Adventures in the Sacred Forest

Chapter 13: A Shape-Shifting Encounter

They continued their trek through the forest, aware of the gravity of their mission and the perils that awaited them. After a while, they came across a river, its soothing sound offering a brief relief.

Almas took the chance to slip away, heading towards the bushes to take care of some urgent personal business. But as he was just finishing up, he heard a loud roar that made his blood run cold. Suddenly right in front of him he saw a huge bear, its mouth open and its eyes fixed on him.

Almas froze, his eyes wide and his mouth dry. He was about to scream when Ulec showed up seemingly out of no where, standing between him and the beast, unfazed. "Seacra, cut it out. That's not funny," Ulec said in a slightly annoyed tone.

The bear changed shape in an instant, becoming a young elvish girl with long blonde hair and a mischievous smile. The elvish girl giggled at her own joke, enjoying the scare she had given Almas.

"Who are you!" Almas gasped, clutching his chest. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry, sorry," the girl said, not sounding sorry at all. "I couldn't resist. You looked so funny with your pants down and your face all pale. I'm Seacra, Ulec's sister."

Almas felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. He quickly pulled up his pants and tried to act casual. "Ha ha, very funny. You're quite the comedian. How were you a bear a moment ago?"

Ulec rolled his eyes at his sister's antics. Almas, Creetan, meet my sister Seacra, she is a shape-shifter. That's how she was a bear.

"A shape-shifter?" Creetan asked, fascinated. "That's amazing! How do you do that?"

Seacra shrugged. "It's a gift. I can change into any animal I want, as long as I've touched it before. It's fun and useful."

"Useful for what?" Almas asked, still feeling a bit annoyed.

"For pranks, of course," Seacra said, grinning. "And for spying, escaping, hunting, traveling... you name it."

"Wow," Creetan said, impressed. "You must have had a lot of adventures."

Seacra nodded. "Oh yes, I have. I just turned 100 years old after all. I've seen many places and met many creatures. Some friendly, some not so much. But I always manage to get out of trouble."

"Sounds like you're quite the troublemaker along with being a spy," Almas said.

Seacra winked at him. "Maybe I am. But I'm also loyal to my family and friends. And you two are my brother's friends, so you're my friends too." She hugged them both, making them feel welcome.

"Thank you," Almas said, smiling.

"Thank you," Creetan echoed.

Ulec smiled at his sister's warmth. He was glad she was here. He knew they would need her help in their quest. He hoped she would take it seriously.

He decided to tell her where they were going and why. He hoped she would understand the urgency and the danger of their mission.

He hoped she would laugh less and listen more.

He hoped he wasn't hoping too much.

Seacra's grin didn't fade as she asked them where they were going. Ulec told her that they were heading to stop Lord Aguerius before he reached elvish lands, and Seacra burst into laughter again. "The Dragon Queen is going to roast him alive before he can cross the Dividing Mountains!" she exclaimed.

Ulec's serious expression showed his worry. "Seacra, this is no laughing matter. Their father is in trouble, and we need your help."

Seacra sighed, but agreed to help, though she still had a playful glint in her eyes. She winked at them and said, "Hop on, boys. Let's see how fast you can hold on," right before she transformed into a magnificent horse.

Almas, Creetan, and Ulec climbed on the horse, eager to catch up with Lord Aguerius and their destiny. Seacra took off with a gallop, making the wind blow their hair and their fears away, for a moment. They rode as one, a strange alliance formed by common goals and new friendship. The forest flew by, the once-frightening journey now filled with the warmth of old and new friends.