Keeper of Light

Forgotten.

Vanished.

Into the deep wilderness, I ran. The high crescent moon above bounced off Anya as she weaves her way through the denseness. The trampling of Silurian behind my heels shuttered the stillness of the forest. The humidity of the air created a sheer layer of fog as we bounded further west.

We’ve advanced past the palace for leagues now. We were now gaining on the elf-path across to the other side of Mirkwood. Already I felt the dark presence the elves have feared. My senses grew tense for my knowledge of this route remained vivid in my mind. Caution was key, and stamina to keep up with Anya must stay consistent.

“Exactly how much longer do we have to run like this?” a voice called behind me.

“ Until we find our old friend Radagast” I mumbled to Silurian.

“ Why can’t send us a horse quicken the pace up, huh?” whined Silurian, “ he can’t just make us run like this for the rest of the night. That would be real torture!”

“Silurian, you’re being lazy again.”

“ Hey, I lasted for more than 10 minutes already, ” he grumbled, “ yesterday’s time was only 5!”

Ignoring him, we continued to pursue Anya. She was gliding now, almost innocently in the night’s atmosphere. Even though I objected to Silurian’s view on exercise, beyond the path was a deadly obstacle I’ve known for years. However, Anya didn’t seem to halt. I needed only to call out to her. But it was too late…

The faint veils in the distance were not what she’d expected. Mistaken for the blinding fog, Anya flew through it and soon realized her wrong judgement may cost her life. Constantly struggling with her powerful wings, she gained no escape, despite her effort. Almost instantly, the fear I’ve encountered the first night I stepped into the Middle Earth was looming down toward the helpless hawk.

Without even thinking, I reached for my arrows and aimed at the foul creature. It was bigger than the ones I’ve met. The 4 pairs of morbid eyes were gleaming at its prey along with the same number of slim hairy legs. This particular one I remembered attacked me when I blinded him with my pathetic kendo stick. Its scar was barely visible under the dark slimy coat of a gruesome substance that I would never imagine. With a twang of Celemir’s bow, 2 of the 4 pairs of its evil eyes were gone. A bloodcurdling squeal of pain echoed across the forest and then soon it retreated. But not for long…

Despite 4 arrows embedded in its head, it charged recklessly at me. It barely missing my arm I drew out my sword and stabbed it in the abdomen.

“ Go get Anya!!” I yelled to Silurian.

Unsure if he heard me, I pushed forward with the sword hoping to kill the sinister arachnid. Fetid slime and dark gouts streamed down my arm and drenched my cape. The creature was trying to push me back, yet I held on, forcing on to the opposite direction. The blade made its way toward the sting. With all power I could gather, I took a deliberate turn, slicing the flesh across to the other side. I could hear the creature stumble back, making a final shriek then falling into the shadows.

I darted back to the road. With the help of the faded light of the moon, I spotted Silurian who was carrying Anya in his mouth. His yellow eyes that holding the bird in his mouth was difficult for him without eating the thing. The previous episode with the monster spider attracted a whole load of them. Hissing curses, they scrambled along the trees, trying to catch up with us. One sprang from the branches above, nearly seizing Silurian with its venomous fangs. With luck, I ran in time and chopped off the morbid incisors.

The more we progressed, the thicker the veils of sticky web got. To the point that I whipped my sword in order to make our way through the forest of spiders. Silurian managed to claw his way though, yet his small body was disabled by the increasing thickness. I had no choice but to grab him into my arms as I leaped across the spiders’ lair. Inches away from escape, a giant of a spider pounced from the behind. We barely making it, I spotted a chestnut horse galloping toward our plight.

“ About time!” Silurian grumbled. Before the last word came from his mouth, Anya had slipped into the jaws of danger.

The horse Radagast sent arrived in time for us to mount and flee west. With an instant swoop, I caught Anya by her tail feathers seconds before the eight-legged creep could trap her. I felt for Silurian’s tail, swinging him on to the saddle. With a yelp of pain, the horse acknowledged and soon sprinted across the road like wind sweeping through the narrow gaps of the trees. Clung tightly to the reins, I watched as the world around me blend into the dark color of night as we raced through the forbidden.

It seemed like ages when we left the spider territory. The road was never ending, yet the horse kept galloping the same speed as if weariness didn’t exist in his body. Cradling Anya beneath my robes, my ears had to hinder the monotonous whining of Silurian. All night it seemed the subject of his tail will go on forever.

