“Why did she leave?” he asked another.

“It’s a bit of a long story, Grandpa Ben,” I replied, scratching behind my neck. “But anyway, I have something to ask you, Grandpa Ben.”

“Ask away, dear boy,” he smiled as he crossed his arms.

“You see, my mother has been sick for quite some time now. She claimed that my aunt has been putting medicinal herbs in her tea to speed up her recovery but nothing’s changed. She’s still ill,” I started. “When I talked with the royal physician, he mentioned that there is an ancient plant that can definitely help Mother and he said it can only be found in the Mountain of Heavenly Falls. He said the name of the plant is ledoras.”

“Ah, the ledoras herb. That plant has saved millions of lives, according to legend,” Grandpa Ben answered as he nodded. “It is said that its home is within the mountain that no one has ever successfully taken one. Those who attempted didn’t return and those who did return died not long after.”

I took a big gulp upon hearing about the people who attempted to get the mysterious herb. Could that also be applicable to an immortal such as me?

“Do you know specifically where it’s located within the mountain?” I asked.

“After the ancient gods put a barrier on the mountain, its whereabouts have become uncertain,” he explained. “And those who had the chance to get a piece of it never disclosed where it can be found.”

Why would the ancient gods put a barrier around the mountain? Did the immortals do something in order for the gods to act that way? Did the humans abuse the power of the plant to the point where it’s about to be extinct?

“And it’s a perilous journey as well,” Grandpa Ben added. “The forests that surround the mountain are said to play tricks on the minds of visitors, according to some. The people who tried taking a quick stroll in the first never returned home.”

“I am aware of the danger that I’m trying to put myself into. But if I don’t take this chance, my mother can die at any moment,” I explained, worry has risen up to my face. The hairs on my skin stood up out of fear. Just the thought of seeing my mother as a lifeless corpse sends chills down my spine.

“I understand where you’re coming from, Robert. I would do the same if I was in your position,” he put a hand on my shoulder, smiling with assurance. “But on this journey for the ledoras, you have to be cautious and smart. Bravery and being impulsive will not help you on this one.”

I nodded. Grandpa Ben may not know a lot regarding the plant but he’s fully aware of what could happen once I step foot on that mountain. “Thank you for your encouragement, Grandpa Ben. I will take my leave now. Kindly tell Laura that I came here to visit her.”

“I’m absolutely certain that she’s somewhere within the area. She can’t go that far,” he encouraged, giving me a tap on the back.” She’s still not that familiar with every road within the market wall. It would be easy to find her,” he continued as we walked outside. Lady was already waiting for me at the entrance.

I nodded with a smile; hope renewed inside of me. “I’ll go ahead and start looking for the ledoras herb. I’ll also keep an eye out for Laura,” I said as I hopped onto Lady.

“Have a safe journey, Robert,” he replied. “And please, stay alert. Trust your intuition and let your senses lead the way when you’re in the mountain,” he put his hands on my shoulder as he looked into my eyes, giving me another reminder before my journey.

“Thank you, Grandpa Ben,” I answered with an assuring smile. As Grandpa Ben stepped back, I began my journey. Before heading to the mountain, I think I should see if Laura is at the hills. That’s the only play that I could think of.

♔♔♔

I stood in front of the entrance of the forest as I arrived. My mind still wondered where Laura was. When I checked the hills, it was closed off. There was a blockade before it. The people guarding it said that bandits entered the city and they didn’t want a quick escape for them. Certainly, Laura didn’t head there.

I wonder if she’s safe.

I shook my head, trying to get those thoughts out of me. Now is not the time to think about her. I have to focus on the mission at hand: getting the ledoras.

I took a deep breath and began my slow trot into the forest.

Birds were chirping from afar; the sun rays were giving light to our path as it pierced through the leaves of the tall trees of the forest. Rustling from the earth can be heard. Squirrels are scurrying from tree to tree.

I got off Lady and began walking slowly as I examined all the plants on the ground. The Medicine King has provided a brief description of the plant when I went to him for a quick visit to know more of the herb and its physical description.

I let Lady eat some of the grass as I knelt down to take a closer look at all the plants on the ground. I need to keep a sharp eye out for the ledoras.

“This isn’t a place where princes would go for amusement,” a woman’s voice spoke from behind me, a sword drawn before my neck.