Artur made his way through the abandoned castle, his footsteps echoing through the empty halls. He could sense the darkness creeping in around him, its tendrils reaching out to ensnare him. But he was not afraid. He had faced darkness before and emerged victorious.

As he walked deeper into the castle, he saw remnants of a bygone era. He passed by suits of armor and weapons, symbols of a time when this castle was bustling with knights and squires who worshiped the very ground he walked on. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings depicting Artur's many adventures, and the stories of his valor and courage were passed down from generation to generation.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as he remembered the young squires who would follow him around like puppies, eager to learn from him and emulate his every move. He thought of the knights who would proudly don his sigil on their shields and armor, ready to ride into battle at his command. But those days were long gone, and now the castle lay in ruins, haunted by the darkness that had taken root within.

Artur shook his head, pushing aside his memories and focusing on the task at hand. He knew that he couldn't let the darkness win, not when the fate of his brother, Taliesin, hung in the balance.

As he approached the portal to Erebus, he could feel the air crackling with energy. The portal glowed with an ominous light, beckoning him to enter. Artur paused before the portal, his mind drifting back to the days when he and Taliesin were just starting out on their adventures. He remembered how they had laughed and joked together, their hearts full of hope and courage. They had faced many dangers and overcome many obstacles, but they had always had each other's backs.

The memory filled him with a renewed sense of determination. He would not let Taliesin down now, not after all they had been through together. With a deep breath, he stepped into the portal.

The world around him dissolved into darkness, and he felt himself hurtling through space and time. The darkness surrounded him like a cloak, pressing in on all sides. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, centering himself against the overwhelming sense of dread.

At last, the darkness began to recede, and he found himself standing in a dark, forbidding realm. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and he could hear the distant howls of strange creatures.

Undaunted, he set off into the darkness, determined to find Taliesin and bring him home.

The deer's ears twitched as it listened intently to the sound of Antioch's and Harahel's footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves and twigs underfoot. As they passed by, the deer remained still but continued to watch them with its big, gentle eyes.

As they continued their journey towards the Hermit's cave, Harahel turned to Antioch with a curious expression and inquired, "Antioch, when was the last time you saw your brother?"

Antioch pondered for a moment before responding, "It must have been around a hundred years ago, I think. Frankly, I can't recall if we parted on good terms."

Harahel raised an eyebrow, concerned about the potential complications ahead. "How do you think he's going to feel about us coming for a visit?"

Antioch shrugged casually, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "It's hard to predict," he admitted. "Bringing up his time as Valkas usually puts him in a foul mood, though."

Harahel let out a sigh. "Wonderful," She muttered, and they pressed on deeper into the forest.

The deer remained still and silent as Antioch and Harahel approached the entrance to the cave. As they came closer, the deer's eyes followed their every move, observing their body language and gestures. Antioch appeared relaxed, while Harahel seemed a bit uneasy.

As Antioch and Harahel approached the Hermit's cave, they could feel the air around them grow thick with an ominous energy. The trees seemed to lean away from the cave as if trying to escape its pull. A chill coursed through Harahel's spine, but Antioch remained unfazed, a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

As they drew closer, Antioch stepped forward, his hands held up in a peaceful gesture. "Greetings, brother!" he called out, his voice echoing through the trees. "We come in peace."

But before the Hermit could respond, a deafening roar shook the ground beneath their feet. The trees trembled and a gust of wind rushed past them, carrying the scent of fire and brimstone. Suddenly, the beast emerged from the cave, its wings beating against the air with a force that sent Antioch and Harahel reeling.

The beast had eyes that glowed like molten lava, and razor-sharp claws that glinted in the flickering light of the cave. It let out another deafening roar, and Antioch and Harahel could feel the earth beneath them shake with its fury.

Harahel stepped back, but Antioch stood his ground, his eyes fixed on the beast. "Greetings, friend!" he called out, his voice filled with false bravado. "Do you remember me?"

"Recognize this creature?" Harahel inquired, her gaze fixed on the menacing beast.

