Oregon in the Fall - 12. Chapter Twelve: Labirinthoset

In the whisper of the dusk, where secrets lie,
Three threads entwine, fate’s silent decree.
In shadows’ embrace, beneath the sky,
A hidden path, only the chosen see.

A wolf, a man, and a shadow in between,
Their journey woven by the threads so keen.
Through labyrinth’s heart, under moon’s serene,
Destinies converge, yet remain unseen.

—The Labirinthoset Papyrus

Gone was the serene and magical environment that made me want to stay here forever. Gone were the heartfelt moments of Dave and Mark meeting their grandmother. Everyone was confused, everyone was frightened. And when I looked at the three druids, I saw fear in their faces.

Not a good start.

Dave looked like a cosmic power station, and I was drawn to him. I had to touch him. So I did. When my hand connected with his shoulder, I felt a surge of power go through me. My bronze skin connected to his black and golden exterior. It was as if I touched life and everything beyond it.

Then the golden skin began extending to my hand, grasping it, enveloping it. As the lines slowly started creeping up my arm, I felt Dave relax, just a little. He was still heaving, though, his heart beating fast.

“Mark, come here,” I said, “Touch him. We need to help.”

And Mark touched his other shoulder. He hesitated at first, the uncertainty clear in his eyes, but as his hand made contact, a visible change took place. Everything volatile and unruly around Dave faded, morphing into a new equilibrium. We were the grounding that Dave desperately needed. The black and gold patterns that had started to spread across my arm now reached out towards Mark, wrapping around his wrist and forearm in a dance of light and shadow. Sun and moon.

As the golden lines intertwined with Mark’s skin, I noticed the tension in Dave’s posture beginning to ease, his breaths becoming less labored. It was as if our connection, this triad formed of wolf, man, and something other, was the key to stabilizing the immense power that Dave had unwittingly unleashed.

Maio, observing the transformation with a mixture of awe and concern, finally spoke, “This… this is the Triadic Bond. It’s been a myth, a legend said to have the power to balance the primal forces of nature. But to see it manifest…” Her voice trailed off, lost in the implications of what lay before us. Or so I thought.

“The what bond?” I said.

Deia stepped closer, her gaze fixed on the connection between us. “The Labirinthoset Papyrus spoke of three threads entwined. It seems we’re witnessing its prophecy unfold. You three are not just bound by fate; you are its architects, chosen to navigate the labyrinth of challenges that lie ahead.”

“What?” I said.

The weight of her words hung in the air, a heavy mantle that none of us were prepared to wear. Yet, the immediate crisis at hand was Dave’s uncontrollable power, which now, under the influence of our joined hands, began to recede. The bubble of energy that had expanded around us started to stabilize.

Dave’s breathing was normal again when he said, “I don’t care about a labyrinth, I want to know what just attacked us.”

“One moment,” Maio said. She looked up, eyes closed, her arms stretched out with hands facing upwards. Her hair began to flutter with no apparent wind around us in the room. “Oh.”

“Oh?” I asked.

“The forest itself was trying to protect us from… you.”

“What did we do?” Mark said.

“They felt a threat, and sensing the power coming from you three, felt it necessary to attack.”

That made no sense to me. “The attack came immediately after I heard the voices from my dreams.”

“Did anyone else hear any voices?” Maio wanted to know. Everyone shook their heads.

“What were they saying, Grey?” Clara asked.

“It’s always the same. At the end of the dream, they echo ‘Fall! Fall’ over and over.”

“Is this the first time you’ve heard them while awake?” Maio said.

“Yes.”

As the last of the black and gold patterns receded into Dave’s skin, leaving no trace of the cosmic storm that had raged moments before, he collapsed, exhausted but no longer a conduit of raw, uncontrolled energy. We supported him, easing him down to sit on one of the tree-grown chairs. The protective bubble vanished.

Clara’s voice was steady but filled with urgency. “We need to understand this bond, how to control it and what it’s meant for. If the prophecy is true, then there’s a purpose to your connection, something that goes beyond the mere sharing of power. And I have a feeling that you’re hearing the voices because of our proximity to Labirinthoset.”

Maio nodded in agreement, her eyes thoughtful. “The path ahead will be fraught with danger, for such power does not go unnoticed. You will need guidance. The balance of nature itself may well depend on your actions.”

“I left a few things we might need in my car, I should get them,” Clara said.

“Wait, what?” Maio said.

“Don’t worry, the car is shrouded. I’m not an idiot, Maio-na.”

