“Bah! Who needs magic?” Enrik scowls while we walk. “All I need is iron and coal! Power of the forge!”
The youngster still hasn’t gotten over his scare back at Ayla’s cottage. He walks alongside Ivan while Crag and Ivy scan the forest for danger.
Clara and I trail behind.
“You know, he’s got a point,” Clara whispers.
“Hm? Not a fan of magic? I thought you were something of a healer.”
“Well, I am…” She glances away, her usually confident aura growing soft. “Or, I was supposed to be, anyway.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mother and Father had big plans for me. They both taught at the academy in the city—professors of healing and magical theory. Most parents read bedtime stories to their children…but not mine. I’d fall asleep while Father read the history of Toronian potioncraft.”
“Sounds riveting.” I grin.
“Absolutely.” She smiles. “But it didn’t stop there. They wanted a daughter who’d be a scholar…and then a daughter who’d be a professor. Do you have any idea what that’s like? Someone picking your path in life? They had it planned before I was even born—before I even existed!”
“Pushing their dreams onto you…”
“Exactly. I’d sit inside, poring over tomes, but the outdoors always called. Herbalism was the only class I enjoyed. Working with my hands…feeling the wind and the soil…it reminds you you’re alive. Shows how everything is connected. Sun feeds the plants, plants feed the animals…”
“A cycle.”
“But Mother and Father didn’t agree. I told them the classroom wasn’t for me. We’d shout and argue. As soon as I came of age, I was gone. Left at night while they slept.”
“Their loss is our gain, right?”
“I suppose so.” She smacks my back. “You can’t get rid of me now! I want the simple life!”
“Up there! I see it!” Enrik calls out.
We peer up the hilly forest path. He’s right—perched at the crest, a vibrant red spire stretches high. Its long, feathery fronds are coated in needles. Heavy pinecones dangle from the tips. Sunlight rains around the ancient tree, causing its crimson hue to glow.
The most beautiful tree in the valley…
“Well, I’ll be…” Ivan grows quiet while we approach. “Touched by the goddess herself.”
We move in, standing in the tree’s colossal shadow. Perhaps it’s only the wind, but the spiky fronds seem to sway with unusual force.
“What does a keystone look like?” I cock my head.
“You’ll know it when you see it.” He turns to his companions. “Ready?”
“Yeeeee!”
“Roooorg!”
They launch into action. Ivy circles the tree, moving high while peering between branches. Crag crawls underneath, sniffing and pawing at the dirt.
The rest of us investigate, shaking branches and knocking pinecones free. The tree is stiff, almost like it’s resisting our touch.
“What?” My nose crinkles. I pull on a branch. I swear it pulls back on its own.
“Rooorg! Rooorg!” Crag’s deep voice radiates from within the tree.
Branches shudder while he races out, eyes wide with panic. None of us have a chance to react. The entire tree shivers. Its needles flare like a porcupine. Its branches swing and slash, sending us tumbling back.
“Waaaah!” I stumble.
“Easy now.” Clara tries to calm the arboreal beast.
“Now that’s a new one.” Ivan scratches his head. “Hey, tree! Got a keystone for us?”
“Yeah! Hand it over!” Enrik grabs his hammer.
“Shh! Both of you.” Clara scowls. “Didn’t your ma ever teach ya manners? Be gentle.”
She turns to the tree, tiptoeing in close.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” She gives a small curtsy. “We’re looking for something lost. Maybe you’ve seen it?”
Clara beckons Ivan. He gets the message, pulling the tapestry from his bag and holding it aloft.
The giant red tree bends over, peering with what I assume are its tree eyes—a double set of pinecones near the top. A frond reaches up, scratching its “head”.
It nods.
“Wait. Really?!” My pulse picks up.
“That’s great news, ma’am. Perhaps we could make a trade? Willem here is a farmer, you see. He could give you a cool drink from his watering can. He could carry your precious cones through the forest, finding nice homes for your children.”
