Julka and Staś always loved to spend time by the river, which meandered right along the border of the old forest. They used to sled there in winter and build shelters from branches and leaves in summer. Mum often told them not to go too far into the forest, because the old people whispered that the forest was home to creatures that were better not to meet. But one hot afternoon, when the heat was pouring from the sky and the smell of hot needles was in the air, Staś noticed something unusual from above a clump of ferns: a large, flat stone that had never been there before. The stone was covered with mysterious markings that glittered in the sun with a blue glow. Julka, who loved puzzles, immediately bent down and began to examine the patterns. Staś, on the other hand, felt something tickle the back of his neck, as if someone was watching them closely from behind the forest trees. - Do you see this symbol? - Julka asked in a whisper, indicating the spirals and the sun carved on the stone. - 'I think it's some very old writing. Suddenly, there was a sound like the fluttering of wings from the thicket. A tiny spark of light flew out of the darkness and hovered just above their heads. Staś held his breath and Julka gasped for breath. The skylight was different from any they knew - its beam was green and seemed to lead them deeper into the forest. - Let's follow him! - whispered Staś, and Julka nodded, feeling her heart beating faster and faster. They both set off after the skylight, leaving the familiar riverbank behind them. With each step, the forest became more and more mysterious. The ferns grew thicker, the old oaks rustled their leaves, and quiet laughter came from afar, which they could not locate. Finally, the skylight perched on a second stone, even larger and older, and a shadow appeared on its surface... The shadow of a figure that was neither human nor animal. Julka felt a shiver run down her spine, Staś squeezed her hand. A creature in a long, mossy cloak emerged from the darkness of the forest. Its eyes shone like stars suspended in the sky. - Welcome, children of the ancient lands... - a thin, melodious voice spoke out, and time seemed to stop suddenly. - I have been waiting for you for a very long time.... Julka and Staś froze.