Бесплатный фрагмент - Chronicle of Forgotten Legends

Chapter 1

The sun was gradually rising above the horizon, and warm rays glided through the forest, illuminating everything around them. The orc named Lortar sat on a stump, rubbing his large hands together lazily. He was once again contemplating his dream of becoming the greatest warrior of all time.

— Lorthar, are you all right? — Elfin asked, walking gracefully past him. — You don’t look well, like you forgot to fix your hair.

— Hey, I don’t have hair to mess with! — Lortar muttered, pointing at his bald head. — Don’t you know that in our world, true beauty is muscle and strength!

A dwarf named Burk, who was sawing a tree nearby at the time, laughed.

— Oh, we all know you’re friends with them! — he shouted as he let go a huge kick at the tree. — But don’t forget that muscles don’t help if you can’t think! How about coming up with a plan instead of just rattling around like an old horn?

Thunder shifted his chest with a reproachful look and heaved a heavy sigh.

— A plan? You mean the one Elfin suggests when you’re about to throw me forward into battle?

Elfin inquired with feigned bewilderment:

— Wait, aren’t you exactly the one who’s always ready to rush into the fray first? “ Lortar will fall, but his fists will laugh!»

Lortar folded his arms across his chest resentfully:

— Where did you get that from, my serious friend? I just wanted to let everyone know that my style is «go forth and fight,» not «go forth and beware!»

— Oh, and also ’go ahead and put down your charms’,» Burk added with a smile and a wink.

— Look, everyone knows that my real magic is that I’m great at dancing when the enemy attacks me! Understand, sounds are in my blood. — Lortar squeaked softly, hoarsely mimicking the rhythm of his ’dance’.

Elfin held back a laugh, but still remarked:

— Your «magic» is more like slapping water when you’re trying to get out of the mud.

Thunder began to blush and tried again to intimidate his friends with his stare, but Burk only shook his head and added conciliatingly:

— «Okay, just don’t forget that besides «combat’ we also have «traveling’ on our list. When can we leave this boring forest?

— «Boring forest?» — wondered the Orc. It’s not just a forest! There’s so much nature here! And even… bandits!

Elfin looked away, adjusting his armor:

— I hope you’ve prepared a joke too, in case we do encounter brigands. I fear our humor may be the only weapon we have left.

Lortar, feeling rooted to the spot, slowly rose from his stump:

— Okay, friends, time to go on an adventure! Besides, if we find the Thunder Axe, our jokes will be even funnier when we swing with it in the arena!

Burk winked at his friends:

— And if they don’t get our jokes, we’ll just make them laugh by force!

Elfin only grinned:

— The main thing is that they don’t start laughing at us afterwards.

Lortar walked down the forest path, moving his massive feet with confidence. Elfin and Burk walked side by side, discussing what they were going to do when they found the Thunder Axe.

— «So, imagine this,» Elfin began, dancing, ’we get to the fighting arena, and as soon as we enter, the crowd stands up and starts shouting, «Lortar! Lortar! A blast of power and armor of jokes!»

— In this case she will laugh not at the jokes, but at my two legs, which seem to be fighting each other rather than enemies! — Lortar shook his head and looked down at his feet.

Burke chuckled loudly:

— Don’t worry, Lortar! Make up a new style for them, call it «ice foot dancing»! So they won’t even know whether to laugh at you or try to figure out what’s going on!

Lortar released some menacing sounds into the air, trying to reproduce something similar to shaking:

— If anyone else tries to please such tiny imperfections, I’ll turn them into a puddle… Or at least back into a piglet!

Elfin said with a sly smile:

— «You mean you have to experience «flaws’ first before turning them into accomplishments?

— «It’s a matter of time,» Lortar sniped, winking at his friends. — I won’t be disappointed by hurtful comments!

— In fact, until we get to the tournament, there’s plenty of time to work out your moves,» Burk added, grinning slyly again. — Maybe we’ll even create a couple new dances!

Lortar nodded, contemplating the image of the ’dancing orc’ -, dreaming of seeing the crowd go crazy with merriment.

