《Ember》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    <hr>


    "Quite a nice soul you''ve got."


    I stood in the air, wondering what the old man meant by saying that. As if sensing my inquisitive look, the man chuckled, saying. "Look at yourself."


    I did what he had said, and then feeling like my eyes have opened for the first time. I raised my hands to my face, watching in utter shock and bewilderment as the flame that covers them twist and churned. My skin glowed with the color of embers, like that of a live coal.


    "What is this?" I look at the old man and ask, strangely calm despite my situation. The flames didn''t hurt me one bit, rather, they comforted me. It gave of the feeling like home. I checked my entire body, and confirmed with my eyes that it was wholly transformed into something else. An ever burning fire covering me.


    "That." The old man pointed at me and smile. "Is your soul."


    "Soul?" I blurted out reflexively. "Did I die?"


    "Yes. And you were just born." Said the old man with a mysterious tone.


    "And who are you? Are you god or something?"


    "Neither." Said the old man. I was suddenly blinded with an intense light and there came the rumbling of thunder, so loud and powerful that it caused my existence distort. Just when I thought I would disappear, peace returned and the light receded, finally revealing someone whom I cannot recognize. The new arrival had intense flames covering his entire figure, and some occasional lightning flashes forth from his eyes.


    "I''m just like you. A fellow kin." Said the man.


    "You''re the old man?" I asked in amazement. It was strange that shocking things like this would not shock me so much as I thought it would. ''Probably has something to do with me being in this state.'' I thought.


    "What then is your purpose for meeting me?" I said.


    "I just come to greet you, and inform you of the things ahead." Said the man.


    "Things ahead?"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "Right, I could only maintain this place for a little so I''ll tell you." The man explained. "You should have guess that you have already died on Earth. But your journey doesn''t just end there, Your soul shall transmigrate into another world."


    The man paused, letting the information sink to my head. Then I gaze blankly at the man. "What else?"


    The man showed a gentle smile. "Nothing, whatever happens from now on, you shouldn''t be surprised. The world your going to is full of mysterious things. Also, you should probably practice how to cry."


    "What do you mean?" I was talking about the last part. The man simply gave me a meaningful gaze but did not speak. It was only a while later that he spoke. "Alright, time''s up. Good luck, and may your life be bountiful and long!"


    He returned to the form of an old man and turned to leave.


    "Wait." I said. "What is your name?"


    "Myrannias. You can call me that. Perhaps we''ll met once again, one day."


    "I''m..." I was about to introduce myself but he was gone. And then I heard a voice echo from the distance. "You shouldn''t introduce yourself to me for now, you could do so after you''re born and have a name."


    When Myrannias left- perhaps I should refer to him as Myran- I was left alone in the empty space. The scenery around me started to shift and move. Suddenly I was sent flying towards somewhere.


    Slightly dizzy, I opened my eyes, my eyes immediately closed upon receiving a bit of light. My body also feels light and sticky. Soon, I saw several heads appear in my blurry vision. Their eyes were too obscured to make off, but I knew somehow, that these people were looking at me in curiosity, with a faint hint of worry. I suddenly recalled Myran''s words about learning to cry.


    Although it''s troublesome, I took a breath and let out a cry, it sounded forced and detached even to me. I really don''t have a talent for acting.When I cried it caused stirs among the people, then the talking started. Words that I have no idea what to make off poured into my ears. My weak body easily dozed off with the buzzing.


    It has been a year since I was born. My understanding of the local language have increased tremendously, much to my amazement. During these period, I listened to conversations in the house.


    Since my eyes have also improved, I was now able to clearly see my surroundings. I was in a small room, there are no furnishings,the walls and ceilings were made from humble materials. Even the crib where I slept was handmade.


    ''Looks like we are poor''


    In this one year, I have also learned the identities of the people living in this house. The man with bronze colored hair and tanned skin was my father, the lady with black hair and pale blue eyes was my mother. There were other two children about four or five years older than mine, I conclude that they were my siblings. A brother and a sister.


    As for our lifestyle, we mainly live off by farming, and we keep a number of chickens in the backyard. Watching my parents work from the window, I let out a frown. Such work is difficult and boring, and then there was the blue sun searing their back with its rays while they tilled the unyielding land.


