"Whaowaarwas- What's going on!?" Tristan was falling through the swirling lights, desperately trying to grab hold of anything, but all he could reach was himself and the wagon.
"Hold on," Cedric tried to utter, but the wind blowing through his eyes muffled his faint voice.
He tried to lift both of his arms; the pain was too much to endure, but if he didn't act now, they'd all be lost somewhere else. "Grab each other's arms," he whispered urgently. "Quick" But they were all disoriented, spinning uncontrollably.
Using his other hand, Cedric grabbed onto Tristan. "Grab everyone, now!"
"What?" Tristan still couldn't hear him properly.
"Grab them! Now!" Cedric finally managed to get his voice out as he shouted at Tristan.
Tristan, unable to think clearly, tried to grab everyone else, but they were too spread apart. Desperate, he gathered his power, and a large ball of flame erupted, engulfing all of them. "Will this do?" Tristan shouted, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Cedric, unsure himself, knew they had no other choice. He had never teleported anything on this scale before, but they had to try. "Whatever you're doing, do it quick! Before we all burn!" Tristan shouted again.
Cedric grabbed onto his broken arm, trying to lift it and use his power. It was faint and weak, but it was still there. Vivid landscapes shifted around them momentarily, only to disappear again.
"Wahh!" Liora cried out from inside the wagon. The flames were starting to catch, and Tristan looked at Cedric, desperation in his eyes. "Cedric?"
Cedric tried again, focusing on Eryndor. A surge of power rushed through his arm, and in an instant, the world seemed to shift into the city, only to start changing to other places—the sea, the desert, and the forest.
He clenched his hand, trying to teleport. A surge of light appeared around them, and suddenly, a hole opened where they could see the world again. Tristan finally managed to catch Magnus and Elysia, but the flames that had been burning started to catch fire on a flour bag, causing an explosion.
The force sent everyone toward the hole, but not Cedric.
"Cedric! Grab my hand!" Tristan reached out his hand. Cedric tried to grab it, but with his broken arm, he missed.
"No!" Tristan screamed as they went through the hole, leaving Cedric to continue falling further away from it.
The swirling void engulfed Cedric, and he could see the world slipping away from him. His heart pounded as he tried to focus his remaining strength on finding a way back to his friends.
The landscapes continued to shift around him, each one more disorienting than the last. Desperation clawed at his mind, but he fought to keep his focus, determined to find a way back.
The void was a maelstrom of colors and sensations, a tunnel that seemed to stretch into infinity. Cedric felt as if he were being pulled in every direction at once, the force threatening to tear him apart. His broken arm throbbed with pain, each jolt sending waves of agony through his body. He clenched his teeth, pushing through the pain, and focused on the image of Eryndor in his mind.
The swirling lights around him began to coalesce into a single point of focus. Cedric reached out with his mind, trying to anchor himself to the familiar landscape. He felt a tug, a connection forming, and poured all his energy into it. The light grew brighter, enveloping him in a warm glow.
But just as he felt he was making progress, the connection faltered. The image of Eryndor flickered and was replaced by another landscape—a vast desert, its sands stretching endlessly under a scorching sun. Cedric struggled to maintain his focus, his grip slipping as the scene changed again to a dense forest, the canopy above blocking out all light.
"Come on, come on!" Cedric muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the howling winds. He could see the hole he had created, a portal back to the real world, but it was shrinking rapidly. He had to act fast.
Summoning every ounce of strength left in him, Cedric tried once more to focus on Eryndor. The light around him intensified, and he could see the portal widening again. But just as he was about to reach it, a powerful force yanked him back.
"No!" Cedric cried out, the void closing in around him. He felt himself being pulled further away from the portal, his chances of escaping slipping away. His heart raced, panic setting in as he realized he might be trapped in this limbo forever.
Cedric kept falling, faster and faster, the wind roaring in his ears. He tried to use his power to teleport somewhere, anywhere, but his efforts seemed futile. He focused harder, desperate to find a way out of the endless fall.
For a brief moment, the scene around him changed to an open sky, clouds drifting peacefully. He felt a glimmer of hope, but it was short-lived. A flock of birds collided with him, their wings battering him back to the edge of the swirling light. His back scraped along its path, the friction burning and causing sharp pain as he was pushed through the light tunnel.
Outside the light tunnel, he began to see various places as he fell. The first was a steampunk-like world with towering structures, steam rising from massive chimneys, and gears turning within the walls of colossal buildings. The sight vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by the swirling light once more.
Next, he glimpsed a city shrouded in darkness. Rainy clouds loomed overhead, and a bright light in the sky displayed a mysterious symbol he couldn't decipher before being pulled back into the light tunnel. He saw a desert landscape, with endless dunes under a blistering sun, the heat palpable even in his disoriented state. The scene shifted again, showing a massive ocean, waves crashing violently against rocky cliffs under a stormy sky.