— Okay, how about we get away from all this thinking and do some real ones,» Lortar twirled his fists in the air as if he was practicing his strength. — For example, we can start with the dragon I was promised to see in the arena…»»

Elfin intercepted his gaze:

— A dragon? You can’t be serious, Lortar! How many times have you already «seen» a dragon in your dreams at night?

— At least a few,» Lorthar replied with a grim mood. — Hardly makes me any less prepared for them!

Burk raised a finger:

— «Perhaps you could question the dragon about your dance? I’m sure he’d appreciate it!

— Or, if we’re not careful, he’ll roast us and serve us as a side dish to his dinner,» Elfin winked.

Lortar was frightened:

— Okay, some epic dreams I can breathe, but not to the depths of my morning porridge!

As they continued to laugh and banter with each other, the moon was beginning to climb in the sky, filling the air with evening mystery. It was the one moment when the weight of the rest of the world’s obstacles seemed a distant memory.

— Don’t forget,“ said Lorthar, gathering his wits, „our journey to the Thunder Axe begins here, and as your brave leader, I have sworn to retrieve this artifact and show everyone who the real hero is!

Elfin sighed deceptively:

— Looks like the dusty joker is you! Let’s get the Kiev food ready in case we suddenly have a battle in the kitchen!

Burk nodded enthusiastically:

— I’m in! But the chicken wings are my area of responsibility… and don’t forget you’re the one who’s going to be the one trying to fry them with pliers.

In the evening, when our heroes found shelter by the fire, they settled around the flames, which crackled cozily, highlighting their faces. Lorthar, preparing supper, suddenly remembered the Thunder Axe.

— You know, I’ve heard legends about this artifact,» he said, turning the meat on the spit. — They say it’s made of silver wood found only in forbidden forests, and that it has incredible power.

Elfin squinted and moved closer to hear better:

— Legends, you say? What kind of legends? I love stories!

— According to ancient lore,“ Lorthar began, „the Axe was forged by the smith of the gods himself. In olden times it was used in a great battle between good and evil. It is said that when it was wielded by a worthy warrior, it could develop a force of thunder capable of destroying entire armies!

Burk, who had been quietly searching for firewood, turned around:

— But these are just stories, right? Many artifacts were really just myths, and eventually they have to be put away from memory.

Lortar grinned:

— You are right, my friend, many legends turn into myths over time. But this story has been passed down from generation to generation, and if it is indeed true, we should find this Axe and figure out how to defeat the evil that threatens our lands!

Elfin, upon reflection, remembered the details:

— But I have heard that there are serious challenges standing in the way of the Axe. Anyone who tries to get it will have to overcome their fears and deceive their own shadows.

— Looks like we’re in for quite a ride,» Burke said with a slight smile and a wink. — I think I’m ready to make a few jokes about all these dangers as well.

Lortar nodded, frowning:

— These trials are not only physical, but moral as well. We must be prepared to reflect our own shortcomings.

There was silence for a moment, plunging them into reflection. Then Elfin suddenly exclaimed:

— We can move our wisdom through sincerity! I wonder how many good stories we can come up with on the way to our Axe!

Lortar grinned again and cast a glance at Burk:

— Surely one of your jokes could scare off all the baddies in the neighborhood!

— Oh, while we’re here, I can set my imagination free! — replied Bourke, shaking his head merrily. — No shadow can resist a comedy!

After these words, our heroes began to discuss all sorts of stories and jokes with many voices, and laughter filled the night. They thought about the fact that there were many unknowns ahead, and they would need to face their own fears in order to achieve their goal.

As the stillness of the night enveloped the surroundings, Lortar, looking at the flames, said quietly:

— I hope we can make it through all the trials.

The morning began bright and sunny, and our heroes’ spirits were elevated. Lorthar, Elfin, and Burke, who had grown stronger overnight, gathered around the fire to consider the planned journey to Thunder Axe.

— Well,“ said Lorthar, shaking the earth from his hands, „we will have to travel and find that Axe. The sooner we get it, the closer we will get to saving our world.

Elfin, with hope in his voice, added:

— Yes, but it is not easy even physically. We must make sure we are ready for the trials ahead. After all, we will face not only our enemies, but ourselves as well.

