Tw: death of a mythical animal. Reader discretion advised.

The colors of twilight decorated the sky as night began to shroud the land. Dunstan attempted to get some sleep, shivering on the hard ground. His thoughts drifted back to his home in the village of Wall. While he was used to sleeping in cold weather, yet at least he had a fireplace and a comfortable bed. He could almost imagine the warmth of the crackling fire and feel the warm embrace of his wool bed beckoning him to rest. Yet the cold bit his flesh dashed his thoughts.

Wrapping his threadbare coat around him, he tossed and turned, trying in vain to find rest. The witch didn't even offer him a pillow. He had to stay warm for the night or he'd surely catch a death of a cold. Seeing the dying embers from the witch's campfire, he moved closer and added some kindling to keep the fire going. He sat up to warm himself with trembling hands. Warmth began to spread through his chilled body. Using his coat as a pillow, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift into the world of dreams. Soon the stars would whisper the secrets of the next task.

"Listen well, brave mortal, to our words of old," they spoke. "For it is us the secrets we hold."

With their celestial wisdom spoken in hushed voices, the stars wove visions of the treacherous path that lay in the cold mountains of the north where the Cave of Hiera was located.

"Up the airy mountains of the north, the perilous path to the Cave of Hiera lies a treasure mortals covet to possess: a dagger black as night, its blade sharper than steel. Beware, brave mortal, for not even the stealthiest thieves can pass the Guardian's watchful gaze. No spoken word from the most silver tongue can sway it nor battling it by the courageous heart can defeat it. Only a sweet melody from a father's love will bring its slumber. Yet take care, do not falter in your tune, lest you bring your doom."

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Soon the light of early dawn bathed the surroundings in a soft glow. Billows of smoke rose from the dying campfire. Rubbing his eyes, Dunstan arose from his sleep, shivering from the chilly air. He started to prepare to leave for the mountains, studying the map. Judging by the landmarks, it appeared the journey to the mountains was going to quite arduous than the quest he embarked to the Valley of Dore.

While he had the wisdom from the stars, he was worried this time. For he had no musical talent. How was he supposed to get past the Guardian when he couldn't even carry a note? This riddle was certainly a tricky one. He would have to figure out this predicament.

Just as Dunstan was about to head off, a rustle in the bushes caught his attention. His heart raced, thinking it was some kind of frightening beast like last time.

"Hello?" he called.

The lad ventured closer to the bushes with trepidation. To his surprise and relief, he found the griffin hiding there. Its keen golden eyes fixed upon him with gratitude. It nuzzled Dunstan affectionately similar to a loyal cat would its owner, purring. A warm smile spread across the lad's face.

"Couldn't stay away, could you?" he chuckled, stroking the beast.

While Dunstan was all alone in this unfamiliar land and far from home, he welcomed the company of the griffin. He did think about his home back in the village Wall. He didn't really have much to go back to as he was just a poor farm boy. He wondered if the residents noticed he was missing. It no longer mattered to him as his goal now was to free Una. He had spent his days in Wall with the greatest wish to find his Heart's Desire and he had found it. Since he had little friends back home in Wall, he was grateful to have found one in Faerie.

"Since we're going to be travelling together," Dunstan said to the griffin. "I should give you a name. Something worthy of a noble creature like yourself. How about Alistair?"

The griffin gave a nod of approval when Dunstan spoke the name aloud.

"Today I'm heading to the mountains in the north," Dunstan spoke, turning to Alistair. "I have to seek out the Cave of Hiera. According to the map, it's going to be a long journey this time."

Alistair understood the gravity of the quest. He knew the mountains where the Cave of Hiera lay was a treacherous path. It was then Alistair offered a surprising solution: he gestured his back and spread his wings wide in anticipation. To Dunstan's delight, he mounted the broad back of the creature. The griffin gave a running start and then beat its magnificent wings, taking flight in the air. The lad felt the powerful muscles beneath: a rush of fear and soon exhilaration wash over him. The wind rushed past his ears and through his hair. His heart pounded as he steadied himself on Alistair. The beauty of the land unfolding beneath them: a tapestry of forests, rivers, valleys, even the rocky terrains of the mountains. It painted a breathtaking view that he would treasure for years to come.

