Volunteer to get the Seed.

"Can I try your grace?" I said stepping forward and bowed. I didn't really know why I did it but it felt right for me to do it. My Queen had sent the arch magus here to acquire the seed meaning she needed it. One at the temple outside of the city could heal hundreds of soldiers injured in the war if managed properly by the priestesses.

"Who are you?" The queen asked.

"The lord and protector of the Kingswood your grace sent to accompany the Princess home by your sister."

"He is the one who saved princess Seren when her carriage was attacked by mercenaries and fought beside Willow at the battle of goblins town. He is the goblin slayer mother." Princess Harmony said from beside her mother.

"It seems we owe you much and your courage is great to offer but no human could hope to pull the fruit from the tree. The Queen shook her head.

"Not even one with a elven soul. I was gravely wounded and healed at the elder grove which awakened the magic inside of me. I can't say for sure if I have one or not but your goddess seems to have plans for me.

"May I your grace?" A woman stepped out.

"Yes." The Queen nodded. The woman over and I froze for a second. She had blonde hair and blue of an elf but I swore I was looking at an older version of Rose. She touched my chest and closed her eyes.

"He is right. The Goddesses magic is strong in him." She said as she turned back to me.

"If you do this you should know you must go alone. No one can aid you and you will have no rope to catch you if you should fall. It is a test of determination. How far you are willing to go and how much you are willing to risk. Many have given it everything they had and failed while others had given up knowing it is beyond themselves to reach it."

"I am willing to take the risk." I nodded.

"Very well. The High Priestess will show you were you need to go. May the goddess protect you." The Queen nodded. I wasn't about to say no until I knew what I had to do. I could always give up if needed.

"Thank you your grace." I bowed.

"Please follow me." The priestess said and she led me out a side door and down a hall

"May I ask? When you say me you seemed surprised?" She glanced back when we were alone.

"You looked like a young woman I know named Rose her fathers name is Gregor." I said. She gave me a slight glance but concealed for emotions.

"This young woman what does she do?" She asked.

"She is an innkeeper and bard when she isn't teaching magic to children."

"She teaches magic?" She looked back. I could see that she knew who I was talking about.

"Yes. She only recently revealed that she could despite her fathers objections but it is in her blood. She can't deny who she is."

"No, I guess none of us really can. I am sure her mother is proud of her." The High Priestess smiled. "One day I will have to meet this young woman."

"In that case if I die, can you personal bring my remains back as a last request. Least I know some good will come out of this."

"As you wish. The fruit you seek is there." She pointed. I could see it dangling at the end of a branch at least a hundred yards away dangling out in the void. I suddenly realized I had to be out of my fucking mind.

"So any rules I should know about. Can I use magic. Take a break."

"Yes, you can use any spell that does not harm the tree in any way. The tree will not take it kindly." She shook her head.

"So I am a flea on a giant dog which will shake me off."

"Poetic but yes." She smiled. "I would not suggest resting neither. The winds can change at any time.

"Looks like I will have an audience." I looked back as people began to gather.

"Nine have tried and failed. Now they wonder if a human can do what no human has ever dared to make this walk before." She said.

"So no pressure." I said and rolled my shoulders. I had climbed trees before as a kid. This was no different except for the fall. "Wish me luck."

"Elves don't believe in luck." She gave a smile.

"Then pray for me or whatever you do." I smiled and walked to the railing and kicked off my boots and stepped over and walked along the branch. Luckily it was thick but round meaning if I wasn't careful were I stepped I could slid off one side or the other. I was able to move at a brisk walk until I reached the first fork where the branch split. The high route would lead me to the branch were the apple hung but it was thinner while the low route was thicker but would put me below the apple where I would have to reach for it.

Which Path Should I choose?