On the way back home, Aminara couldn't stop thinking about everything that was happening. Sensing her unease, Sariel asked as they walked:
“Ma’am, are you alright?”
But she didn’t hear him and kept walking, lost in thought. Sariel raised his voice:
“Ma’am, are you alright?!”
“Hm? Yes, forgive me… I’m fine. We’re almost home.”
“You know,” he said, “the elder told me your son Gabriel was very different from other children since birth… But you didn’t seem very surprised by that, did you?”
“What do you mean?”
Looking at Sariel, Aminara could see and feel a supernatural force in his eyes, as well as a powerful aura surrounding him. He smiled and said:
“Ma’am, you are not an ordinary woman… I could tell from the moment I saw you.”
“What? Why do you say that?”
“It’s what the elder told me,” Sariel replied. “Since you come from a family of warriors, I imagine your son must have great abilities. Let me say, that excites me a lot.”
“But… what kind of child are you?”
“I still don’t know,” Sariel said, smiling.
“What a strange boy,” Aminara murmured. Then, with a bit more trust, she added,
“Well, I’ll let you in on a secret. When I was younger, I was a renowned warrior. I served in the special forces and met some truly powerful beings… You wouldn’t believe it.”
“I figured. I haven’t seen many people like us in Portcan, so I’m glad to have met you.”
“I can’t say I’m glad… Lately I’ve been feeling something strange, and I don’t know what it is. Anyway, we’re here. Let’s go inside.”
Once inside, they gathered the other children to give them instructions.
“Come, kids. I want to introduce someone: this is Sariel.”
“Hello, everyone,” the boy said. “My name is Sariel. I come from the northern region of Portcan. I’m really happy to meet you.”
Aminara stepped in:
“Alright, listen carefully, all of you. We still don’t know exactly what’s happening, but clearly, it’s not something normal. Sariel has a map that will lead you to the home of an ancient warrior. His name is Daniel, and it is said he lives in a great hidden valley. You must go find him. For now, it’s the only thing I can think to do. Perhaps he knows what’s really going on… and he can teach you how to use your gifts.”
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Then, turning to her son, she said:
“My dear son, you’re becoming a man, and even though it pains me to admit it, the time has come for you to discover your purpose. If this is truly a message from the King, then we must obey and fulfill what has been entrusted to us.
Now eat well and rest, because tomorrow, you will begin a long journey. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am!” the children answered enthusiastically.
The next morning, just as the sun rose, the young ones were ready to begin their first adventure toward the unknown and mysterious hidden valley. They had no idea what awaited them along the way.
Aminara had prepared provisions for the trip and taught them which wild plants they could eat and which to avoid.
Suddenly, Rafael said:
“Someone’s coming…”
“What?” Aminara gasped.
Knock, knock, knock! A loud knock echoed through the house.
“I can feel a strong energy,” Sariel said.
“So can I,” added Rafael.
“But… how?” Aminara whispered, stunned. “I better go see…”
When she opened the door, a woman stood there with a boy the same age as the others. Surprised, Aminara asked:
“Hello… Can I help you?”
The woman replied calmly:
“Hello. Forgive my intrusion. You must be the owner of this house. I hope I’m not too late.”
“Too late for what? And… sorry to ask, but who are you and what do you want?”
“Forgive me for not sending word in advance. My name is Sefar, and I’ve brought my son Miguel. I’ll be brief, I don’t want to waste your time.”
Aminara was speechless. Sefar continued:
“I must ask you to allow my son to join yours on the journey to the great hidden valley, please.”
“What? How do you know about…?”
“How do I know?” Sefar smiled.
“When I was pregnant, I had a strange dream: I saw fire and death, and young people fighting in a great battle. One of them was my son, though he hadn’t been born yet. When I gave birth, I knew it was him. So I went to see the elder, and he told me that when Miguel turned twelve, I must bring him to see him.
That day is today. I just came from speaking with him… and he told me to come here.”
Still stunned, Aminara let them in without further questions.
“This is where my role ends,” said Sefar. “This was my mission, and I’ve fulfilled it.”
She turned to her son:
“Listen to me, Miguel. Remember what we talked about, alright? Remember that you have a mission—and I believe the King himself has entrusted it to you. So please, see it through.”
“Yes, mother. I will.”
Then Sefar spoke to Aminara:
“Ma’am, it’s an honor to meet you. I know you too are fulfilling a mission, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Don’t worry—I saw your son and the others in my dream as well. Believe me… it was something extraordinary.
I leave with peace in my heart.
Goodbye, my son. I love you.”
“Mmm… alright. Goodbye,” Aminara said, still overwhelmed.
“Goodbye, Mother!” Miguel replied.
Still in shock, Aminara brought Miguel to meet the others. A silence fell over the group.
“Who are you?” Rafael asked.
“Why do I feel this presence?” Sariel inquired.
“This is Miguel,” Aminara explained. “He will go with you as well.”
“That’s right. My name is Miguel. It’s nice to meet you all.”
“Where are you from?”
“You seem like an ordinary kid… but something tells me you’re not,” Uriel said.
“Of course he’s not,” Sariel added firmly.
“Okay, stop staring at him so much,” Gabriel said, stepping in. “The important thing is that now we’re five.
Welcome, Miguel. I’m Gabriel, and these are Sariel, Uriel, and Rafael. Are you ready to come with us?”
“Yes! Absolutely.”
“Then we better get going,” Uriel said with determination.
“It’s time to go, Mom,” Gabriel said.
“My son… never give up,” whispered Aminara.
And so, after saying their goodbyes, they set off on their journey into the unknown…
