Chapter 9: The Dark Woods

We sat together to understand how best we may be able to enter Selene's mansion, and get to the basement without being detected. I asked Flora to describe the location and security.

"Selene's mansion is in the Dark Woods, which is a small area in the deeper recesses of the forest, where the darker spirits prevail. A singular trail leads up to the mansion atop a small hill. But the trail is full of peril. A dense fog envelops the entire area and you can easily stray into the woods because of zero visibility. If that happens, you cannot escape the demonic spirits that roam the woods."

We were taken aback with her cautioning narration. She went on to recount the lore behind it.

"In ancient times, those who were found indulging in evil practices were ostracized and sent into exile in those woods by the Emperor of the Enchanted Magus Forest.

"The Emperor, Leonardo Maximus, was a beast with a human body and the head of a lion. He was a brave-heart and a good leader. On one of his rounds around the kingdom, he ventured towards the Dark Woods and met a mysterious and beautiful nymph, Aegeiros.

"It was strange that within a few days of meeting her, he decided to get married to her. Even though his trusted courtiers advised him against it. He silenced them from discussing her in a negative light.

"He was in raptures over his new bride; but the enamor didn't last long. He accidentally walked into her private room, one day, and witnessed her witchery. As he soon came to know that she was practising black magic, he banished her to that mansion, where Selene now lives.

"Since then, all those found indulging in the dark occult practices were excommunicated and sent to that region. It is believed that their malefic spirits continue to haunt those woods.

"The Emperor was heartbroken and became growingly despondent with time. He did his best in his capacity as the sovereign ruler, but his spirit was broken. He didn't live very long after that.

"After his death, the Magus Forest no longer saw a strong unified leader. Every region and community had their own leaders. That didn't create major problems for several years, until the rise of Selene.

"In fact, it is popularly assumed that Selene is a descendant of the nymph. The Black Temple too was actually a Temple of Faith, which Selene took over. In the absence of an absolute monarch, she converted it into the Black Temple."

She concluded the folklore with an account of the present situation of those woods.

"Anyway, those are the dangers of the region. Since it is almost impenetrable, she does not have security at the mansion. She personally takes the prisoners in and also the necessities of life. The trail leading to the mansion, however, is free from the menacing specters that haunt the woods.

"Apparently, the nymph left the road untouched by black magic, in the hope that the King would forgive her and come to take her back. But the fog makes it unsafe and, therefore, untrodden."

I told Flora that we would need her and Jinzic to help us with the route and other information as we go the mansion. With much trepidation, she agreed. Her family meant more to her than this life of subjugation to a sorceress, out of fear.

I listed down the supplies that we would need to carry and asked her when Selene leaves the mansion. Apparently, Selene went to the temple every morning around 10.00 am to perform a ritual that sustains her powers. She continued to stay there or visit other regions of the forest till sunset.

So, we had enough time to work to our advantage. I told everyone we'll gather at the Fairy Castle again by 8.00 am. Then we returned with Archon for the night.

Once we were back in the cave, I discussed the nitty gritty with Jim, Roy and Steve and what we would need to be prepared for. The air was rife with apprehension and, yet, a certain must-do attitude. The boys were totally supportive and gung-ho.

Archon watched us indulgently and offered to help. But that wasn't really possible with his size. We needed to do it undetected and he was like a gigantic banner of an announcement.

We were all so anxious, it was hard to sleep. I think I finally fell asleep because I was tired of thinking and got up early too. I told Steve to draw us some flashlights. We definitely needed those to get through the fog.

Archon took us to the Fairy Castle in good time. The others were there, waiting for us, and preparing the bags we needed for each person. Ropes, flashlights, religious insignias for everyone and a truckload of faith.

Roy couldn't get us into the mansion using his powers, since he had no idea where it was exactly. Though he would be able to get us out of there unseen. So, we needed to brave the perilous walk.

Everyone exchanged hugs and good wishes, and we started out. Archon flew us and stopped to drop us a little distance away from the woods. From there we walked silently and as inconspicuously as possible towards the trail of the woods.

When we were almost there, we hid behind a huge rock nearby that gave us a clear view of the trail. And we waited to see Selene leave. Every minute seemed slow and stretched, but finally we saw a carriage pass by.

A look at Flora and Jinzic confirmed that it was Selene. In fact, it was being driven by Selene herself. Once the carriage was completely out of sight, we waited a little longer to be sure. When there didn't seem to be any probability of her return, we rushed towards the same road.

I instructed everyone, "We need to walk in single file, tied to each other with the rope around our waist. The purpose is to keep all of us from straying away from the safe trail. That way we can keep a check on each other's safety."

We tied the ropes and checked the knots and the allowance it gave us to move. "Everyone, please carry your flashlights to light the way ahead of you, or to the left and right side. It will help us keep an eye on all sides. WE CANNOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE PERSON AHEAD OF US. All of you wear your religious amulets".

The trail and woods were clearly demarcated with the fog, almost as though a line was drawn around it to create the borders. It did not permeate outside the region.

We checked everything once again and entered the thick haze ahead of us. I told everyone to continually say prayers under their breath. Good faith would keep us safe.

We were to be no more than 3-4 steps behind the person ahead. I was leading, with Flora behind me, followed by Roy, Steve, Jim and Jinzic. We walked slowly and carefully, ensuring that we stayed on the right track.

The trudge stayed uneventful for about fifteen minutes. We kept calling out to each other every couple of minutes to check if all was ok.

Then, all of a sudden, I heard Flora talk, "I'm coming my dear, I'm coming to get you."

"Flora, who are you talking to?" I asked.

"My daughter called out to me; she's in Selene's mansion. But I'm surprised I can hear her," she said.

"Please don't pay any attention to any voices. The spirits are playing tricks to get us off track," I reminded her.

"You're right!" she agreed. And we continued.

A few minutes later, I heard my name being whispered. It sounded like my dad's voice. I felt a lump in my throat. I was yearning to hear my dad speak to me again. But I knew this wasn't true.

Every few minutes, one of us was being lured with a call that made us emotional. Steve almost started to follow the voice. But the rope helped to keep him away from veering off the trail. The walk was emotionally draining us and felt tiring.

We had been plodding along for almost forty-five minutes now. The fog was so thick that if we hadn't decided to be just a couple of steps away from each other, we definitely would not have been able to keep them in sight.

After another five minutes had passed, we heard a loud, deep, yet shrill roar. It continued for a while and then stopped. We stopped moving, and I turned around to check with the others. Jinzic immediately said, "That sounds like Archon!"