    Perhaps one day I might do the same to live. Although farming is common here, I don''t think I''ll be able to bear such hardship. This is my opinion as a man who lived from the modern world.


    Therefore I must find other ways to live.


    But for now, I will just enjoy my infancy and sleep peacefully.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    <hr>


    Five years have passed.


    One day, I was looking at the fire burning in a small pit, cooking the rice. It was just that I have nothing to do, it was almost nighttime and my playmates have already been called home by their parents. Therefore I thought I should just stare at the flame.


    It was beautiful, the flame as it dance around, sway to wind and slowly devour the firewoods as it increase itself. The heat was blowing against my face, it wasn''t hot, just warm enough.


    Such sight made me recall of the time before I was born, when I was covered in flames. The sight of Myran turning into a fiery creature.


    Somehow, before I knew it, my hand went to the space between the pot and the pit, scooping up the flames. My hand did not burn, but the flame welcomed its presence, swirling and embracing it. Adorning it like a red bracelet.


    It took a while for the scene to register to my brain, my eyes opened wide and jaws turned loose. I quickly withdrew my hand, and the flame was snuff out as if someone had blown on it.


    "This..." I look at my hands incredulously, and then at the glowing coals. My hand was as smooth and white as it was before, but I still could feel the residual warmth of the flames.


    After I confirmed that I was unharmed, there were other things to worry about. I look at the glowing coals, started blowing it and fanning it, but it did nothing but to make ashes fly from the pit and into my nose and eyes. The coals refused to ignite.


    "Damn coals." I muttered, and suddenly, fire bursted out from them like a roused beast. I flinched at the sudden turn of event and gazed at the roaring flame dumbfounded. Then I snapped out of it hearing the bumbling sounds coming from the pot.


    I quickly snatched the pot from the flames and slightly drained the contents of water. Now I struggled with the flame again, this time, I was trying to put it out. Realization come into me. ''Did I just touch the pot with my bare hands?''


    The pot was smoking hot, I knew, but I was not bothered, neither does my hands. ''Strange.'' I thought.


    Perhaps, perhaps I could control fire. At this thought, I immediately become excited. I look at the raging flames and willed it to calm down. It did. Confidence started building within me, from the knowledge that I could do something which normal people could not do.


    I toned down the fire, left only the coals, and put back the pot of rice.


    I went to my room with heart beating fast.


    "Lauren, are you done cooking." Luke, my older brother asked.


    "I am." I answered and went to my bed quickly, thinking of the events that have transpired. Then I proceed to imagine what sort of things I could do with this newfound power.


    Just when I was thinking about becoming like a human torch and blasting fireballs along a group of monsters, like a child would, I felt a familiar heat gushing upon my face.


    I opened my eyes and was frightened to see a ball of fire hovering before me. I hurriedly backed off to the corner of my bed eyeing the ball fire warily. I almost screamed, and then I remembered that fire could not harm me.


    Seeing that the fireball did not behave violently, I let out a breath of relief and pat my stressed heart. After I calmed down, I look at the fireball. It was beautiful and tranquil, lighting up the entire room. And a thought come to me. ''Did I make that?''


    There was knock in the room, and I jolted at the voice reprimanding me. "Laurel, please don''t light up the oil lamp, it''s still early."


    "Yes!" I said and willed the fireball to vanish. The fireball was gone as though it was an illusion. But the fact that my eyes haven''t yet adjust to the darkness, tells him otherwise.


    I went to the door of this small room and put my ears to the door. Mother has left. I went back to the bed and tried to recall what I was thinking when the fireball appeared.


    If I''m not wrong, it was about blasting things with fireballs. I tried to imagine that again. As expected, the fireball the same size of my head appeared punctually.


    I immediately made it disappear so that I may not incur suspicions. For all I know, I might be In times like the middle age, doing something like this might result to me being burned in the stake. Although I''m not afraid of fire anymore because of the latest occurrence, it would do no good to be persecuted.


    Thus, I contented myself with just a small fireball and making it dance along my fingertips. "This is fun." I mumbled.


    An idea seized me, I started changing the shapes of the small fireball, to square, triangle rectangle, house, but it requires a lot of my concentration when shaping it into something more detailed and complex. I was trying to form a lotus when Amy head start to ache. ''No sweat.'' I thought, disregarding the warning, and continued.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    It was a while later that the pain become unbearable and the lotus flame dispersed. I slumped into the bed, eyelids getting harder to open. Soon I was asleep.


