When nightfall hit, the town that was normally noisy with the chatter of the village folk, was all but silent. The sound of the wind could be heard whistling as it traveled through the trees in Life's Hollow. Inside their home, Arte and his grandfather were fast asleep. At supper they discussed going to the market at sunrise to see what produce some of the merchants had, and Arte wanted to make sure he got enough rest. Waking up from his rest, Arte had gotten up to get a drink of water when he heard a small scurrying noise coming from under the table in the kitchen. He got down to look and see what was creating the sound and he saw what appeared to be a mouse, with the ears of a rabbit. The tiny creature also had an unnatural neon glow that was intensified by the dark. There was no doubt in Artes mind that this odd looking creature was a spirit. Arte was so fascinated and surprised by his discovery that he didn't know how he should react, but before he could say or do anything, the creature started to hop away.
“Wait, come back!” Arte pleaded as he started to follow the critter. This was the first time that he was able to see a spirit for a long period of time, and he didn't want the moment to end with it up and leaving. Arte followed the spirit out of his house and into the woods behind his home. The spirit would occasionally look behind it to see if the young boy was still following it, and then pick up the pace. Arte then broke into an all out sprint in hopes of catching up with the spirit, and when he thought he had finally caught up with it, it vanished into the air, leaving him alone.
The moon at this particular spot in the woods was incredibly visible, and it bathed the blue grass and the grey trees in its cold light. Arte looked around him, puzzled at what had happened, before admiring the moonlight for himself. Suddenly, something began to animate before him, a figure, surrounded by wings, with a humanoid body. The wings fanned out from his sides, appearing as if they were attached to his back, and although his body appeared human, it was as if it had no features, other than his mouth and hair on his head. No eyes were on his face, and his body was remarkably smooth with no nails, no wrinkles, and no body hair. It was almost as if he didn't have skin, but was just a shape, like his body wasn't real.
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“You have nothing to fear, young Earth Spirit, we are alike, give me your name and I shall give you mine” the being’s voice echoed through the trees.
“My name is Arte, you said we are alike? What do you mean by that?” Arte asked in a confused manner.
“I am Fynbar. I am a spirit of guidance who has served your predecessor, Gwendolyn, the first Earth Spirit. I am here now to ensure that you know what you must do” Fynbar spoke to Arte.
“Wait, you knew Gwendolyn? What was she like?” Arte asked in a surprised tone.
“There will be a time for you to learn all about she who came before you but for now, you must heed my warning. The seal of the great king of evil is weakening once more, and that is why the Earth's Spirit has been reborn, to stop him from being free once more” Fynbar spoke.
Arte knew all about the great king of evil, Balore. His grandpa used to tell him folktales of how the Earth's Spirit did battle with Balore, before sealing him in his tomb. He knew in his heart that if he was the true incarnation of the Earth's Spirit, that one day, he would have to do battle with the demonic king as well.
“Tell me master Fynbar what I must do” Arte replied with a stern look.
“All that is needed to secure Balore in his tomb are the spiritual keys Racht, Muun, Aga, and Achar. They are held by powerful Demi-Spirits who live in this realm. You must show to them your worth, then they will relinquish the items unto you. Each key you receive will restore a piece of Gwendolyn’s power in you, giving you the strength to keep the gateway between this realm, and Balores prison shut. The closest key to Echwood is through Life's Hollow and to an oceanside town called Lanacosta. It's a two days journey by horseback, you should use tomorrow to get everything you need in order and rest up, then headout at dawn the next day” Fynbar explained.
“I hate to leave this place and my grandfather behind, but I know this is something only I can do” Arte said as he clenched his fist.
“The people of this world shall be ever thankful that the Earth's Spirit has once again saved them in their time of need. And I promise as your guide I will also be your shield, and make sure you return home safely once the demon king is sealed away once more. We will meet once more in Lanacosta, in three days time, I will await you there, Earth's Spirit Arte” Fynbar said as he dissipated just as mysteriously as he had arrived.