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Soon Alistair decided to stop for a moment in a nearby forest. Dunstan slid off his back, wondering if the griffin was doing alright.

"I'm not making you tired, am I?" he asked.

Alistair shook his head. Its ears pricked up for a moment, its keen eyes turned in the direction of a bush. This made Dunstan frown, wondering what the beast was observing. Turning his head in the direction of Alistair's gaze, he observed nothing there. Yet the griffin just remained focused: it lay low to the ground and his tail flicked similar to a cat that was hunting prey. With a pounce, Alistair flew towards the bushes where there was a brief scuffle. Eventually the griffin emerged with a giant rat in its beak and placed it at Dunstan's feet. Initially repulsed, Dunstan forced a smile as he feared rejecting this gesture would be rude.

"Um...thanks," he said. "Guess one man's rat is another man's meal."

Taking out his pocket knife, Dunstan carved up the rat and roasted it over a small fire. He shared it with Alistair. The griffin was more than happy to nosh on some of the meat and entrails. Dunstan was surprised the rat tasted very much like chicken back home at Wall.

"Well, you have fetched a fine meal, Alistair," Dunstan said. "We certainly will eat like kings. We'll have to gather more provisions for our journey."

Alistair showed Dunstan what plants and berries were safe to eat in the forest, which he gathered. When the lad stumbled upon some enticing berries, Alistair beat his wings and screeched to prevent him from touching this fruit.

"I gather those are poisonous, right?" Dunstan said. "Thank you, my friend. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm not from around here. So I have no idea what to do here."

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Once they had gathered their provisions, the two of them took to the sky to the mountains. Observing from the sky, Dunstan saw the mountain path to the Cave of Hiera. It certainly appeared to be perilous. He was grateful that he didn't have to climb as he deduced he probably wouldn't survive the journey upwards.

The griffin circled, its keen eyes spotted the figure of the formidable Guardian at the entrance. Knowing the danger, he decided to land a safe distance away near some boulders. Dismounting, Dunstan ducked down. He peered over with caution as to not betray their presence to the Guardian. Dunstan's heart pounded in fear at the sight.

True to the word of the stars, there stood the Guardian ever vigilant. He was something straight out of legend: tall as a tree, exuding an aura of divine strength. The muscular body was decorated with hundreds of eyes from head to toe; they were iridescent and colorful as a peacock's tail; they moved and blinked in a mesmerizing display of vigilance. The giant clutched a massive club that gave off a menacing quality. Dried blood stained the weapon, a grim reminder of the fallen who dared to cross its path.

Scattered throughout the ground of the entrance were the remnants of those who met their fate: smashed bones and rotting corpses; the stench made Dunstan nauseous. Broken armor, smashed shields, weapons were snapped and shattered as if they were nothing. Among the weapons and armor were a few broken instruments and music boxes, which had clearly failed to appease the Guardian. Vultures and ravens feasted on the spoils; harsh caws and raspy screeches filled the air.

Dunstan pondered over how he was going to put the giant to sleep with no musical talent. He recalled the stars' riddle--a melody of a father's love will bring its slumber.

Reflecting on his own childhood, bedtime routine was one of happy memories. His father often hummed a lullaby that helped him fall asleep. It's when it came to him. Of course! He knew what to do now. However, he knew that retrieving the dagger was going to be a dangerous quest. He had to go alone.

"Wait here," he whispered to Alistair. "I'll be back."

The griffin nodded silently, acknowledging his friend's words. Dunstan searched deep in his memory for a familiar lullaby that his own father would hum to him. Trembling, yet determined, the notes of Lavender's Blue flowed from his lips with tenderness born of fatherly love, each note carrying a whisper of comfort and peace.