We exchanged glances, an unspoken agreement passing between us. This journey, initiated by chance and necessity, had transformed into a quest of monumental importance. Our bond, once a source of confusion and conflict, was now our greatest asset.

“As for your next steps,” Deia added, her voice carrying a weight of solemnity, “you must seek the heart of Labirinthoset. There, in the deepest chamber, should lie the key to understanding your destiny.”

The path was set, our course clear. With the guidance of the druids and the ancient prophecies as our map, we would venture into the unknown. But first, Dave needed to recover, and we all could use some rest.

So many questions.

I was a god?

And what was Dave?

Or Mark?

“Maio, you do realize that my grandson was able to create a protective barrier that thwarted the ancient defenses we put up in this forest?” Deia said.

“Of course, my dear. And I’m equal parts surprised and scared, just as you are.”

“Could you please elaborate on the god thing?” I said.

Maio was the one to answer, “No.”

“Um…”

“Your existence is monumental. In fact, the existence of all three of you is. But that’s all I know.”

“What am I then?” Mark asked.

“Oh Mark, if I knew I would tell you,” Maio said, “I think I’ll have to do some reading. All of you should go get some rest, it’s getting dark.”

“Can I join you?” Clara said to her.

“Oh, I was hoping you’d ask. Of course,” Maio replied with a warm smile.

“Come boys, I’ll show you to your trees,” Deia said.

“We get trees?” Dave said.

“Well, of course you do!”

We exited Maio’s residence. Clara and Maio went off in another direction, with Maio’s arm wrapped around Clara’s shoulder. They both smelled like they were home. I think this reunion was nice for them.

Deia led us through the tranquil pathways of Eldarwood, each turn revealing more of its enchanting beauty. The twilight cast a soft, mystical glow on the forest and the trees seemed to whisper among themselves, a silent conversation that felt both ancient and alive.

Our guide stopped before three towering trees, each with a spiraling staircase made of roots and vines wrapping around their trunks. “Each of you will find rest here,” Deia announced, pointing to the trees. “These are not ordinary trees; they’re homes, nurtured by the forest to provide shelter and comfort.”

Dave, still looking a bit dazed from the day’s events, smiled at the prospect. “This is… unbelievable,” he murmured, his gaze traveling up the staircase of his designated tree. He glanced over at me, but we silently agreed it would be ok not to spend every night together.

Mark approached his tree with a mix of reverence and curiosity. Touching its bark, he looked back at me with a smile, then began to explore his tree for the night.

I approached my own tree. It was welcoming, almost beckoning me to ascend. As I climbed, the steps seemed to conform to my feet, providing a steady and secure ascent.

Reaching the top, I found a cozy space carved within the heart of the tree. It was furnished with a bed made of moss and soft leaves, glowing orbs that provided light, and windows that offered a panoramic view of the Eldarwood. The craftsmanship was exquisite, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.

I heard Mark and Dave exploring their own tree-homes, their voices carrying through the branches with wonder. Despite the comfort and peace this place offered, my mind was restless. The revelations of the day, our newly discovered bond, the prophecy, and the voices in my dreams—all of it swirled in my thoughts, refusing to settle.

Lying on the bed, I stared at the canopy above, the leaves gently swaying to the rhythm of the night. Sleep eventually claimed me, but it was fitful, filled with dreams of labyrinths, cosmic energies, and voices that echoed with a sense of urgency. ‘Seek the heart,’ they repeated, guiding me through an endless maze that pulsed with the same black and gold energy that had enveloped Dave.

There was no mention of falling this time, and for that I was grateful, because it was usually followed by an abrupt waking up. And I didn’t want to wake up. Not yet.

Eventually, I did.

I woke up to the first light of dawn filtering through the leaves, the dreams lingering like shadows at the edge of my consciousness. Today, we would begin our journey towards the heart of Labirinthoset, towards answers and, perhaps, towards our true purpose.

To my surprise, these people were more adept at living a modern life than werewolf packs, because this tiny abode had more than just a bed. I called it the tree toilet. It even had a flushing mechanism, but thankful as I was—I really had to pee—I wasn’t going to debate the magical properties of how that worked.

Descending from the tree, I found Mark and Dave already waiting below.

“Our grandma made breakfast,” Dave said.

“Of course she did,” I said, “Good morning, you two.” Again, I was so drawn to Dave, but felt awkward with Mark being so close.

Mark must’ve sensed it, because he said, “It’s ok, Grey.”

“I don’t need your permission,” I said, but immediately regretted it.

“That’s now what I meant.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“We should get going,” Dave said, determination in his voice.

