day that my hopes arrived. It was on that day when Anya returned. I was bewildered to notice the recognizable shadow of her wings flapping toward my cell. Like always, she perched on my food bowel and released a paper scroll from her talons. It seems somebody besides the wood elves perceived my coming. I unraveled the scroll with a message enclosed:



The signature at the bottom intrigued me. I held it up to the moon light for a closer inspection. It seemed like a language of Celtic or Viking. The message seemed to evoke the same questions I had at the beginning. Quite frankly, this might be the answer to my questions and the vision I had every now and then. Now it seemed like an important purpose for me to even exist in this world. Whatever this prophecy, within seconds, my messenger flew out my cell. I looked out my cell window and watched her disappear into the mists.

I finally came face to face with my foe, from the night of my coming. So these were elves. Human-like creatures with hair straight as a horse’s main. Their skin as fair as the light of the moon. What even scared me more was that I could not distinguish who was who. They removed me from the prison and took my down the stone corridors and toward the main hall. And there I was presented in front of their king.

“ I had been requested by a stranger for your freedom. I understand that you are not from my realm. You are not of elf-kind, but I will only supply you the knowledge of my realm.” Announced the king.

From stuffing me in a empty room for a week and a half without my word or consent and now freeing me into a completely foreign territory, with no explanation of why I am here.

“ What do you mean?” I inquired, “ First of all, I am completely baffled by world I’m in. Who is this friend of yours? What is the reason of my presence here??? Where am I? What in the world are you? Is this some sort of a joke of putting me in fairyland…….” Hundreds questions I had from the first day came pouring out of my mouth like rampaging waterfall. The king held up his hand to signify my to halt in my questions.

“ Up to this point, most of your questions will remain unanswered. My subjects will only provide you the wisdom of the Mirkwood forest and I shall furnish you with shelter and food. I will presume that this would be more pleasing then imprisoned in a cell for the rest of your life”

I had no choice but to only except what I was given. The king gestured a command and an elf guided me to my chamber. I have to say it was an improvement from my previous dwelling. There were large windows of glass centered to capture the sunrays into the room. The furniture were artistically carved and embellished with such precision that it just captivated me within seconds. I was no longer in the direction of the gloominess of the forest; instead I was granted a full view of the brighter side. I later heard singing and chanting from below, and spied upon a group of elves in their merrymaking. I finally felt comfort and satisfaction, yet my feel of alienation did not drain away.

A moment when white blinding light encircled me. The light of the 2 trees later diminished into nothingness. The reminiscence of the 3 jewels faded by darkness, except for one, in the sky. A ring was possessed. Evil was at hand.

I was revived from the trance with a start. There, I saw an elf standing across my bedside.

“ I’m hoping you had a peaceful sleep last night” smiled the elf.

“ uhh… more then just peaceful” I grumbled.

“ Ah, I see. May I introduce myself as Celemir. I will be you guide.”

“ Right,” I uttered, “ er… who is this Thranduil anyway?”

“ He is our king, you’ve spoken to him the night before. He has selected me to teach you our wisdom of the forests.” Explained Celemir.

With that settled, I had no further questions. So I should trust this king whom nearly had his subjects kill me and thrown me into solitaire for a week and now wants to redeem himself by “enriching me with wisdom”. Should this “friend” be a magnanimous and lead me in the right path? All I had to do now is play along with the game.

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5 years followed. My knowledge of this world had changed drastically, yet only half of my questions where answered. The entire time I was in a realm called the Middle Earth. Celemir taught me much. I accelerated in shooting a fly with an arrow from a mile away. My ability to grasp the sword-fighting tactics was rapid. I was enlightened with the tongue of the elves: Sindarin and Quenya. Both were branches of the same species, though different race of people. The Wood elves were part of the Eldar, or the High elves, yet they were called the Silvan Elves. Their culture was extremely sophisticated. Their speech even more refined; filled with expressions for every nature of the world around them. I was enhanced with wisdom of the Mirkwood forest. I experienced much more in the world then I would’ve known. Only my thirst for more information only elevated a step further.

I claimed alliances with many of the elves there. King Thranduil was most generous of me ever since the day he offered his assistance. I was dressed alike many of them; only distinctions were the fact that I had black hair and the absence of pointed ears. I also came into acquaintance with the king’s son, Legolas. I have to admit, that these people where very merry people. They had feasts, enjoyed music, and were delighted of stories from afar. Many times they’ve asked me of my life before and I’ve been more than happy to share it with them. Yet every time the subject starts, I’ve been always successful of puzzling them and received full blast of a storm of questions. In return, however, they told me of their history: epic wars against orcs and goblins, stories of the mortal men, and the legendary story of the Numenoreans. Nevertheless, I never laid eyes on this friend who saved my life from solitude in a cell. It was until the day that found Silurian that the real quest began.

Celemir took me patrolling the forest that night. It was my third time and the only time to use my skills of tracking, defense, and recognition of herbs. We traveled in parties of 6 or more. That was the night I claimed my victory over my first enemy I’ve ever encountered: the Giant Spiders. The Silvan Elves detested them for polluting their realm. I slew the few that attacked me. Their lives only lie upon the point of my arrow. Nonetheless Celemir told me that there was even more expected in the future, and that killing them would not annihilate all of them. Small raids of goblins later ambushed us. Grotesquely shaped creatures with slender arms were mortal enemies of the elven folk. We slew many of them, but more arrived, replacing the ones dead. I was sent back to the palace for help.

I dashed through trees, killing goblins in my way. It was getting dark and the sky was making its transition from yellow to orange. At one split second, I felt a sharp pain on my foot and before I knew it, I was on the ground. With anger and curiosity, I whirled my head around to stare at the source of my delay. Lying close to my foot was an egg, a size of large pumpkin. I scrambled to my knees for a closer look. Its shell was of an unnatural color. With curiosity, I lifted the odd egg to reveal a wooden flute beneath it. It was almost by instinct that I had to retain it. Without wasting another minute, I sprinted to the Halls of King Thranduil.