The tree pauses, considering the offer.
“Erm, yeah!” I speak up. “Take a look!”
Pulling the watering can from my bag, I hold it high like a knight and his sword.
The tree shivers with excitement.
It nods.
Crawling on my hands and knees, I press under its lowest branches. Dead needles poke my palms while I carefully angle the watering can, pouring near its trunk.
The ground vibrates. The tree seems to purr.
While I water, Clara gathers an armful of pinecones. By the time I’m back out, the tree has relaxed. Its branches droop with lazy comfort. I wouldn’t mind lying in its shade and taking a nap.
“Do you see?” Clara shows off her haul. “We’ll plant them on the way back to the valley floor.”
The tree rustles. Its branches churn and wiggle, the entire plant undulating like a column of fire. Something rises from its depths, carried aloft by pine needles. It’s an orb—a pinecone.
Wait. No.
It’s a rock.
“What have we here?” Ivan moves in, taking the oddly shaped stone and holding it high.
Bathed in sunlight, faint runes are carved into its ridges and nodules. It’s a sculpture. It’s a work of art.
“No doubt about it. It’s the keystone.” The gaia lens pulses around Ivan’s neck while a smile creeps onto his face. “A gift from the forest.”
“One down, two to go.” Clara bends low, giving Crag celebratory head pats.
“Rooorg! Rooorg!”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Clara extends a hand, giving the tree a bizarre sort of handshake. “Willem—better get planting!”
“Guess so.” I take her collection of cones while she bids goodbye to the forest guardian.
“See? You gotta understand what the plants need. Very important.”
“Uh, yeah…I guess.”
“You know what this means, right?” Ivan shields his eyes, looking up at the morning sky. “Next stop—Varian Farm!”
He plows into the forest, Enrik and the creatures racing at his side.
But Clara and I exchange glances. He has no clue what he’s getting into.
Our treasure hunting party descends the mountain, winding around boulders, leaping over logs, and ducking beneath trees. I carefully scatter pinecones while we trek, fulfilling our promise. It’s a far easier journey on the way down—gravity is on our side.
“No sign of the fae,” Enrik says while we move. “A shame. I want to give this hammer a good swing. Swoosh! Swoosh!”
He makes sound effects while swinging his arms. Clara scowls.
“Keep quiet, boy! And watch where ya swing that thing! Have you ever even been in battle before?!”
“Erm, well…”
“That’s what I thought.”
Enrik grumbles, the journey continuing in peace. As afternoon arrives, we finally emerge from the woods. We exit into the valley, walking along a clear blue river. A trio of purple frogs hops in the shallows, their chubby mouths opening to croak and blow large, prismatic bubbles.
The sleek orbs flutter in the wind, dancing to the river’s rhythm. They blow and swirl over a rolling green field. The grass ripples, broken only by large stones jutting like islands in the ocean.
“Oh my.” A woman’s voice catches our attention.
Seated atop a brilliant white stallion, she lingers near the water’s edge. Flowing white robes adorn her body, dangling low and accentuated by silver rings and a circlet. Her skin is smooth like polished opal. Her black hair is sleek like obsidian. Elegant…but cautious. Her horse backs away while her eyes widen with fear.
“Randolf! Randolf!” Her high-pitched voice slices the calm air.
“Here we go,” Clara rolls her eyes.
Hooves pound. A dark black steed rises over a hill crest, racing to the river. A man in black bounces atop the saddle. Tall, slender, swathed in a tailored suit…everyone in town knows him.
Lord Varian XV, scion of the Varian fortune.
“What is it, Livia? I was instructing the servants. You know I’m busy with Seedtide planting.” He gallops to a halt, a frown nestled behind his black goatee.
“We…we have guests.” Lady Varian points a quivering finger at us.
The lord’s eyes widen. His scowl deepens.
“Who goes there?!” He gallops forward. “State your names!”