He saw a vibrant, neon-lit metropolis, skyscrapers adorned with glowing advertisements, and flying vehicles zipping through the air. The futuristic cityscape faded as he was thrown back into the tunnel, the disorienting lights continuing to spin around him.
Suddenly, his surroundings changed to a dense forest. He hit the ground hard, the impact jarring his entire body. He rolled uncontrollably until he collided with a tree, the pain radiating through him, leaving him breathless and disoriented.
Cedric lay on the forest floor, gasping for air. The cool, damp earth beneath him was a stark contrast to the surreal journey he had just experienced. He could hear the distant sounds of wildlife, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of a nearby stream. The forest felt real, tangible, a welcome relief after the chaotic void.
He slowly sat up, his body aching from the fall and the previous injuries. Cedric looked around, trying to get his bearings. The forest was dense, with towering trees and thick underbrush. He could see faint rays of sunlight filtering through the canopy, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.
But he couldn't afford to rest. He had to find his friends, to regroup and figure out their next move. Cedric struggled to his feet, using the tree for support.
Cedric took a careful look at his surroundings. The forest environment was damp and cold, with the scent of moss and wet earth filling the air. No signs of movement caught his eye, and at least he didn’t seem to be near any beast’s nest. His arm throbbed with pain, and he knew he needed to find a way to splint it. Using his sword to defend himself in this condition was out of the question; he couldn’t even move properly.
"This is going to hurt" Cedric muttered to himself. He held his breath, counted to three, and snapped his arm back into place. Pain shot through his arm like a bolt of lightning, and he grunted in agony. Looking around, he couldn’t find any sticks suitable for a splint. Resigning to his situation, he cradled his injured arm with the other and started limping toward lower ground, hoping to find water.
With each step, the forest seemed to stretch endlessly. He moved slowly, wary of any animals or beasts that might appear. Time seemed to drag on, each second feeling like an eternity until, finally, he heard the sound of moving water. Relief washed over him. "That's it," he thought.
Reaching a small river, Cedric knelt down and used the cool water to clean his arm, wincing as the water touched his bruises. As he tended to his injuries, a flicker of movement caught the corner of his eye. He turned quickly, trying to catch a glimpse of what he saw, but it was already gone.
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"Could it be a person?" Cedric wondered. The thought of people living nearby spurred him on. He needed help, and this might be his best chance. Standing up quickly, he began to walk towards the place where he saw the movement, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and caution.
As he neared the area where he thought he saw the movement, Cedric slowed his pace, trying to be as quiet as possible. The forest thickened, the canopy above blocking out much of the light, casting everything in a dim, greenish hue. He scanned the area carefully, looking for any signs of life.
Suddenly, he spotted a small, well-hidden trail, almost invisible amidst the foliage. "This has to lead somewhere" he thought, his hope rekindled.
Cedric followed the trail, his steps careful and deliberate. The trail led him to the mouth of a cave nestled within the mountain. The entrance was wide, dark, and foreboding, yet it drew him in with an almost magnetic pull. The cave reminded him of the underground city he had discovered with Alaric and Leander, sparking a glimmer of hope that this might be a similar refuge.
Cautiously, he made his way deeper into the cave. The walls were adorned with white crystal-like stones hammered into place, their luminescent glow providing a steady source of light. The eerie glow gave the cave an otherworldly atmosphere, each step echoing softly in the stillness.
As he ventured further, Cedric heard movement ahead. He paused, trying to peer around the rocky bends, but whatever was inside seemed to notice him first.
"Human," a voice called out from the depths. "Human?" The initial voice was followed by a chorus of others, each one echoing "Human!" with increasing intensity.
Cedric's heart pounded as he slowly advanced into a larger chamber. The room was vast, with multiple pathways branching off like a labyrinth. His eyes scanned the area, trying to make sense of the voices.
Then, he saw them. The beings were a sight to behold. They had a rugged, almost primal appearance with fur-covered bodies and muscular builds. Their skin had a textured, almost bark-like quality, with deep ridges and scars marking their bodies. Their faces were fierce, with sharp, animalistic features and piercing eyes. Each one of them was scratching themselves, their eyes fixed intently on Cedric as if he were an anomaly.
As Cedric stood his ground, the beings continued to discuss among themselves, their voices overlapping in a chaotic chorus.
"What is a human doing in here?" one of them questioned.
"I don't know, ask him!" another responded, their gaze shifting between Cedric and each other.
Then, one of them pointed directly at Cedric. "Look at him."
"At him?" echoed another.
"Yes, look at his skin!"
