As the days passed and I had reached the end of my training, the full moon approached. The evening of the full moon, Gwyn led me down a very long pathway through the forest. The path seemed to lead uphill and we had easily been walking for hours. Eventually we came to an opening on what appeared to be the side of a rock ridge. There was an ornate door frame carved into the rigid stone. It was already dusk at this point, but I could clearly see a framed door as it stood out like a sore thumb. The doorway seemed completely out of place, as everything surrounding it was overgrown from plant life on the rock face. The opening was very large and it seemed like there were small carvings hidden beneath the plant growth. I was curious, so I went to pull off some of the vegetation to get a better look. Gwyn yelled, "don't touch that!" I was startled but I'm sure he had good reason, so I ignored the hidden carvings. We entered through the doorway of the cave and I was hit with a sudden gust of wind. Along with the wind came a very ominous noise that Sounded almost like the scream or howl of an animal. The sound really surprised me at first. Gwyn told me not to worry as the wind was entering through many different parts of the cave causing such noise. We proceeded into the cave and I noticed there were also strange carvings all over the walls that appeared to glow from the moonlight. If it weren't for the moonlight peeking through different cracks and crevices on the cave's ceiling, I don't think I would be able to see anything at all. The carvings appeared to resemble different animals or maybe creatures, but they were carved in a rather peculiar way. All of the animals seemed to be distorted, or enlarged. They definitely did not look like any average animal, I don't think I would be able to properly identify them. The cave was very damp with a strange pink hued moss covering different rocks. In a strange way, the atmosphere reminded me of the catacombs I used to traverse with Ivan and Oli. As we walked further and further into the cave, I noticed there were various small statuettes hidden among the large stones. They depicted more strange looking creatures. This place was starting to give me a bad feeling. "What the heck is this place Gwyn?" I asked him nervously. Gwyn stopped and looked back at me over his shoulder. "This place… is the territory of a certain goddess. To touch anything unknowingly could be taken as a sign of disrespect. That's why I have prevented you from touching any of the carvings. This cave is called the Cavern of whispers. It is a very auspicious place that has been considered holy ground in the distant past. It was largely protected by Fritz during his reign of this territory, but at this point in time most mortals do not have any type of access to it anyways. However, being here means that we are already under watch and the goddess who maintains ownership surely knows of our prevence. We must be extremely careful until we make it to the Moonlight Alter. I promise I am not trying to scare you Sid, but this is an important lesson for you. Until you can fully understand the connections certain places within this world hold to the realm of the gods, or even places much darker… It is always best to simply show respect and avoid any type of confrontation with these greater beings. Otherwise, it is fully possible that you can become a target to those who have nefarious intentions within this world. Also… I specifically need to be even more careful than you…" Gwyn finished with a very cautious tone.
I am unsure what Gwyn meant with that last remark, but I'm sure that it must have to do with him being a god that has entered the mortal world. I really don't understand how much of that works, or how Gwyn even managed to split himself into three parts. But I suppose he is a god after all, maybe I will learn more about this in time. I just hope that he isn't putting himself in danger for me.
I was becoming more sceptical about this cave by the minute. We continued further into the cave until we finally met with a stone staircase that led upwards. Looking up the staircase, we could see a light flickering. This light seemed to put Gwyn on edge, and he put his hand on my chest, telling me to wait before we ascended. "Was there someone up there?" I thought to myself. "This is very strange, there should not be anyone here." Gwyn murmured. I took a couple steps back away from the base of the staircase. Gwyn looked at me and raised his tiger to his mouth indicating to stay silent. He slowly crept up the stairs in silence. Eventually he made it to the top and I watched as he carefully surveyed the floor above. The tension was palpable. I know that I have become much stronger and that I am here with Gwyn of all people. But…This place is just too ominous. I was struggling to keep my nerves in check. Gwyn seemed to finish looking around and gestured to me to follow him up the stairs. When I made it to the top I was met with an incredible sight. The room at the top of this cavern was wide and spacious, and seemed to be in the shape of a large circle. The ground was covered in large carvings just like the unusual creatures I had seen covering the walls of the cave. Additionally there were also carvings of what looked like stages of the moon in its lunar cycle. All of the carvings of the moon surrounded a pillar that sat in the middle of the room. Atop the pillar was a silver bowl and it was illuminated by a beam of moonlight that showed down from a large hole in the center of the room's ceiling. The hole seemed