“M-m’lord, it’s me, Willem!”
“And Clara.”
“An’ Enrik!”
“Ivan. Ivan Duskflame.
“Yeeeee!”
“Roooorg!”
“Trespassers on my property?! Empty your pockets! Do it now! Thieves stealing my crops. Stealing seeds!”
“Please, Randolf. Remember your heart.” Lady Varian trots in close, placing a slender hand on his shoulder.
He swats her away, a heavy purple ring glittering on his finger.
“I ought to have you arrested. What would Mayor Gaius think of this?” Varian takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “No…I need to remain calm. It’s just some villagers exploring…except for you.”
He hesitates, looking down his nose at Ivan. They lock eyes while time seems to freeze. A faint light flickers in Ivan’s necklace while a crafty grin spreads across his face.
“I’m but a simple tourist, m’lord.” Ivan gives a deep bow. “Forgive my intrusion. I didn’t recognize the land.”
“Yes, yes…I’ve heard of you.” Varian strokes his chin. “The Galantan nag.”
Ivan ignores the insult.
“We were searching for a monument—a rock formation in the shape of a bear. I hear it’s quite the sight.”
“It’s here, but I’d never let a northerner wander my property unsupervised. Get out. All of you. Out!”
“Dear, this is an opportunity.” Lady Varian speaks in a gentle voice. “Allow me to give them a tour. Good deeds create a good reputation, remember? Your father is gone now. You’re responsible for the Varian name.”
“Hmpf.” He goes quiet, watching while Crag bends low, taking a delicious bite of dirt. “What foul monstrosities.”
He turns, galloping away without another word.
“Please forgive him.” Lady Varian gives a weak smile. “He’s under a lot of pressure.”
“But of course, m’lady.” Ivan nods.
“Livia. Call me Livia.”
“As you wish.” He reaches out, allowing Ivy to land on his arm. The creature blinks up at the maiden.
“My, what fascinating pets you keep! I had a pet sand slime when I was a young girl…a rare variety from down south. Her name was…”
“Sandy?” Ivan cuts in.
“How did you know?!”
“Just a hunch.”
Ivan launches into an explanation of his travels while Livia guides us over rolling green hills. Clara breathes a sigh of relief, eager to be rid of the grumpy lord. I share the sentiment. He’s got a bad reputation around town—keeps servants locked on his estate and never lets them leave. He’s descended from a proud and powerful family with close ties to regional nobles. He’s a bad enemy to have.
“I see. So, he can sense minerals in the earth?” Livia flashes a curious glance at Crag while we walk.
She’s a kind woman. Sometimes it’s hard to believe she ended up with someone like the lord. It’s for the best though. She tempers his worst impulses.
“Indeed. And call it a hunch, but I suspect there’s something special about the bear’s rock. I want ol’ Crag to work his magic.” Ivan hesitates. “With your permission, of course.”
He explains the tapestry and our quest. Livia listens with quiet curiosity.
“His Lordship won’t be happy about an artifact leaving the property.” She finally speaks. “But if proper credit were given…he’s always in search of glory. I’m sure I could explain the situation.”
“Now that’s more like it!” Enrik cuts in. “Oh boy, our party’s growin’ bigger! Can ya see it?!”
He throws his arms wide.
He’s right. With Livia and her steed, this feels like a proper adventuring company, not a collection of ragtag villagers.
“Up there!” Livia points a bejeweled finger.
Sitting atop a grassy ridge, a bizarre, misshapen gray stone stares down at us. From this distance, the shape is striking. Like a bear eating stolen honey, it sits on its rear, holding a jar in its lap. One paw dips inside while the other is raised high, almost waving as we approach.
“Well, that’s something else.” I cock my head, struggling to comprehend the sight.
“They say it was part of the first garden.” Livia’s voice grows low and quiet. “The goddess created the bears. Thick fur, strong arms, round ears, and endless courage…they were her finest creations. Such majesty deserved commemoration…and so, she fashioned Bear’s Rock to stand as a monument to divine artistry.”
