Ewá wanted to be alone. “I need to think without everyone pushing me to remember the words,” the girl said.
Her eyes lit up, “The remembering place, of course,” cried Ewá.
As a child, she would go there with her Nana before the Dark Vales took her away.
When the Vales returned, the elders couldn’t remember the Ancient One’s hiding place.
“We must perform the ritual to call them,” the council’s leader warned. “Otherwise, the Soul Devours will destroy us.”
“Nana, it would be so much easier if you were here,” muttered Ewá.
The girl sat down on the swing. She needed to recall a long-forgotten song. Its words would reveal the location of the ancient one’s resting place.
“It’s been so long, Nana. I can’t focus like when you were here with me,” said Ewá.
Drawn to the fluttering butterflies swarming around her. Ewá began to hum a tune from her childhood.
With a gentle push, Ewá set the swing in motion. The words filled her head. “When the days turn dark, pick the lillies and lay them at the temple’s door,” sang Ewá.
Another push and another verse.
“When the moon crests the temple’s crown, dip the shell in the water and pour it over the stone. Count the stars over the door. When there are no more, speak your request,” the girl continued.
“I know where this is,” Ewá said.
Ewá sprang from the swing and bolted toward the village.
“Master Eason, where is Master Eason?” cried Ewá.
“I’m here, child. What is it?” replied the councilman.
“I know where the doorway is. It’s next to the Murrering Brook in Drake’s Hollow,” said the girl.
“There is nothing there, I’ve checked that part of the forest myself,” said Eason.
“It’s not what we thought. Not a large door, but a small hole in the rock. In front is set a flagstone with enlayed symbols,” Ewá said.
Eason’s eyes grew as big as saucers, then dashed into the hall. A short while later, he returned with his side bag.
“Show me!” cried the elder.
The two rushed along the brook until Ewá spotted the flagstone. “There it is,” said Ewá.
Master Eason cleared the weeds from the hole and the flagstone altar.
“Let’s hope this works,” said the man.
Ewá told the councilman the words to the song and then stepped back, allowing him to perform the ritual.
“Finished,” said Eason as he turned back toward Ewá.
“Now we need to wait to see if we face a dark future,” said Ewá.
“Let’s go get a bite to eat. I’m feeling peckish after all this excitement,” said Eason with a wry smile.
“Yes, tea and cakes will do nicely,” replied the girl.
The following day, word came from the outlands. The attacks had stopped. No one had died since the following evening.
“It appears our plea was answered. Best we keep this between us,” said Eason.
Ewá nodded then said, “Fancy a slice of pie and tea?”
“Indeed, I would,” replied the councilman.
Folksburywoods 
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