Three sudden taps on the door made the lady turn her head. She looked at Landon, who was rising from her bosom, equally startled. Who could be knocking? For years of darkness, they had never had a visitor. This was unusual, strikingly so. When the impatient knock came again, Morgan left the mattress.
"Stay here. I'll be back," she whispered to Landon, not waiting for a response. She stepped slowly toward the door, hesitating before touching the locks. Briefly, she thought aloud: It must be a human… maybe chased by the monsters of the night. She inhaled sharply and called out, "Who's there?" Her voice cracked slightly. Silence answered her. Curiosity won, and she undid the lock, peeking into the darkness. An old man stood there, gazing back.
"Gosh, you scared me," she said aloud, her heart skipping a beat. She blinked as a hand touched her chest. Rolling her eyes with an exasperated sigh, she watched Langford step inside, moving toward one of the chairs by the table as if invited.
Morgan closed the door and turned to the man with the bags from earlier, as though he had never left.
"I came because I know you needed me," his old voice said, looking deep into her eyes. Morgan wanted to ask how he could know her thoughts. Her mind had been clouded with worries about the seer and her decision concerning Landon. But she knew, his magic allowed him to see everything, even thoughts.
"Where's Erlys?" Langford finally spoke after minutes of silence. He set his bag on the table and began removing its contents: two hardcover books, followed by other mystical items, vials of liquids and magical tools meant to guide spirits to the next realm. One transparent bottle caught his attention; black contents danced inside. He studied it for a moment, then set it down.
Morgan didn't respond when the young boy approached, curiosity in his eyes. Langford immediately straightened and greeted him with a smile.
"Erlys," Langford said, placing a hand on the boy's left shoulder. The boy blinked, confused. He didn't understand why he was called by a name he'd never heard.
Langford turned to Morgan. "Fetch me some water; I'm thirsty," he croaked, clearing his throat. Morgan hesitated, then nodded, heading to get a cup. Meanwhile, the seer guided Landon to the chair he had just vacated.
"Soon, you'll understand everything you need. What you need most is protection and safety," Langford said, but Morgan returned with the water, interrupting him. He smiled at her, taking the cup gratefully.
"Thanks," he said before drinking. His eyes gleamed, he was finally free to reveal Landon's true identity and destiny. Setting the cup down with a smack, he turned to the boy.
"Landon," he said for the first time, and both Morgan and the boy noticed. He reached for the books he had brought and flipped through the pages until he found the section he was looking for. He muttered quietly, then looked up at Landon.
"We need the enchanted book. You need it, Erlys. It's the first step toward your destiny. The history and prophecy speak of the journey you must take. The book will guide you, chapter by chapter, page by page. But I don't know where it is. My magic cannot see it. It was said to exist in the palace long ago. A tale, perhaps, but I will try." He sighed, dropping the book on the table.
"I know where it is," Morgan said suddenly. The memory of the dream with Gwen flashed in her mind, mentioning the enchanted book. She hesitated but spoke.
"Beneath the king's room lies the enchanted book," she said, recalling treasures she had once found underground.
Langford paused, then turned to Landon. "I'm curious how you know this. Not doubting, just curious."
"Gwen," Morgan said simply. "She came to me in a dream. I had gone to the king's room seeking something valuable to escape this nightmare. I found treasures, gold, rubies… but not the book." She glanced at the bag where she had hidden her findings.
"Now tell me," she crossed her arms, "how could anyone go back there safely? The guards would be alert."
"Erlys must go. Only royalty can claim the book. The magic will protect him." Langford's words shocked her.
Morgan's eyes widened. "He's not going alone!"
"He won't be. I can transport him. It's magic, I can only travel within Petra. I am bound to this land."
Langford looked at Landon. "Erlys, you are the true hero. The dreams, the nightmares, they're guiding you. You are the reincarnation of the God of Light and Hope, who long ago expelled the Dark Knight. Now the evils have returned."
Landon's eyes widened, trying to connect the words to his experiences. "Erlys," he whispered, feeling a surge of energy.
"I will teach you your path," Langford continued. "The obstacles will be great, but victory and a lasting legacy await. Are you ready to embrace your destiny?"
Landon nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I am."
Langford relaxed, satisfied. "Good. You've accepted your role. Now we begin." He retrieved a small transparent bottle filled with powder.
"Stand," Langford commanded. Landon obeyed. The seer muttered words under his breath and scattered the powder into the air. A breeze formed, and before Morgan's astonished eyes, the underground room she had visited appeared.
"Get the book, Landon. It's your first task. The words in it are powerful," Langford said, touching Landon's shoulder.
The boy stepped into the room, candle in hand. Shadows danced around him. He found the books on a cupboard and picked the enchanted one. Suddenly, a creaking sound made him stop. A toad-like creature lay on the floor.
"Friend?" he whispered.
Langford's voice echoed in his mind. "Stay focused! The evils know of you now."
Morgan trembled, tears falling, watching her son.
"You can't go," Langford warned Morgan as she moved forward.
"I don't care. As long as he lives, I'll risk my life," she said, determined.
"You won't," Langford insisted.
Landon finally noticed the distraction, the creature was gone. He grabbed the book and returned to the house, candlelight guiding him. Morgan hugged him tightly, laughing through tears.
"You did it," she whispered.
Langford nodded. "You almost got distracted, but you succeeded."
The enchanted book lay on the table. Langford explained its magic. "Sea green cover, Erlys. The color of enchantment. You are close to fulfilling your destiny."
He handed Landon a feathered quill. "Write what appears. The words are already there; you just channel them." Landon dipped the quill, the ink flowing, and words appeared on the page, words he did not write.
"You didn't write those," Langford said, nodding.
"I didn't?" Landon asked.
"It was waiting for you. You have the power, you just must learn patience. Perhaps in your dreams."
Landon closed his eyes, focusing. Slowly, he felt himself slipping into another realm, illuminated in supernatural blue light. Heavy footsteps approached. A flash of armor and sword appeared. He gasped, recalling a dream.
He opened his eyes, clinging to Morgan.
"Dark armor… the sword…" he whispered.
"More will come with time. For now, be safe," Langford said, placing a protective charm in Landon's palm. "This will help shield you from the evils in Petra. I sense one nearby."
Morgan shivered, but Langford reassured her. Candles flickered around them, ancient wax burning steadily, holding the light of hope.