The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting long shadows over the forest floor. The air was heavy, damp from the morning dew, and filled with an eerie quietness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.
Valerius yawned, stretching his arms as he got to his feet. “So, Kaelan really left us, huh? I thought we made a good team.”
Ziraiah rubbed her eyes, her expression a mix of worry and annoyance. “Yeah, well, not everyone is as reckless as you. He probably didn’t want to stick around and babysit.”
Eryndor, already standing and surveying their surroundings with a regal calmness, interrupted. “We can ill afford to linger on his absence. Our survival now rests entirely on our shoulders. Let us press forward before the dangers of the forest awaken.”
Valerius smirked, tossing a pebble into the nearby brush. “Always so serious, big bro. You should try loosening up—it’s a great stress reliever.”
Ziraiah giggled before the sound of Yelleen’s voice silenced them. “Head northwest. Follow the rising sun. There’s a town three days from here. If you survive.”
The weight of her words hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Valerius’s grin faded slightly. “Well, nothing like a little motivation to get us going. Let’s move.”
---
As they trudged forward, the forest revealed its alien nature. Trees twisted in unnatural spirals, their leaves shimmering faintly as though infused with light. The ground beneath their feet was soft and spongy, giving a faint bounce with each step. Strange plants lined their path—some glowing faintly, others emitting odd, melodic hums.
Valerius stopped by a bush with vibrant red berries, plucking one and holding it up to the light. “Huh, looks edible. I’ll give it a try—”
“Don’t,” Yelleen interjected sharply. “That fruit is highly toxic. It will paralyze you within seconds and kill you within minutes.”
Valerius froze, his grin faltering as he quickly tossed the berry away. “Good to know.”
Eryndor shot him a disapproving glance. “Valerius, refrain from indulging your impulsiveness. It is unbecoming.”
Ziraiah snickered. “That’s a fancy way of saying stop being dumb.”
The three pressed on, their stomachs rumbling in protest. They scoured the area for water and food, finding a peculiar tree with thick, green stalks filled with liquid. At Yelleen’s instruction, Eryndor split one open, revealing a clear liquid inside.
“Drink,” Yelleen advised. “It’s safe, and it will sustain you for now.”
The siblings each took a sip, relief washing over their faces as the refreshing liquid soothed their parched throats.
---
By mid-morning, the forest opened up to reveal a wide, roaring river. The water surged with force, its surface glinting in the sunlight like shattered glass.
Ziraiah groaned. “Great. How are we supposed to cross this?”
Eryndor knelt by the bank, examining the current. “The flow is too strong here. Perhaps upstream, we might find a gentler crossing. Alternatively, we construct a raft.”
Valerius picked up a stick, dipping it into the water and watching as it was swept away. “Yeah, no thanks. I’m not getting swept out to sea.”
Yelleen chimed in. “Look for the large-leafed trees nearby. Their branches are buoyant and sturdy. Use them to build a raft.”
The siblings worked together, gathering branches and vines. Eryndor tied them together with precision, Ziraiah fetched supplies, and Valerius hacked at the wood with a sharp rock to create a stable frame. After an hour of effort, their crude raft was complete.
The crossing was treacherous. The raft swayed violently, the river threatening to tip them over with each surge. Eryndor’s strength kept them anchored, and they finally reached the other side, soaked but alive.
---
Their relief was short-lived. As they rested by the riverbank, a low, guttural growl echoed through the forest. Ziraiah froze, her eyes wide. “What was that?”
Valerius forced a chuckle. “Probably just... a weird Yilheim bird.”
Yelleen’s voice cut through, sharp and urgent. “That’s no bird. Move. Now.”
Emerging from the shadows was a wolf-like predator, its eyes glowing red and its back lined with jagged, spiked protrusions. The beast let out a deafening roar, saliva dripping from its bared teeth.
Eryndor stepped forward, calm but commanding. “Ziraiah, behind me. Valerius, stay alert. This creature will not hesitate to kill.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The predator lunged, and the siblings broke into a sprint. The forest blurred around them as they ran, the creature’s snarls growing louder behind them.
Ziraiah tripped over a root, but Eryndor scooped her up effortlessly. “You must not falter, Ziraiah. Your life depends on it.”
Valerius grabbed a stick, turning briefly to swing it at the beast. “Over here, you oversized mutt!” The stick broke on impact, barely phasing the predator.
---
The siblings reached a steep incline, their breaths ragged. The predator was closing in, its glowing eyes locking onto its prey.
Eryndor led the way up, using his strength to pull Ziraiah along when she struggled. Valerius stayed behind, grabbing loose rocks and hurling them at the beast.
One rock hit the creature square in the eye, causing it to howl in pain and slow its pursuit. “Nice shot!” Ziraiah shouted breathlessly.
At the top of the incline, they found a narrow ledge leading to a dense thicket of trees. Valerius grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. “I have an idea.”
As the creature lunged again, Valerius stomped on the unstable ground, causing part of the ledge to collapse. The predator fell, landing on a lower ledge with a roar of frustration.
For now, they were safe.
---
Exhausted and battered, the siblings found a small clearing to rest. Ziraiah sat by the fire, hugging her knees. “I hate this place.”
Valerius plopped down beside her, forcing a grin. “Yeah, but think of the stories we’ll tell someday. ‘Remember that time we got chased by a giant murder-wolf?’”
