Chapter 9: To Stir the Sleeping Forest_Echoes After the Fall

Chapter 9: To Stir the Sleeping Forest

The night had settled deep into the forest, casting everything into an inky blackness. The fire, now little more than glowing embers, barely illuminated the camp, throwing long shadows that danced across the clearing. The sound of distant night creatures created a soft backdrop, a low hum of life amidst the towering trees.

It had been hours since the team first set up camp, and now the watch rotation was halfway through. The system they had in place allowed everyone a chance to rest, with each shift lasting roughly six hours. Taren, Vyn, and Ren had taken turns in the night to ensure no one was left too fatigued. Soren had taken the first watch, but it was Ren’s turn now, while Vyn prepared to take over for the last stretch before dawn.

Ren stood at the camp’s edge, back to the dwindling fire, eyes scanning the treeline. His usual light-heartedness has faded, replaced by a quiet, focused vigilance. After what they’d encountered earlier, he didn’t trust the forest, and every sense was on high alert.

The others were scattered in their tents. Soren, as usual, slept away from the others, his posture relaxed but unnervingly ready, as though he could wake and spring into action at any second. Ayola, still cloaked in shadows, was impossible to see from where Ren stood, but he had caught a glimpse of her earlier, ever watchful despite appearing to sleep. The rest of the team slept in shifts—Varis snoring quietly and Elda resting lightly, her daggers within reach.

Ren rubbed his eyes and adjusted his grip on his short sword, pacing slightly to keep himself awake. His gaze flicked toward Vyn, who would be taking over soon. The younger man was sitting on a small log near the fire, stretching his limbs and sharpening his arrows, preparing for his shift.

The dark-haired swordsman glanced over at the blond archer resting near the fire, his tone hushed. “Reckon you’re good to go, Vyn?” Ren whispered, his voice low so as not to disturb the others.

The archer nodded, stowing his equipment with practiced efficiency. “Aye, right as rain. You catch sight of anything out there?”

Ren shook his head. “Quiet, but there’s a feeling… off. Maybe it’s just the mess from today, but those beast? Weren’t natural. Feels like somethin’ else is watchin’ us.”

Vyn chuckled lightly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Got that same chill. Feels like the forest itself got eyes on us. But, we’ve taken worse, yeah?”

Ren clapped him on the shoulder, grateful for the familiar camaraderie. “Keep your eyes open, just in case.”

Vyn nodded and moved toward the perimeter, taking up his position for the final watch. The night was still and quiet, but not in a comforting way. It was the kind of silence that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He exhaled slowly, scanning the surrounding darkness, his keen archer’s eyes picking out the faintest of movements in the brush.

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The night lingered in thick silence, the air heavy with a strange tension. Vyn, deep in his watch, felt it creeping up on him—a nagging, uneasy feeling that something was out there, just beyond his line of sight. His fingers tapped rhythmically on his bowstring, muscles taut with anticipation. The first faint light of dawn began filtering through the trees, but the unease remained.

Then, from somewhere in the underbrush to his right, came the faintest of rustles.

Vyn’s breath hitched as he nocked an arrow, keeping his movements deliberate and controlled. He scanned the shadowed forest, every nerve alert, heart pounding. The sound came again—louder, closer. Something was moving in their direction.

Suddenly, a hulking, boar-like creature crashed through the foliage—a massive grotesque form, crystalline growths pulsing with eerie light. Vyn’s instincts took over; his arrow show into the beast’s torso but it hardly faltered. Red, glowing eyes locked onto him.

“Up! All of you!” Vyn shouted, his voice cutting through the quiet as he dove to the side, narrowly dodging the boar’s charge.

The camp came alive in an instant. Taren was on his feet almost immediately, his shield in hand, already moving to intercept the oncoming threat. Ren and Elda sprang up as well, Ren grabbing his sword while Elda unsheathed her daggers, each positioning themselves strategically around the creature.

The Catalyst-touched boar shook off Vyn’s arrow, its crystalline hide crackling with energy. It circled back, preparing to charge again, its tusks glinting ominously.