“ What you’ve pulled back there was no ordinary body part.” yelled Silurian, “ That was MY tail! The most sensitive part of body and you gave no respect for that!”

“ So?”

“Look what you did to it! Now it has a great mole on it. It doesn’t even match the color of my skin!!” cried Silurian.

I gave him a blank look. “ If you so desire, your majesty,” I mocked, “ Maybe next time I’ll pick you by the neck. I’m sure that wouldn’t be as sensitive as your precious tail right? Besides, I might as well do that with my mouth and make random comments and complaints at the same time. What do you say if I accidentally let go of you huh? Wouldn’t it be nice to fall into the jaws of that spider we met a while ago?”

“ It was just an accident OK??” mumbled Silurian, “I’m not used to having live things in my mouth.”

“ Very well, I suppose we could spend the rest of the night without being attracted by goblins and orcs.” I sternly said.

With that note, Silurian’s mouth forced shut throughout the night. By an hour, he was leaning on upon my lap, snoring softly. Soon, exhaustion filled my entire body after the night’s clamor. The soft gallop of Radagast’s horse comforted my mind from the day’s roller coaster. Descending west contributed a lighter lift in the air. The foggy mists steadily disintegrate over the deep horizon. The faint destinations lie distant ahead of us as we drifted into a dream sequence…

What seemed like eternity finally concluded when we emerged from the diminishing trees and into the barren fields of the western border. The sweet aroma of lavender and honey lingered along with the soft zephyr brushing along the wild grass. Before us lie a log cabin along the pastures. Outlines of stables were distinguishable under the dim moonbeams. The windows emitted a welcoming light from the interior. The horse strolled along the dirt path until we reached the gates of the home when it halted as if waiting for a command.

I stared blankly beyond the entry. The reminiscent warmth of the light reminded of the lost memories. My weary body seemed too heavy to be lifted. Settled next to me, I felt Silurian breathing as he snoozed on the night. Changing my thoughts, I peered down at Anya, who too, was fast asleep. Her feathers were uneven from struggling and sticky with webs. I gently removed the foul debris from her wings and smoothed the ruffled parts of her body. It appeared to regenerate her as she slightly blinked her beady black eyes.

Soft footsteps from ahead our direction. The shining doorway focused my sight to the dark figure arriving. Shaded in familiar worn brown robes, he grinned and aided me I dismounted. The horse, that waited patiently the entire time, galloped away with the satisfaction of accomplishing his task. He guided me across the gates and down the dirt passage towards the unknown home.

The night that once felt brief in depths of sleep now felt like an endless journey. Constantly ushering the half-conscious Silurian to catch up, Radagast lead us across the threshold and into the massive wood hall. The source of light came from the crackling flames of the center fireplace. A wood long table lay directly across from us along with horses, sheep, and goats strolling in and out. At the head of the long table sat a giant man clothed in tanned animal hide. His bear-like arms hung down to the boulder fists that rested on the table. I felt Silurian coward behind my shadows, as Radagast presented me to the host.

“ May I introduce, Kaizu of the Mirkwood realm.” He announced as if speaking to a crowd, “ Kaizu, this is Beorn”

A sudden thump shook the floor as he stood towering over our party. For the first time in my life, I met a 10 feet person up close. What seemed like the thumping of loud drums, he marched up to me and observed my blood-drenched image. I looked up at his hairy face and softly smiled, hoping he would accept me. After staring for a while, he exchanged glances at Radagast.

“ So this is she who dwelled with the Wood elves, eh?” his voice boomed.

I nodded in return.

“ As you can tell, my good friend, Thranduil had mistakenly done good job of exposing business into the Wilderland.” Explained Radagast.

Breaking his glance from Radagast, he peered down at me. “ The king probably made you into his subjects didn’t he?” he inquired.

“ Technically, he did” I answered.

“Heh. The old blonde didn’t provide a great escort for you either.” He mumbled.

“ He was quite busy at the moment, really, “ I explained, “ I decided I needed not to disturb him in his annual festivities”

“ So I can tell from your worn outfit” he said as he let out a hearty laugh.

The cordiality brightened many smiles. The animals that hung around were now setting up the table with food and drinks. They moved extra 2 seats on either side of the table close to where the host sat.

“Come and sit” he welcomed, “ I shall expect a great story in return for your stay.”