Burk, preparing his backpack over his shoulders, remarked:

— No one says it’s going to be easy. But who says we won’t make it? Accidents are just part of the adventure! Let’s just do it and see what happens!

— That’s right! — Lortar smiled. — We can only get on the trail if we have confidence and mutual support. It seems like it’s going to be quite an adventure. We have crossed many forests over the years, but this one will be different.

Elfin nodded, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm:

— I feel that this will not just be a challenge, but an opportunity to test our strength of friendship. Every step along the way will be a manifestation of our true intentions.

After gathering all their belongings, they set out on the road. The forest in which they plunged into was a departure from their usual routine. The trees stood tall and the light shone through the foliage, creating magical patterns on the ground.

— «It’s amazing how nature can be alive,» Lortar whispered as they passed beautiful flowering bushes, ’it’s almost magical!

Burk, laughing, shouted:

— «I hope there will be such beauties on our way to Axe! We can’t afford to spend too much time on the beauty of nature while villains terrorize our kingdom!

Elfin holds back a laugh:

— Your optimism has always been second to none, Burk! But don’t forget that with your jokes, you can also distract your enemies!

The journey continued, and soon they were on a narrow path leading into the uncharted depths of the forest. Each step reminded them that the unknown lay ahead, and at the same time, that each of them was ready to make history.

— So, what will our plan be? — Lorthar asked as they stopped on a small hill, watching the scenery. — When we get there, we must be ready for anything.

Elfin squinted his eyes:

— I can use my magical abilities for scouting to determine how to cross dangerous places. But we must proceed with caution and be prepared for the fact that there may be traps waiting for us.

Burk supported him enthusiastically:

— And if things don’t go as planned, I’m relying on your abilities! You need only let me know when I can offer my jokes to distract the opponents!

Laughing, they continued on their way, feeling the eagerness growing in their hearts as they approached the challenge. Each step filled them with new emotions — anxiety, joy, and hope.

— We will have many difficulties along the way,» Lorthar said, looking at his friends with determination. — But I believe that if we stay together, we will overcome all obstacles and reach the Thunder Axe!

— Come on, together forever! — Shouted Burke enthusiastically.

And with these words, full of determination and unity, they plunged into the dark forest, ready to face whatever difficulties lay ahead.

The morning began bright and sunny, and the mood of our heroes was elevated. Lortar, Elfin, and Burk, strengthened overnight, gathered around the fire to contemplate the planned journey to Thunder Axe.

— Well,“ Lorthar said, shaking the earth from his hands, „we’re going to have to go out and find that Axe. The sooner we get it, the closer we’ll get to saving our world.

Elfin, with hope in his voice, added:

— Yes, but it is not easy even physically. We must make sure we are ready for the trials ahead. After all, we will face not only our enemies, but ourselves as well.

Burk, preparing his backpack over his shoulders, remarked:

— No one says it will be easy. But who’s to say we can’t pull it off? Accidents are just part of the adventure! Let’s just do it and see what happens!

— That’s right! — Lortar smiled. — We can only get on the trail if we have confidence and mutual support. It seems like it’s going to be quite an adventure. We have crossed many forests over the years, but this one will be different.

Elfin nodded, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm:

— I feel that this will not just be a challenge, but an opportunity to test our strength of friendship. Every step along the way will be a manifestation of our true intentions.

After gathering all their belongings, they set out on the road. The forest in which they plunged into was a departure from their usual routine. The trees stood tall and the light shone through the foliage, creating magical patterns on the ground.

— «It’s amazing how nature can be alive,» Lortar whispered as they passed beautiful flowering bushes, ’it’s almost magical!

Burk, laughing, shouted:

— «I hope there will be such beauties on our way to Axe! We can’t afford to spend too much time on the beauty of nature while villains terrorize our kingdom!

Elfin holds back a laugh:

— Your optimism has always been second to none, Burk! But don’t forget that with your jokes, you can also distract your enemies!

The journey continued, and soon they were on a narrow path leading into the uncharted depths of the forest. Each step reminded them that the unknown lay ahead, and at the same time, that each of them was ready to make history.

