The Shadow of Amulets

An Act of Secrecy

Two cups slammed the table. "Alright! Now tell me!". "I can't think of anything". "If you don't tell me!! ...you lose" "Okay fine. Umm...oh! How about a time machine," I said. "haha, a time machine, that's your guess for what the stone does" Alaan replied. "Well yeah, think about it. The pulverising green light that shot into the sky was a time portal that opened and will let people travel from the past to the future," I said convinced. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, even 'vivs' could come up with a better theory" Alaan said laughing.

Link's POV

"Well I'm sorry professor, care to enlighten me on your theory for the stone," I said annoyed. "...Well it's obviously an item made by aliens from an alternate dimension that happened to slip and fall into the woods," Alaan said with a high smirk seeming totally convinced.

We were at the green dragon Inn at around noon sitting at a table discussing the whole magical stone situation. As we were arguing a senior Knight approached us.

"I'm terribly sorry to disturb you prince Alaan but the king has asked for the both of you," the knight said. "Really? Huh, I guess my dad wants to see us" Alaan said. "I think I have a good reason," I said under my breath.

We both got up and headed towards the Palace. Once we got there King Arthur greeted us and called us to his library.

"I'm glad you could make it both of you," the king said with a smile. We skipped the formalities and he got straight to the point.

"I've thought about the situation with the Amulet you found Link and I'm quite puzzled," the king said. "Same here sir, I have no idea why the Amulet called to me in the first place and what this means" I replied. "I'm still shocked, I mean 'magical stones'. Magic doesn't even exist in this world until this Amulet came" Alaan added. "Oh, I assure you, son, magic is definitely real, however the only recorded records of magic being present were these Amulet's," the King said to Alaan.

"In any case, we should still keep the Amulets a secret. It's just too dangerous to release this information to the public. It will only lead to chaos." the king stressed.

" We still have no idea what these Amulets are for, what they do and why they appeared now? " I said.

" There is only one solution at this time" King Arthur replied. "The other Amulets must be found as soon as possible" the King said bluntly. "Woah, Woah dad. We don't even know where the other Amulets are. It seems like a stretch right Link" Alaan explained. "Alaan, your father is making sense with the Amulets being found as soon as possible. I mean think about it. What if the other Amulets have been found already, that won't really make for the best scenario." I said.

"Link is right, there's just no telling what will happen if people get their hands on them," he said. "Yeah, your probably right," Alaan said. "Now I'm excited!!! I wanna go, dad. It will be epic!!" Alaan said excitedly.

"I've thought about it and there really is no other choice. "Link since you were the one who started this, you must take this journey," he asked "I understand sir but there is one major problem and that is we don't know where the other Amulets are. They could be scattered all over Xadia" I explained. "That's what I'm confused about too. We can't go searching the land until we find them" Alaan added. There was a pause. "Let me show you something. I've read some passages and this might help us. Lend me the stone Link" the king said.

I took the stone out of one of my side pockets and gave him it. I watched him look at the emerald gem and then he went to one of the open windows. It looked like he was waiting but then I realised what he was doing.

The sun shined on the Amulet and this caused the Amulet to release a small glow. He then ran to us. "Quick look into it Link," he said quickly as he gave it to me. I looked at the Amulet waiting for something to apparently happen. "Nothings happening," I said but got no reply. To my surprise though, about 10 seconds later I started to see something. "Wait! There's something I see". "What do you see," the King said. "It looks like the middle of the forest. This place looks familiar," I say trying to make out what I saw. "Oh the Elder Tree. I see it on the side. I know where that is" I finish talking as the image disappeared.

"It seems that is where another Amulet is," the king said.

"How did you do that dad," Alaan said confused. "It was what I read in the tapestry and it seems it was true. If you reflect the sunlight onto the Amulet at just the right angle, it will release a sort of charm that has a connection with the rest of the Amulets and we can use that to locate the other Amulets. "Wow that's terrific," Alaan said as he looked at me with excitement.

"There one problem though and that is that it's quite difficult for it to work. I was very lucky I shined the sunlight at the right angle at the right time but replicating this a second time is a challenge.

"It seems I have everything I need for this journey," I said. "Alaan you should go with Link, it is too dangerous for him to go alone," he said. "Now you're speaking my language dad," Alaan said as he gave his dad a hug. I looked at them and I paused for a moment but then smiled. "You hear that Link, looks like we're gonna hunt for some Amulets," Alaan said. "I wouldn't want it any other way," I say as I gave him a fist bump. "But do be careful the both of you. I've had reports of some bandit attacks in the lowlands and sighting of strange mysterious creatures" the king explained.

"We'll be fine dad, I've been training so hard and my sword skills have improved a lot. And also when Link has his bow and arrow, he's practically invincible" Alaan said with a grin.

"I'm sure you two will be fine now hurry up and pack, you've got an important mission to complete," King Arthur said. "Oh and Link can I have a quick word" he added. Alaan went on ahead and I approached him. "I want you to be extra careful and don't let your guard down. I believe it won't be long before someone stumbles upon one of the Amulets and I think the Amulets have already attracted attention from the South lands" he explained. "What are you talking about" I replied. "I had some of my spies check out parts of the land and they reported some cloaked figures wandering the lands. My guess is they're looking for the Amulets and they don't seem to be peaceful" he said. "Why would you say that?" I asked.

"One of my spies who travelled towards the south hasn't returned," he said with seriousness. My eyes opened hearing the unfortunate news. "I'm not sure of his situation at the present time. He could be dead for all I know. But I refuse to give up on one of my soldiers. I can only ask your help to rescue him if you find him" he added. He handed me a picture of him and information on him. "I'll do my best sir. I'll get him back!" I say determined. I start to turn around and make my way outside. "Link! Keep your emotions in check" he finally added before he went back into his study. I stood there for a second but then brushed it off and kept walking.

It was the evening and we spent that time packing. Alaan said his dad called him for something while I continued packing

Alaan's POV

I headed to my dad's Palace. He wasn't there so I headed for his room and he was holding something. "Dad, what did you need?" I asked. As I asked him I saw him with his prized sword. "I've used this blade my whole time as king and it never failed me in battle. It gave me strength, courage, willpower and awareness. Qualities you already possess already at your young age" he said with a smile. He then handed me his sword and I felt speechless. "You...want me to take your sword dad," I asked weakly. "Yes, my son. You're more ready than ever. Whenever you use this in battle please remember me. Will you do that son" he asks. "Of course dad. Thank you" I say as I hug him tightly. "I love you, son," he said as I felt a tear fall down onto my head.