Following Radagast, I settled upon the feast laid before me. Plates of honey biscuits, jars of jam and butter, and the pleasant fragrances could drive a starving person insane. Without the safety of my shadows, Silurian desperately stumbled around the center of the floor, too stricken to hide. Unfortunately, Beorn caught a glance at him before his dash beneath the table. He grabbed poor Silurian by his precious tail and hung him closer to view.

“ What is this unknown fella doing here?” he boomed as Silurian squealed in pain.

“ He is my friend, “ I exclaimed, hoping he’ll release the traumatized lizard, “ He has traveled with me great distances and wouldn’t harm a fly.”

“ He looks like an orc pet to me, or shall I say another minion of the dark lord?” he growled, this time clenching harder with his powerful fingers around the tail. Silurian’s terrified cry vibrated the peace. He continued desperately to struggle from the giant’s hand.

“ Beorn,” shouted Radagast who was now standing, “ Silurian belongs to Kaizu. He is no orc friend nor is he an enemy.”

With an echoing thump, he dropped Silurian who soon scrambled from the fire-lit floor and fled under my protection. I held him close, hoping to comfort him from his terror. Beorn returned to his seat and grumbled a few words and finally we all relaxed.

Easing Beorn into a great story took no longer than a single sentence of our journey. Mesmerized by the attack of the monstrous spiders provoked his hatred towards the evil lingering in the woods. His open opinion about them echoed against the wooden walls as he continued listing the many ways (some indecent in my opinion) to kill orcs. The night lasted till the peaks of dawn when Beorn parted to tend his beehives. I was left with Radagast and a full stomach. Silurian was yet again snoring from consuming dozens of biscuits. Anya curled herself into a feathery ball and soon was at rest. Watching my friends sleeping left me in total solace.

“ You know, you should get some rest.” said Radagast softly, “ You will need your strength for the journey ahead.”

I looked up at his kind face. It felt as if I’ve seen the worst of my situation and now everything was back to normal. I was now reluctant for any word of another journey to the unknown.

“ Beorn is very respectful of your presence, “ Radagast smiled, “ he left you a chamber for your stay.”

Thankful of Beorn’s kindness I wondered, “ He seems very generous for a man this size. “

“ Generous to you and friends, and vicious to enemies.” Corrected Radagast, “ I’ve known him for decades before the darkness arrived in Mirkwood. His home had once been in the mountains, for then he told me before it was raided by orcs and goblins.”

“ I can tell from his temper.” I said.

“ Beorn is very kind at heart, yet his short temper disables him from gaining too many friends nowadays. You are very lucky to have him accept you in this condition. You can also thank the stars for stay here too.” Explained Radagast.

“ Beorn has the knowledge of the Prophesy?” I asked.

“ Indeed. He reads the skies every night seeking for the answers. He is one of the few who know your presence is important.”

Radagast took me to a nearby stable. Though it once housed horses, Radagast explained that Beorn treats his beloved animals as much as if they were his children. This was the best he could offer on a night like this. The stable was a large chamber with a window to the stars. Set in the corner was a pile of hay topped with blankets. A chair lie in the corner for my convenience with the floor completely padded with soft grass and hay. Radagast left me to attend myself as he strolled silently down the path. I removed completely of all bloodstained clothing and laid my weapons and belongings against the chair. I wrapped myself in the blanket before me and peered into the first rays of morning. After some time, I heard the flapping of wings toward my window. To my surprise, Anya awkwardly flew into my room, despite the sticky mess upon her wings. She landed beside my bed and blinked her black eyes. I couldn’t help but smile as she comfortably settled into a nest of hay. It seemed like eternity when I was in a chamber far colder than this one, watching her growth. The memories were now so vibrant as I watched her snuggle her head under the safety of her wings. Weariness soon took advantage of me as I slipped into the world of dreams.

Sleep did not last for very long. I was aroused once again by a bloodcurdling shriek from the log cabin. Blinded from the previous night, I soon realized my mistake of leaving Silurian back in Beorn’s halls, alone. Within a rush, I was up upon my feet, dressed, and sprinted down the dirt path.

“ Not an orc are you?” laughed the booming voice, “ What do you call yourself, you fiery son of a snake!! You call yourself a dragon with this dinky head of yours??”

