Greeting’s my friend,
It’s been good to befriend you with lessons learned from months spent on an adventure. There was a constant stream of events which left an impression on me. Of course, I learned how apt I am to making mistakes. Fortunately, none turned deadly. Here’s one which landed me in an unfamiliar role.
Heed this warning which I learned at a cost: have a care around the odd glowing items. The unknown may deliver unexpected consequences. It is crucial to exercise caution and refrain from indulging in dangerous curiosity. The mystical forces at play can ensnare the unwary in a perilous web of consequences. Be vigilant, for the realm of wonders and enchantments is not to be trifled with.
The door opened to a soft glow as Hastra and the other two Withlings left the room. They shut the door and stepped farther along the hallway, out of Limbreth’s line of vision.
Limbreth’s gaze locked on the door. Whatever they’d done, something the Withlings had blessed was left in that unguarded room. That wasn’t good. She stood abruptly.
“You gonna eat that?” Makwi pointed to Limbreth’s ignored bowl.
“Uh, no.” She spared a short glance at the table. “I’m not hungry just now.”
Makwi shrugged. “More for me, I guess.” He pulled the bowl of stew close and spooned the contents into his mouth.
“Uh, yeah, go ahead.”
Limbreth walked toward the darkened hallway and the dining room door. At the door, she paused and listened to the Withlings just around the corner at the back door of the station. Their voices rose and fell in discussion, but she heard none of the details. Instead the room drew her attention. Whatever was inside shouldn’t be left unguarded. No doubt about it.
She opened the door and peeked inside. Her breath left her, and she gaped at the sight. An arrow, lying on the table, glowed with white light.
She glanced each way, stepped into the room, and pushed the door almost closed. The glow and the silence of the room left her speechless and with the desire to tread softly. She tiptoed across the room and gazed in silent wonder at the arrow. It must be the prophesied arrow. Limbreth swallowed a sudden lump in her throat. They’d made it with a blessing from a common arrow. Where had Hastra gotten it? It didn’t matter. What did matter was keeping this safe for Athson.
The arrow pulsed with light.
Limbreth reached for it. Was it hot? She felt no heat from it. She held her breath for some reason, touched the shaft, and took hold of it. She gasped, and her eyes widened as she held the arrow in both hands, afraid to drop it. Her emotions whirled before sound bubbled out of her.
She laughed. Joy filled her thoughts. It was so wonderful, this miracle, this blessing. She laughed louder.
“What have you done?”
Limbreth turned, her uncontrollable joy shaking her body. Hastra and her other companions stood in the doorway, their eyes wide and jaws slack. “It has come. It’s so wonderful.”
Hastra crossed the room to Limbreth and reached for the arrow. “Give it to me, Limbreth.”
Limbreth snatched the arrow from Hastra’s reach. “No, you must not touch it.” Her sudden shift in seriousness surprised even Limbreth. What was going on? “I have to keep it safe.”
The Withling’s eyelids fluttered wider, and her nostrils flared. “You can’t—”
“Shut the door.” The gaunt man pushed the wild-eyed woman with unruly red hair into the room. “Hold on, Hastra.” He moved and stood at the Withling’s side. “What’s done is done here. Nothing happens by chance with these items.”
Hastra shook her head. “No, we have to protect it, Howart.”
Limbreth pulled away. “No, you cannot touch it. Only Athson can have it. It’s the prophesied arrow, the white arrow. I’m to hold it for him until he comes for it. His enemies must not get it.”
The door opened, and the other woman flinched, startled as Tordug and Makwi peered into the room. They too gaped, wide-eyed. The red-haired Withling sighed. “Uh-oh. This is getting out of hand, fast.”
That was not one of my better decisions, regardless of my intentions. I won’t reveal much else since you may not have read this far in the series, but it led to several problems with me in the middle. I don’t regret my actions afterward, but it looked grim several times as a result of my good intentions.
Be wary of your actions when on adventures or you may find yourself dealing with unintended consequences. Until next time, consider what you do and what you touch if you find an item unexpectedly glowing within your reach!
