Chapter 8: The Quest

  Under the gentle guidance of Reiki, the siblings pushed deeper into the enchanted forest. A realm where time flowed like a gentle stream, unencumbered by the bustle of the outside realm. Each step they took was accompanied by the soft whisper of the ancient trees, their twisted trunks and expansive crowns standing like a sentinel. The light filtered through the leaves above, casting a magical glow around them, illuminating their path like the stars guiding the lost travellers.

  The air hummed in harmony with the rhythm of the forest, a melody of rustling leaves intertwined with the distant calls of birds soaring high above. Their songs reverberating like a forgotten tales carried on by the breeze. The fragrant scent of blooming wildflowers filled the air, a sweet medicine that revitalized their spirits and occupied their hearts, calming them.

  After what felt like a lifetime, they finally reached a serene glade bathed in shimmering sunlight. Here, the world seemed to pause, holding its breath in reverence of the beauty unfolding before them. The glade now feels more like a sanctuary. The Oaks that once whittering, now proudly surrounding it. Towering and arched protectively, their leaves forming a verdant canopy. Sunbeams danced and played upon the soft carpet of moss and wild grass beneath their feet, creating patches of warm golden light that beckoned them to take a break and enjoying it.

  In this tranquil haven, the siblings felt their burdens removed, replaced by a profound sense of peace and connection to the nature's heartbeat. The gentle rustling of the grass and the shimmering of the sunlight spark their thoughts, inspiring visions of adventures yet to come. They stood in awe, for they had not just arrived at a destination. They had stumbled upon a cherished treasure buried deep within the heart of the Aldergrove forest, a reminder that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination.

  There stood in the center, Lysandra the Overseer, the Fairy of the Forest, as mythical as always. Her delicate wings glittering like shards of crystal. Though once bound by darkness, she’s now overflowing with warmth energy. The very same energy that enveloped the siblings in a comforting embrace, her once frail figure now looks very majestic.

  “Thank you, brave ones,” Lysandra said, her voice melodious, painting the air with vibes of gratitude. “You have freed me from the chains of darkness, and I am forever in your debt.”

  Randolph and Elara exchanged glances, feeling the weight in Lysandra’s words. Elara stepped forward and talking respectfully to the fairy, “Thank you, O’ Forest Guardian, your words is too much for us.”

  On the other hand, Randoph, as indifferent as he was, now only standing still without being able to muster any single word.

  Seeing that, Lysandra giggling and shakes her head, “No need to be humbled O’ brave saviours. For I am the one indebted to you.” she said to Elara and Randolph, her smile is so radiant that makes Elara skip a beat.

  “I believe you have so many questions you wanted to ask, but first, allow me to ease your weary.” and soon after she finished speaking, the wind blows, taking away their fatigue and exhaustion like it’s never existing. Randolph and Elara now feeling refreshed like they just woke up from a deep slumber.

  “Now, brave children, allow me to hear your queries.” Lysandra said, smiling radiantly.

  “Umm… then, can you tell me about this?” Randolph enquires while showing his sword. “It was given by Reiki, the big wolf over there. It was just a normal sword before, rusty even. But it’s getting sharper after every battle, that can’t be normal, right? And now, it’s become like this!” with exasperation showed on his face.

  “Hmm, are you not satisfied?” Lysandra responded.

  “No. It’s a magnificent piece. But… it’s kind of freak me out. This sword is not eating out my life force or something, right?” Randolph clarifies to avoid misunderstandings.

  “Chill my child, for that is not going to happen. That sword you hold and the staff of Elara’s was made by Reiki himself.” Lysandra explained, looking at the big wolf. “Those were bound to your souls by the light. They’re transformed because of absorbing most of the energy bursting out from the core when you both subjugate it. Shielding you from the burden of a sudden raise of power, thus circumventing any unnecessary harm.”

  Hearing that, Reiki bashfully looking away. Denying that he’s been helping the sibling’s all along.

  “Wow, Reiki, I don’t know you are a seasoned blacksmith. You’ll getting along just fine with Pops.” Randolph chime in.

  “Foolish!”, Reiki roared, hiding his shyness. “I am a magical being! I can easily create something as measly as weapons from my fur with magic! I am no mere blacksmiths!”

  “I see… I see… you are better than pops. No need to be mad.” Said Randolph while grinning. Furiously increasing Reiki’s bashfulness.

  “Humph!” Reiki harrumphed. Bashfully.

  “Oh my! I don’t know you both are so close. How wonderful!”, Lysandra chimed in, worsens the situation.

  “Nonsense!”, said Reiki while running away.

  “Umm… maybe we should stop teasing him. Look, he’s trying to hide his big face under a tree root.” Elara chimed in, saving the day for Reiki.

  “Aww… Elara, you are no fun!” Randolph teasing her, still grinning.

  “Shut it Randolph, don’t forget that he can just chew you to death.” Elara said calmly.

  “Well, I don’t want that…” Randolph said while chuckling.

  “Let’s, leave it at that.” Lysandra chimed in, ending the lollygagging. “Now, my child. Have you not a question you want to ask me?” she said to Elara.

