Aeron woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and energized. He had slept better than he had in years.
He got out of bed and went to the window. He looked out at the forest, and he could see that the leaves on the trees had turned a deep green overnight.
Aeron smiled. He was starting to like this place.
He got dressed and went downstairs. The guardian was waiting for him at the kitchen table.
"Good morning," she said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Aeron said. "Very well."
"I'm glad," she said. "I have a lot to tell you today."
The guardian sat down at the table, and Aeron joined her.
"First, you need to know about the darkness that is threatening the realm of the gods," she said. "It is an ancient evil, known as the Shadow. The Shadow is a being of pure darkness, and it seeks to consume all things. It is said that if the Shadow is not defeated, it will destroy the realm of the gods and everything in it."
Aeron swallowed hard. "That's a lot to take in," he said.
"I know," the guardian said. "But it is important that you understand the gravity of the situation."
"So, what do I do?" Aeron asked. "How do I defeat the Shadow?"
"That is something that you must discover on your own," the guardian said. "But I can give you some guidance. You must first find the three keys. The keys are hidden throughout the realm of the gods, and they are guarded by powerful beings. Once you have found the keys, you must use them to open the portal to the Shadow's realm. Then, you must defeat the Shadow in battle."
Aeron nodded. "I understand," he said. "But how do I find the keys?"
"That is up to you to discover," the guardian said. "But I will tell you this: the keys are hidden in places where the Shadow is strongest."
Aeron stood up. "I need to start my journey," he said.
"I know," the guardian said. "But before you go, there is something else you need to know."
"What is it?" Aeron asked.
"The Shadow is not the only enemy you will face," the guardian said. "There are others who will try to stop you. They are the Shadow's servants, and they will do anything to prevent you from defeating him."
Aeron nodded. "I will be careful," he said.
"I know you will," the guardian said. "Now go. The fate of the realm of the gods depends on you."
Aeron turned and walked out the door. He took a deep breath and started his journey. He knew that it would be a long and dangerous journey, but he was determined to succeed. He had to defeat the Shadow and save the realm of the gods.