Silurian’s screams rebounded through the sunlit pastures. I could now clearly see the golden beauty of the outskirts of the dark Wilderland. Once in the interior I witnessed Beorn gripping poor Silurian by the soft belly and shaking him every so often. No longer in the state of his infamous temper, he was quite amused at the moment by seizing a closer look at Silurian.

“ He’s choking me Kaizu!! Make him stop.” Squealed Silurian.

Before I could bail Silurian out of his tragic dilemma, Beorn spotted my presence and immediately released him. Within a split second, Silurian bounded into my arms.

“Ah, Kaizu! We meet again.” Said Beorn who was abruptly and unbelievably positive, ”Rest has definitely fulfilled your energy, my good friend. Come. Let us have lunch.”

We were all served yet again with honey biscuits and cream soup. Despite my suspicion for Beorn’s queer curiosity for Silurian, Beorn redeemed himself with a petty excuse. The mood of world felt jolly again with the open fields and hills exposed to the light of the sun. Later that evening, Beorn gave us a tour of his property. His ubiquitous beehives left the skies buzzing with drones the size of beach balls. Horses, goats, sheep, and dogs roamed the area without the restriction of a cage. Many of them would stop by and glared with interest of the new visitors, but were hastily shooed by Beorn. Hidden under my shadows, Silurian reluctantly crept with caution feeling the alienation from the current surroundings. Our final destination took us on horses to the top of Carrock, Beorn’s favorite watching post and pride. Atop the massive rock, one could view the entire western border of Mirkwood that stretched for miles south and ended with a mountain range in the north. Intertwined along the hills, was Anduin, the longest river in Middle Earth that extended beyond the eye can see.

We returned to Beorn’s cabin when I noticed Radagast’s disappearance when Silurian began his daily dose of whining.

“ What’s the big idea of abandoning me yesterday in that maniac’s home???” Silurian growled.

“ All right, I apologize okay??” I retorted.

“Humph! You have a sense to take in your birdie when you were given a nice bed and all while I sleep on the cold floor!” continued Silurian, “ Not only did this wizard friend of yours led us into constant danger, he led us into the lair of a giant psycho!”

I shot a cold look at him. Having to put up with him yesterday was already a hassle, but wasting my life away with his complaints were not getting anywhere.

Beorn was kind enough to house our stay until Radagast return from his errand (according to Beorn he left south within minutes when I was at rest). He respected my presence the most and granted us the freedom of roaming throughout his premises down to the shores of Anduin. In return for his generosity, I filled hours and hours of supper of stories from Thranduil’s realm, and the latest news of the orc raids. I got him spellbound for at least 3 days before he started spilling his own stories. Beorn’s interest in Silurian’s species waned after a week of our visit. Though Silurian was still terrorized with constant mistrusts for the man, he eventually left my side for once. Yet from time to time, he would start complaining about a large hairy creature atop Carrock that bore razor sharp claws and bulky arms. He never dared getting any closer fearing the night when he witnessed this creature growling in into the starry heavens. I quickly assured him that whatever he saw was indeed Beorn for he was a skin-changer, yet Silurian never believed me. He overly accused the place of its dangers and often used the Beast atop Carrock as logical evidence. Annoyed as ever, I threatened to lock him in the log cabin with Beorn if he didn’t held his trap down.

However, my stay with Beorn turned out to replenish all of us physically and extended my knowledge of the Middle Earth even further. Beorn was a valuable tutor with animal languages. He gratefully passed this wisdom to me and soon enough I befriended many of his creatures. Along the shores of Anduin, Anya’s wings and my clothes were freed from the distasteful blood and webs from previous encounters. The days were light and the golden color of autumn was obvious among the fields as they were among the trees back in Mirkwood. My content reached its end upon Radagast’s arrival from the south.

What felt like a merry luncheon with Beorn turned out differently as in the sudden change of mood. Radagast arrived worn as ever and looking weary than before. He greeted me with the usual friendly smile, yet I sensed weakness upon his heart.

“ News from the South tells me of danger awakening from the depths of Mordor.” Explained Radagast, “I fear that your stay here may put you in peril, Kaizu.”

Beorn, who had grown quite fond of my company, immediately protested. “ We were having a jolly time right here by and the peace of land, you had to interrupt with ill news,” he grumbled, “ An’ I was just getting to know the reptile over there… what’s his name…”

“ Puh! In your dreams!” whispered Silurian enough for my understanding.

