Hurnorth: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Chapter XXVII: The Lair of Feral Majesty

Alistair Point of View,

As we approached the ethereal garden of wisdom, a sense of enchantment mingled with a touch of foreboding. Vines, thick and twisted, adorned the old gate, seemingly guarding the secrets within. The gate, weathered by time's embrace, bore intricate engravings reminiscent of ancient symbols, almost whispering tales of ages past.

Pushing the gate, its creak echoed through the stillness of the garden. Beyond lay a world bathed in shadow, an eerie yet mesmerizing sight. Trees with gnarled branches intertwined above, forming a canopy that veiled the garden in perpetual twilight. The foliage, lush and wild, danced in the dim light, casting elongated shadows upon the moss-covered ground.

Amidst the overgrown flora, roses bloomed defiantly, their petals painted in hues that shimmered in the faint light. Each flower seemed to hold secrets within its delicate folds, as if offering whispers of ancient wisdom to those who dared to listen. Yet, their beauty juxtaposed with the garden's darkness, creating an otherworldly aura that both beckoned and cautioned.

Paths, barely discernible beneath the creeping vines, led to hidden corners where statues stood sentinel, their features weathered and obscured by time. The air carried a scent of something ancient and profound, an essence that lingered, enticing explorers to seek the garden's elusive truths.

"Mukhang ilang dekada na itong napabayaan. Sana walang ahas dito." sabi ni Oliver.

"Well, that is to be expected because it's been hundreds of years since all the witches and wizards residing here disappeared. Legend has it that this place was cursed due to the wrongdoing committed by the town's princess. Because of love, she became selfish and turned her back on the town. The punishment fell upon the townspeople, and since then, she was never seen again." kwento ni Morgan.

"The symbolism of this garden is the beautiful yet perilous love story of a princess and her beloved, much like that of a rose. Here, it is said that the princess and an outsider first met." dagdag pa niya.

Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad sa napakalawak na harding ito.Wandering along the cobblestone paths with the magical compass, we've reached the sturdy bridge spanning the gentle river.

The river lay before us, illuminated by the eerie glow of the full moon. It was a sight to behold, mesmerizing yet tinged with an unsettling beauty. The moon, not shining in the usual white or yellow hue, cast a crimson light that bathed the surroundings.

In the midst of this otherworldly scene stood a bridge, its arches stretching across a gently flowing river. The moon's crimson reflection upon the water gave it an appearance akin to flowing blood, a sight that sent shivers down our spines despite its captivating allure.

The bridge itself, adorned with intricate designs and adorned with creeping vines, held an ethereal quality that seemed both inviting and foreboding under the eerie moonlight. It beckoned us to cross, yet its atmosphere whispered caution.

As we gazed at the reflection of the moon in the water, the crimson glow danced upon the ripples, creating an illusion of flowing blood beneath the surface. It was a surreal and haunting sight, drawing us closer to unravel its mysterious allure yet instilling a sense of unease in our hearts.

We parted the vines on the bridge to search for the mentioned message. Our lower garments were getting wet because of the water. Its coldness sent shivers down my spine.

"This is it," Ehann said, his voice cool, and we immediately approached him. He read what was written there.

"As tomes in ancient lore do close,
Each revelation finds repose.
For every tale, a final page,
Unveiling truths from bygone age.