Antioch nodded. "Yes, he's a creature from ancient times," he explained. "But he's harmless. Right, old friend?" Antioch directed his words to the beast, attempting to evoke memories. "Remember our games of fetch?"

The beast responded with a menacing growl, baring its teeth. Antioch sighed, disheartened. "Apparently not," he muttered. Harahel, resigned to her fate, prepared for a potentially lethal encounter.

However, in a sudden twist of fate, the beast turned and retreated into the cave. Its massive wings beat with such force that it rustled the leaves on the trees.

Harahel released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, while Antioch, seemingly unfazed, simply shrugged. "Well," he remarked with a mischievous glint in his eye. "That was quite the adventure, wouldn't you say?"

"Not even remotely," Harahel retorted as she playfully punched Antioch in the arm. She then posed the obvious question: "So, what's our next move?"

Antioch grinned confidently. "We go into the cave," he declared, causing Harahel to raise a skeptical eyebrow.

"Trust me," he added, his eyes gleaming with determination. "That's the closest thing to an invitation we'll get."

Harahel sighed but nodded, following Antioch into the cave. The darkness was oppressive, but Antioch seemed to know his way around. Harahel could hear the sound of water dripping and the scurrying of small animals as they made their way deeper into the cave.

Finally, they reached a large cavern, illuminated by torches set into the walls. In the center of the room sat the Hermit, his face obscured by a hooded cloak. He sat on a pile of fur, his legs crossed and his hands resting on his knees.

As they approached, the Hermit raised his head, revealing a face that was weathered and wrinkled, as if carved from the bark of an ancient tree. His eyes were piercing blue and seemed to bore into the souls of those who met his gaze. His beard was long and white and fell in tangled wisps over his chest.

He wore a cloak made from the skins of various animals, which were adorned with feathers and beads. A gnarled staff lay beside him, its surface etched with strange runes and symbols.

Antioch approached his brother with a nostalgic smile. "Greetings, brother," he said in a somewhat hesitant tone. "It's been a long time."

The Hermit's response was gruff and unenthusiastic. "Not long enough, Trickster," he retorted, his voice gravelly. Antioch glanced at Harahel and added, "I suppose we didn't part on the best of terms."

The Hermit's sharp gaze shifted to Harahel, his eyes scrutinizing her intensely. Her discomfort grew as she felt the weight of his inspection, sending a shiver down her spine. "And who is this?" the Hermit inquired, his tone laced with suspicion.

Antioch's grin took on a mischievous quality. "This is my companion, Harahel."

The Hermit's attention shifted to Harahel, and he directed a direct question at her. "Are you a disciple of our brother, Taliesin?"

Harahel nodded in affirmation. "Yes," she replied, her voice steady. "And he has been captured and taken to Erebus..."

Before she could finish her sentence, the Hermit abruptly interrupted her. "So that he can compose a song to restore the Anti-Magic. I am already aware of this," he stated matter-of-factly.

Harahel continued, her voice imploring, "Then you understand why we've come. We need your assistance."

However, the Hermit's response was far from what she had hoped for. His expression remained resolute. "I will do nothing of the sort," he declared firmly.

A sinking feeling enveloped Harahel's chest. She had anticipated a more favorable response from the Hermit, given their dire circumstances. Desperation filled her voice as she pleaded, "But Taliesin's life is in grave danger. He needs our help."

The Hermit's countenance remained unchanged as he responded, "Taliesin is a masterful musician and a cunning strategist. If anyone can find a way out of Erebus, it is him. My days of meddling with the Anti-Magic are long behind me."

Antioch, who had been observing the exchange, chimed in with a touch of disdain. "You're right," he muttered sarcastically. "It's much better to remain secluded in your cave, avoiding the consequences of your past actions."

The Hermit's gaze bore into Antioch, His eyes tightened with irritation. "You, of all people, lecturing me about consequences to actions," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's a joke better suited for one of your fools."

Antioch, not one to be easily riled, simply shrugged, acknowledging the Hermit's point. "Fair enough," he admitted with a wry grin. "Perhaps you're not hiding away in this cave out of fear. Maybe you secretly long for the return of the Anti-Magic, yearning to reclaim your Valkas title."