— So, what will our plan be? — Lorthar asked as they stopped on a small hill, watching the scenery. — When we get there, we must be ready for anything.

Elfin squinted his eyes:

— I can use my magical abilities for reconnaissance, to determine how to cross dangerous places. But we must proceed with caution and be prepared for the possibility of traps waiting for us.

Burk supported him enthusiastically:

— And if things don’t go as planned, I’m relying on your abilities! You need only let me know when I can offer my jokes to distract the opponents!

Laughing, they continued on their way, feeling the eagerness growing in their hearts as they approached the challenge. Each step filled them with new emotions — anxiety, joy, and hope.

— We will have many challenges along the way,» Lortar said.

With the borders of the forest approaching and the adventure ahead of them, Lortar, Elfin, and Burk decided to make a brief stop on a hill overlooking their home village. The wind swayed the grass lightly, and the sun illuminated the familiar houses glistening under its rays.

— Here is our house,» Lorthar said, relying on his own thoughts. — I never thought saying goodbye to it would be so difficult.

Elfin stepped closer to the edge of the hill, his eyes filling with tears:

— Yes, this place has always been a source of joy and warmth for us. This is where we grew up, this is where we learned to be who we are now.

— Every street, every gesture of kindness…“ Burke said thoughtfully, „all of it makes me feel attached to this place. We leave, but we must remember what we protect.

Lorthar looked at his friends, sensing the significance of the moment. He realized that their journey was not just a journey to Axe, but an attempt to preserve what they valued most.

— We are leaving for the future,» he said, trying to comfort himself and his friends. — If it were not for our endeavor, this place might be in danger. We must bring it back to safety.

— I know,“ Elfin nodded. — „But even so, it’s hard to leave everything you love.

Burke, understanding his friends’ feelings, added:

— But remember: adventure isn’t just about what we leave behind. It’s about what we create ahead. We have the opportunity to change the world, and that makes us stronger!

As he thought about it, Lortar noticed a simple tree — the same one he loved to sit under as a child and dream of faraway wanderings.

— I have often dreamed that I was setting out on a journey, marking a new beginning. Now that dream is becoming a reality,“ he said with a smile. — „I must take some of this house with me so that I may have a source of strength on the road.

Elfin and Burk nodded understandingly. They knew that each of them found comfort in their attachment to the house.

— Yes,“ Elfin said, „let’s do something to remind us of our homeland. Shall we cut a branch from this tree, or take some earth with us?

Burke soon went to the tree and began to pick out a small branch that had brightly colored flowers blooming on it.

— This will be a reminder of our home,» he said enthusiastically as he showed the branch to his friends. — May this beauty be with us always!

Lortar and Elfin agreed, and for a moment all the heaviness of parting was replaced by a sense of hope and determination. They gathered small keepsake items that would become part of their adventure — symbols of their connection to their home.

When they were done with their goodbyes, Lortar rose to his feet, took a deep breath, and said:

— We must go. Every step is a step toward securing the future. We will be going back, and when we do, our village will be as prosperous as it has always been!

Elfin and Burke nodded.

With one last look at their home village and with hope in their eyes, the heroes began their journey down the hill.

Chapter 2

Lortar, Elfin, and Burk moved steadily deeper into the forest, skirting dense thickets and traversing small streams. The first few hours proved to be fairly quiet and peaceful, and it seemed as if the forest was guarding them. Soon, however, they came upon their first real obstacle.

The path they had been following suddenly dropped off in front of a deep ravine. At the bottom they could clearly see a raging river rushing forcefully downstream.

— How are we going to get through this? — Burk asked, looking over the edge of the cliff. — We can’t swim across, and the bridge doesn’t look safe at all.

— A bridge? — Elfin asked, pointing to an old, moss-covered wooden bridge that didn’t seem to have seen a man in a long time. — Yes, but it looks completely unstable. We could be risking our safety.

Lortar squinted his eyes and assessed the current situation. He noticed that several planks on one side of the bridge had clearly weakened, and he wasn’t sure if the weight of the three travelers could support it.

