The excitement and anticipation of the trip toward mountains turned out to be just what each step deeper into the woods would bring-changed atmosphere, not much sunlight, a creeping sense of silence, an ominous blanket over the forest. A chill ran down Sarah's spine as she felt her instincts warn her that they were entering a place full of unseen dangers.
"Stay close together," she whispered softly to him, her voice very cautious and low. "Shadows can play tricks on the mind. Just remember we are stronger as a team."
The trees grew taller and closer together now, their branches a twisted latticework overhead like skeletal hands. Sarah felt the weight of the forest pressing in all around them-an oppressive presence that made her senses heighten. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself of her goal. The Heartstone was out there and she had to find it.
Hours of walking and finally they came upon a narrow gorge whose sides rose steeply up. At the bottom: a swift river, dark and turbulent, its waters running like black. "We must cross," Elara said, looking around for a way over.
I can see a bridge further upstream!" one of the boys called out, pointing to a weathered wooden structure swaying precariously in the wind.
Let's go!" encouraged Elara, who took the lead of them.
Down to the river bank, through the river, amidst roars of water and slimy moss on the rocks, they had to cross. Each moved very cautiously toward the stepping stones under the bridge, which let out a creak with every step as their weight moved upon it.
Halfway across, the wind blew, causing the bridge to jerk violently back and forth. "Hold on!" Elara shouted, clinging to the railing. The others did as they were told, but Sarah's heart was thudding as she looked down at the raging water below.
"Move!" another boy urged, his voice shaking. "We can make it!
They had nearly center of bridge when there came the crash of a loud crack. The bridge gave a shudder, and Sarah's stomach dropped as she felt the wood splintering beneath her feet.
"Run!" Elara yelled, and they all shot forward, the bridge tilting perilously. With a final lurch, the wood gave way and Sarah barely had time to scramble to jump onto solid ground as the bridge collapsed into the river with a deafening crash.
They landed in a heap, panting and wide-eyed. "That was too close!" Sarah gasped, her heart pounding.
Elara looked around, relief flooding her face. "Everyone okay?"
The group nodded, their faces pale but unscathed. The near disaster had cemented their resolve, but it had also told them about the dangers that awaited them.
After they had assembled, they started listening to a low growl that echoed from the dark shroud of trees. The air was heavy with the tension in it, and Sarah's heart sank as she started to feel that dreaded feeling. A creature unlike anything she ever saw emerged from the darkness under the trees. It was a great bear-like creature with fur the color of storm clouds, and eyes that burned like embers.
"Everyone back!" Elara shouted, moving protectively in front of Sarah.
The creature crept forward, its snout twitching as it sniffed at the air. Sarah could feel the fear radiating off of her friends, but she knew she couldn't let panic take over. She'd learned something at the Shadow Beast's hands the night before: sometimes you had to face your fears head-on to be able to overcome them.
"Wait!" Sarah cried out, stepping forward. The creature stopped, its golden eyes focused on her. "We don't want to hurt you! We're just passing through!"
To her astonishment, the creature stood still, its head cocked to one side, as if considering her words. Stepping forward, she took a breath and added, "We search for the Heartstone. We bring no evil to you or your land.".
The beast growled softly, a rumble that reverberated in the air. Sarah's heart picked up speed, but she held steady. "Can you help us?" she asked, her voice steady.
The creature took one step closer; its massive form loomed over her. "Why should I help you, child?" it rumbled, its voice deep and resonant.
Because," Sarah said, pounding in her heart, "Eldoria needs protection, and we're going to fight for it. If we can find the Heartstone, we may be able to right this balance in this world. You would be protecting not just us, but your home."
For a long moment the creature did not say a word; its golden eyes probed her face. Then it nodded slowly. "You have courage, child. Follow me, and I'll guide you.".
And with that, the beast turned and walked into the forest. Sarah glanced at her friends, disbelief and awe combined in one look. They trailed cautiously, believing in the strength and wisdom of the creature.
The trees thinned and found herself standing out in a sea of brilliant color. Wildflowers dotted it as she stood about what seemed to be a small pond. Shimmering under the sunlight, it was a beautiful place. And right in the middle of this pond sat a stone pedestal. On this was set a small, glowing stone-the Heartstone.
"It's so beautiful," Elara whispered her words full of wonder.
"Yes," the beast said, "but it is also a source of great power. It must be protected at all costs."
Sarah stepped forward, her heart racing with anticipation. "What do we need to do?"
"You must touch it," the creature instructed. "But be warned: the Heartstone tests the hearts of those who seek it. Only those with pure intentions may wield its power."
Sarah took a deep breath and pushed forward, toward the pedestal. The stone pulsed with heat. She reached out her hand to touch it; her fingers flowed over the surface as she felt a jolt like electricity.
And it was in this moment that something incredible, surreal, swept through her, filling her with visions of Eldoria: its beauty, its magic, and the harmony that once exceled there; yet darkness intruded upon her imagination, and, now, she saw the shadows creeping over the land, threatening to engulf everything within their malice.
"Stand strong!" rumbled the beast's voice in her mind. "You are the guardian of Eldoria now!
With that resolved in her heart, she shone the light on the darkness, pressing out against it. "I will protect this realm!" she said, her voice firm, unflinching.
Heartstone blazed with a light of pure radiance. This light lit the clearing and pushed the shadows back. Sarah felt connected to this stone on a deep, obvious level, knowing what she was destined to do as a guardian to Eldoria.
As the light faded, the children began to surround her, wonder etched upon their countenance. "You did it, Sarah!" Elara exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
The creature nodded its head, a look of respect in its eyes. "You have proven your worth, child. The Heartstone is now part of you. Use its power wisely.".
This warmth inside of her surged from the stone, an assurance she was not ever truly alone. As such, with her friends, together they could face whatever lay before them.
With the newfound purpose, they left the clearing, ready to face the darkness that threatened Eldoria. Sarah knew this was just the beginning of their journey, forging their own destinies together.