Upon hearing the musical notes, the Guardian's myriad of eyes flicked in the direction of the trespasser that was hidden among the rocks: some filled with suspicion while others with curiosity. The enchanting melody began to weave its magic. Despite sporadic moments of resistance, the Guardian was unable to fight the encroaching tendrils of sleep. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, his eyelids drooped heavily and each eye began to close. The Guardian let out a mighty yawn, leaning against the cave before slipping into a deep slumber. Its grasp on the massive club slipped from his hand with a soft clunk.

Seizing the opportunity, Dunstan tiptoed past the sleeping Guardian; its snores resonated and echoed in the cavern. Dunstan kept in mind that he had to keep the melody going or risk the giant waking up.

Swallowing nervously, he entered the grotto. A few steps inside, he found the stone slab where the legendary weapon lay gleaming in the dim light. Dunstan lifted it in awe by its exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. It was a weapon that was forged by the hands of the gods and steeped in ancient magic. The black surface seemed to let no light in. Its razor-sharp blade was sleek and dangerous.

Knowing time was of the essence, Dunstan began to head out of the cave. Unfortunately his throat began to grow hoarse from the constant humming. It was then a fit of coughing betrayed his presence, causing the Guardian to arouse from his slumber; the many eyes gazed upon the trespasser that stood at the mouth of the cave. The Guardian was stunned for a moment; each eye on its body blinked. Then blazed with fury at the thief who dared to steal the dagger.

"THIEF!!!" he thundered.

He swung the massive club to strike the lad, his bellowing voice echoed throughout the cave. Dunstan, quick on his feet, evaded the massive club, rolling away. The ground shook from the thunderous strike. His eyes darted around the cave for a suitable place to hide. Spying a narrow crevice, he squeezed inside in hopes the Guardian would not find him and just give up.

While this would have been a perfect hiding place, the Guardian was ever persistent. The many eyes gazed into the space where the thief had hidden. Consumed by rage and determination, the giant began to dig and claw the dirt in a frenzied manner. In between, he attempted to wedge his enormous hand inside the space to grab the elusive thief.

With no way out and the Guardian's relentless pursuit closing in, Dunstan's heart pounded. Adrenaline rushed through his thin body. If he stayed here, he would surely die: be it the Guardian, starvation or crushed by the cave-in. Yet if he left, he was just as good as dead. He had to make a swift decision for the sake of surviving. As the Guardian's giant hand loomed closer, Dunstan gripped the dagger in his hand and summoned his courage.

With a swift and daring move, Dunstan swiped the blade towards the Guardian's massive fingers. The blade sliced through flesh and sinew with a sickening slash; dark blood oozed from the wound. The giant howled in agony when its fingertip was severed; the bellowing cries echoing throughout the cavern. Dunstan seized the opportunity to escape, slipping on some of the slick blood slightly and fleeing from the winding passage of the cave.

As he made his harrowing escape from the cave, the ground quaked beneath his feet with the heavy footfalls of the Guardian. His shoes were slick with blood that it made him slip and stumble to the ground. 

"Shit!" Dunstan exclaimed.

Panic gripped Dunstan's heart as he realized the futility of his escape as the giant was closing in on him. He began to scramble backwards trying to get away.

Just when the Guardian's loomed closer to deliver a blow with its club, a piercing roar and shriek filled the air. Dunstan's gaze went upward to see Alistair. With agile movements, the griffin engaged with the vengeful Guardian. The giant swung its club at the fierce creature, which Alistair dodged and weaved with unmatched grace. Alistair beat his massive wings and raked his talons across the Guardian's many eyes. The giant bellowed in pain, rendering it sightless and disoriented.

Dunstan took this moment to hide behind the boulders, watching the battle between the griffin and the giant. In the midst of the chaotic clash, there came a sickening thwack. Soon Alistair had fallen at the Guardian's feet. The magnificent creature lay on the rocky terrain. Dunstan's heart broke at the sight: its wings trembled weakly and its mournful cry filled Dunstan's ears.

Horrified to see his friend lying on the rocky ground, tears welled in Dunstan's eyes. Alistair had saved his life. As much as he wished to rush to his dying friend and comfort him in his last moments, he knew that the Guardian would find him. He was certain the giant's hearing would be able to locate him.