    In this world, eating three times a day is a luxury a family like us could not easily afford. Therefore we only eat two times, one for breakfast and one in noon to provide us strength for work.


    I woke up and saw that it was still dark in the morning. The silver moon is visible in the window.


    Somehow, my body feels refreshed and new. I stretched and seeing nothing better to do, I went out of the house and continued where I left my practice, shaping the flame lotus. To my surprise, I was able to easily do it, unlike before where I struggle just to make one petal.


    With the lotus flower floating above my palm , I lift up my hand to the air.The morning air issued murmurs as it pass, the flame flickered, but retained its shape.


    ''How about this?'' The lotus twisted and formed into a new shape, a knife. Why a knife you might ask, it''s not like I''m gonna fight somebody. It''s just the first thing that come to mind.


    The knife was formed easily, the blade was of flames, and its constant movement formed ripples on the surface of the blade. The handle was crude and simple. It would take some time for me to imitate embroideries and sewn lines.


    I poked my fingers to the knife, there was a slight resistance but my fingers passed through.


    "I wonder." I said to myself. "If I compressed fire enough, would it become solid?"


    I tried what I was thinking, although it might sound silly. The flame compressed into the size of a needle head before it could not shrink no anymore. The heat it gives off was amazing. I touched it and it surprisingly bounced off my fingers. The small glowing orb was like a firefly, spinning around the air.


    Curious about what it could do, I pointed at a stone and the small orb flew towards it. Peng! The stone had formed a hole, molten residues were still glowing around the edges, and the small orb was still there in the center.


    Amazed, I was silent for a while. Then I tried to find out how much flames flames I could create on my own. When I reached about ten fireballs the size of a basketball, I stopped because it might be too conspicuous. But I knew I was nowhere near my limit. I compressed the fireballs into the size of the small orb and co tinier producing more.


    The result was that I could produce more than twenty three fireballs, but the fireballs I produced beyond that number is unable to be controlled by me.


    I set my limit to twenty three.


    I combined all the small ember orbs produced and it transformed into a single blue orb, burning intensely like the sun, the normal sized fireballs could not be compared with it in terms of brightness and heat and density.


    Then i noticed that the light it was giving my off made my surroundings look as if it was the middle of the day. I made it disappear and darkness returned. Nevertheless, my heart is beating with excitement at this discovery.


    I was about to turn around and return home, but I was met with pairs of bloodshot eyes, glaring at me from the darkness.


    Kakakachaka!


    The clattering noise the creatures made when they move made me cringe. When I saw their forms, goosebumps swells all over my skin.


    Human skeletons walked clumsily towards me, their eyes never leaving my form, and their jaws clattered to form what seemed like a mocking laughter to me.


    Some of their bones were twisted in the wrong way, some smaller ones fell as they move, whereupon they burn with black fire upon contact with the ground, transforming into ashes.


    In the eye socket of one of the skulls, I saw small worms wriggling out. I resisted the urge to vomit, and tried to keep myself standing.


    As the skeletons were about to near me, a sword made of flame appeared in my hands. The skeletons stopped and their bones shook all over. Their mouths opened and close, as if issuing a soundless scream.


    The burning sword which I conjured seared ground with its heat. The blade was like a molten metal, sharp and extremely hot.


    Seeing their reaction decreased my fear by half, and before I be gripped with fear again, I summoned my courage and rushed to the nearest skeleton, cleaving it with my sword as though it was made of butter. The skeleton turned into ashes.


    The did the same for the other skeleton, they did offer any resistance, they did not even move. Soon they were all felled. Although I barely used any strength at all, I was tired and panting. I sat on the ground and looked up, traces of light had begun to appear over the horizon.


    "What the heck are those?!" After finally relaxing, I blurted out the words I was holding back.


    There are moving skeletons in this world. Before the day begun, I already learned something new.


    Almost in tears, I sighed and walk back home. The busy day had started for my parents who woke up early to chop woods and cook.


    "You woke up early." Allen, my father said so as he smashed down the axe. "Do be careful not to stray far away."


    I nodded, thinking. ''I will definitely be careful.''


    "Go wake Ilene and Luke. Tell Ilene to help your mother prepare breakfast."


