Crystals of Nature

The stranger

(Continue with Chapter Two)

Over one hour, seven miles later, with the occasional respite whenever they came across a small stream (or river), they reach their destination: the Great Hlenirae Tree, in the forest of Syallanthia. They stood fifty feet away from the huge tree, taking in the sight.

Kerail saw Myshiunn sitting six feet from the base, as he estimates the Great Hlenirae Tree to be over one hundred feet tall, with a thick tree top (covering), and its diameter to be around by fifty feet wide.
He smiled at the fond memories of his childhood stories that held a few tales about the Great Hlenirae Tree, though one he treasured deep in his heart, one where the great tree had magical entwined tree roots that was invisible to the human eye.

They grew around the base of the tree to protect the tree nymph, being five feet high and five feet wide - with the rest of the story included: a large village - a name he keeps forgetting - an enchanted tree nymph with her protector, an earth guardian...
Kerail sighed heavily as he pressed onwards, pushing aside the daydream, focusing on more important matters as he called Myshiunn to show them where the person in need of assistance is, with his two brother's trailing (a few feet) behind him. Rhystal suggested to Baiyne they should be attentive in this part of the forest, since they do not know what (kind of) creatures dwells in this area.

The brother's had stopped eight feet from the tree, baffled by Myshiunn's course of action as they watch the dog bring out a small brown bag from somewhere from the base of the tree and place it in front of his master.
No one spoke as Kerail bend down and opened the bag, as his right hand explored the contents inside, but only found emptiness. In a single heart beat, they felt the answer as leather arm bands materialized on both their wrists and a metal pendant around their necks.

No breeze blow in their area as the air around them filtered with a mix scent of spring flowers and herbs, unaware that the aroma came from the tree, where it altered their perception, keeping them calm and in a relaxed state of mind. Only for this moment, in this time, the aroma enhanced their insight to the world of magic, allowing them to witness the 'truth' in movements of nature, as they patiently waited for the shimmering (invisible entwined) tree roots to part, revealing a hollow wood crib. Myshiunn sat on the side line, watching the human's and the tree, waiting for his master's next step.

In swift strides, they closed the gap. They were astounded (into silence) by the sight of a young girl, sound asleep inside the hollow wood crib. She was covered with a dark brown blanket, as if someone else had tried to keep her warm from the weather's cool air and had composed the entwined tree roots - like a bed - to hold her form.
If they had any questions, it dissolved away inside their minds, replaced with concern for the strange girl's wellbeing.

Looking at their little brother, seeing a familiar expression there, as a board smile spread across his face, with a happy tone of voice, Baiyne said, "Well, Rhystal, I do believe our little brother has found a wife."
Kerail looked at him with a rise brow, a smirk played with his lips as he replied, "I'm surprised, dear brother, that her beauty has not bewitched you already."
Rhystal opened his mouth to comment on their odd bantering when an eerie howl filled the atmosphere, sounding so close to the area.

Rhystal, being the oldest and caretaker of the family, gave them a stern look as he gave them instructions: Kerail and Baiyne to be ready with the girl - and look for any other belongings she might have - and Myshiunn to be attentive, protect and give the sound for danger (bark, growl, bark and growl again).

"Furthermore, do not follow me, or else I truly will feed your hides to whatever is out there, do you hear me?" He asked them in a strict tone of voice.
Baiyne and Kerail merely nodded, and Myshiunn (merely) gave a soft whimper.
Satisfied with their answer, Rhystal set off, moving on the right side of the Great Hlenirae Tree, as another round of eerie howls are heard. He moved nimbly and soundlessly - like an animal - in the direction the howls came from, counting each step he took into danger.

(Three hundred and sixty yards later from the tree...)
He stood fifty feet away from the area, appeased by the sight of tall thick Tyrkiln bushes, as he heard in the distance the sound of battle between men and beasts. His next step was overriding by an unseen force, as his body sucked in a sharp breath of air, eyes opened wide, gazing blankly into the woods beyond.
Inside his mind, he saw glimpses of the batlle, how many men there were fighting a growing pack of black and red wolves.

While he watched, he heard a man's voice speaking to him, telling him to take care of the girl, that she is important. In a blink of an eye, the next thing he knows he was running back to his brother's, as his mind pondered over varies stories their wives told to the children.