Homeward

“Tonight, we feast!” The witch’s voice rang through her cozy cottage as she set the table, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. Max and Zach shared a glance, the weight of their journey momentarily lifted by the warmth of her hospitality.

Vera sat beside them, a look of gratitude illuminating her face. “Thank you for everything. I can’t believe we found the herb,” she said, her voice still soft but gaining strength. “And for bringing me back.”

The witch smiled, her weathered hands deftly placing bowls of steaming stew before them. “You three have faced great trials. It is only fitting to celebrate your resilience. Eating together strengthens bonds—something you will need in the days ahead.”

Zach nodded, looking at Max and Vera. “We’ll need every ounce of strength. There’s a lot to face back home, especially after what Glazilda did.”

“Let’s not dwell on that tonight,” Max interjected. “We’ve survived, and now we’re together. That’s what matters.”

As they sat down to eat, the aroma of the stew filled the air, rich and comforting. The witch shared tales of her past, of the land before the conflict, of peace and unity. Max found himself lost in her stories, each word weaving a tapestry of hope and possibility.

After dinner, the witch cleared the table and beckoned them to a corner of the room, where herbs and crystals lay scattered. “Before you leave, I wish to bless you both.” She gestured to Max and Zach, her expression serious yet gentle.

Max exchanged a glance with Zach, both feeling the weight of her words. “What kind of blessing?” Zach asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

“A blessing for strength and protection,” she replied, her voice steady. “In these tumultuous times, you will need all the support you can gather. And you, Max, carry the legacy of your parents. This blessing will guide you.”

Max nodded, feeling a sense of reverence wash over him. He stepped forward, and the witch placed her hands on his shoulders, her eyes piercing yet warm. “May the spirits of your ancestors guide you, Max. Remember their lessons and let their strength flow through you.”

As she released him, she turned to Zach. “And you, my young king, have a great burden to carry. May this blessing shield you and your people. You must protect those you love.”

Zach swallowed hard, the responsibility of his title settling heavily on his shoulders. “Thank you,” he murmured, feeling a connection to the witch that was deeper than mere gratitude.

With the blessings bestowed, they gathered their belongings and prepared to depart. The witch handed them a small satchel filled with herbs, their healing properties potent and filled with the essence of her magic. “Take this with you. It will serve you well in the days to come.”

“Thank you,” Vera said, her voice a soft echo of gratitude. “We won’t forget your kindness.”

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, the stars twinkled above like a blanket of diamonds. Max took a deep breath, the scent of the forest surrounding them a reminder of their triumphs. “We should head back. I want to get home before dawn.”

The journey back was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. They walked in a tight formation, the bond between them strengthened by their shared experiences. The night was alive with sounds—the rustle of leaves, the chirping of crickets—as they navigated the familiar path back to the kingdom.

Vera walked beside Max, her expression contemplative. “What do you think will happen when we get back?” she asked, her tone laced with both excitement and apprehension.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, glancing at Zach. “But we have to prepare for whatever comes our way.”

Zach nodded, his jaw set in determination. “We need to rally the troops and ensure that our defenses are strong. I can’t let anyone get hurt again.”

The air grew colder as they walked, but the warmth of their shared camaraderie kept the chill at bay. As dawn began to break on the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, they caught sight of the kingdom’s walls in the distance, a familiar silhouette against the awakening sky.

Max’s heart raced at the sight. “Home,” he breathed, a mixture of relief and trepidation flooding through him.

Vera squeezed his hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “We’ll make it through this together,” she said confidently.

As they approached the gates, a sense of unease settled in Max’s stomach. He could feel the weight of the kingdom’s expectations pressing down on him, a reminder of the challenges that awaited them. Yet, as he looked at Zach and Vera, he knew they would face it head-on.

As they entered the kingdom, the sounds of the waking village surrounded them—people bustling about, preparing for the day. The familiar sights brought a wave of nostalgia, but also a stark reminder of the uncertainty that loomed over them.