Mark nodded, the usual calm returning to his demeanor as he glanced between Dave and me. “Let’s see what the day brings,” he added.

We followed the path that Deia had shown us the night before, making our way through the dawning light of Eldarwood. The forest seemed to greet us with a newfound respect, or perhaps it was just my imagination, fueled by the events of the previous night and the dreams that had haunted my sleep.

As we approached a clearing, the scent of cooked food reached us, drawing us forward with the promise of a hearty breakfast. Deia and Clara were already there, surrounded by a spread of food that seemed too extravagant for the middle of a forest. Fresh fruits, breads, and various dishes that I couldn’t name filled the table, all of it looking as if it had been prepared in a well-equipped kitchen rather than in the heart of an ancient wood.

“Good morning,” Deia greeted us with a warm smile. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Dave rushed towards the table and exclaimed, “Food!”

As we sat down to eat, Clara broke the silence. “Today, we’ll start making our way towards Labirinthoset. We have a long journey ahead of us, but we need to be prepared. Last night’s event was just the beginning.”

Maio joined us then, her presence commanding even in the casual setting. “The forest has calmed, for now,” she said, glancing at each of us in turn. “The bond you three share is more powerful than we anticipated. It’s crucial we understand it better as we proceed. Clara did bring some tomes with her from the Lunar Haven, and they were most enlightening.”

When I looked over at Deia, I saw her gaze lingering on Mark and Dave with a tender affection that seemed to fill the space.

“I have something for you both,” Deia said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. She reached into a small pouch she carried and pulled out two intricately crafted pendants, each suspended from a fine silver chain.

“These have been passed down through our family for generations,” she explained, her eyes meeting each of her grandsons in turn. “They are symbols of our heritage, our strength, and the unbreakable bond we share. I want you to have them as a reminder of where you come from and the love that will always surround you, regardless of where your journey takes you.”

Everyone’s attention seemed fixed on this moment. Mark held his pendant between his fingers, a look of deep contemplation on his face.

Dave—because, of course, he would do that—wrapped Deia in a heartfelt hug, the pendant clutched tightly in his hand. “Thank you, Grandma. This means everything to me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Deia embraced him back, then turned to include Mark in the gesture, drawing them both close. “Remember, you carry the strength of generations within you. Let these pendants serve as a reminder of that strength, and of the family that stands behind you.”

As they pulled apart, Deia kissed their foreheads gently, a symbol of her blessing. “Take care of each other,” she whispered. “And know that my love goes with you.”

Mark said, “I could never have imagined my life taking such a turn. But I’m so grateful. I feel like I could belong somewhere. Thank you, Grandma.” I knew he meant it. Coming from Mark, such raw emotion was huge.

Then she looked at me with a kind smile, and said, “And you, Grey, may consider yourself family as well. I hope this goes without saying.”

I smiled back at her. “Thank you.”

Clara reached out and squeezed Deia’s hand in silent support. This journey was more than a quest; it was a testament to the bonds that define us, the legacies we carry, and the families we build along the way.

As breakfast resumed, the conversation turned to the adventures ahead, but the pendants around Mark and Dave’s necks served as a silent reminder of the love and history that would guide us through whatever challenges lay ahead. It was a powerful moment of affirmation and belonging, setting the tone for the journey we were about to embark on together.

“We don’t have all the answers,” Maio said as the visions faded, “but trust in yourselves, in your bond. You’re not alone in this.”

With those words, we set off from Eldarwood, the echoes of the forest’s whispers accompanying us as we stepped into the unknown. The journey to Labirinthoset was before us, a path shrouded in mystery, but one we were now bound to follow.

Clara had packed backpacks for all of us, filled to the brink. She assured me all of it was necessary. “We need to be prepared, Grey,” she said to me.

I was sure the granola bars were in there somewhere. In fact, I could smell them. They were.

The breakfast at Eldarwood had been more than just a meal; it was a moment of calm before the storm, a reminder of the natural beauty and power that surrounded us. As we walked, the forest seemed to bid us farewell, its ancient trees standing as silent sentinels to our departure.

We had to bring balance back, and I had no fucking clue what that meant.

As we ventured deeper into the unknown, guided by Clara’s unwavering confidence, the dense canopy of Eldarwood gave way to a landscape that none of us could have anticipated. The ground beneath our feet became sterner, the air cooler, and an unspoken tension hung between us, a tangible anticipation of what was to come.

The journey, though arduous, was uneventful until we reached a clearing that seemed out of place amidst the sprawling wilderness. Here, the ground opened up, revealing a staircase that spiraled down into the earth. The entrance was marked by ancient symbols that resonated with an energy that seemed to pulsate in sync with the triadic bond we shared.

