In a hunt for the enthusiast

It was longer coming back through Wraithwood, the weight of our trial pressing down on every step. The forest seemed to shift around us, ancient presence watching, judging. But the warriors of the Wraithwood moved with quiet purpose, their eyes fixed on the horizon, ready for battle.

Lira walked beside me, her expression tense. "They're strong," she whispered, glancing at the painted warriors ahead of us. "But will it be enough?"

I tightened my grip on my sword. "It has to be."

Tarek, walking a few steps behind, glanced over his shoulder. "We survived the forest, but the real challenge is ahead. Blackwood will come with everything they have."

"We'll be ready." My voice was steady, but inside, doubt gnawed at me. The memory of Anden still lingered, a ghost I couldn't shake. His face, his words. The forest had shown me a truth I wasn't ready to face: we were fighting a war we might not win.

The edge of the Wraithwood came into view, the dense trees thinning out, giving way to the scarred fields beyond. In the distance stood the fortress, its stone walls battered but standing. As we approached, the gates opened, and Chris stood waiting, his eyes scanning the group. Relief flickered across his face when he saw me, but it was quickly replaced by concern.

"You made it," he said, his voice tight. "But what did it cost you?"

"More than you know," I replied, my voice low.

Sir Alden approached, his armor gleaming even in the dim light. "The forest didn't break you. That's a victory in itself."

"Is it?" Lira muttered, glancing back at the Wraithwood. "We've seen what it holds. The real battle is still ahead."

Alden's face set. "The Blackwood Legion is moving out. Scouts have confirmed they are moving to the west. We'll be lucky to have even two days before they arrive here."

I turned to face the leader of the Wraithwood warriors, who'd remained silent until now. "Will your people fight?"

His eyes were stone cold. "We said we would. But remember – this battle is not for you alone. The forest has taken its due".

I nodded, the weight of the promise settling heavy on my shoulders. "Let's get ready."

The next hours were a blur of preparation. Soldiers moved through the fortress, sharpening weapons, reinforcing defenses. The Wraithwood warriors blended seamlessly into the chaos, their presence a silent reminder of the forest's power.

Chris found me on the battlements, staring out at the horizon where the Blackwood Legion would soon appear.

"You saw something in there," he said softly. "Something you haven't told me."

I did not look at him. "The forest shows you what you fear most. Your worst mistakes. Your failures."

"And?"

I finally raised my eyes to meet his. "I saw Anden."

Chris's face lost all color. "That is impossible."

"No, " I agreed. "It felt real. Made me face what happened that night. The choices I made.

Chris remained silent for a moment. "We all made choices. We all have ghosts."

I nodded, feeling the weight of it all upon me. "This battle. It's not just about survival. It's about redemption."

Chris clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Then let's make it count."

The sun was setting when the first signs of the Blackwood Legion appeared on the horizon. A dark mass, moving steadily closer. The ground seemed to tremble beneath their march.

From the walls, I could see them—rows of soldiers in black armor, siege engines rolling behind them. The sight sent a chill down my spine.

Sir Alden stood beside me, his expression grim. "They're coming."

"We knew they would." I turned to the Wraithwood leader. "Are your people ready?"

The leader nodded. "We will hold the line."

The air thickened with anticipation. The soldiers on the walls shifted nervously, gripping their weapons tighter. I drew my sword, the weight of it familiar, comforting.

"For Anden," I whispered.

Lira's voice was steady beside me. "For all of them."

The banners of the Blackwood Legion grew darker against the fading sky. It was the end. There would be one final fight.

And it was to start.