Ithika: Into The Forest

Chapter 9

Esthony and Anne couldn't help but laugh at Laza's words, finding some relief in the promise of more fun to come. They understood the need for an emotional break after the events of the day.

But Esthony couldn't help but voice her concerns. She looked at her mom and questioned, "Doesn't anyone care about how Margaret ended up in the forest and why she was attacked? And by what?"

Anne's eyes filled with anger, mirroring Esthony's frustration. "Of course we care," she replied, her voice filled with determination. "Do you think we risked everything to bring her back if we weren't going to find out the truth?" Anne's tone softened as regret washed over her. "It's very complicated to explain, but this kind of violent attack hasn't happened at camp before yesterday. The council is already concerned about the camp's security, especially with the growing presence of the dark coven."

Esthony rolled her eyes, not sure if she wanted to know more. But she knew she had no choice. She asked in a flat tone, "Dark coven?"

Laza's face lit up with excitement, and she eagerly knelt down before Esthony. "Oooo, can I tell her?" she pleaded with Anne.

Anne let out an exasperated sigh. "Very well," she agreed reluctantly.

Laza took a moment to gather her thoughts before beginning the story. "As you know, a long time ago, your great grandmother and grandfather were the Queen and King of Ithika," she started.

Esthony nodded, feeling a sense of pride for her family legacy.

But her excitement quickly turned to disappointment as Laza continued with a somber tone. "For a while, we all lived in peace and happiness in Ithika. It was a strong and vibrant world where anything seemed possible. Those were some of my happiest years," Laza reminisced, a soft smile on her face. But then her expression turned pained.

Laza's voice grew heavy as she continued, "But one day, a dark coven emerged from the depths of Ithika, taking over our kingdom. None of us know why or for what reason, but they stripped it away from us."

Laza's speech quickened as she shared more details. "For decades, we've tried to fight back, but their leader was too powerful. Many of us fled to a place where the dark coven couldn't reach us."

"Elkwood," Esthony whispered, remembering the stories she had heard.

"Yes," Laza confirmed. "You see, the original council members were from the ancient inhabitants of Elkwood. They formed a secret society of witches, gnomes, pixies, and other magical creatures to unite with humans and overthrow the dark lords of that time. The war raged on for a century until the leader of the dark coven mysteriously disappeared."

Esthony's eyes widened with curiosity. "Who was the dark leader?" she asked eagerly.

Laza hesitated and looked at Anne, unsure of how to proceed. There was a long pause before she finally spoke. "It's complicated," she began cautiously.

"What?!" Esthony exclaimed, frustration and anger welling up within her. "Why does everyone feel the need to keep everything from me?" She stood up, ready to storm out of the room. "First it was my father and mother, and now you, Laza," she huffed. "Are you all afraid that I might do something with this information? And what could I possibly offer or do for anyone?" Her voice filled with hurt and confusion. "I don't understand what's wrong with all of you. I'm fed up with it all." With that, Esthony stormed out of the room, consumed by her rage.

As Esthony walked along the circular path, her mind filled with determination. She had spent her life shielded from the knowledge that seemed to be common to everyone else. But now, she was tired of being kept in the dark. She knew that she had to seek answers elsewhere.

A glimmer of reflective light caught her attention, and her face brightened with a smile. She knew exactly who could help her in her quest for answers.

Spenser Erastus Culver, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, had always been intrigued by the Wright family. Despite being one of the oldest camp counselors in Elkwood. He hadn't heard of her and she seemed to have little knowledge about the camp or Ithika. He couldn't help but wonder why Anne Wright had kept her at a distance.

These questions occupied his thoughts as he stood under the glimmering fountain, seeking relief from the scorching sun. Even after 150 years, he still couldn't escape the heat of summer.

Esthony approached Spenser, her eyes filled with determination. "Spenser," she called out, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and urgency. "I need your help. I need to uncover the truth about my family, about Ithika, and about the dark coven. Will you assist me on this journey?"

Spenser looked at Esthony, his gaze intense yet filled with a sense of understanding. He nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I've been waiting for you to ask," he replied, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "Together, we will uncover the secrets that have been hidden from you for far too long."

And so, Esthony and Spenser embarked on a journey of discovery, seeking answers to the mysteries that surrounded them. With determination in their hearts and a shared purpose, they would delve into the depths of history and magic, unraveling the secrets that had been kept hidden for generations. And in their quest for truth, they would find not only the answers they sought but also the strength and courage within themselves to face the challenges that lay ahead.