Vyn, his gaze sharp, pulled a special trip-wire arrow from his quiver. He shot it out just ahead of the boar, the wire snapping taut across its path. The creature barreled into it, momentarily caught off balance.

Taren seized the moment. He dropped low, digging his heels into the dirt, and raised his shield just as the boar stumbled toward him. With a powerful heave, Taren met the beast with full force, his shield driving into its chest. Muscles straining, he thrust upward, sending the creature momentarily airborne.

“Now!” Taren shouted, voice brimming with command.

Soren, silent but swift, appeared at Taren’s side, his hood partially drawn back to reveal his intense, piercing orange eyes. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he unleashed his chain whip, wrapping it tightly around the boar’s neck mid-air. The beast thrashed, crystalline tusks flashing, but Soren held firm, using his weight to pull it down and angle it toward a broken tree nearby.

Ayola, watching with her usual calm intensity, called out, “Direct it to the tree stump! That broken edge should take it down!”

With a final, precise pull, Soren directed the creature’s momentum, and the boar’s weight drove it down onto the jagged stump. Elda darted forward, wedging a sharpened branch at the base of the stump to act as a makeshift spear, further stabilizing the trap.

“Hold it steady, Soren!” Elda shouted, grabbing onto the chain and adding her strength.

Vyn, notching another arrow, aimed carefully and loosed it into the beast’s exposed underbelly, causing it to rear back and thrash once more as Soren and Elda held firm.

With a shuddering roar, the boar’s massive frame crashed onto the broken tree. The jagged stump pierced its crystalline hide, silencing its snarls as it convulsed one final time, then went still.

A tense quiet fell over the clearing as the team stood, breathing heavily, weapons ready just in case.

A few moments later, a bleary-eyed Varis stumbled out of his tent, squinting at the scene before him. He was still in his sleeping clothes, looking half-awake. “Couldn’t let a man sleep through the night, could ya?” he muttered, scratching his head.

Vyn chuckled, finally lowering his bow. “Thought you’d appreciate the alarm, Varis. Better than a cold bucket of water.”

Varis rolled his eyes, surveying the fallen creature. “Right, well, next time try knockin’ a bit quieter, yeah?”

Elda shook her head, unable to suppress a small smirk. “Not bad for a night’s work, eh, Cap’?” She nudged Taren, who was still catching his breath.

Taren grunted, though there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he looked around at each of them. “Solid teamwork. Couldn’t ask for better.”

Ayola stepped forward, examining the beast’s crystalline hide. “This thing… it’s not like the others we’ve faced,” she murmured, her fingers grazing the sharp, unnatural edges of the crystals. “It’s thicker, tougher. The Catalyst has a stronger hold on it.”

Soren, quietly coiling his chain back up, listened with a faint, almost invisible smirk. His stony expression softened just a fraction, his piercing gaze flicking briefly to each member of the team. The precision with which they’d handled the fight hadn’t gone unnoticed, though he kept his reaction restrained.

Ren leaned against his sword, shaking his head. “Right, well, that’s one way to wake up.”

“Too close for my liking,” Vyn muttered, inspecting his arrow quiver. “Should’ve caught wind of it sooner.”

Taren gave a final nod, glancing toward the forest edge where dawn’s faint light touched the trees. “Pack it up, everyone. We’ve drawn attention, and I don’t want to meet whatever else is lurking out there..”

Without further delay, they began to gather their things, leaving the carcass of the boar behind. Their movements were swift, each of them aware of the silent understanding that the Catalyst was spreading, faster and more dangerously than they’d thought.

They set off deeper into the forest, their camaraderie strengthening the tension that hung over them. Though no words were spoken, each of them felt the weight of what lay ahead. The Catalyst was warping the forest, and whatever they faced next would be worse than a mere boar.

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The group gathered around the fallen Catalyst-touched boar, the morning light filtering down through the trees in slanted, golden beams. The crystalline growths on the beast’s hide shimmered faintly, casting eerie reflections across its grotesque form. Ayola knelt beside it, inspecting one of the crystal-encrusted patches with Varis by her side.

“Fascinating,” she murmured, running a gloved finger carefully over the edges. “This isn’t natural. The Catalyst’s influence has seeped into every fiber of its being.”

