II. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty-Three ~

I stood at the entrance of the forest, arriving at the foot of the mountain.

My mind still wondered as to where Laura was. When I went to the hills, the entrance to it was barricaded. The people who guarded the blockade said that bandits entered the city and they were preventing a swift escape for them.

For certain, Laura couldn't be there.

I could only wonder if she was safe.

I shook my head as I tried to remove those thoughts from my mind. Now wasn't the time to think about her. I had to focus on my mission and that was to get the ledoras herb.

I took a deep breath and slowly trotted into the forest.

~*~*~*~

Bird chirped from afar. The sun rays enlightened the faint path as it pierced through the leaves of the tall trees. Rustling from the ground was evident. And squirrels scurried from tree to tree.

I hopped off of Lady and walked slowly as I examined all the plants on the ground. The Medicine King provided a brief description of the plant. It was a good thing that I visited him before I headed here. He was the only person I knew who knew most about the herb and its physical description.

I let Lady graze as I knelt down, taking a closer look at all the plants that surrounded me. I needed to keep a sharp eye for the legendary herb.

"This isn't the place for a prince's amusement," a woman spoke from behind me as a sword was drawn to my neck.

Cautiously, I stood up with my hands in the air. As I turned around slowly, the woman wore a cloak with her face hidden underneath her hood. Her face faced down a bit but her sword was still up to my neck. "I mean no harm to this place. I am here out of sheer desperation," I said.

"Those who are in despair head to this mountain to die. Is that why you are here?" she asked.

"I did not come all this just so I can end my life."

"That, I can believe. This isn't the most honourable place for a royal to perish," the woman replied.

"I am not a prince. I am but a lowly peasant," I lied as I wanted to hide my true identity. I didn't know who this woman was and what her purpose was. I couldn't tell her who I really was.

She scoffed. "Young man, may I remind you of the origin of this mountain? This is where the ancient gods used to reside. We, the gatekeepers, can sense an immortal from the foot of this mountain," she said. She then asked, "What brings you to a place such as this?"

"And why should I tell a stranger of my purpose here?" I answered with another question.

"You don't know me. But, I may be of big help with whatever it is that you need."

I asked once more, "How am I supposed to trust a stranger who draws a sword before my neck?"

She stood silent for a moment before she pulled her sword back. "I know this mountain more than you do, young prince. I know it by heart," she said as she put her sword back in its sheath. She continued, "And I already know what you're seeking. I can show you where to find it. I can also show you the safest way out of this mountain. However, if you don't want my aid, I'm afraid your quest is in vain."

"And are you willing to help me? You don't even know me that well," I remarked.

"I'm sure that by now, you already heard the stories about those who entered the mountain but never returned. This forest can play tricks on one's mind. It will do anything to outwit anyone who enters. This forest hates intruders and will do anything to protect itself from cold-hearted people. It only trusts the guardians that were placed by the ancient gods," she explained.

She continued, "Seeing that you are able to enter the forest without any sort of trouble, it can only mean that the forest knows what your motive is. And it trusts you enough to let you set foot into its borders. If the forest can trust you, that means that I can, too."

I stared at her, still unsure if I should believe every single word she said.

She asked once more, "Now, how can I be of assistance to you?"

Perhaps there was nothing wrong in asking for help. She might be a stranger but it seemed that the forest trusted her as well. If she was a guardian as she claimed to be, she was worthy of my trust.

"I'm looking for a plant. A herbal plant, to be exact," I answered. I continued, "I was told that it can heal all sorts of illnesses, from the simplest wounds to the deadliest plagues. I need it to save my mother."

"The mountain contains many powerful herbs. You have to be specific on which plant you are referring to. Do you know the name of this herb that you seek?" she asked.

"Yes. I am looking for the ledoras plant. According to our royal physician, it's a shrub, almost too little to see. It has white flowers and everything about the plant is soft, from its roots to its leaves. It was said to have a sweet, pleasant smell. As for its effect on the sick, it is said to have swift results. However, if taken for no reason, one can fall into a deep sleep," I said as I gave the details given to me.

"You are well-prepared for your quest. The ledoras is a herb bestowed to the ancient gods by the elves. And only a few know about it. Medicinal families are the ones who usually carry this knowledge," said the woman. She continued, "Now, come and follow my lead. In order to find what you are looking for, we need to get into the heart of the forest." Without another word, she proceeded to walk ahead of me.

I immediately grabbed Lady's reins and followed closely behind the woman.

She added, "I suggest that you stay close to me. Even if the forest trusts you, it can still play tricks on you. Trust your senses and always be on your guard. The forest will pretend to be anything just to deceive you.

~*~*~*~

After an almost perilous hike up the mountain, we approached a wooden bridge, hanging over a deep ravine. I glanced down below and there was nothing but darkness. "Your horse can go no further from here," the woman said as she turned to face me.

"I can't just leave Lady here. She can run away," I protested.

She sighed before she walked towards Lady. Gently holding Lady's face, the woman laid her forehead on Lady's nose and whispered. Lady then stayed by a nearby tree. "Now, we must go," the woman continued towards the bridge.

"What about Lady? What did you do to her?" I asked.

"She will wait for our return," she replied, not bothering to turn around. "Now, come. We must find what you seek before night falls upon us."

I looked down the ravine once again. "Will I fall?"

"You will fall if you think you will," she answered as she reached the other side.

I took a deep breath and started my walk across the bridge. One step after another, my legs shook continuously as I held my breath. Sweat formed on my forehead as I thought of the fact that one misstep could lead to my death.

I kept my eyes on the woman. The other side was so near and yet, it felt so far. But after a few more steps, I was finally reunited with her. And as soon as my feet felt the sturdy ground, I sighed out of relief.

The woman chuckled. "That took forever, young prince," she remarked. She then proceeded along the path and I followed right behind her. My hand never left my sword. I didn't know who this woman was and I didn't give her my full trust yet. For all I was concerned, she could be leading me to a trap.