The sky was clear and the air was fresh with the smell of morning dews the next morning. Flaire Blaze tell stories of her childhood just to keep the company alive. They took the murky path into the thicket in swift pace, the best route to the Valley. Sofia and Raven followed behind, listening to Flaire’s weird stories. Chase led them quietly. There were many unnecessary things that keeps on flooding his thoughts. First, did he really get hold of the right person? Second, will this person believe and help them? Third, now what? He sighed. Claw was such an odd, Old Wizard. Chase sometimes doubt the ideas of that old man. Just as what had happen to them. They should be in the Valley right now, setting out a plan in the quest for the book but the reverse had happen. Here they are, still on their way along with Flaire Blaze, the chattiest girl he had ever known. Chase shook his head in disbelief. What had gone in the Old Wizard’s mind?
Flaire noticed his silence and cling to him like his girl. He shove off her hands but she kept on clinging to him. Chase gave up. There was certainly no cure with this girl. Sofia and Raven exchanged a wondering look on each other. Suddenly, something odd caught Sofia’s eyes. Chase was rather hobbling as he walked in a slow paced. Does he injured himself or what? Something was wrong with him, she thought but it just remained in her head. She was further troubled by the way the young lady beside him cleaved unto his arms.
“That two… are they…?” Sofia whispered to the boy at her side and gestured something with her cute fingers. Raven smirked, shook his head in assurance.
“Nope. Not a chance,” Raven whispered back. “Master’s ideal lady was not that witch.”
Sofia smiled by what the boy had said. She wanted to ask who but it was better to know a little than knowing everything and hurting her in the end. She stared at him, mesmerized. He was still good-looking even behind his back. Chase suddenly glanced on her, she blushed and turned her look away.
Sofia remembered Iris. Turning to Raven she said, “Ugh… This Iris who — …”
Flaire suddenly spoke. “We’re here!”
Raven raced towards Flaire. He turned back and called her up. She smiled and make quick paces. They were now in the end of the thicket. In front of them was a magnificent waterfall. It was a very wonderful view of nature. The water seemed so cool and fresh. Its crashing sound brought up a beautiful melody on the vast woodland. She looked all over the site but something was missing. There were no dwellings not even a small town. Chase remove the hood of his cloak, revealing more of his eye-catching looks. On his ear hangs a charming, emerald gem. He snapped his finger in a swift motion. The gem glimmered as the water stops from flowing down, unfolding a hidden covert. The ground suddenly shake. And from it emerge a mass of land, forming a bridge leading to the other brink. Sofia widened her eyes. This guy was truly enchanted, she thought.
After they have crossed the bridge, the water began to flow once more and the mass of land disappeared bit by bit. The passage was dark and gloomy. Only the light that radiates from the other end of the tunnel can be seen. Raven clasped her hand and they walked together. Chase and Flaire was behind them.
Flashed of sunlight bedazzled Sofia’s wondering eyes as they reached the edge of the passage. She was astounded by the marvelous sight before her. It was a vivid place filled with the splendid riches of priceless splendor. Trees grow abundantly as birds sings upon their broad branches, filling the air with their cheerful songs. Flowers, all of them were delightful and the butterflies with their brilliant wings enjoy their company. The mountain with their snow-covered summit stood in magnificent view. Between them was a small, busy town. Smoke was coming out of their dusty chimneys. The sentiment touch of being free lingered upon her whole being. It was a beautiful world!
“Welcome to the Hidden Valley,” Flaire announced, moving to her side. She pointed the little town at a distant. “See that busy spot there? That was Pendragon. Wizards, witches, warlocks… name it. That is our veiled lair.”
Sofia nod though she cannot still believe the thought that she was seeing all of this things that only in fairytales exists. She looked back to the young man behind her and brightly smiled at him. Chase turned his look away. Arrogance was maybe a part of him that was intact down to his very bone.
The three started their way to the nearby town after observing the scenery. Chase was left behind which he really did on purpose. There were things he need to ponder about. The mood he felt was odd. That was the most genuine smile he had seen. It was innocent and real, no sign of pretense like that of someone he knew. This girl even look much alike her, setting aside their manners. He scoffed comparing their huge differences. However, that smile, in one way or another melt away the coldness in his heart. Chase let out an unspoken smile on his lips and follow after his companions. Sofia Lockheart, what else can you do to save this dying world?