Kingdom of Petra, 13 years ago.
Gwen's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she sat upright on the mattress, staring at the sunlight pouring into the room. She had just woken from a dreadful nightmare, one that felt too real. And as a visionary, Gwen knew it wasn't just a dream. It was a revelation.
She could feel it deep in her bones, she wasn't going to live long. Death was coming for her.
Gwen sighed heavily, pressing her palms over her face in despair. Why? she thought. What could possibly take my life so soon?
In her vision, she had seen her lifeless body lying on the rocky stones, floating above it as blood pooled around her.
Tears streamed down Gwen's face. She sniffled, rubbing her eyes as she heard footsteps in the house. She knew that sound, it was Morgan. She must have just returned from the palace gardens.
"Are you crying?" Morgan's voice startled her. Gwen hadn't expected her to come in so soon. Morgan walked closer, inspecting her face with a curious frown, standing with her hands on her hips. Gwen noticed the stains of mud on her dress.
"Why?" Morgan asked softly, sitting beside her. "What's wrong? Tell me."
Gwen hesitated for a long moment, trying to steady her breath as the nightmare replayed in her mind. Finally, she turned toward Morgan, who was watching her intently.
"I had a vision," Gwen whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't think I'll live long. I'm going to die, Morgan."
Her hand flew to her mouth as she began to cry harder, her heart pounding in fear. She knew what she saw was the truth. No matter how much she wished it wasn't, she had never been wrong before.
Gwen had been a visionary since the age of twelve, her predictions known throughout Petra. People came from all over the city to seek her prophecies, and every one of them had come true. Her gift had brought her some money and recognition, but now, it brought her dread.
Morgan's eyes widened as she shook her head. "No," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You can't die. Why would you say that? What could possibly happen to you?"
But deep down, Morgan was terrified. Gwen's visions were always real.
"I saw myself lying in a pool of blood," Gwen said, her voice breaking. "It was outside… on the stones. I was lifeless. Morgan, I know it was a revelation."
Morgan looked at her with disbelief, shaking her head faster now. "No," she said firmly. "You're going to live with me for a long time. We'll be together. You won't die, Gwen. I won't let you."
Her voice cracked with emotion as she reached out, pulling Gwen into a tight embrace. Gwen clung to her, feeling the warmth of her friend's arms but unable to shake the image of her own death.
Morgan gently patted her back, whispering words of comfort. Slowly, Gwen's sobs began to quiet, and for a fleeting moment, Morgan's faith almost made her believe she'd live.
Almost.
———
Present day
Morgan quickly rose from where she sat on her mattress, her arms still wrapped around her legs, knees tucked beneath her chin. The sound of a crash had startled her. She'd been lost watching Landon read the enchanted book, summarizing the words just as her late friend, Gwen, had told her to.
The noise of clattering plates made both of them jump. Morgan cautiously walked toward the entrance. When she reached the doorway, she saw the old seer standing there, his sharp eyes fixed on her.
Morgan inhaled sharply, frightened, then exhaled a shaky breath.
"He's been on that book since you left," she said quietly. "He's barely eaten."
Langford nodded, clearly impressed. "That's good to hear. He should be attached to it, it's a part of him now."
Morgan didn't share his excitement. She finally asked what had been haunting her mind ever since Langford told Landon about his destiny.
"Langford."
He turned toward her, sorting through the things he had brought. Morgan's hands trembled as she clasped them together. She moved closer and sat beside him.
"I want to know the consequences," she said.
Langford blinked but said nothing.
Morgan's voice lowered. "What happens if Landon doesn't beat the game? If he fails his task… his destiny?"
Langford looked away. He could imagine the devastation. The consequence was more than deadly, if Landon failed, Petra would be lost forever.
"Let's stay positive," Langford muttered. "Landon will fulfill his duty as the savior of this land."
Then he turned his head and called, "Erlys."
Landon lifted his gaze from the book. The name sounded both strange and familiar. He gently closed the book and looked at the small frog beside him.
"Stay here, friend," Landon whispered.
The frog gave a soft croak and hopped to a corner of the room.
Landon stood, picking up the heavy book that never seemed to weigh much. He thought briefly about the being that lived within him, his reincarnation, and the dream he'd had earlier: the sun rising above the clouds of Petra. That dream had stayed with him, brighter and clearer than ever before.
He walked toward his mother and Langford.
"I've read through many pages," Landon said, "but it's confusing. The phrases and symbols… they don't make sense yet."
Langford nodded. "It won't be easy at first. But keep reading. Let your eyes drink in every word. One day, you'll understand. The enchanted book will become your greatest refuge."
He turned to the table, gathering his items. "I came today because there are steps you must take to prepare for what lies ahead."
