The invitation arrived via methods so ancient, even Amihan was impressed.
"Gladys Samotiloy,
You are summoned to the Council of Ancients—beings who have watched over creature-kind since before memory. Your actions have reshaped our world. We would know your heart.
Come to the Mountain of a Thousand Voices. Alone.
—The Eldest"
"The Eldest?" Glad stared at the scroll. "Who's the Eldest?"
"No one knows," Amihan said quietly. "Legends say it's the first creature. The one who existed before species divided. Before anything."
"And they want to see me. Alone."
"It's an honor. And a test." Amihan's eyes were worried. "Few are summoned. Fewer return unchanged."
Ariel gripped her hand. "You're not going alone."
"I have to. The summons is clear."
"Then I'm coming as far as I can. Waiting at the base."
Glad nodded. "That I'll accept."
The Mountain of a Thousand Voices rose in northern Luzon, shrouded in mist and mystery. Ariel accompanied her to its base, where an invisible barrier stopped him.
"I'll be here," he promised. "Waiting."
"I know."
She stepped through the barrier.
And disappeared.