Max took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever came next. Together, they had faced darkness, and now, together, they would fight for their future. The journey back was just the beginning, and as they stepped forward, their hearts united in purpose, they felt the strength of their bonds—unbreakable and resolute.

But as they walked through the gates, a sudden chill swept over them, and Max turned to see Vera standing still, her gaze distant and unfocused. She wasn’t the same person they had just journeyed with; a shadow of uncertainty loomed over her, and Max felt a knot form in his stomach. “Vera?” he called, stepping closer, the warmth of their reunion abruptly replaced by the cold grip of apprehension.

—

“Vera?” Max called out, his voice tinged with concern as he and Zach stepped through the castle gates. The bustling village beyond felt alive with laughter and chatter, yet Vera walked ahead, seemingly lost in a world of her own. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, appeared distant and clouded, as if she were struggling to grasp the reality around her.

Max exchanged a worried glance with Zach, who mirrored his unease. “Vera!” Max raised his voice, quickening his pace to catch up with her. “Are you okay?”

Vera turned, but there was a blankness in her gaze, as if she were staring through him rather than at him. “What?” she replied, her tone flat and detached.

Zach frowned, stepping beside her. “Vera, it’s us. Max and me. We just came back from the witch. You’re safe now.”

But Vera didn’t respond to his reassurance. Instead, she continued to walk briskly, her movements tense and erratic. The villagers glanced at her with a mix of concern and curiosity, and Max felt a wave of frustration wash over him.

“Vera, wait!” he urged, grasping her arm to stop her. She flinched at his touch, her body rigid. “It’s me. Max. Your—your brother.”

For a brief moment, recognition flickered in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a shadow of confusion. “You shouldn’t be here,” she muttered, almost to herself. “They’ll find you. You have to leave.”

“Find us? Who?” Max pressed, desperation creeping into his voice. “Vera, you’re not making sense. It’s just us. We’re safe.”

Zach moved closer, his brow furrowed. “Vera, listen. We’re all together now. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just come back to us.”

Vera shook her head vehemently, stepping back as if the words physically hurt her. “No. You don’t understand. They’re coming. They’ll take you away.” Her eyes darted around, scanning the crowd with a wild intensity.

Max’s heart sank. This wasn’t the Vera they knew; she was acting like a rogue—disoriented, scared, and completely out of touch with reality. “Vera, please! It’s us! Remember what we fought for? You’re not alone in this.”

But she wouldn’t meet his gaze. Instead, she took another step back, her breath quickening. “You have to go! Now!”

“What happened to you?” Max asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of fear settling heavy in his chest. He had seen this look before—the haunted, distant stare of someone who had faced unimaginable horrors.

Vera turned abruptly, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. “You don’t know what it’s like! I was lost—alone! I can’t let that happen again!”

“Vera, stop!” Zach shouted, trying to keep her from slipping away. But it was as if she were already gone, trapped in her own mind.

Max felt the panic rise within him. “Vera!” he shouted, desperation seeping into his tone. “We can help you. Just come back to us!”

Vera finally looked at him, but her eyes were glazed, devoid of the warmth he had always known. “I can’t be here. I have to go. I have to protect you,” she said, her voice trembling as she turned again, ready to run.

“Vera, don’t!” Max reached out, but she was too quick, dodging his grasp and sprinting into the village, leaving him and Zach in stunned silence.

“Did you see that?” Zach breathed, disbelief etched across his face. “She…she’s not herself at all.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Max replied, his heart pounding in his chest. “What did that witch do to her?”

“We need to find her,” Zach said, urgency in his voice. “We can’t let her slip away like this. If she’s truly lost—”

Max shook his head, fear gnawing at him. “No, we can’t lose her. We have to bring her back. She’s still in there; I know it.”

They quickly exchanged determined glances before racing after her, their hearts pounding with a shared sense of dread. Max couldn’t shake the feeling that the Vera they knew had been taken from them, and if they didn’t find her soon, she might be lost forever.