Quest for Tears

Coughing and groans came from Seth as he was nearly motionless in his bed. Serena was making him soup to try and get him to eat. It’s been years since the magical diseases began covering their land and when her twin brother became ill months ago, she knew it was up to her to stop the sickness from taking him like it did their parents in the very beginning. But she has yet to find a medicine or herbal remedy to heal him and he progressively has been getting worse. 

“Here, Seth. I made your favorite. Potato soup.” Serena pulled a chair to the bed.

“Not—” he coughed, “hungry.” He has yet to open his eyes. 

“Seth please, you haven’t eaten anything in almost two weeks.” Water began forming inside Serena’s eyelids. The only answer she got from her brother was soft low moans of pain. She begged again but remained with the same response. She put the soup back in the pot and looked at the book on the dining table. She’s been reading to him every night since he became sick. And now she needed to get a new one. 

“Then I’m going to run to the bookshop in town for a new book. I’ll be right back brother.” She glanced at him and with no other response, grabbed the book and headed to town. 

It wasn’t long until she stepped into the shop full of books. The owner, Lyla, was rearranging some on a shelf.

“Serena, my dear. Back already? You’re getting faster with your reading.” Lyla said coming to greet her. 

“Yes, I suppose so.” Serena gave a sorrowful smile.

“I guess things with Seth are no better?” Lyla asked.

“No, and I’m out of options.” Serena placed the book on a desk. Lyla stayed silent for a moment before running to grab another from the back. 

“Here, no charge.” Lyla put the book in Serena’s hand. “I’m sorry I can’t do more than simply give you a book to read to him.” 

“It’s okay. It’s always nice to see you, Lyla. I appreciate this.” Serena said holding the book up. “I guess I should be going. Thank you.” She turned to walk out the door. 

“Well, I may have one more option for you,” Lyla said stopping Serena from leaving the bookshop. “I know of a man who has made miracles happen. He has limited magical abilities and has used them to help others. I have his card here if you’re interested?” She finished and held up a black card.

“Really? Yes, yes I’m interested. Where can I find him?” Serena said taking the card to observe. 

“His shop is on the edge of the village towards the forest. You’ll find the information needed to find it on the card. I hope he can help your brother.” Lyla gave a soft smile. 

“Thank you, Lyla! Thank you,” Serena blurted before running out of the shop and straight to Zoranders shop. She believed she found it but from the outside, it looked uninviting and dark. But desperation ached in her and she walked into the chilling shop. 

“Hello? Is anyone here?” Serena asked slowly stepping into the shop. “I’m looking for Zorander Kane. My name is Serena Vikena. I need your help. Please?”

A door to the far left opened pouring out an abundance of mist and a tall dark-haired man emerged. 

“I am him. What can I help you with child?” He spoke. His voice was deep and almost harsh-like. 

“I was told of you and your miracles. My brother, he’s deathly sick. I need something, anything, to help him heal from his diseases or I will lose him. Please, I’ve tried everything.” Serena begged. 

“I’m sorry, but I don’t possess anything of the sort here in my shop. The objects you see are simple trinkets and minor works of magic. Nothing to cure the doomed.” He said with a slight wave of his hand indicating for her to leave. 

“Please, sir. You must know of other regions where such items can be found. I’ll do anything to help my brother. We’re twins you see, and our parents are no longer with us, and I just have—” Serena stopped as Zorander raised his hand to silence her. 

“I know of one place, maybe, that could potentially bring you what you need. But it’s a long trip.” Zorander said sternly. 

“If it will have something to heal my brother, I’ll do it,” Serena stated. 

“Oh, it will. This cavern holds many potions, many of them to be life-saving. But only of those worthy of such magic will be granted entry to retrieve the item they seek.” Zorander dug through his cabinets behind a desk in the back and pulled out a map. “If you think you’re worthy, this map will be all you need.” He glanced up at Serena as she slowly walked up to the desk. 

“I believe I’m worthy. I have done no wrong throughout my life. My mother taught me well. And—” Once again Serena was cut off by the rise of Zoranders hand. 

“That will be enough, my child. If you believe, then that’s what matters. But this gift will come at a cost in the end.” Zorander gave a sinister smile that set Serena's hair on end. But she didn’t care. All she wanted was to save her brother. 

“Whatever it costs, I will pay my debt.” She took the rugged map from his hands. Worry grew but the hope for Seth grew faster. 

“Then go child. Be on your way and be vastly cautious.” Zorander spoke once more before sending Serena on her way. 

