Violette looked around – everything that surrounded them made it seem like they were closer to the south than north; the warmer air and light wind was not usual at this time of the year for the north of the Magic Lands. So Dante's words didn't make much sense – the Stone Arch, the portal to the Valley of Enchanted Stories, was far away. Walking there could take days.
“I don't want to upset you, but we won't reach the Stone Arch by foot. It's a long trip and Ithought you wanted to finish our deal as soon as possible,” she doubted.
“Who said I was talking about the Stone Arch?”
“It's the only accessible portal. All others were sealed by the Magic Council if you didn't know.”
“Except a few others,” he said ambiguously.
“Well, nobody knows for sure which one and where,” she blurted.
He eyed her with a self-confident look. And it made her assume he knew of at least one. “Fine, wise guy,” she drawled disdainfully, “What is it?”
“I'd rather spend our little walk in silence, if you don't mind.”
“I do mind.”
“If only there was someone who cares, right?” he said simply and continued on his way like Violette doesn't even exist.
“You're not really courteous for someone who needs help,” she remarked, jogging up to his side.
“Why should I care about your favor? You'll still help me.”
It was true. Now that they had sealed their deal with a spell, there was no going back. At least Violette could benefit from this. Her mother taught her to always look on the bright side of life, even when it's hard to find something good in the situation. So she started to list the advantages in her mind on their way to theportal. Maybe, even, her companion will not be as bad as he seems right now, though she really doubted it.
They stoodnear another cavern on the edge of the forest. Two oak trees stood like guardians on both sides of the entrance, only the rustling of their leaves disturbed the silence which settled around.
Violette raised her eyes to the sharp edges of the cave etched with ancient magic signs, following them right to the top to a little image of an eight-pointed star, concluding in the winding frame made of spirals.
This cave looked smaller and lower than the previous. Instead of leading just into the deep, its path lay somewhere down. Violette dropped her gaze down to the little slippery path.
“And where does this lead to? Is this a portal itself or–” She hadn't taken her eyes off the depth of the cave.
“Only one way to find out,” Dante said with ease and stepped in.
Violette’s steps faltered, her fingers gripping the edges of her cloak. After a deep breath she stepped forward, trailing behind Dante. They didn't descend deeply, as the path suddenly ended and they ran into a wall covered in thickets of green leafy vines. She didn't have time to voice her thoughts as Dante, without a word, moved the climber plants and walked in. His figure disappeared behind the leaves.
A line formedbetween Violette's brows. She stroked her fingers over the vines, a light breeze tickled her fingertips.
One step and she found herself surrounded by the thick stems and leaves. Her hands reached forward, making her way. A bright blue light flew past her eyes – a little butterfly. She followed the twinkling and in a few moments ended up on the other side.
Violette felt the grass under her feet, the fresh scent of a summer night reached her nose. The flickering yellow lights were serenely floating in the air, like fairy pollen levitating just a few inches above the ground. The warm light immediately attracted her attention, inviting her to look at the tree with glowing leaves. She stalked forward, her heart fluttering. This place was breathing withmagic. She'd never seen something so beautiful, inspiring peace in the soul, before. It felt like entering a sacred place hidden from prying eyes, from the outside world.
The bright light blinded her for just a second as the flying line of fireflies glimmered before her eyes. Her lips parted in astonishment, gaze trailed to the top and how surprised she was to see a night sky instead of the stone ceiling of the cave. Was it an illusion or entirely another dimension?
A big blue bird with a resplendent tail iridescent in the surrounding lights on the willow's branch set eyes on the girl. It eyed her for a few seconds and then continued preening its feathers. Violette recognized this bird from the old books about magical animals, an extremely rare species to meet.
Ahead, in the glow of a golden light, a gracious willow had leaned over the dark waters of the wide lake. Dante already was ahead, waiting for her.
“What is this place?” she asked, stepping from foot to foot.
“Our way to another continent,” he said dryly, moving from his spot forward.
They appeared to be on the edge of the lake.
“See that swirl over there?” He pointed with his chin ahead.
Her gaze lugged to the center of the lake and then back to him.