  That sudden query makes Elara staggered, stuttering for response.

  “Ah… Uhm, yes actually I do. We’ve been given a quest by Darkas, an undead dragon, one of the dungeon guardians. He said we must find the remnants of an ancient kingdom. He also said that in there, we’ll be find a key to our predicament. The key to restoring balance.” Elara told the story. “Honestly, I don’t know what to do, or what we can do about it. We do accept it, but we cannot refuse anyway. This is affecting not only this forest or our village, but also this continent, maybe even the world. I seek your guidance, Lysandra! What should we do?”, said Elara, anxiously.

  Lysandra tilted her head, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of centuries. “Then you must listen closely, for your journey is entwined with the fate of this realm. The dungeons that plague our land are not mere prisons. They are powerful filtration devices, purifying the corrupted magic of our world, what you call miasma.”

  Randolph’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the information. “So, the dungeons are meant to protect us? But what caused the corruption?”

  “Yes, exactly,” Lysandra continued, her voice strengthening. “But sometimes, something disturbs this balance, releasing waves of chaos throughout the land. The Dungeon Core you destroy was a manifestation of that disturbance. It was tainted by darkness, threatening to spill its corruption. None has ever found the cause of disturbance. We can only hope it’s never happened, and doing our best to overcome it when it does come.”

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  Elara’s heart raced as she realized the implications of what they hear. “And the ancient kingdom? What can you tell us about it?”

  “The old legends whispers of a unique dungeon, a door that leads to an ancient kingdom in a different dimension.” Lysandra revealed, a sparkle in her gaze. “This dungeon is said to be the vessel that holds the key. But it is not so simple, for dungeons are scattered across the continent. I do not know which one is the gate, but I have faith that destiny will guide you.”

  Randolph sighed, his heart heavy with the enormity of the task ahead. “So, we need to hunt for dungeons, one by one, until we discover the right one?”

  “Yes,” Lysandra affirmed, her voice soothing the chaos brewing in his mind. “Go forth and let your journey be led by the whispers of the spirit. Trust in each other and the power you carry. Your quest will reveal itself as you travel.”

  Elara pressed her lips together thoughtfully. “Is there anything else we can do? Any other way to make this easier?”

  The fairy’s expression softened, light flickering in her eyes. “The power of union, understanding, and friendship will guide your path. Find trusty companions, the ones that you can share this burden. By sharing it, you can make this journey less cumbersome.”, Lysandra said, suggesting to the siblings. “Each dungeon you conquer will not only bring you closer to your destination, but will also strengthen the both of you. Remember, the journey is as vital as the destination.”

  “Well, easier said than done.” Randoph chimed.

  “Believe in yourself, trust your companion. For when all else fail, they’ll be the one opening the path for you.”

  “Urgh… so cryptic.” Randolph, not understanding the meaning, said dejectedly. “At least give me a clue that I can understand, please.”

  “Shush… Randolph!” Elara said, scolding her untactful big brother, “Please forgive my dumb brother, Lysandra. I believe he means no offense.”, then apologizing in his stead.

  “Fufufu… none taken,” Lysandra said while smiling, amused. “In fact, I like that side of him.”

  “What the… hey Elara?!” said Randolph complaining.

  “Brother, look around you!”, Elara added. “Do you think we can go this far without everyone’s help?”

  “I know that! But I still don’t get it! Don’t tell me you really understand that cryptic speech?” Randolph questioning his sister impatiently. “Well, forgive me because I’m not as smart as you, okay!”, he added while sulking.

  “Oh, brother.” Elara said, annoyed. “What she said is basically what we’ve been blessed till now. Not only our friend like Reiki and Lysandra here, even our foes like Darkas and Margot also help us, one way or another.”

  “Urgh… him again… but it’s true tough.” Randolph said, grumbling to himself for hearing a name he try to forget, and because he just realizes it now after his sister’s point it out. “But it might not be the same from now on, you know. We don’t know what’s lies ahead.”

  “Come on, brother! It’s not like you to be blooming with negativity!”, Elara said, inspiring her brother.

  “ *sigh* You’re right. I’m sorry.” Randolph replied, apologizing for his obliviousness.

  “That’s my brother! I know you are someone I can count on!” Elara, beaming a smile, said to Randolph.

  “Oh, shut it!” Randolph said bashfully.

  “He’s just like Reiki in that regards, isn’t he?” Lysandra chimed in, amused.” Making Randolph face so red like boiled shrimp.

  “Enough Lollygagging, lets get back on track.” Lysandra said, cautioning them. “Your journey surely be riddled with adversities, but fear not, for we’ll be watching you.”

  “Uhm… Darkas also said the same thing.” Elara said.

  “Did he? Sheesh, that rascal sure is stealing the spot from me.” Lysandra said, giggling.

  “You know each other?” Randolph asked, perplexed.

  “He’s been intruding my realm for so long, child. We can’t meet, but we acknowledged each other present. In that case, I can say that we’re an old acquaintance.” Lysandra explained.

  “I see, that’s explains why Reiki also knows him.” Randolph’s muttering to himself.

