Legend: Light after Darkness -Book II

Part XVII - Challenge accepted

Pteviously...

After Jack and Lili part ways, Jack confronts Vallon, Gump and King Roland, abandoning their pilgrimage to seek out the Southern Oracle and turns his attention on his own quest of restoring Valtoria by taking back the throne as last of the halflings.

Meanwhile, Lili agrees to her and Jack's separation and approaches Vallon to train her for combat, despite her pregnancy, much to the disapproval of Oona and the caution of the others.

Meanwhile, back in the forest, Jack is surprised to find the Unicorns returned to the Valtorian woods...

Will the Unicorns reveal the identity of Oracle's challenger?

Will Lili be ready to fight Darkness while carrying the unborn Empress...?

Part XVII

"Forgive me, for all that was done and cannot be undone. Please, forgive me." Jack begs as he falls to his knees before the stallion unicorn.

The unicorns bray and winny, as any horse would, their voices remain unheard by mere mortals and fairy folk, but to Jack their language is as clear as though he spoke it himself...

"We forgive you, yet we fear for your darkened heart." The stallion unicorn answers, its communion belonging only to Jack and itself.

"My heart? Darkness does not sit in my heart. My loyalty lies with you, with Fantasia." Jack defends.

"Your envy and uncertainty compells Darkness to invade it." The unicorn replies.

" Envy? I don't understand..?" Jack replies, his thoughts interrupted by the unicorn's answer.

"...Your envy lies within your own soul. Separated by time and space, yet you are one. You see him as a rival when you should seek unification. You punished the princess for her bond to you, now you have opened a window for darkness to fill the void in her own heart." The unicorn warns.

"I understand how my behaviour has caused more conflict, but I left Lili so she would be safe. She is safe with Vallon..." Jack attempts to reconcile.

"...You cannot fool us, halfling. Your heart speaks to us and is seen by the Southern Oracle. It was envy that turned you away from her. Do not mask it with virtue." The unicorn scolds him, leaving Jack no choice but to admit the truth.

"You're right. I won't deny it." Jack concedes, "but, please believe me, I still love her and do not wish for her to surrender to darkness. I am hurt and, yes, I do see Vallon as a rival rather than apart of me... but, I still serve the greater good."

"Do not excuse your flaws, embrace the truth of them. It is your self doubt that has turned the Oracle's eye toward you. The Challenger must be tested, it is why the Southern Oracle has chosen you." The unicorn answers, only planting more confusion within Jack.

"The Oracle will give me the answer to defeat darkness, then?" Jack asks, not entirely sure if he will be given the honour of a reply.

"Pass their test and they will help you, and help us all. Do you accept the challenge?" The unicorn asks, as Jack rises to his feet.

Jack meets the gaze of the stallion, his eyes hold a new found confidence, despite his inner conflict, "Yes, I accept. Now, where can I find the Southern Oracle?"

The unicorn brays, "Engywook. Find Professor Engywook and you will find the Southern Oracle..."

Meanwhile, back at the castle.

Lili holds a steady gaze upon the centre of an archery target as she draws back her bow...

"I don't understand why you won't let me use the crossbow?" Lili pouts.