No matter how frightened I was, I knew I would have to return to the forest. I wanted to learn the language of the trees; they were ancient beings who experienced time far differently than I did, who whispered of the past and the future in silence.

  I wondered what they spoke of among themselves. Cedar trees could live for a thousand years; they had borne witness to countless storms, calamities, and transformations.

  They might have seen many things I had not, at some distant chapter of their long existence. I hoped to learn their language and take from the depths of their wisdom at least a fragment.

  My journey home passed without incident beneath the cool breath of the night sky. The wind moved softly through the leaves, murmuring faint songs to me.

  From time to time, I paused and glanced behind me along the path; I suspected something stirred among the forest’s shadows. Yet each time, I convinced myself my eyes had deceived me and pressed on.

  When I reached the door, Arwa was waiting outside. Traces of worry and curiosity marked her face.

  “My child, come here — let me look at you,” she said, her voice warm yet trembling.

  I obeyed and stepped towards her. She studied me from head to toe and let out a deep sigh.

  “Have you lost your senses? Those baskets in your hands… they’re from the Forest of Calamity, aren’t they? Oh, I should have told you what misfortune that cursed forest can bring!” Her voice quivered now, thick with maternal fear and anger. “I remember the stories the villagers told when I was a child. They said that anyone who set foot in that forest either never returned, or came back changed beyond recognition. Oh, my dear — though it is the Gods’ mercy that you returned safely, do not go there again! There is nothing there but death! I wondered where you were; my heart was in my mouth. Never disappear without telling me again!” she said, her voice breaking.

  Before setting down the baskets, I embraced her tightly. Seeing her so frightened felt strange — yet a warmth spread through me. Someone worrying for me so deeply… It was unfamiliar, but comforting.

  “Arwa, I’m sorry for causing you distress,” I said sincerely. “But I don’t think the forest is as dangerous as you believe. I will go there again, and that is final. Besides, look what I’ve gathered.

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  Some of these you don’t even have in your stores! I’m giving them all to you. You deserve better, but this is what I can offer for now. And yes, I admit the forest is mysterious — but that doesn’t mean it is evil. After all, it brought me back safely, didn’t it?”

  The old woman nodded, her eyes glistening. Then she turned to the baskets and began examining their contents one by one. Her eyes widened; astonishment was written plainly across her face.

  “Are all these truly for me? My child, you’ve gone to such trouble! I’m an old woman; I need no excess. I cannot accept all of this,” she said — though her gaze remained fixed upon the herbs.

  I smiled at the way she looked at them. “Siri, could you take a picture of Arwa? I want to preserve this moment.”

  “Image transferred to the gallery file stored in memory… Transfer complete,” Siri’s mechanical voice replied.

  Arwa was still overwhelmed. “Good heavens, what have you gathered! These herbs are exceedingly rare! Marjoram, tarragon, sumac, coriander, rosemary, pennyroyal, thyme, basil, sage… And this… beefsteak fungus! My dear, I would say fortune favours you.”

  She flushed slightly, catching her breath before continuing.

  “I saw marjoram once in my childhood, but I never thought I would behold it again. They call it ‘pure happiness’. It is said that whoever consumes it relives their happiest memories! Are you truly willing to give these to me?” The excitement shone in her eyes.

  Her joy was infectious; I found myself nodding eagerly. “Of course, Arwa. I want you to have them. Consider it my thanks for your hospitality.”

  Arwa drew in a deep breath and took my hands. “My child, you have a heart of gold. Thank you for your gifts.”

  “It’s nothing, Arwa. But I’m curious — what have you been doing today? Are you going to teach me my lesson?”

  She paused, her eyes widening slightly. “Ah, Alek, it completely slipped my mind! Please don’t take offence — it’s old age. I meant to milk the goats for cheese today, but I couldn’t manage those stubborn creatures! And their owner — I’ve never seen such a careless man. He’s gone off to town drinking again.

  “Still, I won’t burden you with my complaints. I’m about to go to the village to tend to the sick. You know something of healing herbs, but there is much more you must learn. You must also know how to diagnose the ill. If you wish to attend today’s lesson, would you come with me to the village?”

  She hesitated a moment, then her eyes gleamed mischievously. “There’s also a girl in the village about your age. If you’re thinking of marriage, I could arrange it for you. What do you say?” she added with a faint smirk.

  My eyes widened. “Marriage? No, thank you! I’m far too young. I’m fourteen — I think that’s rather early for such things! But I would gladly come to the village. I’ve been restless lately — that’s why I went to the forest in the first place. I still have much to learn as a healer’s apprentice. Going with you would be a great opportunity!” I said eagerly.

  Arwa smiled and nodded. “Then let us not waste time. The road is long, and you have much yet to learn, my child.”