As the island drew nearer, the lake bottom gradually fell out of sight. An array of vegetation lined the lake bed, and also floated on the surface. Large pink and purple water-flowers dashed the path to the island, as the two friends paddled their way to the central shore. Orvus spoke, “Tell me, old friend... what possessed you to embark so suddenly to investigate a vision of a tomb?” The old man stopped paddling and turned back to look at Orvus. Through his long black and grey facial hair you could make out a smile. It was more of a grin, cocked all funny.

Ten seconds had passed. “Well?!” spouted Orvus. The old man resumed paddling. He spoke loudly so Orvus could hear, “Do you recall when we explored here ages ago? We thought the building was a shrine because of the bee statues and engravings on the walls.” Orvus recalled, “Yes, and there sat a large bee statue on the central podium in the large room, covered in moss and over-growth.” Orvus remained perplexed as to how this could be a tomb. What could they have not seen the last time they were there?

As they drew near the southern shore of the island in the lake, the Great Light in the sky began falling behind the tree line, and the vibrant colours of the lake dulled. Orvus, being five years the eldest of the two, grew tired first but didn't pause for a break. It was best to make it to shore before it got too dark, and find a safe place to put the canoe. “We're here,” Orvus heaved, out of breath, “and just in time at that.” They both stopped paddling and coasted to the shore on all the give they had given, and the burn in their muscles was real.

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They both stepped out, one after the other and shored the boat, and then carried it with them inland a fair ways before leaving it on its' side. “We should make camp here and venture out in the morning,” suggested the old man, as he too caught his breath. Orvus nodded in agreement, then lifted his own travel pack off his hip and shoulder. After placing it on the ground he opened it and took out about a dozen dry log eighths and stacked them up against one another.

After the brush nearby was cleared, he removed a scroll from a different section of his pack and unrolled it. He knelt down by the wood pile and peered deeply at the crude image of a flame surrounded by wisps of air that formed corners. “Go ahead Orvus, call out the enchantment already!” egged the old man, hoping for some warm light. Orvus began to recite from memory, the oldest enchantment... Fire. “Purifying light and thee who wrought ashes, bring forth flame from your vibrant clashes!”

There was a moment's pause, then the pile of wood ignited in a sudden burst of flames and fury. Both Orvus and the old man were startled and fell back onto their asses. “Sorry! Sorry, old friend!” laughed Orvus, as he tended to his right cheek. The old man sighed heavily, “I see your fire enchantments need a bit of tuning, Orvus.” Orvus quickly retorted back, “Got it on the first go though, didn't I?”, with a smile on his face.

It was dark now, and stars shone down on them both in their favour. The light of the fire brought comfort and warmth on this lonely island, as the crescent moon peeked out from the eastern skyline across the lake and the rest of the larger island. Bats swooped down and danced around the fire, catching the bugs attracted by the light, making for a buffet of flying insects. Orvus pulled his extra cloak out of his pack and placed it where he would lay his head for the night. “See you in the morning,” said Orvus tiredly, as he laid back and rested his body and head. “Sleep well, Orvus, I'm going to enjoy the fire a while longer.”

After staring into the fire and embracing its' warmth for some time, the old man laid back and rested his head too, on his extra cloak. He was eager to make it to the tomb tomorrow, and test his vision's merit. Orvus had been gracious enough to embark on this journey at moment's notice, and in return the old man had wanted to show Orvus something exciting. The vision was clear. Something, or someone is entombed inside and it would take an offering to find out what, or who that is.

The old man's eyes had grown heavy, and the stars in the night sky began to blur. He closed his eyes and imagined tomorrow's adventure. Orvus snored lightly over the sounds of the crackling flames of the enchanted fire and singing night critters of the island. Soon enough, the old man was fast asleep and the crescent moon passed overhead, ever-faithfully to the other end of the sky.

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Awaken

Part 1 - A Message to Orvus
Part 2 - The Lake Beckons