Eric held Ellen’s hand tightly as they pushed through the brush, the thorns and thickets scraping against their skin. Tyler’s men were still behind them. It felt like they had been running for days—maybe they had. Eric couldn’t understand how they’d managed to keep going… or how Tyler’s men hadn’t caught them yet. He boosted Elle up onto the edge of a massive rock. “Keep going, Elle. I’ll be right behind you.”
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Elle pointed past him. “They’re here,” she said calmly.
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Eric turned. Two men stood in the shadows, their features sunken and hollow. Their eyes were bloodshot and shrouded in darkness, their faces gaunt and lifeless. “Go! Run!” Eric shouted, scanning the ground for anything he could use. He snatched up a nearby stone and braced himself.
The men stepped forward and then, from the shadows, came the low, guttural sound of animals growling.
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As Tyler’s men pushed forward, something lashed out from the brush. Twisted strands of vegetation shot from the undergrowth like living ropes, yanking one of the men into the thicket with a strangled scream. The other barely had time to react before a grey wolf lunged from the shadows, sinking its teeth into his arm and dragging him down.
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Eric froze, eyes wide. The forest it wasn’t just alive. It was angry. Wild. Protective. Snapping out of his daze, he scrambled up the rock formation, pulling Elle along with him. They ran, the sounds of snarls and screaming fading behind them. But before they could get far, a massive brown bear rose up on its hind legs and blocked their path. Eric skidded to a stop, chest heaving. He turned to flee in another direction, only to find a Moose standing there, towering and unmoving, its dark eyes locked on him. They were surrounded. Eric looked back at the sound of more wolves tearing into the man. They ripped him apart quickly, dark blood splattering across the forest floor. The other man’s body was crushed by the tightening grip of the vines, his form crumpling to the ground as the vegetation withdrew. Eric pulled Elle close, shielding her as a woman emerged from the thicket. Her body was a playful blend of leaves and bark, her skin a soft shade of green—like the first breath of spring.
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"You are safe here," she said gently, approaching them. The animals followed at her heels, eyes alert, ready to defend her in an instant.
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"Eric, it’s okay," Elle said, stepping from behind him. She smiled at the woman. "My name is Elle. This is Eric. We’re going to River Hallow."
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"Hello, little one," the woman replied, her voice warm. "You may call me Winterfawn." She smiled and gestured behind Eric. "The bear behind you is named Barkscratch. The moose is named Muk." Winterfawn said with a smile, "He tends to be rather moody around new people." Before she can finish speaking, Muk already returned to the woods. Winterfawn gestured to the three wolves by her side, "These are Rei, Dal, and Junto." Each wolf nodded when she spoke their name ." Why were those human chasing you?"
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Eric spoke, "We come from a town up north, River Falls. They want to hurt the little girl." He said cautiously. He placed his hand on Elle's shoulder not letting her stray too far.
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"The trees have seen things.." Winterfawn said with a hint of fear in her voice. "Terrible things they have described. The land feels the presence of Dark Powers toward the north. " Winterfawn said.
“It is not safe in our woods. Evil wanders here, staining the land with every step,” Winterfawn said.
The wolf, Rei, sniffed the air around Eric and Elle, her nose twitching. She moved to stand between them and Winterfawn.
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“He smells… strange,” said Rei, her voice low and firm, distinctly female. “He smells like the North.”
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“Of course, Rei,” Winterfawn replied calmly. “They said they’ve traveled from there.” She gently gestured for the wolf to step aside. “I can sense their intentions. We are safe.”
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Eric narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean you can sense our intentions? Who are you, really, Winterfawn?”
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Winterfawn paused, her expression softening. “I’m used to animals recognizing me without question,” she said. “I am the Guardian Spirit of these woods. I protect all who dwell within.”
She looked at Eric and then to Elle. “Normally, you wouldn’t have even known we were here. But something about you both… is different. Special.”
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“I fear things will only get worse,” Winterfawn said, her voice tinged with sorrow. “The older trees speak of tales passed down from their elders. The Druids of old once warned of a consuming force—one powerful enough to shatter even the mountains.” Her expression darkened, eyes filled with sadness. “I fear no place is safe… and we are not ready for what is to come.” She turned to Barkscratch. “Guide them as far as you can toward River Hallow.”
