The Crimson Legacy (In Progress)

Chapter 15: The Child Prodigy

—

It had been a long and arduous journey, but at last, after hours of running through dense forests and winding mountain paths, Clara finally caught a glimpse of her destination. 

The Tree of Magus rose in the distance like a titan reaching towards the heavens. Even from miles away, its immense size was unmistakable—a colossal, ancient tree whose trunk seemed to blend with the clouds, its branches spreading wide like a natural fortress. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting beams of golden light that danced in the wind.

Clara's breath caught in her throat at the sight. She had heard tales of this place—stories of the greatest library in all of Eldrid, a living monument to knowledge and secrets. But seeing it now, in person, she felt a strange mix of awe and anxiety. She took a moment to steady herself, the pain from her wounds dulling but still present.

Reaching into Zephyr's backpack, she pulled out the Tome of Eldrid. The ancient cover seemed to pulse with life, its surface etched with runes that glowed faintly. But as she held it, the glow intensified, radiating a soft, otherworldly light that seemed to resonate with the distant tree. Clara's eyes widened—this was different. 

The Tome had never responded so strongly before. The light was almost beckoning her, urging her to continue.

She slipped the Tome back into the pack, her fingers trembling slightly, and set off towards the Tree, breaking into a run. Her mind raced with questions, doubts, and the nagging worry that this entire journey could be another trap. But beneath it all was a persistent hope—a glimmer of something greater than the pain and the betrayal she had endured.

As Clara neared the entrance to the Tree of Magus, a figure appeared on the path ahead. It was a small girl, standing alone, her back turned to Clara. Her long hair was tied into two braids—one pink and one green. Clara slowed her pace, recognizing the distinctive hair from a fleeting memory.

The girl turned, her face lighting up as she saw Clara approaching. 

"You finally came!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Are you..." Clara began, her voice cautious, "the one who left the letter in the hut? Zoe?"

The girl nodded eagerly. "That's me!" she replied, her grin stretching wide. "I'm the youngest of the Guardians!"

Despite her exhaustion, Clara couldn't help but feel a pang of relief at the girl's infectious enthusiasm. Zoe didn't seem like a threat—at least not in the way others had been. Clara had been led astray before, but something about Zoe's bright eyes and open smile made it difficult to suspect her of ill intent.

Zoe didn't wait for Clara's response. She grabbed Clara's hand, her small fingers surprisingly strong, and began pulling her towards the Tree's entrance. 

"Come on!" Zoe urged. "Lucius has been waiting!"

Clara allowed herself to be led, her senses on high alert, but her curiosity pulling her forward. As they approached the base of the Tree, Clara was struck by the massive wooden doors, engraved with swirling patterns that seemed to shift and move as if alive. The doors creaked open at Zoe's touch, revealing the interior of the Tree of Magus.