Stella woke up in the temple, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. The man waiting for her smiled warmly, "How was your journey?"
"Fine," Stella replied, her mind still reeling from the visions she had seen. "Will I see my parents again?" she asked, a hint of longing in her voice.
The man's expression turned somber, "I don't know, child. But now, you must go. Your journey is far from over."
Stella's determination surged, "How do I go back?"
The man gestured for her to follow him, "Come with me. I will give you a gift."
With a stamp of his feet three times, a dagger emerged from the ground. He handed it to Stella, "Keep it safe. And remember, when you blow the edge of the trumpet that comes with it, you will summon 100 soldiers to fight by your side. Use them wisely, for the battles ahead will be fierce."
Stella took the dagger and trumpet, feeling a surge of power and responsibility. She knew that her journey was just beginning, and that the fate of Reichtum rested on her shoulders. With a deep breath, she set off towards her destiny.
The man led Stella to a shimmering pot of water, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light. He murmured an incantation, and the water's surface rippled in response. "This is your way home, Stella. May the gods guide you."
With a deep breath, Stella bravely dove into the pot, feeling the water envelop her like a warm embrace. When she emerged on the other side, she found herself back in the jungle, with Clever's father and the guardian waiting for her.
As she stepped onto dry land, they bowed down in unison, welcoming her home. Stella's radiant glow and the faint outline of a crown on her head left no doubt that she had been transformed by her journey.
Clever's father approached her, his eyes shining with pride. "How was your journey, my queen? You've been gone for three days. Time is running out. We must return to camp and prepare for the battles ahead."
Stella's voice rang out clear and strong. "We leave tomorrow at dawn. We will reclaim Reichtum and restore my family's honor."
The guardian nodded in agreement, and together they set off towards their destiny, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Stella and Clever's father embarked on the return journey to camp, but the atmosphere was markedly different from their previous excursion. Stella was withdrawn and contemplative, her mind still reeling from the revelations and experiences she had encountered.
Clever's father attempted to engage her in conversation, inquiring about her journey and what she had seen, but Stella remained tight-lipped. Despite his repeated efforts, she offered no response, her silence a palpable force that filled the air.
Sensing her reticence, Clever's father wisely chose to respect her silence, allowing Stella the space and time she needed to process her thoughts and emotions. The remainder of their journey was marked by an uncomfortable quietness, the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of insects.
As they walked, Stella's introspection was palpable, her eyes cast downward as if trying to decipher the secrets of the universe. Clever's father walked beside her, his eyes watchful and protective, yet also laced with a deep understanding that Stella's transformation was not just physical, but also deeply personal.
As they journeyed back to camp, Clever's father noticed that Stella seemed to know the way instinctively, taking turns and shortcuts with ease. Yet, she still maintained her silence, not uttering a single word. He followed her lead, his eyes fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Upon arriving at the camp, Stella went straight to her quarters, her silence a palpable force that commanded respect. She sat down, her eyes fixed on some distant point, and remained there, unmoving and unresponsive. Clever's father stood guard outside her door, ensuring that no one disturbed her.
For two days, Stella sat in silence, her mind seemingly a thousand miles away. Clever, sensing her distress, brought her food and water, placing them gently beside her. Still, she didn't speak, her eyes not even acknowledging his presence.
The camp was abuzz with whispers and worries, but Clever's father kept them all at bay, protecting Stella's privacy and allowing her the space she needed to process her thoughts and emotions. As the hours ticked by, the silence became a living, breathing entity, a testament to Stella's inner turmoil and her unwavering determination to face whatever lay ahead.
Stella sat in silence, her eyes fixed on some distant point, her mind a million miles away. The chief, a wise and compassionate leader, approached her quietly and sat down beside her. He too said nothing, but his presence was comforting, and his warm embrace spoke volumes.
For a full day, the chief sat with Stella, offering a supportive silence that allowed her to process her thoughts and emotions. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice gentle and reassuring.
"My daughter, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me," he said, his eyes shining with love and pride. "I know that there are big battles ahead of you, battles that will test your courage and strength. But I want you to know that you are not alone. I am with you, my child. I will stand by your side and support you every step of the way."
Stella's eyes slowly focused on the chief, and for the first time in days, a small smile played on her lips. She knew that she had found a true ally and friend in her father, and that together, they would face whatever challenges
Overcome with emotion, Stella burst into tears and flung her arms around the chief, hugging him tightly. The chief, overjoyed to see his daughter finally opening up, called out for food to be brought to them. As they waited, he held Stella close, stroking her hair and whispering words of comfort.
When the food arrived, the chief fed Stella himself, spooning delicious stew into her mouth as if she were a child again. As she ate, Stella's tears began to dry, replaced by a look of determination.
"Send for Clever," she said finally, her voice firm. "I want to see him."
The chief nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll send for him right away," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "You're ready to start your journey, my daughter. And Clever will be right by your side."
As the chief nodded and turned to send for Clever, the light in the quarter seemed to fade away, as if the very darkness itself was responding to the call. The air grew thick with anticipation, and Stella's heart pounded in her chest as she waited for Clever to arrive.