His hands trembled as he took slow, deep breaths to steady himself. The silence hung heavy in the air, a sign that the ordeal was finally over. Thankfully, his injuries were minor, but his focus now turned to Lake. He needed to find a way to bring him down from the tree and administer the healing herbs he had packed. With determination, he searched through the wreckage of their supplies, knowing that time was of the essence.
Hours later, Geo sat around a small fire, his fingers deftly twisting fibers into twine. The four horses had been tended to and were grazing nearby on the sparse patches of grass. Most of their supplies had been salvaged and loaded onto the horses. Lake lay under a blanket, his breathing steady but uncertain. Geo had done everything he could to treat and bandage his injuries, but the outcome was still uncertain. With a loaded rifle in his lap, Geo's mind was clouded with worry and indecision. Resting near the dead buffalo's carcass was risky, but moving an unconscious body with potential internal injuries was an even greater danger. Perhaps, by morning, Lake would be well enough to ride a horse. If not, Geo would fashion a travois to be pulled behind one of the horses. As the night wore on, questions, worries, and choices swirled in his mind, helping to keep him awake.
The first rays of sunlight danced through the forest, casting long shadows on the ground. Geo rubbed his weary eyes, struggling to stay awake. The journey that had once seemed like a simple request from a friend now felt like a chapter from a grand storybook, where the main character was destined to save the world. He had already experienced his fair share of adventures as a child, and he had no desire to be a part of another one. The world around him was plagued by sickness and death, his own family included. The memories of those dark times lingered, and he longed for the peaceful life on his farm with his wife and daughter. Adventure, he believed, only brought trouble and chaos.
Geo jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest. The world was shrouded in darkness. All that remained of the fire were fading embers, casting a feeble glow that barely illuminated the stones surrounding them. In the midst of the black abyss, Geo strained to listen, catching snippets of sounds: the rustling leaves, movement of small animals, distant voices? Suddenly, a flash of blinding light pierced through the darkness, followed by a deafening sonic boom that left Geo momentarily stunned. Through the dense woods, he glimpsed a peculiar sight—a space that resembled a mirror, reflecting a vibrant, sunlit day. Beyond the portal, he saw a thinning forest and a meadow crowned by a small hill. He noticed a rather large ornate plank door surrounded by carved stone and framed by majestic trees. Atop the hill stood a figure, emanating an aura of power, clad in a flowing robe and clutching a staff. Geo couldn't believe his eyes. Was this the place they had been searching for? Did it exist in this world or another? Or was it merely an illusion, playing tricks on his weary mind? His wife had spoken of the energy that surrounded all living beings, but he had never witnessed it until now. Seeking answers, Geo contemplated whether he should gather the horses and Lake and make his way towards the enigmatic figure on the hill. Would he have a cure for Fern? Could he help heal Lake? However, his thoughts were disrupted when Lake let out a distressed whine. Geo tore his gauze from the scene in front of him to rush to his companion's side, his hand instinctively reaching out to feel Lake's forehead. He was burning up with fever and without medicine he wouldn't last the day. The decision was made. Geo swiftly packed their belongings, secured Lake onto one of the horses and set off towards the mysterious opening. Initially, the path towards the daylight and the healer seemed tantalizingly close, but as Geo ventured deeper into the woods, the opening seemed to shift and elude him, appearing to his left one moment, then to his right the next. It danced like a ball on the crests of ocean waves, never settling in one place. Fear gnawed at Geo's heart. What if he couldn't reach it in time before the door vanished? Determination surged through his veins, and he broke into a jog, dragging the reluctant horses behind him. The dense forest made progress arduous, and the horses balked at every turn. Frustrated, Geo unsheathed his knife, hacking away at the stubborn undergrowth to forge a path. His belongings were haphazardly packed, and he worried they might be lost in the chaos. Just as he felt he was gaining ground on the elusive opening, the image of the sunlit hill began to fade, slipping through his fingers like sand. Had he missed his chance? Overwhelmed, Geo collapsed to the forest floor, his breath ragged and defeated. But he couldn't stay there, wallowing in despair. He had to press on, to find a village or a farm where he could seek help. Lake needed shelter, herbs, and more healing than he could provide if there was any hope of recovery. Before Geo could muster the strength to rise and decide his next move, another blinding light engulfed him, accompanied by a deafening roar that spun his world into chaos. He crumpled to the ground, everything fading to black.
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