“Fine then,” he said. “Let’s get going. We’ll go right.”
Amir was careful to observe the surroundings and not move out in haste. In doing so, he noticed the small stream in the woods on the other side of the path. The water flowed to the right, and Amir saw this as a clue. He explained his rationale to Eva.
“We’ll follow the way of the rain,” he said, “and make our way back home. Your village is by the water and so is mine. This stream surely feeds into a larger river. Perhaps even the one on which our villages lie, if not, we can ask for food and directions along the way.”
Eva was convinced and ready to go, so they stepped out onto the path together. Each glanced briefly to the left, and then followed the path in the direction of the flowing stream. As far as their eyes could see, they were alone in the forest. However, as they turned to head right, a frighteningly familiar voice whispered to them from behind. The eerie sound crept through the woods, causing them to stop in their tracks.
With shared emotion, they glanced briefly into one another’s eyes as they turned to see who it was. But to their surprise, no one was there.
They became uncomfortable by the mere thought of the mysterious voice, and goose bumps arose on their skin.
They paused to consider the possibilities. Could this be the same voice who had tricked them the day before? they thought. And if so, why was it calling to them?
Knowing the results of listening to the wind the first time, they would not make the same mistake again. After hearing nothing for a few moments, they looked back at one another, wondering if it had only been their imagination. But as soon as their fears had dissipated, it spoke to them yet again.
“Wait,” whispered the voice. “Do not run.”
This time, as they looked in the direction of the voice, an elderly woman appeared on the path, calmly walking toward them from the distance. Eva and Amir stared in awe at the unique characteristics of the woman. They had never seen her before, or anyone like her for that matter. Surely, she had not come from either of their villages.
Then, with a chilling likeness to the voice of the wind, the old woman called out to them by name. Amir and Eva stood frozen in the center of the path, their bodies trembling from both fear, and admiration.
Chapter 7
As the mysterious old woman approached, she was somehow illuminated more than the surrounding forest. She walked effortlessly, as if her age had taken no effect on her body.
She seemed quite tall to the children, perhaps five feet or so. Her olive skin was similar to that of Amir’s, though it appeared thin and fragile. Her shoulder length hair was a wavy blend of black and grey, and though it blew wildly in the wind, not a single strand ever obstructed her face. Her fierce green eyes glowed like torches in the night as she approached.
The woman paused, patiently observed the area, and finally settled her gaze on the children. Amir and Eva listened closely as she began…
“Hello children,” she said. “Why have you chosen to stray from your familiar paths?”
Eva and Amir had a feeling that the woman’s question might be rhetorical. From what they could tell, it was she who had called them from their paths. The woman’s voice had an uncanny resemblance to the sound of the wind. Eva decided to reply.
“I was walking peacefully in the woods when I heard a voice calling my name,” she explained. “I left my path in search of the voice. I don’t know how I got lost. I was only hoping to find something interesting in the forest.”
“And how did you meet your friend?” asked the woman.
“When I left my path, I found Amir in the woods. He was searching for the voice as well.”
“Do your parents approve of your wandering in the woods at all hours of the day and night?”
The children were silent for a moment, knowing the woman would read any lack of integrity with ease. Then Amir answered.
“No Ma’am,” he said. “They would not approve, but we only got lost while trying to find our way home.”
“Would you like some help?” the woman asked.
Eva’s newfound mistrust of the unknown convinced her that following the mysterious woman was a bad idea. She already feared that this woman’s voice had caused them to get lost in the first place. She and Amir would simply follow the new path back home as planned.
“We’re young,” Eva said, “but I think we can take care of ourselves. Thanks for the offer.”
“Ah. I see,” the woman replied. “Then I’ll let you be on your way.”
The children turned to continue to go, glad that they had averted the strange woman’s temptation. The encounter had nearly ceased, but Eva turned back. She wanted further explanation about something on her mind.
“May I ask you a question?”
“Of course you may,” she replied. “What is it?”
“Well, I recognize your voice from the woods the other day. Why did you call us?” Eva asked.
The woman smiled, thankful that she had asked the question.
“I call for people quite often,” said the woman. “But few have heard my voice. If you have, then you are worthy of my offer.”
“What offer is that?” Eva asked.
“There is a secret treasure, concealed long ago, which offers power beyond your wildest dreams. It is fully capable of bringing peace and harmony to troubled lands, and uniting the entire world. This treasure has existed since ancient times, and is displayed in plain view. Nevertheless, only those who seek my voice can hope to find it, and unlock its full potential.”
Amir and Eva glanced at each other in disbelief that any treasure could be so powerful. As great as it sounded, they were just kids, and could never find it on their own anyway.
“That all sounds great,” Eva replied, “but what’s the catch?”
“I will do for you one of two things,” explained the woman. “First, if you so choose, I will show you the way home. I am aware that you are lost, and anxious to return to your families.”
Intrigued by the sudden possibility of finding their way home, Eva and Amir listened anxiously for the second option.
“On the other hand,” said the woman, “if you can take care of yourselves as you say, I will show you a different way home. You will be given the tools and guidance necessary to lead you to the secret treasure. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal its location, for in order to possess the greatest reward, one must endure the greatest journey.”
With their whole lives in front of them, Amir and Eva imagined the endless possibilities of possessing such a treasure. To unite the world, or even a village, would certainly be amazing. On the other hand, they knew their parents would be worried sick until they returned. By any measure, it was a monumental decision.
The
