“I can’t go on. Can we stop?” Sylvia panted.
“Yes, we should be safe now,” Riku said.
They stopped running and sat underneath a large oak tree. Riku unsheathed Dragic and propped it against the trunk.
“Why did we have to run?”
“We were being stalked and observed by enemies.”
"Lord Mazark’s men?”
“Maybe, I don’t know. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
"Mnn.”
“Do you happen to know where we are right now?”
Sylvia looked at their surroundings, shook her head, and said, “Unfortunately not. After we ran off, you kept on changing directions at random so it’s impossible for me to approximate our current location.”
“Ugh. Is there any way to approximate our location?”
“Yes, but we will have to wait until nighttime.”
“Why?”
“When the moon is brightest, I can use the dew that pools up on the plant leaves to summon spirits. Depending on their mood, these spirits may show us the way.”
"Okay. Let’s set up camp and rest here. I’m going to check the surroundings for any enemies. Stay here.”
“No. We either go together or stay here. We will set up camp when we get back.”
“Fine.”
Riku picked up Dragic and chose a random direction to walk. Riku kept his sword in front of himself, ready to strike. Sylvia stuck close to him.
“Dragic, are you awake?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, I am currently scanning your surroundings for hostiles.”
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“Thanks.”
Riku and Sylvia quickly circled their way back to the oak tree. They set up camp and began preparations for their dinner. Afterwards, Riku stood up and began practicing footwork while Dragic offered up advice.
“Boy, you’re doing this wrong. Move your left foot a bit to the left, plant down your right foot, and place your weight down on it. From there, unsheathe me while sliding your left foot forward and slash sideways. Use my sheath to defend.”
"Dragic, Didn’t I use this move in the cave and summon a dragon?”
"Yes.”
"Why didn’t a dragon show up this time?”
“You lack a connection with the earth.”
"What do you mean??”
“There are many veins of power in the earth. The footwork you are doing is designed to draw upon that power and channel it through your body and by extension me.”
“Oh. How can I learn to harness this power?”
“For now, focus on your footwork. When I think you are ready, I will teach you.”
"Fine.”
Syliva sat in the shade watching Riku practice his footwork and became inspired. She brought her flute to her lips and played a sorrowful tune, expressing all the turmoil she had experienced.
Nightfall came. Sylvia kept on playing her song. Riku had long finished practicing his footwork and leaned against a tree trunk. His eyes half closed as he immersed himself into Sylvia’s song.
“That song was beautiful. What’s it called?” Riku asked the moment Sylvia put down her flute.
“The song has no name. I was compelled by something to write this melody. I shall consider it a tribute those who have passed away defending this world.”
“…”
“It’s night. Come, let’s see if fate smiles upon us and has the spirits help us along on our journey.”
Sylvia picked up her staff and drew a large circle on the ground. At intervals she placed a rock or a branch around the outer ends of the circle—to symbolize life and death. When she finished, she looked up at the moon and judged its place in the sky.
“Great. We still have some time before the moon is at its peak. Go to the nearby bushes and collect as many dewdrops as you can.”
“Okay.”
Riku went to the nearby bushes and used an empty canteen to collect dewdrops. He collected half a canteen full before Sylvia told him it was time. He handed the canteen over to Sylvia and watched as she mumbled words in a foreign language while she sprinkled dewdrops at random around the circle.
The moment the moonlight enveloped the circle; the dewdrops began to shine brightly.
“What’s goi—“ Riku opened his mouth to ask.
“Hush, they are coming,” Sylvia replied.
They watched as the dewdrops slowly gathered at the middle of the circle and then condensing upwards and forming a human shape.
“Why have you summoned us here against our will, elfling?” the spirits asked.
“We have offerings for you,” Sylvia said while pointing towards the opposite end of the circle where a stack of berries lay.
“We were enjoying our freedom and zipping around freely when suddenly we were called here. Now speak, elfling! Why have you summoned us?”
“My honorable spirits, the world is currently at an impasse. My companion and I were heading towards a nearby city when attackers sidetracked us. We are what’s left of a once numerous group and we are hoping that you could help show us the way back…”
“No.”