to be an opening to the surface of this cave system. Although the moonlight appeared to illuminate the room, there was a lit candle that was off to the side of the room on the ground. This was definitely the source of the light we had seen before ascending the stairs. Gwyn looked at me and stated plainly with a serious look on his face, "someone was here before us." "What makes you say that Gwyn? It's just an ordinary candle." I responded. "It's exactly because it is an ordinary candle that I know someone was here. Look at the melted wax on the ground around it, and the size of the candle." I looked closer at the candle and I could see that there was a significant amount of wax pooled around the base. That means a significant amount of the candle's length had already been used while in this room. I realized that this could only mean one thing. Gwyn was right, the candle had to have been lit some time before we got here. How could I have missed something so simple? I have resolved myself to be more observant in the future. I can't put Gwyn at risk if we end up in a situation like this again. "Who do you think it could have been? This place seems very secluded and well… Creepy." I said while gazing at the strange room. "At this point, it doesn't matter kiddo." Gwyn said while remaining serious. "Now that we're here we have to proceed. You see that altar in the center? That is where you'll convene with this goddess we are looking for. You'll need to approach the altar and drop your blood into the bowl. After that, you'll need to say these words exactly. I invoke the light of the pale goddess. Thee who reigns over the night sky. Illuminate my mind and show me those who dwell under your gaze, the ones I seek… Say those words exactly okay Sid? This is very important, and it is the only way we can reach the goddess." Gwyn then handed me a small knife I had seen him use before to carve my spear. I took hold of the knife and said, "I understand what I have to do Gwyn, so please don't feel bad about the blood thing. Really a small cut won't change anything, I'll be fine. But I am still very curious, could you tell me who this goddess is before I try and speak with her? I think it may be a little awkward if I just request her help without even knowing her name." Gwyn seemed to hesitate before responding. He seemed like he wanted to hold something back. He let out a deep exhale and started, "well…. I thought I would be able to avoid this but, you are entitled to know this. The Goddess who owns this place, is known as the goddess of the moon. She is considered one of the greater gods, and holds much power. We could be considered friends, but we differ on the ideals of interacting with the mortal world. Just by me being here, I have put her in a tough spot… but that isn't something I should really elaborate on right now. We should proceed with the altar now." Gwyn had a worried look on his face, so I could tell that this entire situation must be more serious then I initially thought. "Gwyn… I won't pry any further into this. I trust you, you have given me so much. I will do this and make sure we are able to find the people we care about." That worried look Gwyn had before started to melt away, and he gave me a small smile. "Kiddo, whatever happens, just know that everything will be alright. Trust me on that." I gave Gwyn a nod and stepped towards the altar. The silver bowl in the middle was shallowly filled with a strange blue tinted substance. I took Gwyn's knife and I made a cut across the palm of my hand. I watched as my blood dripped from my hand into the silver bowl. As it fell into the bowl, my blood began to swirl with the liquid and a mysterious light began to glow from the carvings surrounding the altar. "Say it now Sid!" Gwyn shouted over to me. I repeated the phrase Gwyn had spoken. "I invoke the light of the pale goddess. Thee who reigns over the night sky. Illuminate my mind and show me those who dwell under your gaze, the ones I seek!" Suddenly, the howling wind I had heard when we first entered the cave began swirling into the room. The carvings that had a faint glow were now shining brightly. And most of all, the moonlight that was coming down from the center of the ceiling now burst through the opening illuminating the entire room with a bright white light. I could literally feel energy filling the room, and it was beginning to seep into me. Now I understood what Gwyn meant by being overwhelmed. I quickly began to focus my mind on what we were there for. I had to brace myself by grabbing hold of the altar, the winds entering the room were howling and thrashing so strongly. I felt that I'd I let go of the altar now I would be thrown aside into a wall. The energy was so powerful, my body began to feel very hot. It was as if it was taking every ounce of my strength to hold off the energy around me, otherwise I thought I may actually explode. It was painful, but I knew that this must be done. I heard Gwyn shouting amid the raging winds inside the chamber. He yelled out, "HOLD ON SID!!, IT'S ALMOST OVER!! JUST KEEP HOLDING ONNN!!" Then there was a huge explosion of white light from the ceiling opening, and that's when I saw it. It was the figure of a woman. I faintly heard Gwyn shout, "YOU CAME IN PERSON!?!" The bright light from above began to dim ever so slightly and the thrashing winds subsided as well. The figure of the woman slowly descended from the opening in the ceiling and I watched as she hovered gently above the Altar I was grasping on to. She was possibly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She