"I'm sorry, my friend," he apologized sadly.

Dunstan took one last tearful look at the dying griffin and began his descent down the mountain. All he could hear was the Guardian's angry shouts of "THIEF!" echoing from the as it wandered blinded and disoriented, swinging its club.

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By the time Dunstan reached the foot of the mountain, he clutched the legendary dagger tightly in his hand. The weapon he had managed to steal was nothing more than a bitter prize. Tears streamed down his cheeks as the guilt gnawed inside his heart. He couldn't comfort his dying friend in its last moments. He would give anything to gaze into Alistair's golden eyes, stroke his head and tell his fallen friend to rest well. His quest was becoming more perilous as he was one step closer to freeing Una--and yet it still came with a cost.

Gazing up at the starlit sky above, he imagined the griffin was resting peacefully. Safe and free. He said a prayer for his friend.

"Alistair," he whispered. "I am truly sorry I was not able to comfort you in your last moments. Your sacrifice won't be forgotten. I will miss you deeply. May you fly among the heavens, my friend."

While he continued towards the witch's caravan, Dunstan promised himself that he would ensure Alistair's memory would live on: he would give him a hero's memorial with Una. He would keep his spirit alive and share his story with their children and their children's children.

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Dunstan rested for the night from his perilous journey down the mountain. He was exhausted that he laid down, leaning against the tree and tucking his hands under his armpits. The dagger was wrapped inside his jacket. As he drifted off to sleep, he heard the stars whisper their warning in his dreams.

"Dunstan, brave Dunstan," they spoke. "The witch's cunning is growing each passing day. Share not the secrets of how you complete the task. She will steal limbus grass from your lips again. True Love cannot save you this time. Your wits are the only thing that can defeat her game."

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Naturally, the witch was surprised by Dunstan's return. It still puzzled her that she was unable to figure out how he had managed to achieve these impossible tasks. Well, tonight's meal would bring out the truth. The lad just tossed the dagger at her feet with a despondent, something that puzzled the witch. Dunstan just plopped on the grassy ground, hugging his knees.

"Dear boy," the witch said with a frown. "Is something the matter?"

"It's nothing," Dunstan responded.

"Won't you come and have a meal? It's roasted hare."

"I'm not hungry," Dunstan answered morose.

The witch raised an eyebrow at the mortal boy's response. Just the other day, he was happy to greedily gobble down her food.

"Are you sure?" she teased. "It's quite delicious and juicy. And it comes with a side of potatoes with herbs."

"No thank you."

Despite his refusal to eat due to his grief, Dunstan couldn't help but admit he was starving. He had used up the last of his rations traveling back from the mountains. His stomach grumbled and growled, yet the feeling of nausea was stronger. The witch studied Dunstan as he sat there in a sad looking state.

"I must say that I am quite impressed," the witch said. "You managed to complete two impossible tasks. And you did this all on your own?"

"Yes," Dunstan responded quietly.

"Just one more task to complete and you and your True Love will be free," she mocked.

"What is the final task?"

"Ah yes!" the witch spoke, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. "This one requires you to travel to the Moor of Ben Sidhe. There you must gather one vial of the tears of the Wailing Woman."

Dunstan nodded as he took in the final task. Just one more and Una would be free from her enslavement.

"Might I see Una tonight?" he asked. "I would like to let her know that I am safe."

"You may bid her goodnight," the witch answered. "But be quick about it."

Waving her hand, the swirl of blue smoke transformed the blue bird into Una's form. She saw that Dunstan was grief-stricken. Under the moonlight, Dunstan shared his loss of his friend, weeping in the crook of his arms.

"I'm so sorry about your friend," Una spoke. "But know his sacrifice was not in vain. Once this is all over, we will give him a memorial worthy of the bravest hero."

Una comforted Dunstan during his grief, wiping his tears away. For the final task was to come tomorrow and soon they would be free to begin their new lives.