Caspian's Legacy: The Scent of Truth (book two)

Chapter forty-four

Soren had only hoped he would make it in time to be there for his friends; they need him right now for their trials to prove their worth to restore the life of the Tear of Luna. The night air was cold, and he could feel the weight of his pack pressing down on his shoulders as he hurried through the dark forest. He knew the way, having spent countless hours having dinner with the woman, Lucius, and their son, Alistair, and sharing stories of their lives.

"I need to be there for my friends and tell the spirits I have completed my task by proving my strength to them," Soren thought to himself as he continued on his journey. The forest seemed to close in around him, the trees looming tall and menacing in the darkness. The moonlight barely penetrated the canopy overhead, casting long, eerie shadows across the ground.

He looked around the forest with wary eyes, the branches swaying gently in the breeze and the leaves crunching under his feet. The sound of animals rustling in the underbrush added to the eerie atmosphere. Soren's heart raced, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He quickened his pace, eager to reach the clearing from where the spirits stood their ground, with Caspian, Aurora, and Oak waiting for his arrival once more.

"C'mon, Soren," Soren whispered to himself, trying to steady his nerves. "You can do this. You've faced worse." He pushed through a particularly dense patch of trees, and Aurora, Caspian, and Oak came into view. They stood together at the center of the clearing, their expressions solemn and expectant. As Soren approached, Aurora smiled warmly at him, her blue eyes glistening in the moonlight.

"you're back! and in time too!" she exclaims happily, her blue eyes shiny with delight. Aurora steps forward, her long blonde hair flowing in the gentle night breeze, and takes Soren's hands in hers. "We've been waiting for you," she says, her voice filled with emotion. "Caspian's trial is about to start, and we need you to be here for him." Tears swelling in her eyes, Aurora looks up at Soren, searching his face for reassurance.

The leading spirit's wise gaze looks down upon Caspian, who stands before him, prepared for whatever trial awaits. His muscles tense as he anticipates the challenge that will prove his worth. The other spirits watch intently, their eyes glowing with a soft, ethereal light.

"Your friend Soren had completed his test, and we are very pleased with his compassion as well as his strength." The leading spirit's voice booms across the clearing, his voice booming through the night. "He has proven himself worthy to stand by your side, Caspian. You now have his blessing and support." The leading spirit steps aside, revealing a path leading deeper into the forest. "Your trial now begins. You must follow this path alone and face whatever challenges you encounter. At the end of the path, you will find a small shrine. There, you must make an offering to the spirits. Only then will you have proven your worth and restored the Tear of Luna to its rightful place." The leading spirit explains carefully.

Caspian nodded his head, his chest tight with emotion. He looked over at Soren, who gave him a reassuring smile. With a deep breath, he turned back to the leading spirit and began his journey. The path wound its way through the dense forest, the trees towering overhead and their branches forming a canopy of leaves that blocked out most of the moonlight. The underbrush was thick and tangled, making it difficult for Caspian to make any real progress.