Legend: Light after Darkness -Book II

Part XIV - Challengers

Previously...

As Vallon and Lili find peace, Darkness launches his call to arms, engaging Gump to activate a protection shield around Fydelea and the outskirts of the Valtorian forest.

With very little knowing in how long the protection spell will withstand Darkness' impending attack, time is of the essence, as and Gump and Oona teleport to the dreaded swamps of sadness to seek ancient mystic, Morla's guidance.

Meanwhe, Jack and Vallon prepare for defense training, as King Roland reveals an armory of Valtorian Silver, Darkness' alternate weakness along with daylight

Back in the swamps of sadness, Morla, reluctantly entertains Gumps questions, lured by the news of the Empress' arrival...

Will Vallon have Jack ready for the fight?

Will Morla help Gump and Oona locate the Southern Oracle before all hope is lost..?

Part XIV

"You lie-!" Morla hisses.

"It's true-!." Oona replies, defending Gump

"Well then, when the Empress returns you can ask her to chat with the
Oracle herself. Go away now." Morla dismisses them, yawning ready to recoil back into the mountain.

"The Empress isn't the only thing that approaches. Darkness is forming his battalion near and far. He calls for every ghoulish devotee, all in service for the Nothing..."

"The Nothing..?" Morla replies, distending her neck again, this time with eyes wide in interest and wary, "How can this be? The prophecy prohibits such a force to befall Fantasia. You saw to it, against my wishes."

"Yes, I did. " Gump replies, sorrowful, "It was a safeguard, but, alas, the prophecy has been broken. We must seek new remedy that only the Southern Oracle can advise."

"Foolish elf. You cannot seek the Oracle, it only allows audience for those brave enough to be challenged by it." Morla scoffs,
"Do you have a challenger that might stand up to them?"

"What if the Empress herself were to seek their counsel, held within another, but present all the same?" Gump queries, searching for negotiation.

Morla squints her eyes in contemplation, "Held within another..? What nonsense do you speak? If the Empress has returned, as you say, then by what means do you suggest she cannot attend alone?"

" She is yet to be born..." Gump attempts to explain, only for Morla to dismiss him again.

"You waste my and your own time. The Empress will only return with her first breath." Morla snaps at, him "If you find a suitable challenger the Oracle may offer guidance, now find your challenger and let me be."

"Tell us where the Southern Oracle is before the Nothing really disturbs you from your rest!" Oona retorts, forcing Morla's eyes to grow wide and scornful.

"Youuu! You, have no right to threaten me, Fairy. All of this will be undone by your hands... you still have a part to play, but it is not as my director... got it?"

Oona stands back, hiding behind Gump, apologetic she murmurs,
" I'm sorry, for speaking out of turn, ancient one."

" So you should be." Morla replies, with smug satisfaction in Oona's obedience, " Just because Gump has forgiven you does not mean I offer you the same consolation."

"Please, Morla. How do we find the Southern Oracle? I don't know how much more time we have before Darkness breaches our shields." Gump begs.

Morla closes her eyes and breathes deep in a meditative state.