“Seriously?” I raise an eyebrow.
“It’s a silly story, isn’t it?” Livia giggles. “I suppose we’ll never know the truth.”
We arrive at the ridge, stopping in the stone’s enormous shadow. Our team simply stands, at a loss for where to begin. Even Crag is stumped—no scent here.
“Hmm…” Ivan squints, pulling the goggles down from his forehead.
Pressing a button on the side, gears whirl and energy crystals glow. His eyes magnify while he extracts a tiny paintbrush with long bristles. His boisterous warrior aura is gone, replaced with something far more studious.
“If you’ll excuse me, m’lady.” He nods to Livia.
With the care of a sculptor chiseling marble, he leans near the stone, using the brush to wipe away dirt and debris. Clara and I exchange confused glances before circling the rock, looking for anything abnormal.
Enrik climbs, scampering up onto the creature’s head.
“Careful, boy! Healing magic has its limits,” Clara shouts. “You think you’re invincible?”
“Yes! Yes!” Ivan shouts.
“Don’t encourage him.” Clara scowls.
“No, not that. Come look! Come close!”
Her eyes widen while she moves in. Enrik scurries down while I peer over Clara’s shoulder.
“Do you see it?” Ivan dusts along a crack between the bear’s shoulder and its raised arm. “Right there—a groove. That’s not natural.”
“You betcha!” Enrik snatches the bear’s paw. “A lever! A machine!”
He pushes while Ivan nods, but the arm doesn’t budge. Enrik’s forearms flex while sweat beads on his forehead. No matter how much pressure he adds, it doesn't move.
“We aren’t orcs.” Clara lets out a sigh. “Work smarter, not harder. Step aside.”
We back away while she extends a hand and closes her eyes. White light builds on her fingertips, growing and growing into a shimmering sphere. Ivy squints at the brightness.
I feel a bit useless, staring while she moves in and touches the energy to the stone. It seems to melt into the groove, steaming and cleaning away dried mud. It only lasts a moment before she backs away and nods at Enrik.
He approaches.
Round two.
This time, he has more success. It creaks, groans, and then…
*POP!*
The arm flies forward, sending Enrik tumbling. The ground vibrates while the bear’s jaw pops open, exposing a mouth filled with pointy stones.
And something else.
Atop its tongue, a sphere with carved beady eyes and protruding ears stares back at us. A keystone shaped like a cub. A goofy little tongue pokes from its mouth.
Endra, Goddess of Bounty…a deity with a sense of humor.
“Yeeee!” Ivy snatches the ball, fluttering in a victory lap around the rock formation.
She drops the keystone into Ivan’s outstretched palm.
“Two down, one to go.” He pulls the goggles onto his forehead. “You know what that means, right?”
“Goin’ to the waterfall!” Enrik peers into the distance. Even from here, the soaring waterfall is visible.
“Would you mind if I tagged along?” Livia watches us from atop her horse. “As much as I love our fine property, it can get awfully…stifling.”
She flashes a glance over her shoulder, almost like she’s being watched.
“But of course, m’lady. The more the merrier!” Ivan beckons us. “Troops—march!”
Our journey continues.
We travel across the Varian property, but the estate itself is shielded behind a soaring white wall. Guards are stationed at the entrance. It has the aura of a citadel, not a farm.
“Yes, and during Seedtide, we often grow rainsong peas and ruby root. Randolf doesn’t like it, but I usually reserve a small plot for lilies. They ward off dark energy, you know.” Livia gazes up at the sky, a wistful look in her eyes.
“You plant them yourself?” Clara’s eyes widen, taken aback.
“Yes. I think it’s good to connect with the earth. We shouldn’t get detached from the land that feeds us. It’s unnatural. Someday, I hope to teach our children this lesson…but that’s a long way off.”
