17 The Forest of the Forgotten

The forest is entirely green everywhere, with various aviary here and there. Finding the right way out seems impossible, where paths and trails intertwine, and several large trees that looked the same all the time. Haelan grazed her pocketed charm, hoping the crest would work at this perfect moment of time. The unbounded power that she possess should project in any dimension.

She closed her eyes to meditate, held the crest on her chest to negotiate. "Through the element of light, pour of the water and splurge of the wind.. hear my voice and use the power within", she uttered. Something flickered through the mist in the air and shook the moist off the ground. Nature seemed to answer to her call but then it's all gone.

Feeling a sharp trickle in her chest, Haelan realized she's not strong enough to upsurge her powers - not yet great enough to break the barriers. She sharply exhaled and thought of the basics, traveling on foot and try to enjoy the journey. Many times, her mother taught her to navigate directions without using her powers. Never in her right mind she thought she'll use those lessons.

Eyes up on the sky as she ran through the woods. Looking up at the zenith, she chose which way to go. Guided by the celestial sphere, hoping she'll find the way, for the further she go the darker the forest became.

Then, she heard something lurking in the trees, quick movements on the dry fallen leaves. "Who's there?", she asked. "Is anybody there? Jac!! Ottis??", she called but no one's there.

Tired from running, Haelan dragged her feet out, walking for half an hour and starting to lose hope as she lose light. Then she saw a tiny hut, looking something like she always dreamt about - a round door, square windows and a lot surrounded by flowers, a house for her and her loving mother and father.

Her spirits were uplifted at the sight of the chimney with smoke coming out. A little help from someone is not that bad. She wondered why this house is isolated in the misty forest of Brandenburg, a domain where tests are taking place.

Coming out of the hut, she sees a lady. Leaving her mouth open as she see her clearly. Her eyes started to swell, as her hands became sweaty. She can feel her heart pound as the lady come closely.

To her surprise, the one her heart has been longing for is suddenly in front of her. No exact words can truly say, how she miss this person everyday. And so without a word, she ran to her. Held her face, grazed her head and combed her long hair. "Mother", she softly uttered.

*********

Meanwhile at the foot of the mountain, the Lords and the Paladins bide one's time. Half an hour already passed, not a single participant exited the woodland.

"We'll just wait here?", Vesta asked as she wield her enormous double-bitted axe. Her tight biceps flexes when she swings, twisting and turning flawlessly around.

"Is it true that women from Aria are kind of a.. show off?", Alesso said as he crouch up on a tree branch.

Vesta raised her brows at the cloaked archer as she kiss her upper arm. Alesso just squinted his eyes at the bored Palladin.

"How easy is this test, Lord Callaghan? We made it through this forest in a blink. I'm sure anybody can", she said as she rest her labrys on her broad shoulder.

"Brandenburg is a well protected castle. The east side is where you find the arc with its fortress. That's where the sun shines to open the arc for guests. The other side of the castle is protected with domains guarded with.. entities. ", Lord Callaghan replied with his hands at ease.

"They call themselves gods", Alesso added as he jump down from the tree.

"gods? We have those too.", Vesta said as she refer to the guardians of Aria.

"The ones in Aria are more friendly.. they help flowers bloom, they fill the air with modesty. What we have in Brandenburg are different.", Stellan replied. "Kelpie guards the Achelous Rivers. He's one mean god who drowns men, or sometimes… women.", he glared at Vesta who's yawning twice in a row. "The one in this forest is Oizys, the goddess of grief", he added as he leaned back the oak tree. "She feeds on a person's misery. Most likely, the participants who have weak hearts will stay there forever", he added.

"The forest is not very ordinary, it is surrounded with a force that make anyone who comes in powerless. We only pass by it with no difficulty because I and Harlan protected you with our elite powers so Oizys no longer affect us. The Forest of the Forgotten has its deadly way of deceiving people, for this test is about rooting the deepest pain your heart buried.", Lord Callaghan explained.

"The dead. Your most beloved ones will keep you from getting out. Your longing for their presence, your intense love for that person, your grievance or.. rage, if there is, will be your demons", Alesso added.

"Still sharp as always, Alesso", Lord Harlan complimented the wisest Paladin.

"An honor to be one of your students", Alesso replied.

"Who's show off now?", Vesta rolled her eyes at the cloaked archer. "How many gods do you have here?", Vesta interrupted.

"Just a few", Stellan replied as he leaned back on a large oak tree. Vesta, who had no choice but wait ansd see if her bet is coming, sat on a rock near Stellan's tree.

"Stellan", Lord Harlan called the knight. "How did you get your hands healed?", he suddenly asked.

It took a while for Stellan to reply. He looked at his steel gloved hands, then closed it tight. "I just woke up and it's all healed", he lied. May it be hard to believe for Lord Harlan, he just nodded at the Paladin.

Suddenly, a silhouette of a man came out walking holding a string of beads with a cross. The first participant, who unexpectedly escaped the Forest of the Forgotten, confidently made out of the misty woods.

"Ah! Atrius, not of Vierme. This is unexpected", Lord Callaghan said with a clap.

"Looks like you didn't sweat", Vesta said as she stare at Atrius from head to foot.

"I was a priest once, and stayed in a monastery. Oizys is one of the malevolent spirits we were warned about.", he answered.

"A priest? Like Umbriel?", Stellan exhaled air sharply in disbelief. Priests and scholars are usually buried in books and scriptures, untrained to hold a blade or even fight in a duel.

"Very unlikely, indeed", Alesso nodded at Stellan.

"When I held a sword, I found my true calling. I knew which path I should take for myself", Atrius replied he keep his cross in his pocket.

"At least he's sure what to do with his life", Vesta pouted at Stellan.

"It would be refreshing to see a Knight with pure spirits", Lord Callaghan said as he congratulate Atrius.

"Your father would be proud", Alesso said.

"Not the king", Stellan whispered.

"How did you get out?", Vesta asked.

"I prayed for strenght.", Atrius replied. "And never took a bite of any food Oizys offered. To her, it's like an acceptance to her invite to stay with her forever", he added.

.