Life in the village hadn't changed much. The fear was still there, a low hum beneath the surface of everyday life, but it was tempered by a story about a group who breath and control fire. Flame Keeper was a mysterious group that famous in the annal of history. Some said they were descendants of a dragon and some said that they were half fire spirite. No one seems to know the truth but the villagers knew they weren't alone in facing the monsters.

  Markus, however, found himself in a strange position. He was no longer just the skeptical hunter, the grounded counterpoint to Gordon's increasingly magical existence. He was now a participant in that world, a witness to the power that used to only in the story. He had stood beside Gordon, seen with his own eyes how useless he was againts the hag. This experience had changed him, opened his eyes to the reality of the magic that he had once dismissed as folklore.

  His days were now filled with a helpless feeling. He still hunted, providing for his family and the village, but his focus had shifted. He spent more time in the forest, not just tracking game, but observing, learning, trying to understand the subtle signs and whispers of the woods. He felt a growing responsibility, a sense that he needed to be ready, to be strong, to support Gordon in whatever challenges lay ahead.

  He also found himself acting as a liaison between Gordon and the villagers. He understood both worlds, the practical concerns of the villagers and the more mystical nature of Gordon's powers. He helped to explain Gordon's actions, to reassure the villagers that Gordon was on their side, even when his methods seemed strange or unsettling. He’d often find himself relaying messages between Gordon and Sharon, his heart doing a little flip each time he spoke her name. He knew Gordon was sweet on her, had seen the way he looked at her, the way he’d fumble his words when she was near. He felt a pang of guilt for the secret he harbored, the knowledge that Sharon’s smiles and laughter were meant for him, not Gordon.

  He trained harder than ever before, honing his skills with the bow and arrow, practicing his tracking and survival techniques. He knew he have no magic power, but he could be a shield, a protector in his own right. He also began to study the local folklore, the old stories and legends, searching for any clues about the hag or the ancient magic that permeated the forest. There wasn't much information in the village but he would take whatever he got.

  His nights were often spent in quiet contemplation, thinking about the events of the past few weeks, trying to make sense of it all. He thought about Gordon, how clumsy and timid he was before, and the incredible power that now resided within him. The flicker of envy was still there, a nagging reminder of his own limitations, but it was now intertwined with guilt. He knew Gordon envied him too, though not for magic. Gordon envied his closeness with Sharon, the way she’d laugh at his clumsy jokes, the way her hand would sometimes brush against his. Markus felt a pang of sympathy for his friend, knowing his feelings were unrequited.

  He also thought about Sharon. She was sixteen, the same age as him, and already a skilled hunter in her own right. He admired her strength, her confidence, her laughter. He’d catch her eye across the village square, and his stomach would do a little flip. He’d see the way she looked at him, a warmth in her eyes that made his heart race. He knew she liked him, he could feel it. But he was so awkward, so unsure of himself. He was afraid of ruining their friendship, afraid of what Gordon might think.

  One evening, as he sat by the fire, a worn book of local legends open in his lap, he heard a soft knock on his door. It was Gordon.

  "Markus," Gordon said, his voice low, "I need your help."

  Markus nodded, setting aside his book. He rose, a flicker of his earlier self-doubt crossing his features, but he quickly masked it with a determined nod. He would not let his insecurities, or his complicated feelings for Sharon, hinder him. He would be there for Gordon, for the village, no matter what.

  "What is it, Gordon?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He avoided Gordon's gaze, a subtle discomfort flickering within him. He knew Gordon wouldn't notice; he was too preoccupied, too focused on the task at hand. But the knowledge of his secret, the unspoken feelings he shared with Sharon, created a constant undercurrent of unease within him.

  Gordon paced the small room, his brow furrowed. "It's the forest, Markus. I feel it again. Something's wrong. Restless."

  Markus nodded, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his hunting knife. "What kind of wrong?"

  "I don't know," Gordon admitted, his voice tight with worry. "It's different this time. More… urgent. Like it's… afraid."

  Markus felt a chill run down his spine. He had learned to trust Gordon's connection to the forest. If Gordon felt fear, then it was something to be truly worried about.

  "Did you see anything?" Markus asked.

  Gordon shook his head. "No. Just… a feeling. A sense of dread. Like something terrible is about to happen."