was adorn with almost nothing, she simply had silky effervescent cloths draping around her. Even as I looked at her I could feel my face starting to turn red. She had flowing hair that was as white as the moon, and her skin was tanned beautifully. Her eyes… They were glowing with the same hue of light as we had just seen. Piercingly white, as if they were the source of moonlight itself. She looked over at Gwyn, and said in a calm and serious tone, "Hunter… You know what is bound to happen now that you are here. Normally I would have to take the proper entrance to this plane, but due to your infractions… I and others have been charged with this incarnation's apprehension. I hope you understand that this is not something I take lightly." I was shocked by her words, and didn't understand what she meant. I looked over at Gwyn who was kneeling off to the side of the room. He had a very grim look on his face. I had a really bad feeling about this. I don't think that this was meant to happen. She continued to speak at Gwyn, "We have been friends for quite some time Gwyn, but I never expected you would act so boldly with this child. You know the rules better than anyone. You are lucky that we don't come for the other two." Gwyn closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He looked back up towards the goddess and spoke, "Livana, I know that I have put you in a difficult position and those certainly were not my intentions. But for you to come here yourself, I am definitely surprised. However, I accept my situation for what it is, and I do not regret helping this boy. Please continue with his requests as he has already committed the invocation. I will not resist in the end." Gwyn then looked at me and smiled. "Kiddo, please ask her what you need to know. Livana will be kind to you. Do not be afraid, just ask her what you need to know." I was so confused by this situation, was Gwyn in serious trouble?? Was this my fault? No, I needed to trust Gwyn. I instinctively bowed before Livana, the goddess of the moon and looked up at her as she floated before me. "Hello, I am Sid. I am a friend of Gwyn's and he has taken care of me very well. I humbly request that you hear my questions." I said while trying to produce a respectful tone. Livana gave me a nod with a gentle smile, gesturing me to continue. "I know this may be a lot to ask, but please if it is within your power… please can you help us find the people we care about? I am looking for my two friends, Ivan and Oli. Gwyn is looking for his brother Fritz. Please if you know anything, I would be deeply grateful for your help." I then bowed again, possibly because I was scared and nervous. I didn't know how I was supposed to address this incredible being. Livana smiled at me again, but then looked over to Gwyn and her smile started to fade. Her smile was replaced by a look that almost looked like sadness but I wasn't sure. "Gwyn, you have always had a knack for attracting tiger cubs. This young man definitely suits your household well. He will become a fine gentleman indeed." Gwyn also looked somewhat sad and gave her a faint smile and a nod. "Young one," said Livana. "I will address your questions in order of the confidence of my knowledge. As the one who reigns over the night sky and shines my light on those below, any who have been touched by my moonlight shall be seen. Past, present, and future. Your friend Ivan, has grown strong. You will meet him in 3 years time within the kingdom of Cashmere. When you decide to head towards your destination, an opportunity will arise for you to leave these forgotten lands. You will take it. From then on your journey will begin. Fritz has yet to be seen under my moonlight for quite some time, but the last he was seen was also within the kingdom of Cashmere. I cannot give you any more specifics on the matter, but as a small favor for my friend Gwyn here… go to the colosseum. As for your friend Olive, she is no longer under my light. I do not know of her location, so I am sorry to fail you in this request. However, I can tell you that she is alive. Her life energy still resides within this world, wherever or whichever she may be." Her words stung at first, but she also gave me so much information. I now knew that I would not only be able to find Fritz, but I could reunite with Ivan!! If I can find Ivan, then I know that we can find Oli together. I at least know that she is alive, and that is more than enough to help ease the pain of guilt I've been harboring in my heart. But what exactly did she mean by "whichever" ? That was a very strange choice of words. "Um Miss Livana, or sorry, moon goddess…" "you may address me as Livana young one." Livana interjected. "Got it, thank you Livana for such helpful information. I will be sure to follow through with what you have provided me." I said graciously. "However, young one… You should know that my advice is simply predictions based on the flow of their life energy. It is quite possible that these predictions could change based on different events. As I am not the goddess of fate… I cannot see any type of future that is certain, nor am I capable of affecting one's destined outcomes. I simply make my judgments through what is ascertained by those who walk beneath the moonlight." As Livana finished her sentiment, I thought deeply about what she said. I understand that what she has told me can change, but her words are truly my only hope and I have decided to put my trust in her. "I understand Livana, thank you so much for your help." I said with a final bow.