    "Yes."


    I went to their rooms and called them out, after waking my siblings, with went to the bed to digest my latest experience. When in the midst of my thoughts, I realized that I have yet to tell this fact to my parents.


    ''What will I tell them.'' I asked rhetorically. ''That there''s a bunch of moving skeletons in the backyard?''


    Surely they''d believe me, a five years old child, prone to renter the land of imaginations. It is unlikely.


    But this matter concerns the safety of the family, even the entire village, whether they will believe me or not, said must tell them.


    I immediately got up and went to father. Luke was ridding the wood from branches and stubs using a crude knife.


    Seeing me coming, Allen turned his head and sternly reprimanded. "Lauren, did not I tell you to stay away when I''m chopping woods? The splinters might hit you!"


    "Yes." I nodded. "But I have something to tell father."


    "Go on." Allen continued his work. He picked up a cleaned log and positioned it vertically on the ground. Then his axe mightily swung, slotting it to two.


    "I saw skeletons wandering in the farm."


    Allen and Luke stopped their works, then fixed their eyes on me, looking skeptical.


    "I have been wondering why you aren''t like your two elder siblings, running around the backyard, playing as knights and slaying imaginary dragons. Looks like your colorful mind have awakened a bit late." Father said, chuckling heartily.


    When he mentioned the part about my older brother and sister, I noticed that Luke''s face turned slightly red. His eyes were suddenly focused on his work looking dedicated, but the area where he was cleaning off was already smooth without any stumps.


    It seems like I have glimpsed of his dark history. Better pretend to ignore it.


    "Anyway." This time, father was serious. "I''ll look into this. Also, refrain from wandering too far from the house. If I find something, I''ll report to the village chief."


    I nodded and went back to my room with light heart.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    <hr>


    The sun had completely risen, lighting the land with its rays. I went out of the house directly to a certain place. The land was mostly flat and dried with no trees growing. It was a special landmark in the village. A couple of rocks protruding from the ground became its special feature.


    There are other children already waiting for me there. Some lazily sat upon the rocks, others chasing and running around them.


    These children, although I''m embarrassed to say, were my playmates. Despite having the mind of an adult, I was often bored in the house and I have no one to have a hearty conversation with as both my siblings are busy with work.


    As a result, I joined these children. They''re about the same age as me.


    "Oh look, it''s Lauren!" Yelled one of the children. He was tanned and big with a rough looking face and few missing teeth.


    "Oh look, it''s you!" I greeted also, trying to hide the fact that I was still in the process of remembering his name. ''What was it again, Ovelis? Ovedyn?''


    Ove-something frowned and said unhappily. "Don''t ''oh look'' me. I could tell that you have forgotten my name again!"


    "Of course I haven''t, Uberman." I said turning towards the other. "Its Ovideus!" I ignored the frustrated scream behind.


    "Hey." A girl with brown hair approached me. "The thing you taught me have impressed both my parents!" She said with a cheerful smile. "They said it is very useful!"


    "I''m glad I could help." I said. The thing I taught her was fundamental mathematics. Just the the four operations. I figured that in this primitive time, such could be helpful, especially in a remote village like us. In this village, the only learned ones and are willing to teach are the bards, which come and go like the wind. By the way, her name is Senia.


    "Then have you got other things to teach us?" Rolando, boy with lush golden hair and light complexion also joined. He was the son of the village chief.


    I shook my head. "No, but I do have a story to tell you. It''s base from real experience mind you."


    When I said that, the children gathered and made a circle around me. I sat on top of the rock like a dignified teacher, and begun the narrating what happened just this morning, embellishing some details in the process. Making myself sound heroic.


    The children looked scared and started to look around suspiciously. Some glared at the darkness casted by the shadows, expecting red eyes to appear.


    "But then I manage to summon the holy sword! The sword burning with righteous flame made the skeletons freeze from fear! And then..."


    When the story finished, the children were thrilled, some immediately went to grab small branches and wave them around like warriors. As the older ones, we disarmed them with coaxing. It would be bad if they suddenly decide someone was a skeleton and the world needed a warrior like them to vanquish it.


    For example.


    "Hiya!" A small child let out a fierce battle cry, chasing Ovideus with a branch. I promptly disarmed the child, reprimanding him. "Look, don''t swing a stick on a person Roy. It would hurt them."