— It might not be as easy as we thought,» he said, trying to gather his thoughts. — We’ll have to find another way.

But just as they began to look for a way around, they heard a noise — loud shouts and stomping feet in the forest. Between heaven and earth, they realized that this was not just a barrier; it could be the beginning of a real challenge.

— We have to decide quickly,» Burke said, his voice sounding slightly anxious. — If we don’t find a way through this place, we could be a target!

Elfin, with his intuitive ability for magic and sensitivity to his surroundings, searched for a way to utilize his powers. He instantly focused and cast a spell to see if they had a way around the ravine.

— We can use magical energies to create something,» he said. — But we’ll need help and a sense of teamwork.

— I can try to make the elements reinforce the bridge! — Burk offered, as his eyes lit up with eagerness. — And you, Lortar, can test it to see how it will behave. If anything goes wrong, I’ll run to your aid!

— Good! — Lortar nodded. — We have to do this very carefully. Here’s what we’ll do,» he began to explain the strategy, explaining how they would proceed on the count of three.

Gathering themselves together, they began to fulfill their roles. Elfin focused his magical powers, channeling them into the old planks of the bridge to strengthen them. Burk was diligently displaying his power, creating protective runes that helped to rally the wooden structures.

Lorthar, meanwhile, climbed to the edge of the bridge to test its stability. Each step he took was difficult. The planks beneath him creaked, and at times it looked as if they might collapse.

— Be careful! — Elfin shouted, looking at his friend anxiously. — If it gets dangerous, come back at once! We can’t afford to lose each other!

But Lortar gathered his thoughts and resolutely continued forward. He checked every board and at the same time listened to the team. And suddenly, as he took the last step, the bridge beneath him creaked and he felt himself start to tilt.

— Hold on! — Shouted Burke, hearing the cracking. — We’re here, you can make it!

Engaged in teamwork, they supported each other. Lortar pulled out all his courage and, completing the penultimate step, remained standing on the bridge.

— I did it! — he shouted with relief when he finally reached the other side. — The bridge is stronger than I thought, and now it will be your turn!

Elfin and Burk, inspired by Lorthar’s decision, followed him. Elfin took a few steps first, following the magical momentum left on the bridge. Burk, supporting him, moved slightly behind him, like an experienced stage joker.

When all three of them reached the other side, they looked over with delighted smiles.

— We did it! — exclaimed Burke.

After they crossed the ravine, the team kept moving, confident in their abilities. The forest grew denser, and soon they were at the bank of the river, whose wide stream rushed swiftly, reflecting the sun’s rays. On the other bank they could see the hills and meadows that the heroes had only dreamed of traversing.

This time, however, they encountered a new difficulty: an old bridge stood on the river, the embodiment of a once majestic structure, now covered with rust and roots. Its railings were bent and several planks were almost completely rotted away.

— This bridge doesn’t look too secure,» Burke said, glancing toward the winding stream. — If we put ourselves out, it just might not hold.

— Still, we have no other choice,» Lorthar said, eyeing the bridge. — We can’t stay here much longer-the river is too dangerous, and we need to get to the other side as soon as possible.

Elfin furrowed his brows as he studied the bridge. His intuition told him that there might be magic lurking across the bridge, and the challenge ahead would require not only physical strength but also mental agility.

— Let’s test it,» he said. — I can try to use magic to strengthen this bridge and make it safer for us. But I need some time to concentrate.

— Very well,» Lorthar nodded in agreement. — In the meantime, Burke and I will walk across the bridge and see which sections seem most dangerous. If anything goes wrong, we’ll be back in time.

Elfin closed his eyes, concentrating to summon the power of nature. He felt the flow of magic coming from the river, and it made his concentration stronger. Lortar and Burk stepped onto the bridge, slowly following each step. The bridge made a cracking sound, and it startled them from time to time, but they tried to ignore it.

When they reached the middle of the bridge, it suddenly wobbled violently, and both of Lortar’s feet slipped on the slippery plank!

— Lortar! — Bourke shouted, grabbing his arm to keep him from falling. Lort’s heart beat faster, but grabbing the railing, he managed to keep his balance.

