Aiden and Lyra journeyed for days through the forest, each step taking them farther into the heart of Eldoria. The trees were thicker, the shadows darker, and it seemed that the forest itself was trying to discourage them from their course. But Aiden was becoming braver with each step, the weight of the Guardian's Blade now so familiar at his side. Sometimes, he thought he sensed a slight vibration in the blade, kind of living and guiding his way along.
Lyra had been silent for some time now, her eyes darting between the trees as though she sensed something watching them. She'd mentioned creatures of the Shadow King existed in places like this, but Aiden hadn't yet seen anything remotely like the monstrous servant they'd encountered before. Still, an unease gnawed at him.
Are we getting close to the Shrine?" Aiden asked one evening as they camped beneath a sprawling oak. He had felt something strange in the air, and even the stars above seemed to be hiding behind a thick veil of clouds.
Lyra gazed at him, unreadable in the dim light of the fire. "The Shrine lies beyond the forest, in the Valley of Stars. But reaching it isn't as simple as following a path. The Shrine reveals itself only to those who are worthy."
Aiden furrowed his brow. "Worthy? What does that mean?
"Wielding the Guardian's Blade is a test, Aiden," she said, her tone somber. "You must prove your heart is strong, your will unbreakable. Only then will the Shrine open to you."
Aiden clenched his fists, frustration building. Every answer seemed to usher in more questions and still more mysteries that weighted all the more on his back.
However, before he could respond a sound came from the trees themselves- to his left. He leapt to his feet; Lyra followed him.
They stood there with hands raised and scanning the edges of the shadows.
From them stepped a figure covered with deep blue robes. That face was hidden in that hood. In the left of him was a staff. Topped with a crystal its glow was faint but existed in the dark to bring strange light to his body shape.
"Peace," the figure said in a calm, measured voice. "I am not your enemy."
Aiden looked at Lyra, who narrowed her eyes but lowered her weapon slightly. "Who are you?" she demanded.
The figure drew closer, lowering his hood to reveal a young man with piercing green eyes and a face that looked both weary and wise beyond his years. "I am Caelum, a seeker of the old ways. The forest told me of your coming."
"The forest?" Aiden echoed, not sure he understood.
Caelum nodded. "The land speaks, for those who know how to listen. It told me of a blade lost and found, and of a wielder who would seek the Shrine to reclaim what was once lost." His eyes drifted to the Guardian's Blade at Aiden's side. "And I see that it is true."
"Then you know the way to the Shrine?" Aiden asked, hope rising in his chest.
She searched him for a moment before nodding. "I do. But as your companion has probably informed you, the Shrine does not throw open its doors for everyone. There are challenges that you will have to face, tests that will hammer your heart and soul." Aiden swallowed hard to steady himself. "I am prepared." Caelum looked faintly amused. "You might be. But more than just courage will be necessary for you.
Having beckoned them to follow with a wave, Caelum led them deeper into the forest, the shadows parting before them as if an unseen hand guided them along.