The dawn rose up once more over the Eddeathrian sky. Lauren awoke to Amias and Odi packing up their tents. After she finished rolling up her sleeping bag, Lauren walked over to Odi and Amias. "Have you ever seen a flower?" Odi just looked at her like she asked the stupidest question ever when she realized that was a dumb question. "I had a dream and Ben was in it. He told me that in order to save him, he needs a flower and that I would know it when I see it."
Amias thought for a moment. "Well, I know a place that has lots of flowers. The Land of Eternal Spring. That's in the Ashvon and very close to the Liminglow forest which is where we are heading."
"And once we get into the forest," Odi said. "You will get to see what very few have ever seen. The Obsidian lake. Legend has it that the bottom is made of pure obsidian: the rarest material in Eddeathra. Many have tried to reach the bottom, but have failed every time."
Amias sighed. "My father's goal was to reach the bottom to see for himself, but he never got the chance. When we get there, I will reach the bottom for him. At any cost."
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By midday, the group had reached the end of the Stelpond forest. Lauren was riding Askari in between Amais and Odi, and Mlinzi was in the front. Lauren happily chatted with Mlinzi while Amias and Odi looked at the map to see where to head next.
"You will love the Ashvon!" Mlinzi told her happily.
"Why?" Lauren asked.
"You'll see," Mlinzi said with a small smile.
The woods came to an abrupt end and Amias and Odi guided their horses to the side to let Lauren see. The flat land extended as far as the eye could see. Lush, green grass softly swayed in the gentle breeze while the sun shone through the white, puffy clouds bringing warmth to the land. Colorful flowers were sprinkled around everywhere. Deer and horses calmly and lazily grazed on the grass. When they saw Lauren approaching on Askari with Mlinzi next to her, they immediately stopped eating and stared at her with wide eyes.
Lauren looked down at Mlinzi who was looking up at her. "Why are they looking at me?"
"They recognize you with me and Askari. The humans are not the only ones who have had their homes taken by the Nites. The animals are counting on you as well." Lauren nodded and urged Askari into a walk. Amias and Odi smiled at each other; the prophecy was coming true. "Eddeathrians also call it the Land of Eternal Spring," Mlinzi continued. "It is the only place on Eddeathra where the land is unaffected by the summer, fall, and winter seasons."
"It's beautiful here!" Lauren said.
Mlinzi nodded but stopped short. He started to sniff the breeze and his ears perked up. "I smell Nites."
Lauren jerked her head towards him. "You do?"
Mlinzi nodded as he crouched down and slowly made his way across the plain. He stopped and growled. Off in the distance, several men in silver and black armor were hiding behind a hill, crossbows loaded and ready. Mlinzi gasped. "It's a hunting party!"
"The Nites don't hunt here," Odi said, as he and Amias approached. "They're scared of the Ashvon."
"That looks more like a patrol than a hunting party," Amias said, urging his horse to trot closer.
One of the Nites aimed his crossbow at a nearby fawn who was happily frolicking near its mom. Lauren's eyes widened. She kicked her heels into Askari and took off toward the Nites despite Odi's protests. Mlinzi sprinted after Lauren with Amias in tow. Odi reluctantly followed.
Lauren drew her sword and knocked the crossbow out of the soldier's hand. She screamed at the fawn and doe to run away as she turned Askari around to continue the attack. Amias cut down three more soldiers with his sword. Odi pulled out his crossbow and aimed it at the captain. He stopped when he recognized his face.
"Odi, what are you doing!" the captain said.
Odi hesitated for a moment. Lauren dismounted Askari and realized that the captain must have known him. The captain turned to Lauren and his eyes widened when he saw Lauren holding her sword. "The Moonstar," he whispered to himself. Quick as lightning, he aimed his crossbow at Lauren and fired.
Time slowed as the arrow, airborne, made its way towards Lauren. Mlinzi barked and leaped in front of her. The arrow hit home in Mlinzi's chest. Lauren gasped as Mlinzi fell to the ground, gasping for air. Lauren dropped to her knees and pulled Mlinzi's head into her lap. Odi quickly shot the captain in anger.
"Forgive me," Mlinzi began, his breath hitching. "I had to protect you."
"No!" Lauren cried. "Please don't leave."
Mlinzi offered her a soft, sad smile. "I will always be here for you, even if I'm not in my body. If you ever need me, come here, to the Land of Eternal Spring.
Mlinzi closed his deep silver eyes and took one final breath.