— It’s all right! — He shouted, trying to stay calm, though there was fear in his voice. — Just have to be more careful.

At this time, Elfin opened his eyes, seeing what was happening, and began to cast a spell. His hands glowed with green light as he channeled his power into the wooden structures of the bridge, strengthening them.

— Do not be afraid! — he shouted. — I’m doing it! Move slowly, and all will be well!

Finally, after several arduous minutes, our heroes reached the middle of the bridge, where it had been wobbling badly, but now looked much more stable thanks to Elfin’s efforts.

— We did it! — Lorthar said with relief when they finally reached the other side.

— But let’s not let our guard down,» Burke added, looking around cautiously. — We don’t know what other dangers we may encounter along the way.

After they had crossed the bridge, they stopped to catch their breath and look around. A beautiful clearing stretched out before them, flooded with sunlight, and it looked like there would be nothing but easy going ahead.

The day was slowly coming to an end, and the sun, as if shrouded in a cloak of fire, was beginning to disappear over the horizon. Lorthar, Elfin and Burk, feeling a surge of strength after successfully crossing the bridge, decided it was time to make camp in a cozy clearing near the river.

They built a small fire, gathered kindling and built a fire that lit up the dark corners of the forest with flames that leapt into flames. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, and soon the evening calm enveloped them in friendly company.

— This has been a wonderful adventure,» Burke said, taking a bite of meat. — I didn’t even know the old bridge could hold our weight!

— We were brave and resourceful,» Lorthar replied, leaning back and looking up at the starry sky. — The most important thing is to support each other.

Elfin, listening to the words of his friends, suddenly noticed that the stars began to fade. A dark cloud seemed to hang over their camp, and his heart clenched.

— Don’t you think something is wrong? — he asked, listening to the sounds of the forest. Suddenly everything was silent, as if nature had frozen in anticipation.

— Maybe it’s just the clouds,» Burke reassured him, though he was beginning to feel a little uneasy himself.

Before they could say a few more words, however, there was a muffled rumble among the trees, and lights flashed in the air. Shadows came out of the darkness, a group of mysterious figures dressed in dark robes that swept over them like predators over a pack of deer.

— Quickly! Take cover! — Lorthar shouted, rising to his feet. His heart was pounding frantically in his chest as they searched for cover.

Figures with bows and swords in their hands advanced toward them, making ominous whispers. They were night brigands who preyed on unsuspecting travelers. In a single movement they surrounded the camp, and soon the spacious clearing was filled with tension.

— Don’t panic!» Elfin tried to reassure his friends as he prepared to cast a defense spell. — I can create a magical shield to protect us!

— I need to distract them! — shouted Burk, grabbing his knife. — And you prepare the spell!

Lortar nodded, feeling adrenaline fill his body. He knew they had to act fast or they wouldn’t survive.

Grabbing his sword, he stepped to the forefront.

— You will not give up so easily! — He shouted, issuing his challenge to his opponents.

The brigands stopped and smiled with sinister faces.

— «Oh look, we have a hero here,» one of them grinned, tilting his head. — We’re here to get your stuff, and we’re not going to risk it just for the fun of it.

Elfin, despite the tension, was concentrating on his magic. He cast a spell, and a glow of energy began to appear around them as he created a protective shield. At that moment, however, Burk rushed into the fray, drawing the brigands’ attention back to himself.

— Hey, over here!» he shouted, delivering several blows with his knife that caused the brigands to hesitate.

Taking advantage of the confusion of his enemies, Elfin had time to complete the spell. From the dark surroundings, a translucent shield began to descend upon them, which held back arrow strikes and dangerous swings of swords.

— We have a chance! — he shouted. — Let’s get together!

Gathering together, they began to act in unison. Lortar and Burk attacked with all their skills, and the magic shield protected them from the attacks. The night darkness was ablaze with fighting as they fought for their lives.

The situation was tense, but friendship and mutual aid were becoming their advantage. They fought confidently side by side, dealing with the onslaught of brigands. Each blow and each spell paved their way to freedom.