"His skin... he seems fine?" They exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"He seems fine!" another agreed, and suddenly all their eyes were fixed intently on Cedric.
Cedric took a cautious step back, his instincts screaming that something was very wrong. The beings' eyes widened in realization.
"He is the savior! He doesn't get infected!" one of them screamed, their voice filled with a twisted kind of hope.
"Get him, if we drink his blood maybe we will be cured," another being shouted, their eyes gleaming with desperation.
"Oh the savior who brought hope upon us. Please lend us your blood," they began to chant, moving toward Cedric with a predatory grace.
Panic surged through Cedric. These beings were clearly driven to madness by some affliction, and he was their perceived cure. Turning quickly, he tried to limp away, his heart pounding in his chest. The pain in his arm was excruciating, but adrenaline pushed him forward.
As he hurriedly moved, he found his way blocked by another being. This one stood tall and imposing, its eyes filled with the same desperate glint as the others. Cedric’s escape route was cut off, and he was surrounded.
The being lunged at Cedric, its clawed hand reaching out. Cedric ducked under its arm, narrowly avoiding capture. He tried to use his power to slow down time, but the intense pain from his broken arm surged through him, making him grunt in agony. The attempt failed, leaving him vulnerable.
The being swung its arm again, and Cedric barely dodged it. He stumbled back into the large room, where the other beings had gathered. Their eyes, filled with a mix of desperation and reverence, locked onto him. They began to charge at him, their movements quick and erratic. Cedric’s heart pounded in his chest as he rushed into one of the side tunnels, hoping it would lead him to safety.
Limping as fast as he could, Cedric could hear the beings gaining on him. Their footsteps echoed through the tunnel, a chilling reminder of how close they were. He pushed himself to move faster, ignoring the throbbing pain in his arm and leg. The tunnel was narrow and winding, with sharp turns that made it difficult to navigate.
He stumbled upon a section of the cave that resembled an old mining site. Wooden beams supported the ceiling, and narrow walkways crisscrossed above deep pits. Cedric knew he had to cross one of these walkways to put some distance between himself and the pursuing beings. He stepped onto the first wooden beam, his heart racing as it creaked under his weight.
The beings were right behind him, their growls and snarls echoing through the cave. Cedric moved as quickly as he could across the beam, each step sending a shiver down his spine as the wood groaned ominously. He reached the other side and continued limping down the tunnel, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Ahead, he saw another wooden beam, this one leading across a wider gap. He had no choice but to cross it. He stepped onto the beam, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain. Halfway across, the beings reached the edge behind him. One of them lunged, grabbing the beam and shaking it violently. Cedric clung to the beam, his knuckles white with strain.
With a surge of adrenaline, he managed to reach the other side, just as the beam snapped under the weight of the beings. They fell into the pit below, their screams echoing through the cave. Cedric didn’t stop to look back. He continued limping forward, the tunnel narrowing as he went deeper into the cave.
He spotted a barrel-like wooden box against the wall, large enough to hide in. He quickly opened the lid and climbed inside, pulling it shut just as the remaining beings rounded the corner. He held his breath, his body shaking with exhaustion.
Cedric peeked through a small hole in the box, his heart pounding as he watched the beings gather around and search the area. They moved methodically, their eyes scanning every corner and crevice. He held his breath, trying to stay as silent as possible, his muscles tensed in the cramped space.
More than twenty of them passed by, their movements hurried and desperate. Cedric stayed perfectly still, his pulse thundering in his ears. The minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, the noise began to fade, and it seemed the beings had moved on in their search.
Cautiously, Cedric began to lift the lid of the box, peeking out to ensure the coast was clear. As he did, his blood ran cold. A being stood directly behind the box, its eyes locking onto his. Before he could react, the being slammed the lid shut with a loud bang, the force of it making Cedric wince.
He felt the box being wrapped tightly with ropes, securing him inside. Panic surged through him as he realized he was trapped. Another being appeared, and he could feel the box being lifted off the ground. He struggled against the confines, but the ropes held fast, and his injured arm throbbed with pain.
The box swayed as the beings carried it deeper into the cave, the rough motion making Cedric's already throbbing arm ache even more. He strained to peer through the small hole in the box, hoping to glean some clue about where they were taking him. The dim light and echoing footsteps suggested they were moving into a larger space.
As they entered an open room, Cedric's heart sank. Through the hole, he could see a stage of sorts, surrounded by a pile of wood. The beings set the box down roughly onto the stage, and he realized with horror that they intended to burn him alive.
He watched as the beings gathered around the stage, their eyes filled with a desperate determination. They began stacking more wood around the box, creating a pyre. Cedric's mind raced, searching for a way out. He had to act quickly, before they lit the flames.
