The legend of Great Howl

A New Ally

Aela awoke from her slumber. As she opened her eyes, the kitten moved on her lap and mewed quietly. Aela smiled, reaching down to rub its head.

"Good morning," a voice said from behind her. Aela turned to see a young woman wearing a basic green tunic and trousers. Her hair was the colour of dark honey, and her eyes were dazzling blue.

"Hello," Aela replied, astonished by the stranger's abrupt entrance. "Who are you?"

The woman smiled and bowed slightly. "My name is Elora," Elora stated. "And I am here to help you on your journey."

Aela frowned. "How did you know about my journey?" she asked. "And how did you know where to find me?"

Elora sat beside Aela and stretched out to stroke the kitten's fur. "I have been watching you for some time," she blurted out. "And I've witnessed your difficulties and successes. You have a huge destiny, Aela, and I've been assigned to help you along the way."

Aela was still perplexed, yet something about Elora's remarks felt right. "Who sent you?" She inquired.

Elora's expression became solemn. "I was sent by the Lady of Light," she explained. "She is the one who watches over this land, and it was she who gave you the mark of fire."

Aela placed her hand on her forehead and felt the faint glow of the fire. "What does this mark mean?" she inquired. "And why was I chosen for this journey?"

Elora glanced at Aela attentively. "The Lady of Light chose you for many reasons," she went on to say. "But most of all, she noticed that you had a pure heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. You are empathetic and brave, which are attributes required to handle the challenges ahead."

Aela reflected on these comments, which made her feel both proud and terrified. "What are the challenges?" she inquired. "And what dangers will I face?"

Elora's countenance became stern. "There is a darkness growing in this land," she went on to say. "It is a force determined to consume all light and hope. You must confront this darkness and contribute to the restoration of peace in the land." Aela felt a knot of worry in her stomach. "I'm not sure I can do this," she admitted. "I am merely a girl from a little village. I don't know how to combat a vast darkness."

Elora smiled and placed her hand on Aela's shoulder. "You are more than you think," she replied. "The Lady of Light recognised your actual strength and chose you. But you're not alone. I'll be beside you, and together we'll confront the darkness.

Aela drew a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "I'm ready," she replied. "What do we do first?"

Elora stood and dusted the dust off her clothes. "First, we must find the second crystal," she went on to say. "It is concealed deep in the jungle, guarded by a powerful beast. But with my support, you will be able to overcome this obstacle."

Aela stared at Elora and nodded. "I trust you," she said. "Lead the way, and I will follow."

So Aela and Elora set off into the forest, with the kitten following closely behind. As they proceeded, the woodland became darker and denser. The trees were thick and gnarly, with branches twisted like claws. The ground was covered in dead leaves, and the air was thick with the smell of moist dirt. Aela felt a shiver run down her spine, but she continued walking, her hand grasping Elora's tightly.

Suddenly, a cry resounded across the forest, both animal and human. Aela jumped and turned to face Elora. "What was that?" she inquired, her voice wavering.

"It is the creature that guards the crystal," Elora explained. "But don't be frightened. We shall confront this together."

As they walked, the cries became louder, and Aela noticed something stirring in the undergrowth. She glanced around uneasily, and then halted, her heart in her throat. There in the shadows, she noticed a pair of brilliant yellow eyes. They were low to the earth, and the creature they belonged to was huge and furry.

Slowly, the thing emerged from the shadows, and Aela exclaimed. It was a big wolf, its eyes bright with furious intellect. Its fur was black, and its fangs were exposed in a terrifying sneer.

Elora walked closer and said, "Hello, Great Wolf. I've come to find the gem with the help of my friend Aela. "Will you let us pass?"

The wolf growled and stalked towards them. Aela's pulse was beating, and she wanted to leave, but she stood still, trusting Elora. The wolf paused before speaking, its voice loud and booming. "You are brave to come here," it stated. "But to pass, you must prove your worth." Elora nodded and looked at Aela. "You must face the wolf alone," she stated. "This is a test of your fortitude. "Can you do it?"

Aela drew a deep breath and faced the beast. It loomed over her, its teeth glistening in the shadows. "I can do it," she replied, her voice trembling but calm. "I will face you."

The wolf hissed and then proceeded to surround Aela. She stood firm, her heart pumping in her chest. The wolf stopped in front of her, and she peered into its bright eyes. "I am afraid," she said. "But I won't run. "I will face you and pass this test."

The wolf growled again and dropped its head. Aela believed it was going to attack, but instead, it nuzzled her hand. She gasped and touched the wolf's head. It gave out a low purr, and Aela felt the tension in her body ease.

"Well done," the wolf replied, its voice no longer growling, but kind and compassionate. "You've demonstrated your courage. You may pass."

With the wolf's blessing, Aela and Elora continued their journey. The jungle became much darker, and the shadows appeared to stretch out as if to snare them. Aela shivered, then saw a light in the distance. "Look!" she exclaimed, pointing. "Is that the crystal?"

Elora looked into the dark. "I think it is," she answered. But something doesn't feel right. The crystal should be brilliant and clean. "This light is faint and polluted. As Aela and Elora approached the light, it started to pulse, sending out ripples of electricity that made the air tingle. As they got closer, they noticed that the light was emanating from a cave with a wide hole leading into darkness. "Do we go inside?" Aela inquired, her voice quivering.