Serena first stopped to ask Lyla if she could care for Seth while she was away, which she agreed to. She studied the map, packed her essentials, said her goodbyes, and left early the next morning to go and bring back the magical cure for her brother.

The journey began as any other with an exceedingly amount of exhausting walking but Serena was more determined than ever to get that potion for Seth. She looked at the map and noticed she would be going through another forest like the one she just emerged from. She noticed two large rivers and a mountain range also in her path. 

The first river was her next checkpoint and when she came to it, she saw the rushing rapids and no way across. But as she looked to her right, she noticed a mermaid on the edge of the river. She approached her and noticed she was caught in some kind of trap. 

“Excuse me? I can help if you’d like?” She asked the fearful mermaid. The mermaid didn’t respond in words but with a shake of her head. Serena pulled out her knife, given to her by Seth years back, from her pack. She began cutting the rope that entangled the mermaid, releasing her in minutes. The mermaid showed great gratitude. 

“Do you know of a bridge nearby? I need to cross this river.” Serena asked. The mermaid only glanced to the other side and held out her hand. Serena didn’t feel comfortable with her solution but the mermaid motioned for her to grab her hand again. So, Serena locked up her pack, stepped into the water, and grabbed the mermaid’s hand. She began to swim pulling Serena along with her like it was nothing. It wasn’t too long before they reached the other side and Serena climbed out, thanking the mermaid. She swam off into the rushing water and Serena continued her journey for the potion. 

It’s been two days since she left home and realized she needed a break and stopped to rest just inside the second forest. She drank her water and ate some of the food she packed. All she could think of as she looked at the stars was Seth. Hoping, and praying the potion ahead will bring him back to good health. The next morning, she was off again, walking through the beautiful forest. She’d never seen some of the creatures or even the plant life before. She saw a little mushroom-headed creature pulling at a flower three times its size. She bent down to pick it for him and he smiled before running into the ferns with the flower in hand. Serena continued on her way. 

It was another day’s walk before reaching the second river. This time, she saw a bridge and used it to run across. She stopped to fill her bottle with the water before continuing. She stopped for the night again to rest up more. The mountain was in view and she knew the cavern was somewhere towards the top. She was so close and it brought her great joy knowing she was going to bring Seth to health. She wondered how he was doing. His fever rose a lot just before she left which worried her but made it more vital for her to leave as soon as she did. She didn’t know how much longer he could fight. She had to get that potion. 

Just as the sun peaked on the horizon, she was heading towards the mountain. It wasn’t too steep to climb but she knew it was going to be a bit of work. Pinpointing the sun, she knew she’d spent half the day climbing. But based on the map, the cavern wasn’t much further. Then she heard crying. A baby creature crying. She looked up to continue her path, but she couldn’t let that poor creature suffer. She headed off to her right and just over a large rock she saw the crying creature. A baby dragon. Its wing was caught under a large rock. Serena quickly grabbed a thick branch from a nearby tree and shoved it under the rock for leverage. Using all of the strength she had, she lifted the boulder enough for the baby's wing to be released. The baby dragon flew up happily and off into the sky. 

She hurried up the rest of the mountain, reaching the cavern on the map. She was surprised none was guarding this magical place, but she thought maybe it was guarded by magic that Zorander mentioned when he was saying only worthy people may enter. She slowly walked inside the cave-like structure, finding rocks holding up a multitude of potions. Serena realized she didn’t know which one to grab. But as she walked by, a multi-blue potion began to glow. She grabbed it and just knew it was the potion she needed for her brother. She smiled. 

Serena packed it up and began her journey home, only now, she ran as much as she possibly could, making the trip much shorter than before. It was a few days before she saw her village in the distance. 

As she drew closer, she saw the lights of her village and though exhausted, she broke out in a full-on sprint towards their cottage. She couldn’t wait to get to him. She entered the village and was about to cut through the courtyard. Still running, she rounded a corner and was slammed to the ground by a big-bodied man. 

“I see you’ve returned safely child,” Zorander spoke wiping his jacket where she hit. Serena stumbled to her feet. 

“Yes. Yes, I must go.” She went to go around him but he grabbed her arm. 

“Not so fast. There is a matter of payment you owe me.” He smiled a grim smile. 

“I will pay my debt. Just let me get to my brother. He needs—” She was cut off by a hand to her throat. 

“I don’t think you get it. The payment is that potion child.” Zorander loosened his grip but remained there. 

“What? No. No, I need this for Seth.” She pulled from his grip, now clutching the potion. 

