As dawn broke, the hidden village was already stirring. The adventurers, having decided to leave this haven of peace, were preparing to set out once more. Aelion, Kaelith, Liraë, and Elindor stood near the inn, their belongings gathered, while the Faëlis continued to circle around Kaelith, hopping joyfully.
Before their departure, several villagers came to wish them good luck, offering provisions and medicinal herbs that might prove useful for the trials ahead. The kindness of the inhabitants had strengthened their resolve, yet the storyteller's warning still lingered in each of their minds like a heavy shadow.
The group set out, leaving the village to venture deeper into the forest. The path was narrow, bordered by towering trees whose branches intertwined above them, forming a natural tunnel of greenery. Daylight pierced through in places, casting golden patches on the damp ground.
They walked in silence for several hours, each lost in thought, until they reached a point where the path split into several trails. Aelion stopped and carefully observed the different directions. A strange energy hung in the air, something indefinable yet seemingly intent on guiding them.
"We must be cautious here," he said, turning to the others. "These paths are not ordinary. They were designed to test us."
Liraë frowned, eyeing the trails with suspicion. "Another test? But of what kind?"
Aelion closed his eyes, trying to sense the surrounding magic. "I believe these are paths of illusions and mental trials. If we choose the wrong one, it could lead us astray—or worse, force us to confront our deepest fears."
Kaelith drew one of his blades, its flame illuminating the path ahead. "If it's a trap, I'm ready. But how do we know which path to follow?"
The Faëlis, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly moved toward one of the trails. It sniffed the air, then began to walk with a determined stride. The adventurers exchanged glances, surprised by the little creature's confidence.
"Is it trying to show us the way?" Elindor asked, somewhat skeptically.
Aelion gave a faint smile. "Animals sometimes have instincts we cannot understand. Perhaps the Faëlis senses what we cannot perceive."
After a brief exchange of looks, the group decided to follow the small creature. The Faëlis walked quickly, and the adventurers remained vigilant, ready to face any danger that might arise. The path grew narrower, the trees closing in around them, and the daylight seemed to fade, replaced by a dim, uncertain glow.
As they advanced, a murmur began to rise around them, a whisper that seemed to come from the trees themselves. The voices were indistinct but carried a tone of lament. Aelion stopped abruptly.
"These are the voices of the woods," he murmured. "They tell the stories of souls who lost their way here."
Kaelith gritted his teeth, his golden eyes piercing the darkness. "If they're trying to frighten us, they'll have to do better than that."
The group pressed on despite the murmurs, but soon the voices took shape, transforming into illusions. The trees began to move, changing appearance, their branches forming human or monstrous shapes. Figures emerged from the mist, resembling familiar faces and troubling memories.
Liraë took a step back, her breath catching in her throat. "No… this isn't real…"
Aelion placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Keep your mind clear, Liraë. These are only illusions, echoes meant to lead us astray."
The Faëlis, unaffected by the apparitions, continued to move forward undeterred. Kaelith followed closely, keeping his blades at the ready, while the others tightened their ranks to avoid getting separated.
They pushed through a final veil of mist, and suddenly, the whispers faded away. The landscape transformed once more, revealing a vast clearing bathed in light. In the center stood a large stone altar adorned with luminous symbols similar to those they had seen in the sanctuary.
Aelion stepped toward the altar, intrigued. "This is a place of passage. A waypoint on our path to the Eternal Light."
Elindor nodded. "We've passed the test of illusions. But I fear there are more trials yet to come."
Kaelith, still on guard, approached the altar, his eyes scanning the symbols. "Then let's keep moving. We can't stop here."
The group gathered around the altar, each taking a moment to refocus. They knew the road would be long and fraught with challenges, but their determination remained unshaken. The storyteller's warning still echoed in their minds, reminding them to stay vigilant.
Together, they prepared to take the next step on their quest, knowing that the light would not be reached without a price.