“ You mean Silurian?” corrected Radagast who was getting sidetracked at his own business, but soon returned to the point, “Ah yes, Kaizu must come with me eventually, Beorn. We must now take matters quite seriously now.”

Despite of sudden heaviness in the air, Beorn automatically took charge of packing my belongings and fueling for the journey ahead. With the wave of a command, the scatters of animals were rushing back and forth. The helter-skelter finally ceased when packs lay before us in a neat row. Escorting us though the gate, Beorn once again attempted to convince Radagast for another visit and miserably failed.

“Beorn. Have you been reading the heavens correctly nowadays? I’m pretty much sure we’ve found the right one. And I’m convince the enemy will be searching for her as well as….” His voice trailed off as Beorn’s strident voice interrupted.

“What a pity now. Are you not confident of my security of my very domain?” inquired Beorn.

The squabble continued until the point Radagast got so fed up for the time wasted that he agreed for one visit upon my consent. At last we said our last words to each other.

“May the stars guide you till the ends of the earth.” blessed Beorn. With the wave of his powerful arm, the horse appeared form the shadows of the afternoon. It was Elenril otherwise called by Beorn as Starlight and the very horse that’d saved us from the spider attack.

“ He is one of the oldest friends I have. I give him to you under his consent along with my good intentions. May he serve and provide you with the companionship that he’d given me once.” Said Beorn as we said our good byes.

“ And may your kindness and wisdom forever aid those in need” I said returning my own appreciation, “ Farewell, until we meet again.”

With the rush of air against my face, we dashed across the interminable horizon. With Anya flying above us, we rode on for miles beyond the hills of lifeless grass. The southern wind blew an essence of uncontrollable wilderness along with a strange sense of enmity radiating from the forests. Time slipped from all meaning as Elenril dashed alongside Radagast. The emptiness of the world brought thoughts from within until Radagast broke the silence.

“ What are your thoughts of Beorn may I ask?”

Without hesitation, Silurian blurted, “ Oh yes, he’s quite nice to all his animals, or should I say mammals? No respect for reptilians huh? You might as well yank them anywhere like a toy. Puh! You wish! He’s faking it all… besides if you stand too close to him, he kinda smells like a pile of…”

“AHEM!!!!” I cleared my voice ending his demented speech, ” I thought he was very generous and social. Perhaps his abhorrence for orcs was a bit on the wild and gruesome side. I would think that this will not be our last meeting.”

“ I am glad knowing that you are becoming fond of him, Kaizu,” chuckled Radagast, “ In the long run, he may provide you aid in my absence.”

I squinted at him, trying to absorb the words he said.

“ Let’s not get harsh matters into our hearts shall we? I find it very incredulous that you made it alive out of North Mirkwood. I presumed Anya would take you around that area. Yet I only realized I’ve made an error predicting the spider advancement within the woods when I was standing right on the border.”

The sudden mood change rapidly changed the course of our conversation. The afternoon golden hue slowly shifted into the velvet shadows of night. Hidden along the borders of Mirkwood, ancient trees stood for centuries since the birth of time. Twisted maze of roots beneath every creak and corner of the floor distorted the trails. The road led us uphill across the entanglement of branches and ferns. The sky was at its peak of nightfall and Anya perched herself upon Radagast’s right shoulder.

“ Welcome to Rhosgobel.” Proclaimed Radagast with pride.

Concealed by a layer of ivy streaming down a colossal stump of a deteriorating tree, an outline of a small cottage came into view. We dismounted our worn companions and followed Radagast to the entrance.

“Oh I see. First we stay with a smelly maniac and now we sleep in a rotting tree!?” contorted Silurian.

“ Will you shut your mouth before a raid of orcs find you complaining about bed sheets the next time we stay somewhere”

“ I’m not complaining about bed sheets.”

“ Silurian??!!”

“ Oh, sorry, I’ll shut up now”

After finishing with Silurian’s daily quarrel, I found Radagast crouched beneath the shrubs whispering incantations of some sort. With one hand tenderly laid against the ivy-covered entry, he held his staff against the stump. The next few seconds came in a rush of light and magic beyond recognition. The end of his oak staff glowed with the shimmer of molten and the vines of ivy gradually wilted into the darkness. Beneath revealed a stone slab that opened without manual work. The entrance lie unlocked for what seemed like centuries.