  “What about Margot?” Elara asked.

  “Ah, that trickster.”, Lysandra mused nostalgically. “He’s been here a few times in the past. In fact, he’s the one who warns me about the darkness threat.”, she said sadly. “But too bad that he is an agent of darkness. An immortal, forever bound to the dungeon. He can only do so much”

  “Wait a sec, if he’s bound to the dungeon, how can he get here?” Elara asked, realizing the obscurity.

  “He needs to escape the dungeon to get here, right? Or maybe there’s another way?” Randolph added.

  “Excellent insight, my children! Like I said, he’s a trickster, have a lot of cards up his sleeves. He was truly, physically, here in my sanctuary.” Lysandra answered, “I remember his shadows moaning in agony every time he come here, it’s a heavy burden for an agent of darkness like him to be in this sanctuary, but he takes it all with ease. I can’t believe a human was able to do that. Well… an ex-human to be precise.” Lysandra added amusedly.

  Randolph and Elara, stunned, standing still without a word, for not knowing what to say about it. This sanctuary is like a pool of deadly poison to any agent of darkness, including undead. But here they are, hearing the news, from a fabled being. The weight of her words can’t be interpreted as some false rumours.

  “Well… well…, we’ve been sidetracked again, do we?” Lysandra chuckling, amused by the sequence of events.

  “So, before I continue, do you have anything else in mind?” Lysandra asked the siblings.

  “Nah, guess not! What about you Elara?” Randolph said.

  “Uhm… no, it’s fine now.” Elara added.

  “Okay now… ahem… about how you both will do this quest? Just take it easy! Let your steps guided by the flow of time! You don’t need to think too much, just do what you think is right.” Lysandra roar, directing the siblings enthusiastically. “Just live your life, fate will show you the sign when the time is come!”

  “The hell!!!” Randolph yelling almost reflexively. Elara, dumbfounded, don’t know how to respond.

  “Your quest is finding the dungeon, the key! It is obvious! But, how will you do that? I don’t know! It’s not for me to decide! Trust in yourself! Trust in your wits! You’ll find the way!!!” *huff puff* Lysandra said it all in one breath, making her out of breath.

  Randolph and Elara, stunned, overwhelmed, by the crumbling of the majestic image they have for this mythical being in front of them, can’t utter a single word. They’re standing still in place, unmoved, like a statue, petrified by an unanticipated side of this mythical being in front of them.

  “What? I just want to lighten the mood. Do you think I can’t be silly? I do this from time to time you know?” Lysandra said, amused by their reaction. “Just go home for now. Go to your family and spent your time with them. You said you need to cure your father, right? Then do that! You’ll need no more herbs. See?” she said, reminding the siblings for the reason to their journey this time.

  “Ah!” the siblings screaming in unison, forgetting the most urgent matter they have at present.

  “Don’t worry my children, you’ll know when the time comes. For now, go home and meet your family.” Lysandra said, smiling brightly.

  Then, with a reformed for their purpose, the siblings nodded in unison, understanding the substance of their task. “Thank you, Lysandra,” Randolph said, feeling a surge of responsibility. “We won’t fail. We’ll find that kingdom and restore balance once and for all.”

  As they prepared to leave, Lysandra presented them with a small, radiant orb filled with swirling colors. “Take this, a Beacon of Hope. It will guide you when you feel lost, and then illuminate your path even in the darkest dungeons. It’ll show you the way out, or the way forward, depending on your wishes.”

  Elara accepted the orb, cradling it gently in her hands as warmth radiated from its surface. “We will cherish this.”

  With a wave of her hand, Lysandra illuminated their departure. “May the winds guide your wings, and may the light of the ancient’s shine upon you. You are not alone in this. I shall watch over you as you journey forth.”

  After exchanging farewells, the siblings turned to Reiki, their hearts ready for the journey ahead. “Which way should we go, Reiki?” Elara asked, eager to embark on their quest.

  “You’re done yet? You took your time.” Reiki said, grumbling. “Just follow me!”

  The siblings look at each other, amused by their companion’s behaviour. It’s clear on his face that he is happy, but his words reflect the other way.

  After walking for some time, Reiki opens a conversation awkwardly, “There are many dungeons dotted across the continent, each with its own secrets,” Reiki replied, his voice steady. “The nearest is the Cave of Whispers nestled beyond the Bowl Lake. It is a realm that holds both dangers and treasures, and maybe even clues of the kingdom you seek.”

  Randolph and Elara positioned themselves beside Reiki, feeling elated by their newly found resolution. The feeling of responsibility settled firmly upon their shoulders. The path ahead won’t be easy, but they are different now. They’re feeling like ready to take any challenges. Their knowledge, magic, and resolve, making them feeling omnipotent like never before.

  With every step they took, the world outside the dungeon grew both brighter and more perilous, threading their souls into the tapestry of fate, awaiting to unfold. Together, they would traverse the lands, hunting for dungeons, seeking the ancient doorway, and weaving their fates into a story destined to change the fate of their world forever.

  Patreon. That will really help a lot to make anything I post here free on RR. Just punch the donation button and pick a chapter. Thanks ^^