Eryndor stood watch, his green eyes scanning the darkness. “Rest while you can. The worst may yet lie ahead.”
Yelleen’s voice echoed softly in their minds. “You’ve survived another day. But Yilheim’s true trials are just beginning.”
Morning Breaks:
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, painting the ground with a soft, golden glow. Valerius, Ziraiah, and Eryndor rose from their makeshift camp, their muscles stiff and their minds weary. They exchanged brief glances, each silently dreading the unknown dangers that lay ahead.
Eryndor adjusted the straps of his bag, his green eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet determination. "Let us press onward. The longer we linger, the greater the risk."
Ziraiah sighed, brushing leaves from her jacket. "Another day of walking through this cursed forest? Wonderful," she muttered, her sarcasm failing to mask the exhaustion in her voice.
Valerius stretched, a playful grin on his face. "Come on, Ziraiah. Think of it as an adventure. Maybe we’ll find a friendly inn at the end of this trail… with pancakes."
Ziraiah shot him a glare. "Val, if I don’t get real food soon, you’ll be on the menu."
Eryndor, as composed as ever, interjected. "Enough bickering. We have much ground to cover." His tone left no room for argument.
---
The Warning:
They had barely begun their journey when Yelleen's voice echoed in their minds, her tone sharp and urgent. "Run. Now. Something is coming, and it’s not slowing down."
The siblings froze. The distant sound of snapping branches and guttural growls reached their ears. It was a sound that sent a chill down their spines.
"What is that?" Ziraiah whispered, gripping her dagger tightly.
Valerius’s grin vanished, replaced by a look of unease. "Whatever it is, it doesn’t sound like it wants to share pancakes."
Eryndor’s voice was calm but commanding. "No time for wit, Valerius. Move!"
The siblings broke into a sprint, the forest around them blurring as they dashed forward. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the snarling growls grew louder, closer.
---
The First Hideout:
Ahead, a narrow cave hidden behind dense vines caught Eryndor’s attention. "There! Take cover!" he shouted, leading them toward the small opening.
They squeezed inside, their breaths ragged. For a moment, silence enveloped them, save for the sound of their pounding hearts.
"Think we lost them?" Valerius asked, trying to catch his breath.
Yelleen’s voice cut through the temporary relief. "Do not linger. These creatures can track you by scent. They won’t stop until you’re caught."
As if on cue, the snarling resumed, louder and more menacing. Claws scraped against the cave entrance, and glowing eyes peered through the vines.
"Fantastic," Ziraiah muttered, drawing her weapon. "We’re trapped."
Eryndor didn’t hesitate. "No. We run."
---
The Chase:
The siblings bolted from the cave, the beasts hot on their trail. These creatures were unlike anything they had encountered before—feral, four-legged monsters with glowing red eyes and jagged fangs. They moved with unnatural speed, tearing through the underbrush as if it were paper.
"Why won’t they stop?!" Valerius shouted, leaping over a fallen log.
Eryndor, carrying Ziraiah’s bag along with his own, replied steadily. "Questions can wait, Valerius. Focus on survival."
Ziraiah, struggling to keep up, panted, "Eryndor… Val… I can’t…"
"Keep going!" Valerius urged, grabbing her hand briefly to pull her forward.
---
Ziraiah Collapses:
After hours of running, Ziraiah’s legs gave out. She stumbled and fell to the ground, gasping for air. "I… I can’t… go on…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Eryndor immediately stopped, turning back without hesitation. He reached her in moments, hoisting her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing. "Rest, Ziraiah. I shall carry you."
Valerius, glancing back, saw the beasts closing in. "We don’t have time for this!"
Eryndor’s reply was calm but firm. "Go ahead if you must, but I will not leave her."
Valerius groaned but slowed his pace, staying close to his brother. "Fine. Let’s just keep moving."
---
The Final Stretch:
The siblings emerged from the forest into a clearing. In the distance, the massive gates of the town loomed, a beacon of safety amidst the chaos. Relief washed over them, but the snarls behind them grew louder, more desperate.
"The gate! We’re almost there!" Valerius shouted, his voice tinged with both hope and exhaustion.
Eryndor adjusted Ziraiah on his shoulder and quickened his pace, his breathing heavy but steady. Valerius stumbled slightly but forced himself to keep moving, his legs burning with every step.
The horde surged forward, their glowing eyes and snapping jaws a terrifying reminder of the danger at their heels.
---
The Town’s Defense System:
As they neared the gate, runes carved into the town’s walls began to glow. A low hum filled the air, followed by a deafening roar as magical cannons mounted on the walls activated. Beams of energy shot out, decimating the front lines of the horde. The beasts howled in agony as the onslaught continued, reducing them to ash.
The siblings collapsed just inside the gate, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Guards approached cautiously, their weapons at the ready.
Eryndor gently set Ziraiah down, his expression unreadable but his movements careful. Valerius sprawled on the ground, gasping for air. "We made it… somehow…"
Ziraiah, still weak, managed a small smile. "Thank you… both of you…"
Eryndor placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well, Ziraiah. Rest now."
The gates closed behind them with a resounding thud, shutting out the horrors of the forest. For the first time in days, the siblings were safe—if only for a moment.