From the Shadows - An ONC 2024 Novella

Chapter 2

As Maya set out on her journey, a sense of trepidation mingled with excitement and coursed through her veins. With each step she took along the lone road leading out of her village, she couldn't shake the complex feeling of leaving behind the warmth and safety of her beloved parents' embrace. Tears glistened in her azure eyes as she glanced back one last time at the familiar sight of her home- the village nestled beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient tree.

Her heart heavy with the weight of her parents' parting words, Maya clutched the sacred amulet close to her chest. Its cool metal offered a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty of the path ahead. She could still hear their voices echoing in her mind, filled with love and pride as they bestowed upon her the solemn duty of restoring light to their kingdom. But even as fear threatened to overwhelm her, a spark of determination flickered within Maya's chest, driving her forward with unwavering resolve. For she knew that the fate of Everlight rested upon her shoulders, and she would not stumble in her quest to banish the shadows that had consumed her homeland and return all to the bounty of Everlight.

As Maya journeyed on, the days blurred into nights, and the nights stretched into endless darkness. The road ahead seemed to run on without end, each step heavier than the last as exhaustion gnawed at her bones and hunger clawed at her stomach. The chill of the night air seeped into Maya's frame, sending shivers coursing through her weary body. She wrapped her cloak tightly around her, seeking refuge from the biting cold, but it offered little solace against the relentless embrace of the night.

Her footsteps faltered, her pace slowing as weariness weighed her down like chains dragging her toward the earth. The path ahead seemed to disappear into the shadows, obscured by the darkness that enveloped the land. Maya's resolve wavered, doubt creeping into her mind like tendrils of fog cloaking her vision. She wondered if she had the strength to continue and if she could endure the hardships that lay ahead on her journey to restore light to her kingdom. But even as doubt threatened to consume her, a flicker of determination ignited within Maya's heart, driving her forward with renewed purpose. She knew that she could not weaken now, not when the fate of Everlight hung in the balance.

With renewed resolve, Maya pressed on, her footsteps echoing in the night's silence. Though her body ached with exhaustion and her stomach growled with hunger, she refused to let despair claim her. As she again began to question her journey, Maya stumbled upon a small clearing nestled among the trees. Surrounded by towering trees whose branches stretched towards the heavens like outstretched arms, the clearing was a welcome reprieve. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, and a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, bringing with it the promise of help.

A humble cottage stood in the center of the clearing. Years of wind and rain weathered the wooden frame, yet it remained sturdy and welcoming in its simplicity. The roof sloped gently downwards, its thatched covering adorned with patches of moss and wildflowers that added a touch of color to the rustic facade. A stone path led from the edge of the clearing to the cottage's front door, winding its way through a small garden devoid of life, but showing the signs of its faded beauty. The house itself was a quaint and cozy abode, its walls constructed from rough-hewn timber and adorned with climbing ivy that seemed to embrace the structure like a loving embrace. Small windows framed by wooden shutters dotted the exterior, their glass panes reflecting the warm glow of the hearth within.

As Maya approached the cottage, the soft light spilling from its windows cast long shadows across the clearing, creating an aura of warmth and comfort that beckoned her closer. With sleepy steps, Maya advanced towards the home, her heart pounding with hope as she rapped gently on the door. Moments later, the door creaked open to reveal a kindly old woman. Despite the age lines on her face, her eyes sparkled with warmth.