[This is an ongoing chapter a week story that began with the first Words for Wednesday for 2025 on 1 January. I'm hoping to continue it through 31 December, the last Wednesday of the year. To start from the beginning, click on the Words for Wednesday 2025 label to the right and it will pull up all of the weekly posts, beginning with the most recent. To start from the beginning, continue to click "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page until you get to 1 January 2025, then click "Newer Posts" to read the next date. You can thank Blogger for the inability to list them by chronological order under the labels.] Elder Elowin looked at the four young wood elves and nodded. "You will need to leave tonight, carrying as little as possible with you. There should be no revealing of your journey, or your quest, to anyone else in the village for it will cause a panic that we need to avoid."
Eldrin sighed dramatically, "What? No going away party for us?"
"No. There is a chance that there are those among us who would take note of the direction you go, and we cannot risk that information being passed along to those who do not want Thalion to succeed in sitting upon the throne of Queen Legodia."
Thal looked at her quizzically, "Do we even know if the throne still exists?"
"It does, and the heir will guide you to it."
El now looked at Thal with a questioning rise of his eyebrows, "I'm sorry, but I thought you were the heir?"
Thal sighed and looked at Elowin, who nodded. "I am now, however, the heir who should have taken the throne when the Queen died speaks to me and has been guiding me for the past several weeks."
El, Lyri, and Kael now looked at him with wide eyes. Thal continued, "I hear his voice in my head at times, and he was also guiding me in sort of a trance state to write the protective sigils around the village. I can't control when I hear from him, it's not like I'm able to turn it on and off like a water faucet. But it was him who has been reaching out to both Elder Elowin and me about the coming danger and the black Grimma."
Turning to look at Elowin, Lyri asked, "So, this idea of yours to go on this quest is not just random fairy magic, but it is based on the history of our ancestors, Thal's ancestor, and the forest?"
"Yes, child, it is. We have no more time to waste because you must get started before daylight. You must be to the edge of these woods by dawn. Quickly gather some things and be started. You can rest during the early morning hours after dawn, but each day will need to travel in the afternoons and evening hours. Follow the direction of the setting sun. Go now and pack some food and clothing."
The four scattered in the direction of each one's home after agreeing to meet back at Elder Elowin's cottage in a few minutes. Elowin in the meantime, gathered some healing jelly she had made into a small leather satchel. She added one of her books on plant roots that can be eaten for strength and nourishment.
When the four began to gather again at her house, she gave the satchel to Lyri. "This will help you along the way. The jelly will heal any wounds, and the book will tell you what will be safe to eat along the way."
Much to everyone's amusement, Eldrin arrived wearing battle armor which clanged loudly announcing his arrival.
Elowin shook her head, "Child, the point of leaving at night is to go under the cover of darkness so that no one will be able to follow you. You cannot wear that outfit. Not to mention, it will become heavy and painful to walk in for the distance you must travel."
"Begging your pardon, Elder Elowin, but if we must go to battle against gnolls and other forest evil, I'd like to be prepared."
"Being prepared is one thing, young Eldrin, however, announcing your arrival is another. You cannot wear it, and I can assure you that there will be those in the forest who will help you on your quest for they have a vested interest in your success."