    The lively child, Roy only followed the stick I was held up with tears eyes. He tried to reach out to it with his small arms. It took me a while to succeed in coaxing him.


    When I''m done, Rolando quietly come to me and said in a hushed tone. "I heard from father that there have been missing livestocks in some households. They thought it was theft, but..." He glanced around before continuing. "Some of the people have mentioned seeing tall silhouettes with red


    eyes at night. Other say they heard faint rattlings before the day their animals disappeared."


    He said looking to my eyes. "Your story reminds me of that."


    I have heard the same from the conversation between my parents, but I payed it no mind as I thought it was just some baseless rumors made to frighten little kids to go home before dark.


    ''So those skeletons were the culprit.'' I thought, and told Rolando about the skeletons, omitting the fact that I defeated them.


    "So that''s it." Rolando nodded in understanding.


    We went back to the other kids, Ovideus challenging Rolando into a swordplay.


    "Lets dance!" Ovideus declared, pointing the blunt stuck at Rolando. The two were soon engaged in a flashy sword fight. I watch all the kids like a Guardian from the top of the rock, but I was secretly trying to create a miniature tree with fire.


    The children soon grew tired of playing and seek another ways to entertain themselves.


    "Alright, lets go watch the faeries!" Ovideus suggested.


    "Right, the usual place!" Senia voiced her approval. With two of the well known older kids, it was already decided that we should watch the faeries.


    We went a bit farther from the village, and during the way, we passed by an old sentinel towering with great height. This was the landmark of the village. It was said that the founder of Woodville planted this tree.


    I stopped and gazed at its massive frame and bathe upon its imposing presence. As always, I was called out to wake me up from my stupor.


    Stolen story; please report.We moved towards the forest ahead. It was a small forest, and the only wild beast dwelling in this place are some small rodents. You wouldn''t find a wolf or a bear even if you tried to. Nevertheless, it was still a forest and it is possible to get lost inside.


    But we have been coming here for a long time, we know every tree and rocks like the back of our own hands. And we have the old markings of travelers who have went here in case we really got lost.


    We passed through the rows of trees and came into a clearing. At this point, we slowed down silenced our footsteps. There in the center of the clearing dancing in the air, was a cluster of tiny glowing creatures.


    These things were the faeries. They would vanished without a trace once they were disturbed.


    We watched quietly, sitting on bare grounds. My arms were wrapped around my knees as I view this magnificent sight.


    While I was watching, I noticed the faeries'' movements become somewhat out of rhythm.


    "Something''s wrong."


    "My genius mind is sensing something."


    The first to voice their thoughts out was Rolando and then Ovideus who grabbed this chance to praise himself.


    The faeries have suddenly become agitated, and then faded in the background. Such occurrence was common, but only if one approached them too near. But aside from small insects, there was nothing nearby which could threaten their safety. We also made sure to keep enough distance. This had never happened before.


    Just like Ovideus, my senses are also tingling.


    "You guys, move here." I urged them quickly when I noticed a thin figure approaching.


    Perhaps sensing the seriousness in my tone, the children obediently crouched behind the huge tree where I was. I gestured for them to be quiet, then popped my head to have a clearer look at the approaching figure. The cold and stale aura was familiar.


    Creak, crack, the branches groaned as it walked. There was a disturbing rattle as it moves. When it was near, the red eyes grew apparent in the shadow, flashing with malice. In that instant, I knew it''s identity.


    "What the heck-"


    Before he could raise his voice in exclamation, I covered Ovideus'' mouth, who had somehow had his head in the open without my attention.


    I pulled him quick behind the trunk. For a brief moment, the footsteps halted, and there was silence. Ovideus was sweating profusely.


    I sensed the skeleton send its gaze towards this direction. I was prepared to conjure another flame sword. I beat around four skeletons, and a lone one would not be a problem. But the Robles are these kids. I don''t know about this world, but we''re this on Earth and I was found to be capable of conjuring flames, if I I was not burned on a stake, I would have been sliced apart in some underground laboratories.


    The main point is, my social standing is at risk, and my life too. Then again, his current life have been unscientific so far. Skeletons could casually stroll around the village, perhaps making fire without any mediums is the norm.


    The sound of footsteps once again reverberated in the woods, and after some time, the sound was getting weaker and farther.


