I slowly stood with my hands up in the air. As I turned around slowly, she was wearing a cloak with the hood hiding the person’s face, the head a bit down. The sword is still onto my neck. “I mean no harm in this place. I’m here out of desperation.”

“Those who are in despair head into this mountain to die. Is that why you’re here?” she asked.

“I did not come all the way here to die.”

“That, I believe. This isn’t the place for a prince to lose his life,” she replied.

“I’m not a prince. I am but a lowly peasant,” I lied to protect my true identity. I don’t know who this woman is and what’s her purpose here but I can’t just tell her who I really am.

“Young man, may I remind you that this mountain used to be where the ancient gods would hide. Us gatekeepers of this mountain can spot an immortal from far away,” she scoffed. “What brings a prince to a place such as this?”

“And why should I tell someone who’s hiding their face from me?” I answered with another question.

“You don’t know but I may be able to help you with whatever it is that you need.”

“How am I supposed to trust a stranger who drew her sword before my neck?”

Without saying anything, she slowly pulled her sword back. “I know this mountain more than you do, young prince. I know it by heart,” she said as she put the sword back in its scabbard. “I know what you seek. I can show you where you can find it. I can show you the way out. However, if you don’t want my help, I’m afraid you won’t succeed with your quest.”

“Why would you do such a thing for me? You don’t even know me.”

“I’m sure that by now, you have heard the stories of people who entered the mountain but never returned. This forest plays tricks on your mind,” she replied. “It will do anything to outwit anyone who enters. This forest hates intruders and will do anything to protect itself from cold-hearted people. It only trusts the guardians that were placed by the ancient gods,” she continued. “Now, how can I be of assistance to you?”

Perhaps there’s nothing in asking for her help. She may be a stranger but it seems the forest trusts her. If guardians are placed to ensure the safety and peace on this mountain, she’s worthy of my trust.

“I’m looking for a plant. A herbal plant, to be exact,” I answered. “I heard that it has healed all kinds of illness, from the simplest wounds to the deadliest plagues. I need it for my mother.”

“Do you know the name of the herb that you’re looking for?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s the ledoras plant,” I said. “According to the Medicine Man, it’s a shrub, almost too little to see. It has little white flowers and everything about it is soft, from the root to its leaves. Legend says that they are pleasant-smelling plants. It’s very effective for the sick. However, if you took it for no reason, you will fall into a deep sleep.”

“You are well-prepared for your quest. The ledoras is a herb bestowed to the ancient gods by the elves and only a few people know about it,” she said. “Medicinal families are the ones who usually carry knowledge about it. Now, come and follow my lead. In order to find what you’re looking for, we need to get into the heart of the forest.” Without another word, she started to lead the way.

I immediately grabbed Laura and followed closely behind her.

“I suggest that you stay close to me. The forest can play with your mind at any time,” she reminded. “Trust your senses, always be on your guard. The forest can pretend to be a lot of things to deceive you.”

♔♔♔

After walking for a few miles, we approached a wooden bridge, hanging over a deep ravine. I took a quick look down and all I could see was darkness. “Your horse can go no further here,” the lady informed, turning around.

“I can’t just leave my horse here. She might run off,” I protested.

She sighed before walking towards Lady. She held her face and slowly leaned her forehead towards her. She started to whisper something to Lady which caused for Lady to walk to a nearby tree. “We must go,” she said, heading to the bridge.

“What about Lady?” I asked.

“She will wait for us,” she replied, not bothering to turn around. “Now, come. We must find what you’re looking for before dark.”

I took another look down the ravine. “Will I fall?”

“You will fall if you think you will,” she answered as she stepped down the bridge on the other side.

I took a deep breath in and walked over the bridge. As I took one step after another on the bridge, my legs were shaking and I was holding my breath. Sweat has started to form on my forehead as I start to think of the fact that one misstep can cause for me to fall. I looked up to the lady, the other side felt so near and yet so far. A few more steps and I finally reached the other side. As soon as my feet felt the sturdy ground, I took a deep breath of relief.

“That took a long time for a prince,” she remarked, chuckling. Without wasting any more time, she began to walk and I quickly followed. My hand has never left my sword. I don’t know who this woman is. For all I know, she could be leading me into a trap.

♔♔♔

We have been walking for quite some time now and all I’ve been seeing are trees and everything that is green. But then, we arrived in a place where I thought only existed in myths and tales to make us sleep at night.