“It’s been a year since you left, and I miss you so much. I’m not good at writing down my feelings. I made a promise, so I’ll try my best,” Silica wrote in her journal.
Cassandra had stepped through the ancient portal a year ago to reach the Others who dwelt in the past.
“The forest is dying, don’t you see it? Every day, more fungus eats away at the land. We struggle to reclaim enough land to feed our families,” shouted the young woman.
The council of elders sat silent. “Do you have the answers, young one?” the high council snidely asked.
Her answer was not expected.
“Yes, use the Staff of Iona and open the portal to the Others. They hold the key to saving the forest,” the girl replied.
“Madness, only a fool would contact the ancient ones,” yelled the high council.
“Then I will be that fool, or is this council too weak to act? You’ve heard the whispers about expelling you to the wastelands for your arrogance,” said Cassandra with a sly smile.
The elders sat silent at her words but had suspected it. “You leave us no choice then. Take the staff and do as you will. Unfortunately, your sister will lose her sibling to a fool’s errand,” mocked the high council.
“But she will live proud. Her sibling stood and fought. Choosing to fight rather than hide beneath a stone,” said the woman with a wry smile.
Before the elders rebuked her, Cassandra wished them good health and a long life. Then she turned and exited the council chambers.
“Why you? Can’t one of the forest watchers go? It is their job to protect the forest, after all?” asked Silica.
“Precisely,” replied Cassandra. “Without the watchers, the fungus will take more land, leaving the village at risk of starvation.”
“When will you go?” asked Silica.
“In the morning, Jared is bringing me the staff tonight so I can leave at first light,” her sister said.
“How long will you be gone?” questioned Silica.
“No man can say. Time works differently in the place of the Others—maybe a day or a year. Only the ancients hold the answer,” Cassandra said.
The morning came with sunshine and a fresh breeze, helping lift Silica’s dark mood. “I don’t want to see you go through the gate. My last memory should be of you here,” whispered the child.
“I understand. Silica, will you promise to do me a favor?” asked the sister.
“Anything,” answered the girl.
“Keep a journal to write down your feelings,” said Cassandra. “Should I not return, you will have a record which will help when you grow old and forget me.”
“I will never forget you, ever,” said Silica, choking back tears.
The sisters held each other tightly. Then Cassandra kissed her sister on the forehead and told her to stand proud until she returned.
“Did she pass through Jared?” asked Silica when she saw the watcher returning from the portal.
“Yes, all went well. We must wait and pray Cassandra can reach the Others before the fungus destroys us,” said the watcher.
“A year is a long time for us not to know. I hope you can return soon. It’s getting harder to stop the fungus. I won’t forget you, just come home so we can be together,” wrote the girl.
Silica closed her journal, slipped it under her pillow, rose from the bed, and walked to the open window. Starring at the sky, the child whispered her nightly prayer,
“Star light, star bright first star I see tonight wish I may wish I might wish the wish I wish tonight,”
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