  "Then we should go," Markus said, grabbing his bow and quiver. "The sooner we find out what's going on, the better."

  "Should we ask help from other hunter?" Gordon said. Markus looked back at him then shake his head. "We can ask their help after we know what's actually going on, trust me."

  As they stepped out into the cool night air, Markus couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far more dangerous than they had faced before. He glanced towards Sharon's house in the far away. He wondered if she was awake, if she was thinking about him too. He pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand. He had a job to do, He would deal with his feelings later, when he had time.

  They entered the forest, the familiar sounds of the night amplified by the unnatural stillness that Gordon had described. The air was heavy, charged with an unseen tension. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.

  "Which way?" Markus asked, his voice a low whisper.

  Gordon closed his eyes, focusing his senses. "This way," he said, pointing towards the deepest part of the woods, the place where trees stood like silent sentinels in the darkness. "The feeling is strongest there."

  As they moved deeper into the forest, the darkness seemed to press in on them, the shadows taking on menacing shapes. Markus felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck, the feeling of being watched. He gripped his bow tighter, his senses on high alert. He was ready for anything. Or so he thought.

  The air grew colder, the silence broken only by the snapping of twigs beneath their feet. The shadows of trees loomed around them, their branches gnarled and twisted like skeletal arms reaching out to grab them. An unnatural fog began to swirl around their ankles, obscuring the path ahead.

  "Gordon," Markus whispered, his voice tight with apprehension, "are you sure about this? This feels… wrong."

  Gordon nodded, his face grim. "I feel it too. But we have to keep going. Whatever's causing this… it's close."

  They pressed on, their steps slow and cautious. The fog grew thicker, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. Markus strained his eyes, trying to pierce the gloom, searching for any sign of danger.

  Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence. It came from somewhere to their left, a soft, scraping sound, like something dragging itself across the forest floor.

  Markus raised his bow, his arrow nocked and ready. "Did you hear that?" he whispered.

  Gordon nodded, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Yes. Be ready."

  The rustling sound grew closer, accompanied by a low, guttural growl. Whatever it was, it was big, and it was moving towards them.

  A pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the fog, followed by the hulking shape of a monstrous creature. It was unlike anything Markus had ever seen before. It was part animal, part plant, its body covered in thick vines and thorns, its head a grotesque combination of wolf and bear, its jaws dripping with a viscous, green slime.

  "What in the…" Markus breathed, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and awe.

  The creature lunged, its massive claws extended. Markus fired his arrow, but the arrow bounced harmlessly off the creature's thick hide. It was like trying to pierce a tree trunk with a toothpick.

  Gordon, reacting quickly, unleashed a blast of wind, sending the creature stumbling back. The wind seemed to have some effect, disrupting the creature's movements, but it didn't seem to cause any real damage.

  "We need to get out of here!" Markus yelled, grabbing Gordon's arm. "This thing is too strong!"

  They turned to run, but the creature was faster than they expected. It lunged again, its claws slashing through the air, narrowly missing Markus's face.

  They were trapped, caught between the monstrous creature and the impenetrable fog. Markus felt a surge of panic. He was outmatched, outgunned. He was just a hunter, a man with a bow and arrow. He was no match for this… this thing.

  He glanced at Gordon, his face pale but determined. He knew they had to fight, that they couldn't give up. But how? How could they possibly defeat such a creature?

  As the creature lunged again, Markus did the only thing he could think of. He threw himself in front of Gordon, acting as a human shield. He knew it was a desperate move, a foolish one, but he couldn't let Gordon be hurt.

  The creature's claws raked across Markus's arm, tearing through his leather armor and flesh. He cried out in pain, but he held his ground, giving Gordon a precious few seconds.

  "Run, Gordon!" he yelled. "Get out of here!"

  Gordon hesitated, his face a mask of anguish. He couldn't leave Markus, not again. But he knew Markus was right. They couldn't defeat this creature in a direct confrontation. They needed a plan, but leaving Markus behind? There was no way he would did something like that.

  "Get back!" Gordon shouted then blast the creature with a punch of the wind, again and again while Markus, his arm bleeding profusely, braced himself for the next attack. He knew they couldn't fight the creature head-on. They needed to use their wits.