With every ounce of strength he could muster, Cedric began to wriggle and push against the sides of the box. He knew the ropes were tight, but perhaps there was a weak point he could exploit. As the beings continued their preparations, he felt a slight give in one of the ropes.
Desperation fueled his efforts. Cedric pushed harder, ignoring the pain in his arm. He managed to loosen the rope just enough to create a small gap. Through sheer determination, he forced his hand through the gap, working the rope free. The beings were too focused on their task to notice his frantic movements.
Suddenly, he heard the crackling of a torch being lit. The flames flickered in the corner of his eye, and he knew he was running out of time. With one final push, he freed his hand and began untying the remaining ropes as quickly as he could.
The first torch was thrust into the pile of wood, and the fire began to spread. Cedric felt the heat intensify, the flames licking at the sides of the box. He yanked at the ropes with renewed urgency, finally freeing himself just as the fire began to engulf the wood around him.
With a surge of adrenaline, Cedric kicked the lid of the box open and scrambled out, his body instinctively recoiling from the intense heat. The beings around the stage gasped in surprise, momentarily stunned by his sudden escape.
"The savior!" one of them screamed. "He doesn't get infected! We need his blood!"
"Please, lend us your blood, savior," another begged, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and madness.
Cedric backed away, shaking his head. "I'm not your savior," he shouted. "But if you let me go, I promise I'll come back with help to cure you."
The beings hesitated for a moment, but then the desperation in their eyes took over, and they began to rush towards him. Cedric turned and bolted, sprinting towards the nearest exit. He could hear the beings chasing after him, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous room.
He dashed through the large room and into one of the side tunnels, the beings hot on his heels. The tunnel twisted and turned, the dim light from the burning pyre behind him casting eerie shadows on the walls. Cedric limped as fast as he could, the pain in his arm and the exhaustion weighing him down.
The beings were gaining on him. Cedric could hear their guttural shouts and the sound of their claws scraping against the stone floor. He stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to catch himself on a wooden beam. The tunnel ahead narrowed, and he had to navigate carefully across a narrow beam over a deep chasm.
Just as he reached the other side, he saw an exit. It was a narrow opening on the side of the mountain, the night sky visible beyond. Cedric forced himself to move faster, the sounds of the pursuing beings growing louder.
He burst through the exit and found himself on a steep mountainside. The ground beneath him was loose and unstable. Cedric tried to maintain his footing, but the momentum carried him forward, and he fell, rolling uncontrollably down the slope.
The rough terrain scraped and bruised him as he tumbled down the mountain, the pain in his arm intensifying with each impact. Cedric's vision blurred as he struggled to stay conscious. The world spun around him, a chaotic mix of darkness and fleeting glimpses of the starry sky above.
Finally, he came to a stop at the base of the mountain, his body battered and bruised. Cedric lay there, gasping for breath, the cool night air soothing his burning lungs.
Cedric used every last bit of his strength to get back up, his body screaming in protest. He couldn’t stop now; he knew he’d be dead for sure if those beings managed to capture him again. Each step was a painful effort, but he forced himself to keep going.
He moved through the thick forest, pushing past thorny bushes that scratched at his skin and trudging through the muddy ground that threatened to pull him down with each step. The forest was dense and dark, with the canopy above blocking out most of the light. The sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant animal calls—were a stark contrast to the chaos he had just escaped.
With every glance back, he reassured himself that the mine was out of sight and that no one was following him. The absence of pursuit was a small comfort, but his heart still pounded with the adrenaline of escape. His breath came in ragged gasps, and each exhale felt like it took more effort than the last.
After what felt like hours, Cedric stumbled upon a large tree. He collapsed at its base, leaning heavily against the rough bark. His body was a wreck: his arm throbbed with a sharp, persistent pain, a reminder of the fracture; the burn on his skin still stung, a painful souvenir from his fiery escape; and blood trickled from a small cut on his forehead, a result of the frantic chase.
He tried to wipe the blood from his face, but his hand was shaking uncontrollably. The exhaustion from the day’s events, combined with the lack of sleep since arriving at the manor, was catching up to him. His vision blurred as he fought to keep his eyes open.
The forest around him was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Cedric's mind raced, thoughts of his friends and their unknown fates swirling in his head. He hoped they were safe, wherever they were.
As his eyelids grew heavier, he knew he couldn’t stay awake much longer. His body demanded rest, and he was powerless to resist. He allowed his eyes to close, the darkness enveloping him. The rough bark of the tree pressed into his back, but even that discomfort couldn’t keep him awake.
His breathing slowed, becoming more even as he drifted into a deep, exhausted sleep. The forest remained silent, standing guard over him as he finally succumbed to the rest his body so desperately needed.