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The great brown bear grunted in response and began lumbering in the direction of their destination. “Thank you, Winterfawn,” Eric said, keeping a cautious distance from the bear.
“Make haste, humans,” Winterfawn urged. “I fear we have little time left.” Elle looked back and gave a small wave. Winterfawn smiled gently.
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Rei stepped beside her and said, “They smell different. Not like the North… but a little like it. How is that so?”
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Winterfawn crouched, gently stroking Rei’s cheek. “That’s because… they were both dead before they came here.”
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---
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Father Lucas awoke to the sound of urgent knocking at his door. “Father Lucas!” called a young messenger. “Troops from Trandell have arrived!”
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“Rhaine… where are you?” Father Lucas muttered as he quickly dressed. Outside, standing before the church, was Brother Douglas, his expression sour.
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“Where is the Commander?” Douglas barked. “Tell her the Church’s army would appreciate her presence. Wake up!”
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Father Lucas stepped out of the church, robes still settling. “I am Father Lucas, and I am in charge while Lady Rhaine is away,” he said, standing firm. “You and your men are welcome here. Please, dismount. We are still operating on short notice—lodging is under construction.”
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Brother Douglas dismounted with a scowl. “Is she too stupid to follow simple instructions?” he snapped. “Not finished with the lodging? Have you gone soft, Priest?”
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Taken aback by Douglas’ words, Father Lucas kept his voice calm. “Perhaps it would be better if we spoke after you’ve had a chance to recover from your ride.”
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“Perhaps you could start by telling the truth!” Brother Douglas snapped. “Brother Douglas is the last person you want to lie to.” His tone turned scornful as he stepped forward and grabbed Lucas by the collar with both hands. “You’ve grown lazy. You court the demon Sloth, don’t you?!”
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Aghast at the accusation, Lucas froze. He knew the weight those words carried. “That’s nonsense. We were only informed a few days ago. Unless Brother Douglas has been granted divine foresight, I doubt anyone here could have prepared in time.”
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He tried to hold his ground, but Douglas remained unmoved. “It looks to me,” Douglas said, releasing him with a shove, “that River Hallow has grown lax in its discipline.”
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Lucas swatted Douglas' hands away. “We will discuss this when Lady Rhaine returns,” he said defiantly, though he knew full well that orders from the Church overrode his authority.
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“What a pathetic excuse for a priest,” Brother Douglas sneered, turning to his commanders. “Bring the army into town. Force lodging for two days. Then, with or without Rhaine, we march to Silver Falls.”
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Father Lucas stood his ground. “You don’t have the authority to go against Church orders!”
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Douglas struck him across the face with the back of his hand, sending him to the ground. “I have the authority to beat the laziness out of this town. Is that a better idea?” he growled, pressing his boot down onto Lucas’ hand.
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Lucas winced but didn’t resist. “No… You’re right,” he said quietly, conceding the fight. He dared not push further.
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Brother Douglas smirked. “I’ll sleep in your quarters, Lucas. You can sleep outside.”
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Brother Douglas left Lucas lying in the dirt. As the commanders dispersed to relay his orders, a figure approached from the direction of the local tavern.
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“Seems there are too many holy men around here these days,” came a familiar voice.
Father Lucas recognized it instantly. It was Jirjin Nightside, owner of the Tired Boar, and Alex’s brother.
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Lucas slowly got to his feet, brushing off the dust. “Even if he wears the Church’s robes, that man is not holy,” he muttered, his eyes narrowing as the first soldiers began entering homes. This wasn’t divine order. This was a war tactic. Forced lodging was never part of Church protocol.
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“I’ve seen enough bloodshed to know when a man’s planning something,” Jirjin said, scratching at his bristly beard. “River Hallow's been good to my brother and me,” he added with a half-smirk. “You can sleep where Alex used to. I’ve got a few friends to talk to.”
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Lucas nodded, but stayed silent. He knew he’d need all the allies he could find.
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Where are you, Rhaine?
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