Tree of a Revived Life

​​Chapter Two​: Here Comes the Roar In The Night

Leaving the village behind seemed so Daunting many years ago but now it seems I was a naïve child playing in fables tales. The stillness in the air is so much different here. The Forest that was once so full of life is quite as if it to lost itself to ruin. The Entrance is covered in Rose Like Veins. Looking further ahead the way forward looks as if all light in the world disappeared. The crunching of the leaves and the wind blowing through trees echoes, nothing else is heard causing an eerie feeling.

What trials wait ahead for us. “Something isn’t right, madam if I may say we should be hearing something! Anything at all” says Kari. “No” states Leo, “These lands are no longer of the living. We are now walking amongst the lost souls may the Goddess lets us pass. We need to prepare Brenna, or we will be walking in blind; I say we have our weapons at the ready. The further we go in the more the forest will show its true nature.” I ponder and wonder if we should do what Leo states as he has vast knowledge as I have never seen War. “Your Highness if I may, Leo is correct that we need to be on guard. I can hear miles under the ocean, this will be no different. I will alert the group to any dangers before so that we aren’t caught off guard”, States Freya.

A deep laugh booms out and catches me off guard, I look at Leo who appears to be finding this hilarious. “Oh, Dear Freya would you be honest for a second, the last group you said this to you lead them like lambs to a slaughter” states Leo. Oddly enough Kari has been silent this whole time. Does she not realize, or does she know more than she is letting on. I look over waiting for an explanation from Freya, why would she send Men to their Death, or am I forgetting that is a true Sirens nature.

Tears welt in Freya’s eyes, it appears as if she is awe struck and filled with shame. “Yes, what Leo says is true, but he left one part out. When you’re a siren you have your tribe that you would do anything for. Order is a must, Loyalty must be given, everything you have the Leaders of the council will take all. If not, you are branded a coward and cast to land to never see your home or family again. You do what you are told. You are but a royal land dweller what would you understand about suffering, I will not get into it more. I am here for redemption of my existence; I will keep you safe that is my job on a Sirens Honor”.

Let’s move I state to the group no wanting to listen to more bickering. The smell in the air turns to sulfur and rotting showing that we are very close to the Jormungand Lair. Creeping more into the forest, a loud buzzing is heard. I look desperately around seeing if anyone heard in the group. Kari who is standing next to me shows a very worried look while putting her hand on my shoulder. She turns to me and asks Brenna are you alright? I’m shaken to my core, am I finally getting the madness from the forest or is it something else I wonder. I shake my head and gather my wits following Leos as he looks around Axe in hand. Freya is also at the ready and standing next to her is Kari whose eyes have turned yellow.

A Loud boom rings in my ears causing only static to be heard. Suddenly my eyes fade to black, I can feel my pulse start to slow. I hear something calling to me. Just maybe as I’m thinking this, I’m getting pulled in. Soon I hear nothing else, my eyes shoot open but where am I? This is not the forest and I appear to be alone. I feel my hair stand up and shivering goosebumps spread their way across my body.

“Hello Brenna, I have waited for you for a very long time” says a deep raspy voice. “Who are you I scream, why are you doing this”. Red Eyes appear in front of me in the darkness. I can’t make out its body shape. Its Eyes look me up and down as if its searching for something. I hear a heartbeat close to me slowly I search for it. Is that mine or the creature before me. I see you wanted me alone I state with courage.

I came with a warning, Brenna Thorn, this adventure will be your last. When the blood moon is at its highest peak, I will come for you. I will show you your true destiny. I will let you pass until we meet again, Queen of Death.

Do not listen to the deceiver of lies I hear as if spoken clear as day. Splash, Hurry Ragnar! We need more water. What is this I’m feeling cold? Heat? The wind is whistling in my ears. Slowly I can open my eyes. Right above me is Kari who seems to be in distraught. There is a heaviness I feel on my chest. Looking down I see the green dragon staring right back at me. “ Why do Royals always have slow people down. You got a heart problem or something “stated Leo . Kari snaps from me to him exploding in anger. She turns back to me her eyes filled with remorse. “You heard him calling you didn’t you “ whisper Kari. I nod to her seeing that this is something to keep between us. “Pick her up Kari we need to move, or we definitely will be dinner for the wyvern or worse the abomination that lives here” Freya says with urgency.

I feel her hand wrap around my abdomen and asks me to support half my weight on her. I hear her whisper to her dragon, he stares at me then slowly walks over on my shoulder for the ride.

His feet aren’t as sharp as I thought they were, he seems is a lot lighter than I first thought. Is your dragon's name Ragnar? I ask as we walk on the path. Ah, so you heard that replies Kari. “Yes, it its more of a family name, as you see his breed is the last of his Kind. Our people Went mad with Power pining all Dragons against each other in the underground. Once a dragon chooses you, you are together for life. Me and Ragnar our souls are intwined, I die so does he. If he dies, I lose my ability to use magic and my curse fully takes over. My curse to bear the same as you. Both cursed beings were forced to walk the earth.

While Kari speaks, I look deeper. It seems I didn’t notice before her skin is the most beautiful deep brown color when the sun shines on it. Her thick raven color hair smells of flowers with a hint of deep earthy scent. Her skin is smooth, not yet jagged or scarred. She sees me looking and is blushing I see for a moment it felt as if it was just her and I. I quickly snap out realizing we are out of the forest. Making it to the other side I told the group lets set up camp here. Not only was everyone tired, I needed to think about what I was told deep in the forest and its meaning. Destiny? Has my story of life already been decided by God’s?