Hearts Of Darkness

*THE TASK OF BRIGHID*

CHAPTER 6

Soleil and Tarn prepared to leave. As they walked to the streets,Tarn turned to Soleil and said, I promise to protect you on our journey. I know you can do this, and I'll be there for you every step of the way, I will be by your side. Soleil's heart swelled with gratitude. Thank you, she said. You've been so kind to me, and I'll never forget it.Princess or piggy? Tarn asked Soleil, a playful grin on his face. Soleil's brow furrowed in confusion. What do you mean? she asked. It's a game, Tarn said mischievously, we have to travel a long distance, we can't walk,so it's either I carry you in princess style or piggy style so I can leap from place to place freely.I'll do whichever you prefer. Leaping sounds like fun, Soleil said. But is it really possible? Tarn winked.

You'll see, he said with a chuckle. But first, we need to get to a place where we won't be seen. Soleil looked around. They were standing in the middle of a busy street, surrounded by bustling shops and people coming and going. Where should we go? she asked. Let's head for the woods, Tarn suggested. We'll find a secluded spot there where we can start our journey. Soleil nodded, and they began to make their way through the town, heading toward the edge of the forest.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Soleil noticed that the trees seemed to lean in towards them, as if they were beckoning them into their dark embrace. A shiver ran down her spine, but Tarn took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. It's okay, he said. We'll be safe here. Soleil took a deep breath and nodded. They stepped into the forest, and the world around them seemed to change. The air grew cooler, and the light dimmed as the trees blocked out the sun.

Suddenly, the world shifted, and Soleil and Tarn found themselves standing in a clearing. The trees were no longer dark and foreboding, but tall and stately, with a warm, welcoming light filtering through their leaves. What happened? Soleil asked, her eyes wide with wonder. Tarn grinned. We've entered the magical realm, he said. This is where the real journey begins. Soleil felt a sense of excitement, mixed with a hint of trepidation. What should we do now? she asked.

First, we need to find a place to rest, Tarn said. This journey is going to be long and difficult, and we'll need you to be at our best. Soleil nodded, and they began to search the clearing for a comfortable spot to settle down. Then, a low growl came from the trees, making them both jump. They turned to see a large black wolf, its eyes glowing red, staring at them from the shadows. Soleil froze, but Tarn stood firm. Don't move, he whispered to Soleil.

The wolf took a step forward, and Soleil's heart began to pound in her chest. But then, a voice came from the trees, saying, That's quite enough, Fenris. The wolf stopped in its tracks and lowered its head, its red eyes fading to a deep brown. A woman stepped out of the trees, her dark hair cascading down her back. She was dressed in a flowing white gown, and she smiled at Soleil and Tarn. I'm sorry if Fenris startled you, she said.

I'm Brighid, the woman said, and this is my companion, Fenris. I have been watching you, and I think you have the potential to do great things. But first, you must prove yourself worthy. Soleil looked at Tarn, unsure of what to say. How do we do that? Tarn asked, his hand still on his sword. You must complete three tasks, Brighid said. The first is to bring me a flower from the top of the highest mountain. The second is to capture the song of a nightingale.And the third is to find the light of the sun, even in the deepest darkness. Soleil looked at Tarn, her eyes wide. These tasks seem impossible, she said. But I have faith in you, Brighid said. And if you complete these tasks, you will have everything you need to complete your journey. Soleil took a deep breath, and Tarn put his hand on her shoulder. We can do this, he said.