book #3 DARK KNIGHT ***COMPLETE***

#3 the gates

The sun was beating down on them as they walked. They had been walking along a creeks edge for a while. Taking in the beauty, Zara was in awe of the beautiful scenery that surrounded them. on both sides was tall rocks that jutted up from the sides of the creek. Giant redwood trees had fallen in their path that they had to climb over and under. The path was beaten and battered by winds. Cascading down the long Rock walls were ferns as mist swirled around them. Zara felt like she was walking in a fairy tale. " this place is amazing. it's like a dream. I half expect an angel to come out of the sky right now." the sun was breaking through in spots spreading its beauty on the ground. casting its sparkle along the water. It didn't even seem real. at the end of the path another fern filled wall sat before them. the ferns fanned down the side of the wall and ivy laced between its vines tangled in a curtain. the warriors came up behind them and Leif stepped forward.

"this is the entrance princess Zara. we must be careful going through the gates and stay only on the path. those that stray from the path will be lost in the abyss forever. once we are through we will head into the forest of eternal light. that is where we will set up camp and rest. in the nearby town in the morning we will stock up on supplies before we head out again."

"thank you Leif." Zara turned to Scarlett and Liam. taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly she smiled. "well this is it. it's time to part ways. I will bring her back. hopefully we will get answers. something isn't sitting right with me. I just can't shake the feeling."

Liam stepped forward and took his sister in close for a hug. " be safe. I just got you back sister." Zara hugged him back holding him for a moment longer. letting him go she stepped towards Scarlett reaching out for her and hugging her tightly.

"I will bring her back. you will meet your sister if it's the last thing I do in this life." Scarlett let out a sob she had been trying to hide. Zara squeezed her tighter before letting her go. turning to her warriors she waved at them. "stay close. I don't want to lose anyone. remember there are fire dragons guarding the entrance making sure no humans enter here. then as Leif said the plan is to get into the forest of eternal light where we will rest for the night." the warriors sounded their agreements and Leif took his place in front of Zara. pushing his way through the rock. Zaras mouth fell open. The ivy and ferns had parted ways and a beautiful light had begun swirling in front of them on the rocks surface. it was so full of color and it's iridescence awed her. it was the most beautiful thing and it entranced her. she heard her warriors clear their throats behind her bringing her from her thoughts. it was her turn to step forward and push through the swirling lights. Leif stood on the path the swirling misting lights all around them. once they were all in the gates, Leif motioned for them to follow him. Zara was mesmerized by the mist. it surrounded them creating a tunneling path that they followed being careful not to stray. they all continued to push forward hiking further and further. eventually coming to the end of the tunnel each of them coming out into a grand space. the sight before them was absolutely beautiful. it was unlike anything Zara had ever seen on Earth. it was clear to her that she was definitely in a different world compared to what she had seen. the trees before her were standing tall and some of the most unique colors she had ever seen were brilliantly on display. Their leaves shaded the ground from the suns that were bursting their rays down cascading light across the Realm. purple and blue leaves were shimmering in their light. The three suns were unbearably hot.

Leif gestured for them to keep moving and take shade in the forest from the suns. " it's summer here. the three suns are at their highest right now so it will be best if we stay in the trees to shade us. we still need to be aware and diligent of our surroundings. this can be a very harsh environment. and for Goddess sake do not touch anything. some things here are beautiful to look at and deadly to touch. once we get to the forest of eternal light we will be safer there. stay close princess." Zara shook her head following close behind. this world was so foreign to her. They stuck to the tree lines as they walked. they all came to a clearing full of the most beautiful flowers Zara had ever seen. They sparkled in the three suns rays almost calling to her. she didn't even realize she had stopped walking and just stared at the shimmering sparkling flowers. it was like a field of glitter. she had mindlessly started walking towards one seeing the deepest color of turquoise. she reached out, her fingers stretched feeling the need to touch its glorious beauty. her fingers were almost there when she was suddenly grabbed from behind and ripped away from the field. Leif had her arms pinned to her side as she woke from her trance like state. whispering quietly into her ear. " these are xanthum flowers. they call to their prey just before they lull you into certain death and devour your body. they are only here at the gates. they protect the gates. one touch and you would be dead princess." she sucked in a breath at the mistake she had almost made.

"I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop. it was like I had to touch it. I needed to feel it's beauty." Leif helped her back to the tree line and set her down. Zara couldn't believe something so beautiful almost killed her. she almost became plant food."I freaking almost became plant food! thank you Leif."

"it is my pleasure to serve you princess. the forest of eternal light won't be much longer. it will be much safer for all of us once we are there. it is the kingdom of the light fairy."

" fairies. I have read about them. they loved a good celebration from what I have read. they absorb the light which generates their power. each having a special ability unique to the individual. some are able to read minds, some tell the future, etc. I hear for their small stature they are extremely strong ."

Leif laughed at her knowledge. " yes to all of that. when we get into their town tomorrow we will stay over one night and resupply. there is no doubt going to be a celebration. there is always a celebration in the fairy kingdom." they were careful as they walked, not touching anything. Zara still in shock with almost being eaten by a flower.

"what is this place called?" Zara was curious about her surroundings. she hadn't read anything on the forests surrounding the gates. there was no mention of it. most likely, she assumed, so no one would come through and take over the lands. Most would be deterred if the forest started eating them.

" this is the forest of guardians. everything in it is designed by nature to gaurd the gates. the fire shifters are the ones that were perched by either side when we first came through. their jobs is to make sure humans do not wander through. this forest protects the lands from enemy threats. the trees are poison and the flowers will eat you leaving no trace. many supernaturals with evil intents have succumbed to this forest and its splendor."

" why isn't it written in any of the books? I read everything I could get my hands on and there is not a single mention of this forest."

"for protection, against those who would protect themselves against it. these are the first lines of defense. the fire shifters live near the volcanic territory. they absorb the heat and it gives them their unique powers and fire breathing. the fairies absorb the light, the elves live in elven and the ice shifters live in the ice lands in the ice mountains. or they did. it is rumored there is a small faction of ice shifters isolated from everyone. it will be a lot of climbing. we must also prepare for them to attack. they do not like outsiders. Finn and Vlad here are ice shifters so that will be good. they know the ancient language still spoken there. with a little hope they have learned some more common languages as well."

"ok so I now know you , Leif. and now Finn and Vlad who are the ice shifters but what about our last warrior?" Leif smiled. it wasn't often that the roylas knew their warriors names or even cared to know. Zara was different. she didn't want to call them warrior 1,2,3 and 4 she wanted to know them. they were risking their lives as well. no one should be nameless. they would be spending too much time together to not know names.

" that warrior is Eric. he is pretty quiet but very loyal. and a great warrior. you are in good hands. but princess, I hear you are a great warrior in your own right. what made you learn to fight?"

"hmm. been learning since I could walk. my twin Liam was taken when we were kids and I vowed to always be able to take care of myself. it made me feel helpless growing up when he was taken. I guess it was therapeutic in a way. I got my anger out."

"I can understand that my princess. when I lost my parents at a young age the king and Queen made sure I had a family and that we were well taken care of. I didn't lack for anything but knowing that I couldn't help my parents made me feel weak. so I trained. we are here. the forest of eternal light."