By Leslie A. “Only you, the smartest

By Leslie A.

“Only you, the smartest and most bravest member of our tribe can be trusted to take the Staff of Power,” the wise man said.

He was worn as the mountainside, wearing only his prayer beads and a single cloth around his waist. I wondered how he didn’t freeze to death and pulled my purple cloak closer. I had made it. This staff was the only thing that could drive the darkness from my land. If only I’d had the staff, my sister might still be with me.

“But remember, the gem set into the staff must be kept warm and hidden temperature at all times, or it will rupture.”

I noticed that his large hands were wrapped tightly around the center of the staff, but I could almost see a glimmer of light between his fingers.

“Really?” I said.

“Yes,” he answered, “even passing it to you will be unspeakable dangerous, but it must be done.”

Alright, so it was slightly more complicated than I thought. I would need my hands free to complete my journey. I looked down at my chest. It would have to do.

“One more thing,” the old man said, “You may want to strip down a little.”

“What?”

“It makes you…unspeakably sweaty. Just the sweatiest. Trust me on this one.”