Guardian of Elements

Chapter 2 - Guardian of Nature

Kate turned back to the dying animal.

"Can you help him, Tawarthion?"

"Kate, compassion is not bad, in fact, it's one of the most valuable gifts you have, but," – the stag turned to the deer, – "the predator which wounded it will probably return to feed. Should I save the deer and let that predator starve, or let it feed at the cost of the deer's life? Sometimes, it's better to not interfere. Now come, we'll go home."

But Kate didn't give up so easily.

"That wasn't any predator I know. Look at this," she pointed at the stone spike she had removed from the wound. "Which animal would be able to do this? It's not a horn or a claw. And there's that smell in the air I've never encountered, too."

Tawarthion walked slowly to her side.

"I know your nose is better than mine, but..." When he saw the spike, he stopped in the middle of his sentence. As he smelled it, he suddenly raised his head quickly, as if he remembered something. For the first time in the past three years, Kate saw fear in his eyes.

"Kate, we have to go. Now."

"What's wrong? What are you scared of?" She coudn't understand.

"I'll explain it back home, but now come!"

"And what about the deer?"

"Kate, I need to protect you first! You must get to safety now!"

Kate had just about enough of being treated as a child.

"So, we'll leave it to die? Wasn't it you who taught me that every life is important, no matter if ours or bugs'?"

Tawarthion looked at her.

"You have a good soul, Kate. I know somebody who would appreciate that. Fine, I'll heal it, but then we return home, no stopping," he said, a bit calmer now.

Tawarthion turned to the deer. The green gem on his chest began to shine and miracles started to happen. From the ground, green streams of energy and sparkling dust rose, intensively glowing as they enveloped the deer. Birds began to sing in the middle of the night and flowers blossomed. As the streams were circling the deer, it opened its eyes and slowly stood up. Then, the magical energy disappeared into the air, but flowers around the deer, now with no sign of its wound, remained blossomed as on a spring day. The deer gave Tawarthion a quick howl and then ran into the forest.

"You're welcome," said the Guardian of Nature, and then turned back to Kate.

"It's done. And now, we shall go home," he said as he moved to follow it.

Although Kate had many questions, she kept her promise and didn't ask anything on the way back to the middle of the forest, where was their home: a small valley with an overhanging cliff, with a waterfall flowing down from it, forming a small pond with pure water. Behind the waterfall was a shallow hollowed cave with grass on the floor. Rocky cliffsides were almost all around the clearing, protecting it from both weather and being discovered. There were almost no trees, but the entire valley was covered in grass.

When the two Guardians arrived, the Sun was already on the horizon, however the hills were shielding the valley from the light, giving it a pleasant shade.

As they entered by an overgrown passage, Tawarthion sighed and took word.

"I know you want answers, but I'm tired after this night. I've told you so many times to not run away like this, it's hard for me to track you down. You see, many animals aren't awake in the night. And those who are rarely see a blue cat running around. I even had to ask a beaver which was having a midnight snack near the stream. And beavers aren't the friendliest of creatures, you know?"

Kate silently followed Tawarthion to the cave. She had heard that many times.

"So, to put it short: I'm going to get some sleep," he said as he lay down on the caverns' grass. "I recommend you do the same."

Kate tried to follow his advice, but she gave up after a while and went outside. Sunrays were now shining on the valley and birds were singing. She always loved their songs, even though she couldn't understand them like Tawarthion did. She walked to the pond and lay down on the shore.

So much had happened in those past three years. And Tawarthion was always by her side, ready to protect her whenever it was necessary. No matter what they faced, he was never afraid. What could possibly be so scary that he wanted to run away and not face it?

She looked at the pond's surface and a drop of water rose from it, following her gaze. Then, she let it fall back into the pond. She liked to play with water this way, it helped her gather her thoughts. She was doing it for a while, when suddenly, a lily blossomed right in front of her.

"Cannot sleep?" asked Tawarthion.

Kate, without leaving her sight off the flower, remained silent.

"I know you're not that little cub I've sworn to protect anymore. But I am not sure you're old enough for this either."

"What is it you're not telling me? What wounded that deer?" Kate was speaking as if in sleep.

Tawarthion was hesitating. Finally, he spoke.

"Come. I have to show you something." And he went to the entrance into the valley.

"Where are we going?" Kate stood up and followed him.

"You'll see soon enough."

Tawarthion was leading her south, to the part of the forest where she had never been before. Every time she attempted to go there, plants themselves blocked her way. When she asked him about it, he told her to not defy the forest. This time however, Tawarthion himself was leading her there.

When they arrived at the edge of the hostile forest, the Guardian of Nature took a deep breath and his gem began radiating with green light. Foliage obeyed the Guardian's call and grew back, revealing a narrow path. He went on, not saying a word.

The forest was darker here and birds weren't singing. When Kate looked to the sides of the path, there were only bushes, so dense and tall she couldn't see past them. The path soon got too narrow for them to walk side by side, which only strengthened her feeling of uneasiness. Tawarthion seemed to know this place, but still, she was a bit afraid.

They stopped in front of gigantic vines, which were blocking the road. Tawarthion took a deep breath again, as if he was mustering courage. Kate had never seen him this nervous. He was always brave, always stalwart. Finally, he stepped forward, and at his command, the vines moved away. A rocky platform appeared, and they slowly walked to the edge.

A magnificent view of the landscape opened in front of Kate. The forest was bathing in the morning Sun on the horizon in front of her, and a river in the valley was shining like a diamond. However, it was something else that caught her attention. About a hundred meters below the cliff, there were scorched ruins of a village.