“He’s not the only one sick, girl. Give me the potion. Now.” Zorander reached for it but Serena stepped back yanking it from him. “I too ran out of options given I’m not worthy to enter that cavern. But you. Well, you did me a favor.” He launched to her now and she tried to run but once again was pulled back and fell to the ground.

“No, I won’t let you take this last chance from me,” Serena yelled. 

Zorander made another attempt for the bottle. Serena was fighting with what strength she had, but Zorander had his hand on the bottle now. They fought back and forth. However, during the fight, the bottle slipped and fell directly onto a rock, shattering it, and leaving the liquid to seep into the ground. 

“No!” Serena screamed.

“You stupid girl. You lost my only chance.” Zorander went to hit her but she kicked him in the leg and ran. He didn’t follow as she ran all the way home to Seth. After tearfully explaining what happened to Lyla, she dismissed her to be alone with Seth. 

Serena sat at Seth's bedside and just stared at him and watched as his breathing slowly became worse. She knew that without that potion, it would be a matter of days before she lost him. Tears poured from her eyes as she laid her head on his chest, making him give a low groan. She apologized for not being able to save him. She told him just how much she loved him. But there was no response as usual. As she cried over her hurting brother, a loud lightning strike sound and bright light came from just outside the cottage. Serena wiped her eyes and went to the door to investigate. When she opened it, there was a beautiful woman dressed in all white standing directly in front of her. 

“Who are you?” She asked still choked up. 

“My name is Celeste. I’m an enchantress from a faraway land. I have come to see you, Serena.” The woman softly spoke. 

Serena wasn’t sure what to think, but as she stood there, the enchantress made her way passed her into the cottage.

“I’ve had my eye on you dear one. You’ve been through a lot for a young girl of your age. And yet your heart is still so pure.” Celeste said. 

“Umm,” Serena was speechless as she looked at this elegant woman standing in their dingy cottage. 

“My child, I know the quest you have just returned from, and I know of Zorander and his wickedness. I know of your sick brother,” She gestured to Seth lying completely still in bed. “And, I know of the outcome of the potion you obtained.”

“That potion was my last hope. And it’s gone to the Earth. I have nothing left.” Serena’s tears returned. 

“The potion may have broken, sealing Zoranders fate horribly, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the same for Seth. Because, unlike Zorander, I have real magic gifted to me.” She glanced at Serena’s brother once more before looking back at her with a smile. 

“What are you saying?” Serena spoke low through the tears and raspy voice. 

“Well,” Celeste walked further into the cottage having a seat at the table centered in the middle. “Anyone willing to put their life in grave danger for another, and help who they can along the way, deserves at least one wish. Don’t you think?” She gave a sweet smile. 

Serena’s eyes got big as she looked behind her to her brother lying unconscious on the bed and back to the woman. “You mean—”

“You can wish for whatever you like sweet child.” She smiled. 

A great pleasure rose within Serena. “I want nothing more than for my brother to be healed of the magical sicknesses he possesses.” She blurted out. 

“Then that is what you shall receive.” The enchantress spoke softly. She walked over to Seth on the bed, where he was hardly breathing. Words of another language escaped her mouth as her whole persona lit up and her light covered Seth completely. It seemed to only last mere minutes before everything went dark and the woman stepped back. “He is well again. It will take some time for him to get his original strength back, but then he’ll be himself again. Only now he’ll be healthy.” She slowly began to walk out the door before turning around one more time. “You two take care of one another. I know there is a great love here. Cherish it always.” She smiled and walked out the door. 

Serena lunged for her brother shaking him. “Seth. Seth?” She looked him over. His fever was gone. His color came back. All signs of his sickness had vanished. He slowly blinked his eyes open. 

“Serena?” He softly said. 

“You’re okay!” Tears of joy poured from her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around him tight, and he even hugged her back. She hadn’t felt that in a long time. “Hold on, I’ll be right back.” She blurted before darting out the door.

“Enchantress? Miss?” She looked for the woman but there was no sign of her. “Please? You gave me the only thing I could ever want. Let me repay you.” Serena was blinded by a light directly in front of her. Once it faded, a baby dragon was lying curled up. The baby dragon she saved. There was a note with him which she hurriedly picked up to read. You owe me nothing, my dear sweet child. But this little one here could use your help. He needs a loving home. I know you and your brother will be great for him as he will be for you one day. 

Serena smiled, picked up the sleeping dragon, and headed inside to see her brother already up and out of bed. She ran to hug him and cried. 

“Hungry? Because I’m starving.” Seth said smiling. Serena could only smile and nod. 

She wasn’t going to lose her brother after all. And all was well again.