Adventures in the Sacred Forest

Chapter 11: Secrets of the Hidden Cave

Almas's breath came in ragged gasps as he ran alongside Creetan, their feet pounding against the forest floor. Thoughts raced through his mind, the revelation of who the  avenger could be sending shockwaves through his being.

Amidst the chaos of their escape, Almas voiced his suspicion, his voice strained with disbelief. "Do you think that avenger was Uncle Marpel?"

Creetan's breaths were heavy, but he managed a nod. "It's possible, Almas. I never thought I'd see him again, not after what happened to Vatan Province."

Uncle Marpel, their mother's brother and the High Lord of the now-devastated Vatan Province, had vanished during the province's fall. The brothers had mourned his loss, fearing the worst. The sudden appearance of their enigmatic uncle raised questions about his fate and the hardships he must have endured.

Almas hesitated, his heart torn between their own safety and the potential danger faced by their uncle. "Shouldn't we go back and help him, Creetan? If that was Uncle Marpel, he might need us."

Creetan's voice held a mix of caution and determination. "As much as I want to believe he's alive, Almas, we must prioritize our own escape. Uncle Marpel is a skilled bard; he can defend himself. Never underestimate the power of a High Lord. But we need to focus on getting away and not burdening him with our protection."

Agreeing with his brother's reasoning, Almas suppressed his concerns and concentrated on their immediate survival. After what felt like an eternity of running, they reached a river—a respite amidst the wilderness. They knelt by the water's edge, gulping down cool, refreshing sips to quench their parched throats.

Creetan glanced up, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "We should walk along the river for a while, Almas. It might help throw off anyone who might be following us."

Almas nodded, the icy water numbing their feet as they trudged alongside the riverbank. Time seemed to blur as they forged ahead, their bodies growing weary with each passing step. But they knew they had to press on, relying on their resilience and the hope of evading their pursuers.

Just when their strength waned and despair threatened to take hold, a small bird alighted upon Almas's shoulder. Its presence startled him, but the bird's purpose soon became clear as it took flight, perching on a nearby branch and peering back at Almas.

A spark of intuition ignited within Almas. "Creetan, I think we should follow this bird. Perhaps it can lead us somewhere safe."

Creetan's weary eyes met Almas's, exhaustion mingled with curiosity. "We don't have many options, brother. Let's trust the bird's guidance."

With renewed determination, they followed the bird's lead, their steps guided by a creature in tune with the forest's secrets. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows, the bird guided them to a concealed cave—nature's sanctuary hidden from prying eyes.

Realizing the gift they had been granted, they entered the shelter of the cave, grateful for its protection. As darkness enveloped the world outside, the brothers huddled together, seeking solace and security within the hidden refuge, their thoughts consumed by the events that had unfolded and the mysteries that awaited them.