The Hermit's single raised eyebrow spoke volumes. "I would never wish that curse back upon my soul," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a weight of conviction.

A solemn air enveloped the Hermit as he continued, his expression growing grimmer by the moment. "You have no idea how dreadful it was to bear the burden of the Anti-Magic. It was akin to imprisonment in a desolate void, devoid of sensation or connection with the world. I lost myself in that unforgiving darkness, and it nearly consumed me." He paused, inhaling deeply before resuming his words. "And yet, you treat it as if it were a mere plaything, something for your entertainment. You never held any reverence for the immense power you wielded."

Antioch, undeterred by the Hermit's serious demeanor, sported a sly smirk. "Oh, make no mistake," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of arrogance. "I had the utmost respect for the power. The difference, my dear Hermit, is that I had the mastery to control it, a skill you evidently lacked."

As the Hermit's anger boils over, he tightens his grip on his staff and pulls it close to his chest. His eyes dart around the area, searching for his beast that lurks in the shadows.

Suddenly, a low growl echoes through the air, and the Hermit's companion emerges from the darkness. The beast is a sight to behold, with rippling muscles and sharp teeth that glint in the moonlight.

Antioch, seeing the Hermit's rage, prepares for a fight. He readies his weapon and squares off against the Hermit.

Tensions reached their breaking point, and it seemed like Antioch and the Hermit were on the verge of clashing in a fierce confrontation. Just as the atmosphere grew electric with the impending clash, Harahel leaped between the two, her voice ringing out in a desperate plea.

"Stop!" she screamed, her voice carrying an urgency that echoed through the cave. "Why does everyone in this family have to resolve their issues through violence?"

As the words left her lips, an unexpected and brilliant burst of light erupted, illuminating the cave in a dazzling display. The intensity of the light initially blinded everyone present, forcing them to shield their eyes from the radiant burst. However, as the luminance gradually subsided, they realized that it emanated from Harahel herself.

The cave, once shrouded in darkness, was now bathed in a soft, ethereal glow as the light gently pulsated from Harahel's being. Her presence seemed to radiate warmth and tranquility, dispelling the tension that had gripped the air just moments before.

The Hermit, his grip still firm on his staff, stared at Harahel with a mixture of astonishment and reverence. He sensed an extraordinary power radiating from her, one that transcended her individual capabilities.

"You have been touched by Rhea," he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. As the weight of this revelation settled upon him, he slowly lowered his staff and took a step back, allowing his anger to dissipate like morning mist. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a newfound sense of peace and clarity that had eluded him for far too long.

In that moment, as he looked at Harahel, he recognized the presence of his grandmother's light shining brightly in her eyes. The connection he had longed for with his grandmother, lost through the passage of time, suddenly felt rekindled and reinvigorated.

"She was created by Rhea," added Antioch, a hint of reverence in his voice.

The Hermit's eyes widened in astonishment. "She is a muse?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Three, in fact," Antioch replied with a meaningful glance in Harahel's direction.

As the Light began to fade, the Hermit slowly lowered himself back onto the furs, his eyes never leaving the spot where the Light had been. He let out a deep sigh as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For a moment, he was silent, lost in thought.

Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I must be alone to think," he said. "You can camp outside the cave tonight."

Antioch's brows furrowed as he sought more clarity. "And what comes after that?" he asked.

The Hermit looked at Antioch and replied solemnly, "Tomorrow. That is all I can promise for now."

Antioch took Harahel's hand and guided her toward the cave entrance. As they left, the Hermit closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze on his face. He sat cross-legged, his back straight and his hands resting on his knees. He focused on his breathing, inhaling deeply, and exhaling slowly.

The Hermit cleared his mind of all thoughts, allowing himself to be fully present in the moment. He began to repeat a mantra to himself, softly at first and then gradually increasing the volume:

"Om shanti, shanti, shanti. May the light of my Rhea guide me Om shanti, shanti, shanti."

The sound of his voice echoed through the cave. The Hermit continued to chant, letting the words become a rhythm that synchronized with his breathing. The beast, sensing the Hermit's deep state of meditation, remained still beside him.