Varis leaned in close, nodding. “Durable too, like it’s fused into the hide itself. Might even make for decent armor plating if we can figure out how to extract it safely.”

Elda, standing a little ways off, snorted as she wiped off her blade. “Better make something useful out of this thing, seeing as it nearly took Vyn’s head off.” Her tone was light, though her gaze lingered warily on the crystals.

Nearby, Ren and Vyn were digging a shallow pit in the earth, preparing to bury whatever was left of the creature they couldn’t use. Ren paused, looking up with a smirk. “Nothing says ‘pleasant morning’ like digging a beast’s grave.” Vyn chuckled, shaking his head as he worked.

Ayola and Varis managed to collect several crystal samples and a few chunks of intact hide. The rest of the boar’s remains were dragged over to the pit. As they finished covering the body, Ayola gave the mound a wary look. “Hopefully, this is enough to keep other beasts away. Whatever did this to it… I’d rather not see it come sniffing around.”

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Taren, who had been keeping watch on the perimeter, turned to the group. “Let’s not hang around to find out. We move deeper into the forest, mark our way as we go.”

An ear-piercing screech shattered the silence, reverberating through the trees. The bone-chilling sound echoes around them. They froze, every eye wide, as the noise faded into an ominous stillness.

Vyn, after a tense beat, muttered, “Yeah… that’s our cue.”

Soren’s expression hardened as he turned toward the sound, scanning the trees with narrowed eyes. “Move. Now.”

They moved swiftly through the undergrowth, shadows shifting around them as they put distance between themselves and the clearing.

Morning light barely filtered through the thick canopy, leaving the forest damp and dim, the scent of moss and earth hanging heavy in the air. Despite the early hour, silence reigned; even the usual sounds of forest life had faded.

Taren took the lead, his shield slung over his back and his eyes scanning the terrain ahead. His steady presence was a source of reassurance, but even he couldn’t mask the unease that trailed them.

“Let’s push forward,” he said, his voice low but steady. “We need to cover more ground before the day’s out and put some distance between us and whatever made that sound.”

The rest of the group fell in behind him, spreading out slightly but staying within sight of one another. Vyn moved lightly, bow in hand, his sharp eyes darting between the trees, while Elda brought up the rear, her daggers close at hand. Ren walked beside Varis, who was already pulling out his mapping equipment, his journal open and pencil ready, moving quickly and methodically as he sketched their path and noted any potential points of interest or useful materials.

As they moved deeper, the trees thickened, twisting into strange, unnatural shapes, their bark laced with metallic glints. The ground grew darker, tangled roots snaking across it like webs. The only sound was the soft crunch of leaves underfoot and their low voices, which carried through the tense silence as they attempted to steady their nerves.

Elda, near the back, glanced at Taren’s broad back as he took point. “Not exactly how we planned to start things off, huh, Cap’n?” Her voice was calm but laced with dry humor, trying to cut through the tension that clung to them.

Taren huffed, a small, approving smile creeping into his expression. “In my experience, plans are just the first things that get tossed out. The goal is to be ready for what comes after.” He glanced back at her. “As long as you keep your head about you, Elda, we’ll handle whatever’s out there.”

She nodded, feeling a quiet confidence settle in her chest. “As long as you keep waving that shield, I’ll keep my daggers sharp,” she replied with a grin. Her voice softened, becoming a bit more serious. “Honestly, though, whatever’s in this forest… it feels like it’s watching us. That screech… didn’t sound like it was calling for help.”

Taren’s jaw tightened, his gaze hardening as he surveyed the trees. “All the more reason to stay focused. Whatever’s watching, we’re just passing through. We’ll handle it if it decides to come closer.”

Ren, walking with Vyn, cast a sidelong glance at his friend. “Guess this isn’t the usual hunt, is it?” he said, keeping his tone light to mask his unease. “Not every day you see a creature that’s half rock and crystal.”

Vyn gave a wry grin. “True enough. But I’ve seen stranger—just never in these numbers. Whatever’s causing this… it’s bigger than just a rogue beast.”

