Dawn of a Thousand Suns, Book I: Arch De Angels

Chapter IX

There are some nights spend in constant wakefulness...

When the spirits awaken and the forest turns phosphorescent, it's time for the sleepless nights.

By the daybreak, moonflowers bloom and the raindrops fall to the earth, rejuvenate its habitants. Huge fungi glow magically and a frolicsome breeze dances among the wilted leaves... The green-clad Druids spread into the forest, humming their song...

It was the fourth vigil for Eden, and so would end the fourth year with the forest wizards. He couldn't wait to return to the Fall Palace and reunite with his family. He missed his little siblings Bran and Damiana, though he knew memories of the forest would not give him rest, either.

Eden glanced over the silent valley from the edge of the cliff, greenery was shining around. Gigantic fungi, embedded in the hills like trees, emitted silvery light and combined with phosphorescence created a mysterious glow in the valley.

"Do you see a deer?" - Elder Druid silently approached Eden.

"Where?"

"There," - Druid pointed his hand.

A huge stag was walking between the trees. It was far away and therefore could not see Eden.

"It has shining horns - a sign of a settled soul," said Eden.

Awakened souls nestled in the forest creatures.

"Do you want to approach?" The elder asked. Merlin was Eden's mentor. The other apprentices had only one tutor, although Eden, as a prince, had three of them.

"Of course!" he answered, and went down the slope. The grass in the plain was waist high and made his uniform wet. Fortunately, the Druids' magic clothes dried on their own and the moisture did not bother Eden. He even enjoyed looking at the phosphorous, glowing water droplets.

"Be careful, Eden!" laughter mingled with Druid's voice. Again, he caught up with him silently. The elder did not run but somehow moved so that he was ahead of the prince.

The place was full of greenery, and Eden was so captivated by the beauty of the night that he could not understand where the stag was. It was easy to get lost in the dense, misty forest. Eden slowed his pace, looking around, digging deep into the woods, the field and the rock no longer even visible. The shadows of the fallen trees grew in the greenery and darkened the environment. A sense of unusual calmness and depth took over Eden as if he had moved to another world. It lit up suddenly, and Eden saw the shining horns. A deer was coming from the trees. The animal was ten feet high and was radiating green from the inside.

"It's coming to you," heard Eden Merlin's voice, and he walked cautiously toward the animal.

The deer looked even more glorious up close. The enormous eyes gleamed white and gray fur was blowing in the breeze. Eden raised his hand and moved into Druid's trance. Instantly the world has changed colors. Stag became white, transparent, while an ocean of greenish sensation penetrated into him like the breath of the world...

Stag bowed his head and touched Eden's hand to his forehead. Heat flowed from the soft and furry body. A connection was being made with the fourth spirit. Eden felt his strength and was overwhelmed with joy and amazement.

The connection was made, Eden! - he heard the pride in Merlin's voice. Eden felt a surge of energy and found himself between worlds, face to face with the spirit. Then...

When he opened his eyes, he was lying on the ground, looking up at the deer's eyes, but the white light had disappeared. After making the connection, the settlers left the animals. The stag was now an ordinary deer, though still remarkably large.