Return of the Goddess

Chapter 14

Charlie, Sage and Alvina waited until Genna got closer than they ran and hugged her.

     “How did you get out?” Sage asked.

     “Hermes, came and bailed me out.” Genna hit Sage in the arm.

     “What was that for?” Sage rubbed the bruise on her arm.

     “Why didn’t you come after me?” Genna felt betrayed.

     “We were just about to,” Sage defended herself.

     “Guys relax. Let’s just go find Chelsea and Calvin.” Charlie intervened.

     Sage thought about that, “The thing is…I don’t know where they are.”

     Charlie looked around and froze, “Guys. I don’t think that’s are biggest problem at the moment.” He knew exactly where they were and that frightened him. The pond was enchanted screaming, “look at me,” while the trees and flowers blissfully swayed from side to side.

He could sense Genna’s nervousness as she placed her sweaty hand in his. Sage and Alvina looked ready to fight whatever monstrous beast that lurked in these woods, but what was so dangerous about this part of the woods was the magic, love and trickery.

     “Where are we?” Genna had goose-bumps all over her arms and a shiver in her voice.

     “This is the place where Narcissus met Echo.” Charlie said. “Do you know the story?”

     “No,” Genna pulled out her dagger. “I thought a narcissus was a flower.”

     “He was a person first. This place is dangerous. Don’t look into the pond or you’ll be turned into a daffodil, and if Echo finds out we’re here it will be almost impossible to get out.” Sage put her dagger away signaling Alvina to put her weapon down.

     Genna curiously leaned over to glance at the water, but Charlie grabbed her shoulders, “Are you insane?”

      “Sorry, it’s just so…tempting!” Genna began to lean over again, and Charlie pushed her back behind him.

      “Hey!” she punched him in the arm.

     “Hey!” reverberated off the trees in an eerie voice. Sage stumbled backwards tripping over her own feet in shock. Alvina took out her weapon again. It was a bladed boomerang that also had a tip for stabbing. Genna turned the sun on her necklace and her bow and arrow was ready.

     “Come with me,” Sage grabbed Alvina and they ran deeper into the woods. Genna took the opportunity and ran down to the pond.    While kneeling she gazed deeply into the clear water. She realized that she saw nothing, and the temptations of the entire brook were gone. Charlie grabbed Genna around the waist pulling her away from the pond, “Genna you’re o.k.?”

     “I’m fine,” Genna laughed relieved.

     “Guys, I can’t find our way,” Sage came back, “Every time I’m close the temptation brings me back here.”

 “It doesn’t affect me, I’ll lead the way! I can see the path now!” Genna started running so fast that the trees were a blur behind her. She looked back to make sure the others were there when she ran into a familiar blob.