"Come on, we’ve finally arrived!"
After a two-week journey, they had finally reached Gwyndor. The withered leaves gave off an ominous feeling.
Simon’s eyes calmly scanned the surroundings. His gaze narrowed with a sense of unease. He didn’t feel good. "I feel strange... Something seems different here."
Hearing Simon’s words, Frank frowned, his eyes wandering over the withered trees and the greenery that had lost its color. "This place seems to live up to its reputation, Simon. Creepy and vile. What were you expecting? A paradise?"
Simon shook his head in denial. He had prepared himself for what he would face, but still, he hadn’t expected it to be this ominous. Could they really live here?
"Anyway, let’s set up the tents without thinking too much. We don’t have much time."
With two hours left until sunset, it would be good to settle in by then. Frank looked at Simon expectantly, observing what he would do.
"Then let’s start setting up," Simon said, turning around and signaling for the people on the wagons to get off. "Everyone, set up the tents, and the women, get ready to prepare the meals!"
As everyone obeyed, the tents were quickly spread out, large cooking pots were set up, and after the wood was lit, everyone gathered around Simon again for further orders. "George and Urien will gather firewood, Emily, you collect anything edible from the forest."
"Got it, Leader," George and Urien responded, heading into the forest with their axes.
Emily nodded and left. Meanwhile, Simon was left alone with Frank. "This forest gives me a sense of danger; we should investigate."
"I agree, but we don’t have enough soldiers for a thorough scouting."
Hearing this harsh truth from Frank, Simon sighed, narrowing his eyes. "That’s bad, I really have a bad feeling about this. We must investigate today."
"You’re the leader," Frank said. "Take whoever you find capable and investigate. The rest is up to you."
Frank’s eyes were critical as he examined Simon’s equipment. "This sword can barely cut human skin. Whoever made this sword must have been an idiot."
Simon’s armor and sword were still items he had taken from Edensword Castle. Simon unsheathed his sword and showed it to Frank. "Come on, it can’t be that bad?"
Seeing Frank’s mocking gaze, Simon felt embarrassed. "Alright, alright, these were the only swords available. The better ones were given to those with higher ranks. All that was left for me was this antique."
For a moment, Frank thoughtfully stroked his chin. "Are you skilled at swordsmanship?"
Simon grinned proudly, sheathing his sword again. "Even if I don’t know everything, I still know the basics."
"Good, good. I have a sword that’s just right for you."
Hearing Frank, Simon’s eyes lit up with gratitude. "Are you serious, old man?"
Frank just nodded, leading Simon to follow him. After walking for a while, Frank pulled out a sword wrapped in cloth from inside a wagon.
"How long has this been in the wagon? This is the first time I’m seeing it!"
"This is one of our heirlooms," Frank said as he carefully unwrapped the cloth around the sword and pulled out the sleek, metal hilt.
The sword had strange symbols and writings on it. As Frank held the sword, his expression showed both reverence and admiration. "This sword is one passed down from our ancestors."
"It has druidic enchantments engraved on it, covered with powerful spells for durability and toughness. While it’s no Excalibur, it’s still a pretty high-level sword."
Frank extended the hilt of the sword toward Simon. As soon as Simon grasped it, his body briefly glowed green, and a blue light flickered in his eyes.
"I feel amazing! Wow!" Simon laughed, swinging the sword. Frank smiled. "This sword is yours now. Use it as you see fit."
"Thank you so much, old man," Simon said with gratitude and appreciation. "You really gave this to me. I feel so humbled..."
"Don’t feel bad. I think this sword has found someone worthy of it. Use it well," Frank calmly explained. "George, even though he uses swords, actually prefers axes, and Emily is already an archer. In my opinion, you’re the one who should have this sword."
Simon also listened to Emily with curiosity. He was intrigued as well.
"This sword belonged to the first leader of our village. It was one of the sister swords of Excalibur, given to us by the Lady of the Lake, Vivian."
Simon grasped the sword by its hilt and thanked Frank for deeming him worthy of such an important weapon.
"Unfortunately, its name has been forgotten over time. No one remembers it anymore," George said. "Each time a village chief passed away, this sword was given to the chosen heir by Grandpa Frank."
"Does that make me the heir?"
"Yes, since you are now our leader, it means you’re worthy to wield it."
"Thank you for trusting me. I won’t let you down," Simon said gratefully. George laughed. "I have full faith in that."
After chatting for a while, Simon decided to get to the point. His expression turned serious. "I’m planning to organize a scouting party. Would you like to join?"
"I’ve already been wandering the forest for two hours. I didn’t see anything," Emily said calmly. Simon lowered his eyes, looking thoughtfully at the ground. "There’s something strange here. Frank says the Lich is dead, but I still have an odd feeling inside me."
"Indeed, it’s eerily quiet here. On our way, we didn’t encounter a single animal or living creature. Just the silence of death."
"Now that you mention it, that really isn’t normal," Urien said. "It’s normal for people to be absent, but for there to be no creatures at all, that’s impossible. Not even snakes or birds."
"George, Emily, Old Frank, and I will form the scouting team," Simon then looked at Urien. "Urien, you’ll act as the temporary leader in my place."
"You can count on me!" Urien said excitedly. He finally had the chance to prove himself. Simon glanced at Urien and then the others, sighing. "If everyone is ready, let’s go. Old Frank is already waiting for us."
"Let’s get ready, then let’s go, at least before it gets dark."
While everyone was preparing, Frank took one last good look around. He also thought the Lich was dead, but he was wrong.
The life force of all living creatures in this forest, no, in the entire region, was being constantly drained. Most of the forest’s energy was already depleted.
"I hope we can solve this problem as soon as possible."
Frank sighed; he was too old for this kind of work.
"Is everyone ready?"
"Yes, let’s go." Frank gave Urien one last glance. "Urien, this place is in your hands."
Urien nodded, unable to hide his excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Trust me. This place is mine until you return."
"We know, Urien. Just try not to destroy it before we get back." George chuckled, his eyes playful. Urien rolled his eyes. With Simon finally arriving, everyone was ready.
Simon stretched his shoulders nervously. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t scared. He was terrified in a strange way. However, the sense of danger and urgency inside him was too significant to ignore.
It felt like something big and dangerous would awaken if they waited any longer...
"Alright then, Leader, we’re following you..." Frank said seriously. Simon nodded quickly and moved forward.
The rest of the team followed behind, advancing under Simon’s leadership.
******
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