  They darted behind a large tree, using it as cover. The creature roared in frustration, its glowing red eyes searching for him through the fog.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Markus knew he had to distract it, to buy himself some time. He reached into his quiver and pulled out a handful of small stones. He tossed them in different directions, creating a series of rustling sounds in the undergrowth.

  The creature, its senses heightened by the fog, turned its attention to the various noises. It lumbered after the sounds, giving them a chance to move.

  They crept silently through the trees, trying to stay out of sight. They knew they couldn't stay here. They had to find a way to defeat this creature.

  "Gordon," Markus whispered, "we need a plan."

  "I think I have one," Gordon said. He looked determined. "But it's risky."

  "We don't have a choice," Markus replied, his arm throbbing with pain.

  Gordon explained his plan. It involved using the creature's size and strength against it, luring it into a trap. It was a long shot, but it was their only hope.

  As they prepared their trap, Markus couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking a very dangerous path. They were facing a creature of immense power, a creature that seemed to be connected to the darkness that was spreading through the forest. They were just two hunters, two friends, trying to protect their village. But were they enough?

  Gordon finished setting the last part of the trap, a series of strategically placed vines and branches that would hopefully trip the creature. He looked at Markus, his face etched with worry. "Ready?"

  Markus nodded, though his heart was pounding in his chest. His arm was still bleeding, and he felt weaker than he had ever been. But he knew he couldn't give up now. He had to be strong and finish this abomination.

  They moved back to their hiding place, a cluster of large rocks that overlooked the clearing where they had encountered the creature. They waited in tense silence, listening for any sound, any sign of the monster's approach.

  The fog swirled around them, making it difficult to see. But then, they heard it. The rustling sound, the guttural growl, growing closer.

  The creature emerged from the fog, its massive form casting a long shadow across the clearing. It sniffed the air, its glowing red eyes searching for them.

  Markus gripped his bow, his arrow nocked and ready. He knew he had to be precise, to make every shot count.

  The creature moved towards the trap, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. It stepped on one of the hidden vines, and a series of branches snapped, tripping it.

  The creature roared in surprise, its massive body crashing to the ground. It struggled to get up, its limbs tangled in the vines.

  Now! Markus thought.

  He stepped out of hiding, taking aim at the creature's exposed flank. He take a deep breath and everything was still, the sound of the wind was gone and he didn't know why but the tip of his arrow seems a little bit red like a hot coal. He released the arrow, and it flew true, piercing the creature's thick hide.

  The creature roared in pain, its struggles intensifying. It thrashed wildly, tearing at the vines, trying to free itself.

  "Holly shit!, you manage to pierce its skin!" Gordon said in disbelieve and seeing his opportunity, emerged from hiding as well. He focused his will, channeling the wind into a powerful blast. The wind slammed into the creature, pushing it further into the trap, further entangling it in the vines.

  The creature roared again, its voice filled with rage and pain. It finally managed to break free from the vines, but it was weakened, disoriented.

  Markus fired another arrow with red tip, and then another. Each arrow found its mark, further weakening the creature.

  Gordon, channeling the wind once more, created a swirling vortex of air around the creature, lifting it off the ground. The creature flailed helplessly, its claws slashing at the air.

  With a final, desperate push, Gordon sent the creature crashing against a large rock. The creature let out a final, agonizing roar, and then it went still.

  Markus and Gordon stood there, panting heavily, their bodies aching, their minds reeling from the adrenaline. They had done it. They had defeated the creature.

  But as they looked at the creature's lifeless body, they knew that this was just the beginning. The darkness was still out there, and they knew they would face it again.

  A sense of unease settled over them. The forest, even after the creature's defeat, felt heavy, oppressive. The fog still clung to the trees, and the silence was unsettling.

  "We should get out of here," Markus said, his voice low. "I don't like this feeling."

  Gordon nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding trees. "I agree. Let's go."

  They turned to leave, but as they did, a figure emerged from the fog. It was Willow.

  She approached them slowly, her face unreadable. "I saw what you did," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

  Markus and Gordon exchanged a wary glance. They didn't trust Willow. They knew she was working with Brock, and they suspected she was involved in something bad for them.

  "What do you want, Willow?" Markus asked, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his knife.

  Willow shrugged. "I just wanted to see for myself. The creature… it was powerful."

  "It's gone now," Gordon said, his voice firm. "We defeated it."