“This is it,” Clara announced, her voice echoing slightly against the walls of the opening. “The entrance to Labirinthoset. From this point on, there’s no telling what we might encounter.”

The staircase descended into darkness. I smelled earth, and musk, and timelessness. Dave looked at me, a determined glint in his eyes that mirrored my own resolve. Mark, ever the silent pillar among us, nodded, a silent signal that he, too, was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We took a moment, and with a collective breath, we stepped onto the staircase, the descent marking the beginning of our true journey into the heart of the labyrinth.

As we ventured down, the light from the surface began to fade, swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Clara flicked her hand and illuminated our surroundings with a warm light emanating from her.

“You’re full of surprises, woman,” I said to her.

She just smiled at that but didn’t comment.

Suddenly, she halted, her hand raised in a silent command to stop. We strained our eyes in the dim light, and that’s when we saw it—a door, massive and foreboding, etched with symbols that seemed to dance in the flickering magical torchlight Clara had ignited.

“No one went past this door in centuries. Maybe even millennia,” Clara said.

The door stood as a guardian to the secrets of Labirinthoset, its presence a challenge and a promise. Clara approached, her hands hovering over the symbols, a silent conversation between her and the ancient magic that protected the entrance.

“Yeah. I don’t know what to do,” she said.

“Well, that’s pretty anticlimactic now,” I said.

A gust of cold air rushed past me, carrying with it the scent of time and the echo of a voice, familiar yet haunting.

“Seek the heart,” it whispered, a voice that seemed to emanate from the very walls of the labyrinth. It was the voice from my dreams, now guiding us forward, deeper into the unknown. But there was a door.

“Did you hear that?” I said.

“Yeah,” Dave said.

“I dreamt of that last night.”

“What?” Mark said.

“Well. Maio and I thought that your presence alone would be enough to open a path for us. Clearly we were wrong,” Clara said.

Great.

But out of the corner of my eye, I saw symbols on the floor flickering with light. Blue, green, and yellow. I leaned down to get a closer look.

“I think we’re out of coincidences,” I said.

“What do you mean?” Mark said.

“There are three circles on the ground here. The left one is shimmering with blue light, kind of out of phase, as I can only see it out of the corner of my eye. It shows a wolf,” I said and went over to the middle one, “This one here. Green. With a wolf and a man twisted together. And the one over there,” I gestured towards my right, “has a man in yellow light.”

“So I guess we go stand on them then?” Dave said.

“Sounds like a plan,” I responded.

I was the first one to step ahead onto my designated platform, the blue one on the left. Nothing happened.

Mark and Dave followed suit. Mark stood next to me on the middle platform and Dave took the right one. I looked behind me at Clara who just shrugged as again nothing happened.

That didn’t last long, however.

A low hum started filling the air. I felt an invisible force pulling me down towards my circle, locking me in place. So heavy. Looking over to Mark and Dave, they didn’t seem to fare any better.

The symbols began pulsing with energy, intertwining blue, green, and yellow lights weaving an intricate dance of ancient magic around us. The room came alive with a vibrant display of lights and shadows. The symbols under Dave and me began to glow even brighter. Mark’s symbol, however, started pulsating with a different rhythm, an ominous hum that seemed out of sync with ours. Slower, then faster, with an almost shearing quality.

A column of light shot up from each circle, enveloping us in a cocoon of energy. Dave and I were surrounded by what I would describe as warm, reassuring beams that resonated with strength and vitality. Mark’s light, on the other hand, was erratic, flickering with an intensity that seemed to be both consuming and disintegrating.

“Something’s wrong,” Clara said, voice filled with fear.

And then came the screams.

Screams of horror, and agony.

Oh god. What was happening? Who was this?

It took me a moment to realize that it was Mark. Just Mark. The screams came from him, and as I looked at him, looked at his face, I saw it contorting with pain and misery.

As the ritual reached its crescendo, Mark’s figure became translucent, tinged with red, his form shimmering within the column of light. The surrounding energy intensified, coalescing into a vortex that seemed to draw the very essence of his being into its depths.

Dave and I reached out towards Mark, our instincts driving us to intervene, but an invisible barrier held us back, held us in place.

mark. help mark.

“Mark!” I screamed at him, “No!”

And at that moment, Mark disintegrated. The very essence of his being was ripped apart, blood spattering the inside of the barrier that enveloped him.

He was gone.

He was gone.

He was gone.