Between practice sessions, Sam asked Steve why she was taking the initiative to teach him these things. Sam couldn't help but feel suspicious. After witnessing how knowledge was generally withheld in the wizarding world, he didn't believe in free favors.
Hearing Sam's question, Steve responded solemnly, "Because we need more comrades-in-arms. Follow me, and you'll understand why."
With that, Steve led Sam to the base of a towering tree. She waved her hand, and the massive tree extended a branch, forming a circular platform. As they stepped onto it, the platform slowly lifted them toward the treetop.
Once they reached the top, Steve pointed in a direction and said, "Since this place is called the Emerald Dream, there are also nightmares. Our centaur tribe lives in the Forbidden Forest, and one of our most crucial duties is eliminating nightmares."
Sam followed Steve's gaze and noticed that a section of the forest looked entirely different from the rest. While most of the woods were lush and full of life, that particular area appeared dark, lifeless, and withered.
"That's it?" Sam asked, pointing at the eerie woodland.
Steve nodded. "To explain this, we need to start from the beginning—our centaur society."
She then began to narrate the story of the dead forest.
"We centaurs are the only resident intelligent creatures in this Forbidden Forest. Since ancient times, wherever we settle, we ensure the natural balance is maintained. The male centaurs in the tribe usually handle hunting, gathering, and exploring outside. That's why humans mostly see them. But in reality, centaurs have a matriarchal society. The females rarely leave the village because they are responsible for the tribe's safety and well-being. Also, since male centaurs can sometimes act recklessly, our tribe is always led by a female."
Steve continued, "Unlike the males, who are skilled in divination and combat, females have a stronger connection to nature. We master natural magic and communicate with the Emerald Dream more proficiently than the males."
Seeing Sam's puzzled expression, Steve paused and asked, "Little pony, is there something you don't understand?"
"Maybe I'm being presumptuous, but everything I've read says centaurs specialize in healing magic, archery, astronomy, and divination. I've never heard of anything else."
Steve scoffed, swishing her tail in irritation. "Humans often see other creatures through narrow lenses and rarely seek the truth. Your Ministry of Magic even has a ridiculous Centaur Liaison Office, but no centaur has ever set foot there."
After mocking the Ministry, Steve continued, "For centuries, we lived peacefully in this forest without major issues. But around forty years ago, a disaster struck."
"A disaster? What happened?" Sam asked curiously. "That's also when the dark times for human wizards began. Are they related?"
"Perhaps," Steve admitted. "The trouble came from a dark creature—giant eight-eyed spiders. They began multiplying rapidly here. With no natural predators, their population exploded, devastating the local ecosystem."
She dug at the ground with her hoof, frustration evident in her movements. "Our elders discovered the first eight-eyed spider long ago, but there was only one, so they dismissed it. Then, somehow, another appeared. They mated, and by the time we realized the danger, their numbers had become uncontrollable."
The more she spoke, the angrier she became. But remembering Sam was beside her, she took a deep breath and calmed herself. "Even though the centaur tribe in the Forbidden Forest is the largest in Britain, we only have around sixty members. We couldn't fight off hundreds of giant spiders."
"So, we resorted to containment," Steve continued. "We created barriers and killed any spiders that ventured outside their designated area. But despite our efforts, their territory kept expanding. Their dark aura and destructive hunting methods corrupted the land, poisoning nature itself. That dead forest you see is the result."
"Why didn't you tell Headmaster Overton?" Sam asked. "I'm sure he could've helped."
"This is a matter of natural balance," Steve replied firmly. "It's something we centaurs—or those attuned to the Emerald Dream—must handle. Besides, we have an agreement with wizards: the castle and its grounds belong to the school, while the Forbidden Forest is ours. Neither side interferes in the other's domain."
Sam nodded. Discussing such political matters further wouldn't help. But hearing that the eight-eyed giant spiders were responsible for the disaster in the Forbidden Forest, he suddenly realized today might be his lucky day.
"I need certain materials for a magical artifact I'm crafting," Sam said excitedly. "The only available source is the eight-eyed giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest. Since they aren't native creatures, killing them won't disturb the local balance."
"Oh?" Steve's eyes gleamed with interest. "Humans are usually driven by self-interest, but are you saying you want to help us fight these spiders?"
"Yes, ma'am." Sam nodded.
Steve grinned. "But as a second-year wizard, what makes you think you can take on these monstrous creatures? I know what most young wizards are capable of at your age, and frankly, I doubt they'd be much use in this battle."
Sam hesitated for a moment before deciding to reveal part of his abilities. "You saw last time that I can summon magical plants. In truth, I can summon far more than what you witnessed. Given time, I can even create an army of plants. Except for their lack of movement, they're incredibly powerful."
Steve nodded. "When we first met, your plants gave me a dangerous feeling. I believe they must have significant combat potential."
Seeing Sam's slight reluctance, Steve reassured him, "I understand that your ability might make others envious, but in the Forbidden Forest, we centaurs—and even the unicorns we recently allied with—are different from humans. We never covet our allies' abilities, nor do we betray their trust. We can swear in the name of nature that whatever we see, we won't reveal to outsiders or attempt to take advantage of your powers."
As soon as Steve spoke, Sam felt a deep connection between her words and the Emerald Dream. If she broke her oath, nature itself would punish her.
Sam hesitated. "Ma'am, this…"
Steve smiled confidently. "As our first human ally in fifty years, this is the only way to ensure trust. Besides, as long as you don't break your oath, you have nothing to fear."
Sam was deeply moved. He realized that the greatest reward from coming to the Forbidden Forest today wasn't just potential materials for his artifact—it was the friendship of a centaur ally.
FOR MORE CHAPTERS
patreon.com/STEPHENHART427