  Willow nodded. "Yes. But there will be others. The forest… it's changing. Something is awakening."

  She paused, her gaze fixed on Gordon. "I know you can feel it too," she said. "The power. The darkness."

  Gordon didn't reply. He knew she was right. He could feel it. The forest was alive, pulsing with a dark energy that was growing stronger every day.

  "What do you know?" Markus asked, his voice suspicious.

  Willow hesitated, then she sighed. "More than I should," she said. "Brock… he's making a mistake. He thinks he can control it, but he's wrong. It's bigger than him. Bigger than all of us."

  "What is?" Gordon asked, his curiosity piqued.

  Willow looked around nervously, as if she was afraid of being overheard. "The cult," she whispered. "They're growing stronger. They're summoning something. Something ancient, something terrible."

  Markus and Gordon exchanged another worried glance. They had suspected that there was something more behind the hag's attacks, something more sinister at play. But the cult? They didn't think that the hag would be part of this cult.

  "What kind of Cult?" Markus asked curiously, any information was important at this point even if he didn't know its validation.

  "The dark one, they are dangerous." She said.

  "What are they summoning?" Markus asked.

  Willow shook her head. "I don't know. I only saw glimpses. Shadows, whispers… a sense of overwhelming power."

  She paused again, then she looked at them, her eyes filled with a strange mix of fear and desperation. "We need to stop them," she said. "Or all of us would be in danger."

  Willow vanished back into the fog, leaving Markus and Gordon alone with her ominous warning. The silence of the forest seemed to amplify her words, the whispers of the wind carrying a chilling echo of ancient power.

  "The cult," Markus murmured, his brow furrowed. "What do you think she meant?"

  Gordon shook his head. "I don't know. But I felt it too. That… presence. It was like nothing I've ever encountered before."

  "She said Brock was making a mistake," Markus added. "Do you think he's involved with them?"

  Gordon considered this. "It's possible. He's always been ambitious, hungry for power. He wouldn't hesitate to ally himself with anyone if he thought it would benefit him."

  "But this cult… they sound dangerous," Markus said. "Why would he risk it?"

  "Maybe he underestimates them," Gordon suggested. "Or maybe he thinks he can control them. Either way, it's a dangerous game he's playing."

  They knew they had to find out more. They needed to understand the nature of this cult.

  "We should go back to the village," Markus said. "We need to warn the others."

  Gordon nodded in agreement. "And we need to find out what Willow knows. She's clearly afraid, but she's also holding back. There's something she's not telling us."

  As they made their way back through the fog-shrouded forest, they discussed their next steps. They decided to approach Robin, one of the village elder, hoping she could shed some light on the ancient symbol Willow had described, the one associated with the cult.

  They reached the village just as the first rays of dawn were painting the sky. The village was quiet, the villagers still asleep. They went directly to Robin's hut, a small, unassuming dwelling at the edge of the village.

  Robin was already awake, tending to her herb garden. She greeted them with a warm smile, but her eyes held a hint of worry.

  "What troubles you so early?" she asked.

  Markus and Gordon explained what they had encountered in the forest, the monstrous creature, Willow's warning about the cult, and the ancient symbol.

  Robin's smile faded, her expression becoming grave. "The symbol…" she whispered. "It's a mark of the Shadowwood Coven. An ancient cult, thought to be extinct. They worshipped the dark god, drawing power from the shadows, performing rituals that were said to corrupt the very land itself."

  "Willow said they were summoning something," Gordon said. "Something powerful."

  Robin nodded. "They seek to awaken an ancient entity, a being of immense power, a creature of pure darkness. It is said that this entity can grant unimaginable power to those who serve it, but at a terrible cost."

  "What cost?" Markus asked.

  Robin hesitated, then she sighed. "Their souls," she said. "They sacrifice their souls to this entity in exchange for power. They become its puppets, its slaves."

  Markus and Gordon exchanged a look of horror. This wasn't just about a rogue hag or a power-hungry hunter. This was about an ancient evil, a darkness that threatened to consume everything they knew and loved.

  "We have to stop them," Gordon said, his voice filled with determination.

  Robin nodded. "But you must be careful," she warned. "The Shadowwood Coven is powerful. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. You will need allies, powerful allies, if you hope to defeat them."