Ren nodded, absently rolling a stone under his boot. “Well, if we bring back some valuable materials, it’ll be worth it. Imagine the bragging rights when we get back. Maybe we’ll even find something no one’s seen before.”

Vyn chuckled softly. “If we live long enough to brag, you mean.” His smile faded as he glanced around. “But yeah… finding something new, something that’ll matter—it’d make all this worth it.”

They fell into comfortable silence, each contemplating the uncertainty of the mission and the dangers they were so willingly facing.

Farther back, Varis marked locations with Ayola, pausing to inspect anything valuable. Ayola’s own journal filled with notes on the Catalyst-affected flora.

Soren walked close to them, silent but attentive, his gaze occasionally drifting to Ayola’s meticulous documentation. Varis, catching his eye, raised an eyebrow. “Starting to look like a scholar’s expedition, huh?” He smirked, gently teasing Ayola. “You’re sure you’re here for the mission, not just the research?”

Ayola glanced up, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “One doesn’t exclude the other, Varis. Information is just as valuable as any material you could bring back to sell.”

Varis shrugged, packing away a cluster of strange, crystalline petals he’d collected. “Fair enough. But for me, information’s only valuable if someone’s buying. Still, I can’t deny…” He held up a crystal. “These might fetch a fortune—if we make it back.”

Soren let out a quiet hum of agreement, surprising them both by actually joining in. “I suppose it’s all about value to someone, depending on what they’re willing to trade for it.”

Ayola studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “And what do you value, Soren? You don’t seem like the type who’d be swayed by coin or influence.”

He looked away, his expression softening as if he were considering his answer carefully. “Value… comes in different forms,” he replied, his voice quieter. “Sometimes it’s survival, sometimes it’s just knowing what keeps you going, day by day.”

Ayola regarded him quietly, catching the hint of something unspoken beneath his words. “A practical answer. But that kind of focus can be lonely.”

Soren gave a slight, almost self-conscious smile, his defenses lowered just a little. “Sometimes it’s easier that way.”

Before she could say more, Varis stopped suddenly, bending down to inspect a small patch of earth where a mineral-laden crystal jutted out, partially buried in the ground. He plucked it free, brushing off the dirt and holding it up to the light. “This one’s promising,” he murmured, slipping it into his pouch and marking the location in his journal. “With a few more samples like this, we might have something special on our hands.”

Satisfied, he moved a few paces ahead, eager to find more, while Ayola and Soren remained behind.

Ayola lingered, her attention shifting back to Soren. The subtle openness he’d shown caught her interest, and she gave him a curious look. “You know,” she said, her voice softer, “for someone who keeps to himself, you seem to care more about this group than you let on.”

Soren’s expression flickered, and he let out a quiet breath. “Maybe. Old habits just make it… easier to stay quiet.”

“Maybe. But it doesn’t have to be that way.” Ayola’s voice was calm, almost inviting, her gaze steady on his. “There’s strength in trust, you know. And I think you might find value in that, too.”

He held her gaze, his usual stoicism softened by a flicker of something deeper. For the first time, he allowed himself a small, genuine smile. “I’ll consider it.”

They walked in silence for a few moments, their quiet understanding lingering between them, before Ayola turned her focus back to her journal, recording their path and any significant finds as they moved forward.

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The journey continued, each member shifting between conversation and silence, the quiet discussions helping to ease the tension that clung to them. They stopped now and then to take samples or mark potential paths, noting anything that might be of use or value. As the hours passed, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the twisted forest floor.

Finally, as dusk settled over the trees, Taren raised a hand, signaling them to halt. The group came to a stop in a small clearing, tucked between thick, twisted trunks that offered shelter from the wind and prying eyes.

“This’ll do for the night,” Taren said, his voice steady but low. “We’re far enough from whatever made that noise. Let’s set up and keep a close watch.”

Grateful for the chance to rest, they began setting up camp with practiced efficiency. Ren and Vyn gathered stones to create a discreet fire pit, while Elda arranged traps along the edges of the clearing, her movements swift and sure. Ayola unpacked her journal and materials, her gaze focused on the crystal samples she’d collected, while Varis reviewed his notes and cataloged the specimens he’d managed to gather along the way.

