Evergreen and Silver; part 9; The Emerald Arrow

More about Evergreen and Silver; part 9; The Emerald Arrow

See parts 1-9 for full understanding of story.

"What is the Emerald Arrow?" Shaiya asked timidly.
"And how could whoever wrote that riddle have known about us that long ago?" Kahle demanded.
"It is a prophecy," explained Evergreen. "The Emerald Arrow was crafted by my father. You see, in the centre of the Winter Wood stands a great evergreen tree. It is the very life my people. But when your people came, in his plan to protect the wood and imprison its inhabitants, my father shot a magical arrow with a tip of pure emerald, and tufted with the feathers of a phoenix, into the tree, and there it remains. It is the key to our freedom, the only hope of restoring Eldora out of this winter."
"But why have you not simply gone and taken the arrow out of the tree yourself?" Arani asked.
"Because it is surrounded by a circle of Niaquens - Tree Guardians. When the Green Rider pierced the tree, he put it into a death-like sleep, giving its spirit to me. If I cross the line of the Niaquens, my spirit will enter the tree again, but because it is pierced, I too will die. No, it must be done by true humans. And you are clearly them which the prophesy spoke of."
"Clearly," retorted Kahle cynically.
Suddenly, there was a great shake of the ground, the cave floor rumbled beneath their feet and shook so much that the four could hardly stay on their feet. The images on the wall wavered and faded almost beyond sight. Then, the cave was silent and still but, the children were surprised and alarmed to see that Evergreen was nearly fainting, her eyes closed, and she turned very pale. The three kids took her arms and led her out of the cave, setting her down to sit on one of the logs while Kahle started the fire again.
When she came to somewhat, the Queen grabbed Arani's hand and squeezed it, while staring both pleadingly, franticly and daringly into the girl's eyes.
"F-find it," she gasped. "The memory swiftly fades. You must find the northern river Alantuin and follow it through the Dark Folds to the White Downs. Take Silver. There is little time!" With that, her grip went limp though strangely she seemed to revive a little more, having got the words out, but her breathing was labored. All three children stared in terror and confusion at the distressed woman for a full minute. Then, with on last last piercing look into Arani's eyes which seemed to plead "Go!", she appeared to fall into a peaceful sleep.
Without hardly even discussing it the children gathered whatever provisions they could find, untied the majestic horse, Silver, and set out toward they didn't know where. But just as they were walking away, Shaiya stood a moment, taking a final look at the sleeping queen. She was not sure why or what force compelled her but, as the night before, she could not help reaching out and touch that pale hand one more time, feeling the same empowered sensation. Strangely afraid of what this might mean, Shaiya turned and ran after her friends without looking back.