Emerald Green {Book Two}

The Veil of Shadows

The air was thick with the scent of impending adventure as the sun peeked timidly over the horizon, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward Eryk's fate. Inside the dimly lit chamber of their small cabin dwelling, Eryk meticulously packed his satchel with supplies for the journey ahead. Scrolls of ancient spells, dried provisions, and a small, ornate dagger with runes etched into its blade lay scattered on the table.

Kisma, the wise seer with eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of centuries, stood by the window, her gaze distant, lost in the swirling mists outside. She turned to Eryk, her expression grave yet filled with warmth.

"Eryk," she began, her voice soft yet resonant, "your path is fraught with peril, more than you can fathom. But you must know, the knowledge you carry of your lineage, of Loki being your father, must remain shrouded in secrecy. This knowledge could unravel the fabric of our world if it falls into the wrong hands."

She stepped closer, her robe whispering against the stone floor, and from within her cloak, she produced a necklace. It was simple yet bore an intricately carved rune that seemed to pulse with a hidden life. She draped it around Eryk's neck, her hands lingering as if to impart not just the amulet but her own protective energy.

"This rune," Kisma whispered, "will cloak you from the eyes of the gods, especially Odin and Loki. Wear it always, for it will keep you hidden in the shadow of their sight."

Eryk looked down at the amulet, feeling its cool weight against his chest. He understood the gravity of her words, the burden of his heritage. "I will guard this secret with my life," he vowed, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions within him.

Kisma nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and sorrow. "Remember, Eryk, even with this protection, you must tread carefully. The gods have ways of seeing beyond mere physical veils. Your actions must be wise, your words measured."

He absorbed her counsel, feeling the weight of his destiny settle upon his shoulders. With a deep breath, Eryk turned towards the door, but not before giving Kisma one last look, a silent promise of return.

Stepping outside, the world felt both vaster and more intimate. With a sharp, clear whistle, he summoned his companion. Emerging from the shadows, a solid black dire wolf appeared, its eyes glowing with an inner fire, a creature of both this world and another. This wolf, whom only Eryk could truly understand and communicate with, approached with a dignified grace.

"Shadow," Eryk greeted, his voice a blend of command and companionship, "I hope we're ready for this."

The wolf, Shadow, responded with a low, resonant growl that seemed to vibrate with understanding. They shared a look, a silent conversation of loyalty and purpose, then turned towards the forest edge where the path began, narrow and shrouded in mystery.

As they set off, Eryk's hand instinctively touched the amulet under his shirt, feeling its warmth against his skin. The journey was his, fraught with secrets and shadowed paths, but with Shadow by his side and Kisma's blessing around his neck, he felt a flicker of hope. The quest to save his mother from the curse was not just a challenge but a testament to his lineage, a journey that would define him beyond the gods' watchful eyes.