Creeping into the mystifying habitation, Radagast beacon us forward into its deepest bowels. The glow of his staff illuminated the different world beneath. The damp fragrance of moist earth clogged the air. As we advanced further, broad roots intertwined among the soil and soon snaked its way into passages to the deep where shadows swell.

“ So this is Rhosgobel?” grumbled Silurian as he looked disgustedly at his mud covered legs.

“ It very well is, my dear friend, “ smiled Radagast as he moved aside.

The complete view of the capacious room was entirely converse of the previous atmosphere. The chamber walls were constructed entirely of bulk tree roots. Amongst the whittled-in niches lie myriad glass bottles, containers. Streaming down the ceiling hung rows of dried plants, spices and sorts of multicolor glass shards. Within minutes, blue flames arose from hidden vases. The illumination revealed the true chamber of the wizard. In the center, lay a colossal table of parchment havoc. A small opening released the musty air into the skies.

“ Come my friends. Make yourselves at home!” said Radagast as he cleared the table.

We sat down as he stumbled across the piles of parchment and began brewing tea in the corner.

“ Are we still situated in Mirkwood?”

“ Right on the border.” Smiled Radagast as he poured me a cup, “We’re only a few yards away from the Forest Road.”

“Forest Road? I’ve never heard of such.” I said.

“ I wouldn’t be too surprised now. Let’s just say it’s another shortcut across the dense forests of Mirkwood. An older route that will take us east.”

I spotted Anya perched upon a solitary tree root attempting to groom herself. The small remains of sticky web were still stuck within her feathers for days, even after bathing. We watched her for a slight moment until Radagast broke the eerie silence.

“ When I realized the importance of the Prophesy, I believed that it was almost impenetrable and more or less a great being of some sort. It was only until the voice of gossip and rumors that of the remaining existence of an instrument of the Ainur, when myth truly transformed into reality. Only those with keenest eyesight can spot such mystical instrument of legends. It was hidden within the heart of Mirkwood by the end of the First Age… the end of the War of the Jewels…”

His voice drifted off like a distant dream into the depths of his soul. The growing menace at the peak of night seeped through the layers of thick earth. Rumbling from above, the shrieks of terror and tumult broke the peace of the occasion. The hostile awakening brought our conclusive memories behind and the break of alarm amongst us.

“ Orcs, they’re headed this direction” mumbled Radagast under his breath and exchanged glances at me, “ We may have to take a risk when dawn peeks through the woods.”

“ What do you mean a RISK?” growled Silurian, who was still traumatized by the angry clamor from above.

“ If the orcs don’t clear by tonight, we may have to wait another day.”

“ By any chance, can we NOT do that” Silurian said with deep contempt while staring at shriveled pieces of herbs and mysterious looking beings hidden within the glass jars.

“ So be it then, “ I complied, “ you can stay in this mucky underground wallow (no offense to Radagast), and I’ll leave with Radagast the following morning and find a better place to sleep!”

The growing tension above brought about a rumbling wave of chaos. Voices of acrimonious altercations echoed within the vast tunnels of Rosgobel. Finally, the midnight rally ceased. Peace, at last, seeped into the deep. The constant echoes of the previous raid diminished into uttermost silence.

“ OK! I’ll stay, BUT only for one night alright?”

I turned to Radagast who gave me a tacit smiled of approval.



“The time has come my friend” said Radagast.

A pair of horses drew along the banks of the winding Celduin (River Running). Our previous journey has lead us to the edge of Mirkwood; a long interminable road that took us into deep marshes and hidden malevolence lurking within the shadows. I felt the relief of the long missed zephyr as it assuaged our hopeful hearts.

“ I do not know how long I can last with you Kaizu, but this journey was meant for you, not me” said Radagast airily, “ I have taken you as far as my knowledge can extend in this world, now I leave your destiny in your hands.”

I watched him as he gazed thoughtlessly the effulgence of the horizon. A strange feeling overcame me as of joy and sadness. Saying farewell to a long friendship the second time was nearly inevitable. A soft touch on my hand; I looked up to see the warm amiable smile.

“ Do not fear. It may seem a great challenge to undergo such quest. Do not let reluctance weaken your soul. Remember to take east until you reach the Wildwoods, there you will meet an old fellow wizard of mine. It is a long journey, but it will test the measure of your perseverance. Follow your heart, and may fate and luck bring forth our next meeting.”

With that said, he pulled around his horse and raced back to the dark woods. I was on my own now with my life and fate in my hands.