"Young one," said Livana. "You seem like a kind boy, so it pains me to have to do this. I apologize deeply for what is about to happen next." Her words rang through my ears and it Instantly filled me with panic. My eyes darted over to Gwyn. I looked him dead in the eyes, he simply spoke two words. "It's okay." There was another blinding flash of white light. In an instant, two white spears of energy flew through both of Gwyn's shoulders, pinning him to the back wall. I was in shock and yelled out, "GWYN!!" Gwyn looked like he was in Serious pain from the look on his face, but strangely there was no blood from where the spears hit him. However, it was as if all of his movements had been suppressed by the spears. I looked at Livana and shouted, "why are you doing this!! Gwyn is your friend!" In desperation I sprinted towards Gwyn, but he yelled at me in a serious tone, "STOP SID! Don't come any closer to me." His voice froze me in place. I didn't know what to do, the one person who had been looking out for me… my master had been harmed! "Gwyn! Tell me what is happening?!" I shouted with fear in my voice. Livana's voice, once soft and calm, boomed within the entire room. "YOUNG ONE. Before you act any further, you must wait and listen." It felt as if my body was petrified, I couldn't move a muscle from where I was standing. It was as if her will was dominating my senses. But despite that, I mustered all of my strength, willing myself to move. My body felt like it was burning hot. Just trying to resist the goddesses' domineering energy filled my body with pain, but there was no way I could let that stop me from protecting Gwyn. I could see my body begin to glow. It was the same golden light I had experienced once before, and power was beginning to surge through my body. I twisted my body at an immense speed and swung my arm towards the goddess. With the knife Gwyn had given me for the ritual, I prepared to stab the knife cleanly through the goddess to save Gwyn using my blessing. With my blessing, I could reach her no matter where she was. But just before I had activated it, that's when I heard his voice. "Sid, please! Do not act any further. I am begging you!" Gwyn's voice struck me to my core. I could hear the distress and worry in his voice, and it made me flinch. I had never heard Gwyn sound like this before… I dropped the knife, and the power I was wielding began to fade. Livana spoke out, "Hoh hoo, to think a young boy could resist the pull of the moon. You were wise to listen to your master young one. You almost committed a sin you could never take back... Let this be a lesson to you. Due to the circumstances, I will not punish you for what you were about to do, as I can see clearly your intentions were out of loyalty… Not malice. But be warned, to raise a blade towards a god… you had better be prepared to see it through to the end. Now, GWYN." Livana boomed as she spoke his name. "For the offense of favoring this child… To the degree of granting him your divine protection while inhabiting the mortal world. You have broken several taboos that the other gods cannot overlook. Seeing as this is only one of your three incarnations, and this part only acted alone, your apprehension will be limited to you and you alone. This is as far as I am able to overlook. Old friend, I am disappointed in you. You have put me in a position where I now have to turn my back on you. You were smart to come here, if you had attempted this with any other gods the outcome could have cost this child his life. Before you are taken, I will grant you the opportunity to speak with this boy. But be careful in your words, as you know as well as I… some things cannot be said."
Gwyn looked at me, and told me to come closer to him. Livana with her eyes closed, waved her hand and told me, "Go." I ran to Gwyn feeling tears starting to well in my eyes, and I hugged him. "Gwyn, I'm so sorry. This is all because of me. If I hadn't turned up that day… you never would have had to go through this!" Gwyn looked down at me, and head butted me hard on the crest of my forehead. "OW!" I yelled out while rubbing my head. I looked up at Gwyn and he had tears running down his face. "Hey! Don't you go saying something stupid Sid, if I hadn't met you that day then I never would have gained such a precious member of my family." Gwyn stated proudly. "You bare the hunter's heart, a great honor that you earned fully. You have your traveling hands, but with this I can protect you in my own way. I knew from the start that I was committing a grievous crime and broke our laws. I do not regret it. You found me Sid, when I was all alone. And as we spent more time together, it truly felt as if I had gained a son." Gwyn then took a deep breath and roared. "NOW! You must keep moving forward! You will see me again, I promise you this. I may not look the same the next time we meet, but I assure you I am one and the same. You have 3 years, kiddo. That may seem like a long time, but in reality it will fly by in a wink. You must use this time to train yourself and learn about this world. You must do whatever it takes to master your skills and hone your abilities. I know that you are bound for greatness kiddo. I am truly sorry that I must go now. But this is not goodbye, just goodbye for now…" Gwyn's words meant the world to me, and made me so happy. But at the same time, I knew that I was about to lose someone very important to me once again. "You better come see me soon Gwyn!" I yelled with tears and snot running down my face. "I promise I won't let you down! I'll find my friends, and I'll find Fritz! I won't give up no matter what!" "That's the spirit Kiddo." Gwyn responded with a heartfelt smile. Livana then illuminated the room with more blinding white light. One moment Livana and Gwyn were in the room, and the second they were not. However, even though they were gone, I could hear Livanas voice echoing in my mind saying, "Young one… the person who intruded upon my sanctuary before you, is someone you are bound to meet eventually. I am unable to say who they are, but when you finally meet face to face… you must try and control yourself. I wish you luck…"
And that was it. They were both gone, and I was left in this empty room, pondering how I am going to survive in this forest without Gwyn. "No." I said aloud. "That isn't what I should be thinking right now." I must take all that Gwyn has given me, and use it to become something greater than what I am. I am too weak. If I am ever going to accomplish anything, I must do exactly as Gwyn has instructed and strengthen myself in the next coming years. I cannot let Gwyn's trust in me go to waste. "I will change everything!"
End Sid