    Rolando was frowning and the other children was on the verge of crying. Only holding back for the fear of being found out.


    Now, as the one with the oldest mind, I am responsible for these bunch''s safety.


    I was curious about the skeleton''s behavior, but I also have to watch over the kids. If I was gone and the kids encountered another skeleton, then it would be tragic.


    I was thinking when the footsteps become louder and clearer. The children who was about to start conversing was discouraged by my gaze and held their mouth, shaking their heads.


    The sound stopped just behind the tree. We knew it was there, with just a single tree setting us apart.


    For a moment, I was tempted to stab a flame sword to the trunk and pierce the skeleton behind.


    There come a thought that perhaps it was doing it on purpose to scare us, which did succeed.


    Clattering sound came from behind the tree.


    The kids were perspiring, this time, not from being nervous, but because the temperature in the area have suddenly risen.


    There was a muffled roar from behind followed by an intense heat that spread out. Tongues of fire stretched forth behind the tree, setting the dried leaves on the ground and the tree itself.


    I made the group back away from the tree and they gladly got away from the unbearable heat.


    The flames went out as quickly as it appeared. But the sizzling air still hadn''t settled. Smoke rose from the charred tree, still glowing red from the fire.


    There was no signs of any skeletons.


    The children all stood there, expecting the monster to come out from the ashes. They think that it was the one that caused the fire.


    "Let''s go!" Seeing them like that, I yelled. They were curious but they instantly turned and dashed away when they heard my shout.


    Panting and wet from sweat, we arrived at the village. There was no time for us to contemplate, each hurried to their own homes upon returning.


    I was the same, and recounted what I see to my father.


    The longer he listened, the stricter and grim his face become. And I knew he was angry.


    "Didn''t I tell you not to stray far away!" He bellowed. Maybe all his indignation was released from that one shout and his tone was a level softer when he told me. "Go to your room. Reflect on what happened. Gosh, what would have become of you if the skeleton self-destructed a bit nearer."


    To be exact, the skeleton did not self destruct. I burned it, but I was not going to correct him. I obedient entry went to his room and did as he told me. Reflect on what happened.


    A ball of flame appeared a distance away from me. It''s temperature was mild and tamed so that I would not bother anyone in the house.


    I could conjure flame from far away, but the distance is limited. In that way I burnt the skeleton to ashes even with a tree standing between us.


    The flame faded and I leaned on the wooden wall, making creaking sounds. I closed my eyes and started to practice another feature in my ability which I just recently discovered.


    I made a small butterfly made of flames, my eyes were closed, but I could feel the butterfly, I could tell it where to go, and I knew exactly its position.


    The butterfly flew around the room, it felt like I have merged with the butterfly. I could sense the surroundings. It was a mysterious feeling, it was not sight or vision but it was near there.


    This could be useful. I could scout a place from above, and if thinking on using it to harm something or someone, I could simply send some flame to the place, and incinerate the target from miles away.


    ----------


    On a dark cave deep in the Sina forest, a small hooded figure was sitting on the floor. The figure''s face was hidden by the hood. Suddenly, red eyes flashed open.


    The figure whispered softly. "Another one of my skeletons was burned."


    The figure looked in the direction of the village, saying. "There was an expert guarding it."


    Disoriented footsteps entered the cave. The silhouettes of skeletons carrying various animals walked in front of the robed figure and dropped the weakened animals on the floor.


    The figure looked at the ''harvest'' and mumbled. "But this should be enough."


    A hand was put on the body of the animals. Slowly, they lost their colors and vitality. Soon they were cold corpses.


    The robed figure nodded, satisfied.


    "I''ve gathered enough life force now to enter the fourth stage of necromancy."


    The necromancer have chosen this particular area to practice the art for one reason; the power of death was abnormally thick. Fortunately for the robed figure, no necromancer have yet discovered the place.


    For sure, there was something mysterious in the forest, in the area. But the robed figure does not care about that and did not came to this for that reason, the focus was solely on cultivation and nothing else.


    The figure looked at the carcasses with a wave, their flesh immediately rot, leaving the skeletons. The beast bones stood up.


    The figure gave them command to guard the cave and let nothing approach the cave, living my or non living.


    The the figure was alone again, and the cave was enveloped in silence as the figure dived deep in meditation.