He looked back at Landon. "Erlys lives within you. You are Erlys in human form. But you haven't connected with your true self yet, you can't communicate with your ethereal side, and that's dangerous. You must link your mind to Erlys. Become him. That's the only way."
Landon frowned slightly. "How?"
"You need a rare flower," Langford said. "It's part of a potion that will open your connection."
Morgan's expression darkened. She crossed her arms tightly, her face pale.
Langford cleared the table and said, "The flower grows in the Underworld, near the throne of the god who rules it."
Morgan's eyes widened. "The Underworld?"
"Yes," Langford replied calmly. "It's the only way. You'll have to journey there and bring back the flower."
Landon swallowed hard. "How can I go there?"
Langford's tone was firm. "You can't, not as a mortal. I'll send your spirit using my magic. Once you find the herb, speak my name, and my spell will bring you back safely."
"And if I can't find it?" Landon asked.
"Then you're not ready for your destiny," Langford said quietly. "You have great power, but there are places where only gods can survive. You must become one."
Landon hesitated. "And if your magic fails?"
"It won't," Langford said quickly. "But if it ever does, run. Run far from the cavern. The god of death will not spare you."
Morgan shivered. The thought of losing her son made her chest tighten.
Langford tried to reassure them both. "Trust me. My magic rarely fails."
Landon nodded. "If this is what I must do to save Petra, to bring peace and hope, I'll do it."
Morgan's tears spilled over. She held his arms tightly. "Landon… are you sure?"
He nodded again.
"If it's too dangerous," Morgan said, voice trembling, "please come back. For my sake."
Langford interrupted softly, "It's time. Lay on the table."
Landon obeyed. Langford sprinkled a fine, smoky powder over him. "This will awaken your divine powers while you're there. Follow the lights, they'll guide you."
As Landon closed his eyes, Langford began to chant. The air thickened with energy. Morgan held her breath as a low hum filled the room.
Then, darkness.
Landon felt himself falling deeper and deeper until he landed in a strange place filled with crimson light. The air smelled of sulfur, and whispers echoed from unseen voices. Rivers of glowing red lava cut through cracked black ground.
Tiny blue orbs floated around him, guiding him toward a distant cavern.
He followed cautiously. The closer he came, the louder the screams grew. The pain in those cries pierced through him.
At last, he reached the cavern, the throne room of the god of the underworld.
The walls glowed faintly, and there, growing from the rock near the throne, was the tiny blue flower.
Landon stepped forward, but froze when a voice echoed through the chamber.
"Look! The Book of Prophecy, it's glowing!"
Several hooded figures appeared. Their robes were black as shadows, their faces hidden.
The Book of Prophecy floated above the throne, pages turning wildly, words shifting in blinding light.
"What's causing this?" one of the dark prophets asked.
Landon crouched low behind the throne, his heart racing. He could barely breathe. He reached for the flower, but then heavy footsteps echoed through the hall.
Pluto had arrived.
The god's voice boomed through the chamber. "Who dares disturb my kingdom?"
The prophets bowed quickly. "My lord, the Book of Prophecy has awakened on its own!"
The book suddenly pulsed with power, a voice whispering through the room,
"Erlys…"
Landon's heart stopped. He turned, startled, recognizing the name. He grabbed the flower and bolted toward the great brass gates.
"Follow the light, Landon," Langford's distant voice echoed in his mind.
He ran as the ground trembled behind him. Shadows chased him through the gates of lost souls. Terrified wails surrounded him, faces twisted in eternal pain. He tried not to look, but one ghostly figure locked eyes with him. Its gaze burned into his soul.
Landon stumbled, dropping the flower. He reached for it, but the prophets were closing in.
Landon stepped back, trembling. He saw the Book of Prophecy hovered above, glowing fiercely.
"If you have magic," Landon cried, "take me away from here!"
The book shone brighter, the pages flipping violently. A blinding blue light filled the room, shaking the entire underworld. The prophets screamed and shielded themselves.
A radiant figure appeared within the light, smiling gently. It stretched out a hand.
Landon took it.
Everything vanished.
He gasped awake, back on the table, surrounded by the warmth of his home. Morgan sobbed as she threw her arms around him.
"Landon!" she cried. "You're alive!"
Langford opened his eyes in disbelief. "You didn't call my name," he said. "How did you return?"
Landon sat up weakly. "I lost the flower… but there was a book floating in the air. I heard them say, it's the Book of Prophecy. It called the name Erlys."
Langford's eyes widened. He was speechless.
The Book of Prophecy… hidden for centuries… now confirmed to lie in the Underworld.
He whispered, almost to himself, "Erlys… you still have a long way to go."