As the fire crackled to life, they settled around it, the faint warmth and light a welcome reprieve after the long day. The flickering flames illuminated their faces, and though the tension from the day lingered, each of them felt a quiet relief.

This was a brief respite, but as they gathered close, their voices soft as they recounted details from the day, it felt almost like a reminder of why they had come—knowledge, discovery, and a camaraderie they rarely spoke of but felt nonetheless.

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After a hurried march through the thickening forest, they finally came upon a secluded clearing as the late afternoon sun dipped low, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. The tension from the screech lingered, but this spot, sheltered by thick trees on all sides, offered a sense of reprieve. They began setting up camp, each moving with practiced efficiency.

Elda set traps along the perimeter, mumbling. “Better safe than sorry, especially after that noise.”

Taren, standing at the center of camp, directed them. “Let’s keep it low.” He said as they arranged a small fire. “We’ll be safer here, but we’re not alone in these woods.”

Once the camp was set, they started preparing a meal. Ayola and Soren took charge of a small pot, preparing a quick porridge-like meal from grains and dried vegetables they carried with them. Ayola tossed in a few local herbs she’d gathered along the way, explaining their flavors as she worked.

Ren looked on with interest. “What do you call that?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as the grains thickened in the pot.

Ayola smiled. “We call it narai where I’m from. Simple but hearty. It keeps you going.”

Varis, who had been watching Ayola’s herb selections with curiosity, grinned. “Had something like this in a region I passed through once. Never thought I’d see it here.” Soren glanced at him, surprised, and Varis added with a chuckle, “Not just a map-maker, you know.”

Ren, always one for experimentation, pulled a small package of dried meat from his pack. “Mind if I add a little extra flavor? Nothing like a bit of mystery meat to spice things up.” Ayola nodded, and he tossed it in, stirring as the pot bubbled gently.

The others contributed their own supplies to the meal, each item carrying hints of their distinct backgrounds.

Elda handed around slices of cured meat and chunks of hard cheese, staples from her homeland. “We don’t have fancy spices where I’m from, but it does the job.”

Taren dug into his bag and retrieved small, dense bread rolls, their crusts darkened from preservation. He passed them around, remarking, “Plain but filling. Good for journeys like this.”

Vyn offered a small bag of dried berries and nuts, explaining they came from his homeland’s forest regions. “We gather these on hunts back home. They keep us going when there’s little else around.”

As the pot of narai thickened and the firelight flickered around them, the group settled in, each taking turns with the pot and savoring the simple meal. The tension from earlier started to dissipate, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie and the comforting familiarity of shared food.

Elda nudged Soren with a grin. “Didn’t peg you for a chef, but this narai isn’t half bad. What other skills are you hiding?”

Soren gave her a dry smile, surprising everyone with his response. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting.” His tone was playful, drawing laughter from the others.

Vyn leaned in, raising an eyebrow. “Come on, Soren, we’re practically family at this point. You could at least tell us your favorite food.”

Soren shrugged, feigning thoughtfulness. “If you must know, there’s a dish called lakai. Spicy broth, rich with herbs, noodles, and a bit of meat.” He smirked. “But don’t expect me to cook it here.”

Ren laughed, imagining the usually stoic Soren preparing a complex meal. “Right, the master chef in hiding,” he joked, nudging Vyn, who chuckled.

Ayola joined in, mentioning her favorite treat from home—a sweet, sticky rice cake—which sparked a flurry of guesses about its ingredients and flavor.

As they continued to eat, the conversation flowed more easily, the team’s laughter filling the clearing. The earlier fear and fatigue faded, replaced by a sense of shared understanding and trust. For the first time since entering the forest, they felt like more than just comrades—they felt like family.

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Elda busied herself setting up traps along the perimeter, mumbling as she worked. “Better safe than sorry, especially after that noise.”

Taren, standing at the center of camp, directed them as they arranged a low fire and began to unpack their supplies. “Let’s keep it low. We’ll be safer here, but we’re not alone in these woods.”