CHAPTER FOUR

Still on the edge from their experience with the evil creatures, Aurora and Otis continued their journey further into the ancient woods as the moon had set and the forest cloaked in shadows.

They were constantly reminded of the threat made by the evil creature about its return.

Guided by the knowledge they had discovered and the whispers of the forest, they journeyed to the heart of the Blackwood Mountains, where it was said that the source of the rebirth's curse resided.

Although the air became colder and the going got rough, their determination remained unshakable.

Aurora couldn't help but think about the history of her bloodline and the purpose of the curse.

The visions she had earlier received from the ancient tree had shown her a time where made the forest's defenders and keepers of harmony and balance. It was obvious that their goal had been corrupted thereby resulting in chaos and devastation.

By Otis's ethereal powers and abilities, he was able to sense what Aurora was thinking of.

"The legacy of the rebirth holds great power, Aurora" he said, thereby interrupting Aurora's thoughts.

"However, the power has two sides depending on how it's used, it can be an agent of light and also an agent of darkness" Otis explained.

Aurora nodded in agreement and fresh understanding.

"I'll make sure the rebirth serves its original purpose, which is to save the forest. It won't be transformed into a weapon of destruction by the evil forces", Aurora assured.

"You bear the burden of your ancestors, yet you also carry hope and determination of redemption and restoration. Although it is a burden, it is where you'll find your strength" Otis said.

They continued the journey till they arrived at a secret glade deep within the mountains, a significant location that was designated by a ring of ancient stones.

It was a site where the performance of the forbidden rite of the rebirth, a rite that had been long hidden and guarded by the enchantment of the forest, was said to have taken place.

Otis picked up the stones and examined them, using his fingertips tracing the etchings that told a story that is beyond human comprehension.

"This is the place, Aurora". Otis said.

"This is the place where the rebirth was intended to be a force for good and blessings, and not a curse. But the evil forces turned it into something dark". Otis told Aurora.

Aurora and the forest worked in unison to uncover the glade's secrets under Otis's guidance.

The stones turned and trembled, and the ancient symbols engraved in the ground began to vibrate and sparkle with a soft, silvery light. Right before them, a secret path that had been magically hidden, opened.

They followed the path and journeyed into the depth of the mountain, they entered into a cavern that was illuminated by an ethereal radiance.

The walls were carved with intricate carvings that represented the history of the rebirth from its noble origins to its darkest period when it was corrupted.

Otis brought Aurora's attention to a center chamber where an altar of stone stone stood, in the cavern.

"It was here the forbidden rite of the rebirth was performed, a ritual that allowed the curse to befall your bloodline" Otis told Aurora.

Aurora made her way to the altar, she knew that to truly understand the rebirth and its power and to stop the evil forces from coming back, she needed to uncover the secrets of this ancient ritual.

Otis stood by her side, his presence provided her with guidance and protection.

Aurora began to examine the stones of the altar using her fingers too, her fingers brushed through the carvings and as she felt it, the historical visions of the past came alive.

She saw all that happened in the past, she was the sacred dances, incantations and the ceremonies carried out by her ancestors.

She could also see how the evil forces were manipulating the ritual and distorting its original intent and purpose.

"Here", Otis said, pointing at a hidden compartment beneath the altar. Inside there, they found a book that was old and had turned dusty with time.

It contained the wisdom required to end the cycle of the curse and was also a record of the first rebirth ritual.

Otis guided Aurora as she started to interpret what was written in the book. The words in the book were about the ritual of renewal, ways to cleanse the curse of the rebirth and restore the true purpose of the rebirth and its powers.

As she went deeper into what the book contained, the cavern shook. It was the evil force, it had been aware of their presence and sought to obstruct their efforts.

The evil force became evident in the room and manifested its powers by transforming from a shadowy form into a very big, dangerous being with dragon-like shape.

"You think you can break the cycle, Aurora?" it growled.

"You're a weak mortal and I am a force of darkness that is beyond comprehension to you". it said.

But Aurora was determined, she was aware that she represented the hope of many generations and she had been blessed with the wisdom of the forest and she had Otis's guidance and protection.

With this awareness, she initiated the ritual.

As she began the ritual, the wall's carvings that portrayed the rebirth noble's beginnings came to life as the chamber glowed with an unusual light.

The evil force tossed and wrenched in agony as its hold over the curse began to weaken.

As the ritual continued and progressed, the evil force angered and became more desperate and launched dark energy at Aurora and Otis. it was another hot battle between them and the evil force.

They fought back with the power of the ritual and Otis's ethereal powers and abilities thereby rendering the evil creature defenseless and powerless.

With one final surge of energy, Aurora summoned the spirit of the forest and the purity of the rebirth, with these he attacked the evil creature. The evil creature let out a very loud screech, it went from being a dangerous being with a dragon-like head to a shadowy figure till it finally vanished.

The true legacy of the rebirth was restored and the power of the curse was broken. The ancient carvings on the wall faded and the power that had been corrupted was finally confined.