Soon a real battle broke out, and though the enemy was numerous, the power of unity and friendship was on their side.

— We can do this! — shouted Lorthar, raising his sword above his head, and with each new stroke he felt his strength grow.

Elfin, continuing to focus on his magic, summoned swirls of energy, fending off attacks and sending back blows in return. Burk, with his agility and quickness, did his best to stay in the fight, diverting the attention of the brigands and protecting his friends.

After a few tense minutes of things that seemed like an eternity, at last they were able to gain the upper hand. The bandits, realizing that resistance was futile, began to retreat into the shadows of the forest, leaving the group alone.

Finally, in the silence of the night, only the ominous whispers of the departing enemies remained, and their hearts beat calmly again.

— We did it! — exhaled Burke, falling to the ground, trying to regain his breath.

— Yes! We did it! — Elfin and Lorthar said at the same time, and smiles slowly began to appear on their faces.

— But we can’t relax,» Lorthar reminded him, looking around. — The night might hide even more dangers.

After a tense night and an encounter with bandits, Lorthar, Elfin, and Burke packed up their belongings again and continued on their way. Exhausted but determined, they traveled deep into the woods, which they were told lead to their next challenge, the mysterious Forest of Spirits.

When they entered the forest, the atmosphere immediately changed. Rays of light shone through the foliage of the trees, creating mesmerizing patterns on the ground. The silence that enveloped the forest was pervaded by light whispers, as if nature itself was sharing its secrets with them.

— Sounds like someone is inviting us in,» Burke remarked, stopping and listening to the whispering wind.

— Be careful,» Elfin warned. — It could be the magic of the forest. Nature spirits can take many forms, and they are not always benevolent.

As they traveled further, the forest became more and more mysterious. Suddenly, they came upon a small clearing where a majestic statue made of roots and leaves stood among the trees. In the center was a brilliant sphere of light that pulsed quietly.

— This must be the Spirit Tree we were told about,» Lorthar said with admiration. — We must get closer.

But just as they took a step forward, voices came from the forest, and figures began to manifest-the spirits of the forest. They were ghostly beings, writhing from light and shadow, with faces that changed shapes. Each spirit reflected the emotions, feelings, and wisdoms of the forest.

— Rascals! Why have you come to our forest? — One of them asked, her voice gentle but pouring anger.

— «We sought comfort and help,» Elfin replied, trying to keep his composure. — «We mean no harm.

— You bring confusion,» another spirit uttered, swirling in the air. — Your actions could cause destruction in this place.

Lortar, realizing the situation was escalating, slowly stepped forward, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

— We are but travelers,» he said. — We did not come here with bad intentions. We only seek truth and protection from a power we cannot control.

Suddenly the spirits gathered in a circle around them, and in the midst of that circle arose an old, wise entity, the Spirit of the Forest. Her form was magnificent: a mixture of colors, light and greens, with eyes full of ancient wisdom.

— What are you looking for, young seekers? — The Spirit asked. — And what are you willing to give in return?

Elfin, realizing that this was their chance, spoke up:

— We want to learn to protect our world from evil, from those who pursue their selfish goals. We are willing to fight this evil and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

The Spirit of the Forest thought for a moment, then spoke:

— To gain your power, you will have to pass a test. The Forest will ask you for more than mere courage. Prepare yourselves for tests of spirit and mind.

Suddenly darkness enveloped the clearing, and visions — their own fears and doubts — surrounded them. They each saw their own image, reflecting their worst flaws and phobias.

— No! It’s not! — Burke exclaimed, hearing his own voice calling him to give up.

— You can get lost in your fears, or you can learn to deal with them,» said the Forest Spirit. — This is your test.

The guards of the forest began to slowly approach them, filling the air with a thick fog. Elfin closed his eyes and focused on his senses, summoning his magic.

— I am not afraid! — he shouted, tearing through the fog. — I will not let fear take over!

Lortar bent down and grabbed his sword, feeling his confidence grow.

— We have each other! We are not alone,» he added, unraveling his own fear.

Burk, remembering all the battles they had been through together, exclaimed:

— Fear is only an exaggeration of the mind! We can deal with it!