The third

Standing in the midst of a lush garden, Seth paced slowly, his thoughts clearly wrestling with one another. He muttered under his breath, his brow furrowed, as though caught in an internal battle. Charlene watched him from a distance, unsure if she should speak or remain silent. Her instinct told her to stay out of his way, so she sat down cross-legged on a soft bed of fallen leaves, careful not to disturb her father.

Should we say something? Renew’s voice echoed in her mind.

What could we possibly say? Charlene thought back. He’s in the middle of a fierce battle with himself.

I’d love to hear what’s going on in his mind right now, Renew added with a hint of curiosity.

Charlene chuckled at that. Ha, ha, ha… she laughed softly, a lightness filling the space between them.

Renew, ever the curious one, reflected on the strange situation. Every time we’ve encountered Seth and Heth in the past, they’ve been perfectly in sync. But today… she trailed off, contemplating what could cause such tension.

Seth and Heth had been arguing over a dangerous decision. They were discussing whether to summon the Gatekeeper, a being of unimaginable power, after Seth’s last visit to the place of judgment.

"Seth!" Heth's voice was sharp, filled with both disbelief and concern. "After all the times Agrun has threatened to consume you, do you really think he won't do it this time?"

Seth’s face twisted in anguish, but he pressed on. "I know I shouldn’t go back there, but..."

"But what?!" Heth interrupted, his voice rising. "How else do you expect to help Charlene?"

"By guiding her here, on this side of the realms," Heth continued, his tone softer now, but still firm. "She will have to figure out some things on her own. You’ve done all you can. You can’t go any further."

Seth’s hands clenched into fists, frustration and guilt warring within him. "I’m her father, Heth! I can’t abandon her now! I have to do everything I can to ensure her journey is as smooth as possible. This is all my fault!"

"I understand that, Seth," Heth said quietly. "But what you did there… it’s not impossible for you to return. But Agrun and his hounds will be prepared for you. They won’t let you pass again. You can’t sacrifice yourself like that." Heth’s voice was steady, but the concern was clear. "The moment he senses you, he’ll release his hounds. They will hunt you down, and you won’t be able to help her then."

Seth’s face was etched with pain as he absorbed Heth’s words. "I can’t just stand by and do nothing!"

Heth sighed, his frustration evident but tinged with a deep understanding. "You have to trust her, Seth. You have to trust that Charlene can handle this. She’s been trained for this moment. She might even be the key to changing everything. Don’t you feel the power radiating from her? She can alter the very course of destiny if she’s allowed to."

Charlene stood up and stretched, watching her father. Whatever was troubling him, he seemed to have reached a decision. He nodded slowly, and she could tell he had come to terms with something, though what, she wasn’t sure.

Seth turned to her, his face softening as he spoke. "Princess, everything’s okay. I’m sorry for scaring you. It’s just... Heth and I had a little chat. We’ve come up with a plan." His voice was reassuring, but his eyes still held the weight of uncertainty. "I think it’s time for you to meet Argun—the Gatekeeper."

Charlene’s curiosity peaked. "Argun? The Gatekeeper?"

Seth nodded. "He’s the one who controls access to the realms. He has the power to decide who enters the place of judgment. And we need his permission for you to pass safely."

Seth explained that Argun had been the Gatekeeper since the beginning of the realm. A towering figure with untamed hair, he was a being of enormous strength and unwavering authority. His hounds—each terrifying in their own right—were bound to him, kept in chains but ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice. Seth had already seen their fury once before, and he knew the cost of challenging Argun’s rule.

Charlene’s heart raced as Seth described the hounds: Ariel, the five-foot-tall lioness with angelic wings, who carried souls of the worthy to heaven; Armaros, the hound with black fur, who offered the choice of returning to earth or moving on to the heavenly plains; and Asbeel, the angel of destruction, whose ashen fur marked him as the bringer of judgment for the guilty.

Seth took a deep breath, touching the mark on his chest, and called out for Argun. The air seemed to shift as a thick veil parted, and Argun’s presence filled the space. His hulking figure emerged from the mist, and his gaze fixed on Seth.

"You are not welcome here," Argun’s voice was low and rumbling, as he raised one massive foot and stepped through the veil, glaring at Seth. "Be gone. You are unworthy."

Seth’s heart pounded, but he managed to steady himself. "Great and wise Argun," he began, his voice trembling but firm. "I know I can never atone for my past, but I come in peace. I offer a gift, a token of my respect."

Charlene stepped forward, her presence calm and composed, though her heart fluttered in her chest. She had something in her hands—both palms wrapped around the object. The hounds snapped at her as she walked past them, but Argun quickly commanded them to lie down.

"Come forward and present me with your gift." Argun’s deep voice commanded, and Charlene obeyed without hesitation.

She moved between the hounds, brushing her hand against their fur as she approached Argun. With a simple but firm gesture, she held out a small, ornate cup. "You drink this."

Argun took the cup and examined it curiously, raising an eyebrow. "What is this?"

Charlene smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I forgot the straw," she said, leaning forward to pop a straw into the lid. "You drink it through this."

She watched as Argun took a tentative sip, his eyes widening slightly. The flavors—chocolate, vanilla, almond, and syrup—were unexpectedly delightful, and he found himself sipping more and more. "What is this? A gift such as this is rare indeed."

Charlene's voice was steady but filled with purpose as she spoke, "If you allow my father to pass, please do not let his past mistakes affect my journey. I humbly ask for your mercy."

Both Seth and Charlene bowed before Argun, a show of respect that carried the weight of their plea.

Argun took another long sip from the cup, considering their request. Finally, he looked at Seth. "Your request is granted—for your daughter," he said, his voice stern. "But be warned, Seth: if you step one foot in the place of judgment again, it will be the last thing you ever do."

Charlene stood still, the weight of Argun’s words settling over her. This journey would not be without its trials, but she was ready.

Seth turned to her, his expression a mix of determination and regret. "You can do this, Charlene," he said quietly, his voice filled with pride. "We’ve come this far together. Now, it’s time for you to take the next step."