“Watch your step.” Ivan moves aside while Livia’s horse exits onto the dirt road outside town.
“And the brahmen! My dear Willem, someday you’ll have to tend a flock of your own.” Livia’s mood lightens. “Such gentle beasts! To see them graze…it’s like watching clouds drift across the fields. What luxurious wool…”
“I make the horseshoes for Varian Farm, ya know!” Enrik cuts in. “Yessir. Papa taught me! Mighty fine quality from our forge, lemme tell ya!”
He launches into a sales pitch while I smirk, slowing my pace and watching the group. An unlikely band of companions, united on a quest.
My lungs expand, absorbing fragrant pollen. The sun is warm on my cheeks. The clip-clop of horse hooves blends with our footsteps and Ivy’s wings.
But as we move beyond the town’s northern border, a new sound grows.
The roar of Verda’s grand waterfall.
“Well, look at that.” Ivan squints, peering up at the soaring, craggy peak.
Water rains off the highest cliff, glittering in the light. Mist radiates from the flow, forming delicate rainbows over our heads.
And at the base, it crashes into a round, pristine lake, eventually draining into the river running through Varian Farm.
A sapphire hue, the water is dazzling, encircled by ferns and fluffy grass. Shadows dart beneath its surface, tempting me to grab my fishing rod and try my luck.
We have more important matters to attend to though.
“Alright. If you were the goddess, where would you hide a treasure?” Ivan asks.
“Hmm…” Clara peers at the landscape, gears spinning behind her sharp eyes. “If the treasure is a gift for humans, then I’d want the keys found…”
“So not underwater.” I nod.
“Somewhere discreet but accessible.” Her eyes travel up the column of water. They focus into the rich, thick clouds of mist.
“I like the way you think.” Ivan tracks her gaze, eyeing the slick rocks. “But no need to climb when we have a dusk eye.”
“Yeeeeee!” Ivy gets the message.
She launches off his shoulder, her round, dark silhouette vanishing into the pale mist. The rest of us linger at the shore, taking in the calm scenery.
“Ivan.” I sit beside him on a rock. “How does it work? You know, raising monsters?”
“Ah, it’s a tricky business. An art and a science.” He grabs a pebble and tosses it into the lake. Ripples radiate. “The way they grow…they aren’t like us. They travel through this world, gaining experience that’s essential for growth. They exercise their muscles and minds, waiting for the day of evolution.”
“Evolution?”
“Aye. The moment when a creature’s power reaches its breaking point. Like water from a dam, it bursts free, morphing their bodies and creating a chain reaction of growth. They gain new powers and skills, but it goes even deeper. Their elemental affinity changes, pulled to either light or darkness depending on the creature’s personality and choices.”
“So Ivy and Crag…have they evolved?”
“No, not yet. They’re close though. Ivy will progress from Dusk Eye to Star Seer, and finally, to Void Gazer. Crag will grow from a simple Shard Eater into a Crystal Eater, then eventually an Emerald Eater. Well, if things go according to plan, anyway. The process is more complicated than this, but it’s a basic introduction.”
“Yeeeeeee!” A shrill howl interrupts the lesson.
Like a falcon fresh off the hunt, Ivy emerges, leathery wings beating hard. At first, it looks like a failure, but I soon notice something faint clutched in her dark talons. I squint while she descends, showcasing the prize.
“Attagirl!” Ivan holds his palm to the sky. Ivy deposits the treasure.
Neither glass nor stone, it’s a…crystal.
Translucent like a round, prismatic bubble.
“Oh my…” Livia hops from her horse and moves in close. “What beautiful jewelry it would make.”
“It’s not a bauble!” Clara’s eyes grow wide with excitement. “It’s a key! The last one! Y’all get on the road, ya hear? It’s time to find Gaius. To find that treasure!”
Adrenaline floods my bloodstream. She’s right. This is it—the final task.
There’s a secret in our valley.
A prize waiting to be claimed.
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