In a hunt for the enthusiast

Chapter 77: Echoes of the Wraithwood



The path beyond the altar was unlike any trail I had walked before. The trees pressed closer, their gnarled roots and twisted branches forming a labyrinth that seemed to shift with each step. The air itself felt alive, thick with an unseen energy that set every hair on edge. It wasn't just the forest watching us; something deeper, older, and far more malevolent lingered in the shadows.

We walked in silence, the crunch of leaves beneath our boots echoing through the oppressive stillness like a shout. The whispers returned, louder now, threading through the air like a haunting melody.

"It's trying to get in our heads," Tarek muttered, his hand brushing the hilt of his dagger. "Stay sharp."

Lira cast a look over her shoulder. "Easier said than done."

I tightened my grip on my sword. "Focus on what's real. Each other. The forest feeds on doubt."

As if in response, the whispers twisted into words.

"Traitors. Cowards. Murderers."

The accusations cut through the air like arrows, each one striking deep. Tarek's hand faltered, and his face went pale. "That voice—it's my sister."

"It's not real," I said quickly, stepping closer. "Look at me, Tarek. Stay with us."

But the forest wasn't done. The whispers changed once more, and this time the voice that filled the air was unmistakable.

It was mine.

"You failed them, didn't you? The men who followed you, the ones who trusted you. They're dead because of you."

I froze, my blood turning to ice. The words clawed at my defenses, digging into wounds I thought I had buried. My grip on my sword wavered.

Enough!" Lira's voice shot through, hard and crystal clear. She withdrew her knife and plunged it into the earth. The whispers paused, receding into the trees like the tide off the beach.

We stood there, trembling but still standing. Lira turned on us, eyes hard. "This forest is going to do everything it can to break us. Don't let it win.

Tarek nodded, his jaw clenched, and I forced myself to take a steadying breath. "She's right. Let's keep moving."

We pressed on, the path growing narrower and more treacherous. The trees loomed closer, their branches forming arches that seemed to block out the sky. Soon, the only light came from a faint, ghostly glow that emanated from the forest itself.

And after what seemed like hours, we emerged into a clearing. There, in the center of it, stood a monstrous tree, its trunk as wide as any building I'd ever seen. Its bark was blackened and scarred, and its branches reached up to the sky like twisted claws. The bones littered the ground around its base.

"What is this place?" Lira whispered.

"A warning," I said grimly. "Whatever lives here doesn't want us to leave.

And, as if to corroborate my words, the air became colder, and a low growl echoed through the clearing. From the shadows beneath the tree, a creature emerged. Its form was vaguely humanoid, but its limbs were unnaturally long, and its eyes glowed like embers. Its mouth opened in a snarl, revealing rows of jagged teeth.

"Hold your ground!" I shouted, drawing my sword.

The creature lunged, its movement so swift for something the size it should be. Lira took it straight on, her blade flicking through dim light. Tarek circled about, seeking an opening in which to strike, as I ran in from the side.

The battle was mad. The creature's movements were erratic, its limbs flailing like whips. Lira's sword bounced off its thick hide, and Tarek narrowly dodged a swipe that would have taken his head. I hacked at its back, but it turned, its grip on my wrist like iron.

"Help!" I yelled, trying to wrench free.

Tarek leapt forward, shoving his dagger into the creature's arm. It let out an ear-piercing shriek and released me, spinning to face him. Lira took the opportunity to strike, her blade finding a gap in its armor-like skin. The creature staggered, but it wasn't done yet.

"We can't keep this up," Tarek panted, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead.

"Then we end it now," I said, raising my sword.

Together we struck, coordinating our moves with precision born of desperation. Tarek feigned attacks on one side while Lira attacked its legs. I waited for my moment and watched the creature's every movement. When it lunged at Tarek, I thrust my blade into its chest with all my might.

The creature let out a final bone-chilling scream before falling to pieces, its body disintegrating into ash, and the only sound being silence.

We stood there, panting, the enormity of the battle coming home. The forest seemed to draw back a little; the energy that had built up receded just enough that we could breathe.

"What was that thing?" Tarek asked, wiping blood off his face.

"A guardian," I said. "Or a test."

Lira put away her sword, looking grim. "If that was the trial, what comes next?

I looked up at the massive tree, its branches swaying as if in a wind only it could feel. "We keep going. The Wraithwood hasn't broken us yet."

As we stepped past the tree and onto the path beyond, the forest seemed to shift again. The air grew warmer, and the faint sound of drums echoed in the distance.

Do you hear that?" Lira asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and caution.

I nodded. "We're close."

The path opened up into another clearing, and this time, figures awaited us. Dozens of them, clad in armor fashioned from bone and wood, their faces painted with intricate designs. At their center stood the leader we had met earlier, their eyes gleaming with something between approval and curiosity.

"You survived," they said. "Perhaps you are worthy after all."

I came forward, tired but steadfast. "We came here for allies. Will you fight with us?"

He looked at us for a while before he said, "The Wraithwood does not give its allegiance easily. But you have proven your strength. Now, let us see if you can prove your honor."

This made my spine crawl because the trial was not yet complete.


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