Only Skeletons Remain

Chapter 4: Fenrir's Cave

Clancy got onto the shoreline with Trua, and he shuddered again at the cold water against his skin. He walked onto the shore with Trua, and he was surprised to see Lara coming to greet him.

"You made it, sleeper!" Lara exclaimed.

"Yeah, almost drowned, but I made it." Clancy replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. He looked over at Runeheart and Starling, who were reuniting with Trua off by the shoreline. He remembered seeing the yellow eyes beneath the surface of the water, but he blinked it off. "Come on, let's find the last guy, and then maybe I'll be able to get some shut eye."

Clancy could feel exhaustion catching up to him, and Lara seemed to notice it too. "Let's take a break." Lara said. "Get some rest."

Clancy gave Lara a thankful smile, grateful for the respite. He had been pushing himself hard, driven by the urgency of their prophecy to find Fenrir, but he knew Lara was right. They needed to conserve their strength for what lay ahead. He gathered some dry wood and kindling, and soon they had a small fire crackling between them. Runeheart, Starling, and Trua made a nest for themselves nearby, and they curled up into their respective nests.

As the warmth of the fire spread, Clancy leaned back against a large rock, staring into the flames. His thoughts drifted to the prophecy, the immense responsibility on his shoulders, and the formidable creature they were seeking.

He glanced at Lara, who was busy tending to the fire, her face illuminated by the dancing light. His eyes looked over her features, and he found he was developing a feeling in his chest he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"You're not that bad, sleeper," Lara said suddenly, breaking the silence. She didn't look up from her task, but there was a softness in her tone that Clancy hadn't heard before.

Clancy raised an eyebrow. "Sleeper, huh?"

Lara smirked, finally meeting his gaze. "Well, you do spend a lot of time dreaming about saving the world, don't you?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I suppose I do. But it's not just dreams anymore, is it?"

Lara's expression grew serious, and she nodded. "No, it's not. And despite everything, you've survived this long. Maybe... maybe you can save us."

The weight of her words hung in the air, and Clancy felt a surge of determination. He had seen Lara as strong, unyielding, and driven by a purpose he sometimes struggled to understand. Hearing her express even a glimmer of faith in him was both humbling and empowering.

"I won't let you down," Clancy said quietly. "I won't let any of you down."

Lara looked at him for a long moment, her eyes searching his. Finally, she smiled—a small, genuine smile that softened her features. "I believe you, Clancy. You may not have chosen this path, but we're on it together now."

He returned her smile, feeling a newfound sense of friendship. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling fire providing a soothing rhythm to their thoughts. The forest around them was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, but within their small circle of light, they felt a rare moment of peace.

As the fire began to die down, Lara stood and stretched. "We should get some sleep. Tomorrow, we'll find Fenrir."

Clancy nodded, settling into his makeshift bed. "Goodnight, Lara."

"Goodnight, Clancy."

The next morning was an early one. Clancy stumbled through the thick underbrush, pushing aside branches and vines as he made his way towards the entrance of the second cave. He had found a cave that seemed promising, but the scent was stale, and the cave had been empty. His clothes were damp with sweat, and his breath came in heavy gasps. The journey had been long, and his muscles ached from the climb. He paused for a moment, wiping his brow and gazing up at the imposing entrance of the cave.

"Just one more cave," he muttered to himself, glancing as Lara followed after him. "Fenrir has to be here."

The first cave had been a disappointment, filled with nothing but darkness and the distant sound of dripping water. Clancy's heart had sunk with each empty chamber he explored, but he couldn't give up. The prophecy was clear, and he knew Fenrir was out here somewhere, waiting for him.

He stepped into the mouth of the second cave, feeling the cool, damp air wash over him. The cave was eerily quiet, with only the faint sound of his footsteps echoing off the walls. He ignited a small torch, the flickering flame casting dancing shadows on the rough stone surfaces.

As Clancy ventured deeper, the cave opened up into a vast chamber. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like ancient, jagged teeth, and the floor was uneven, littered with rocks and debris. He navigated the terrain carefully, his torchlight barely penetrating the darkness.

Suddenly, he heard a low, rumbling growl that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Clancy's heart raced, and he held his breath, straining to listen. The growl came again, closer this time, and he realized it was coming from deeper within the cave.

He followed the sound, his footsteps cautious and deliberate. The passage narrowed, and he had to squeeze through a tight gap before the cave opened up into another chamber. This one was different, illuminated by a soft, ethereal light emanating from the walls. Glowing crystals embedded in the stone gave off a faint glow, casting the chamber in a serene light.

In the center of the chamber, lying on a bed of moss and ancient furs, was Fenrir.

The massive wendigo lifted his head, his piercing eyes locking onto Clancy. Fenrir's fur was a deep, rich black, streaked with silver that glimmered in the soft light. His eyes were a haunting, electric yellow, filled with both wisdom and an untamed wildness.

Clancy took a step forward, his torchlight revealing more of Fenrir's imposing form. The wendigo was even larger than he had imagined, with powerful muscles rippling beneath his fur. Fenrir rose to his feet, his movements fluid and graceful, despite his size.

"Fenrir," Clancy whispered, awe and fear in his voice.

Fenrir's growl softened, and he tilted his head, studying Clancy with an intensity that made him feel as though the wendigo could see into his very soul. Clancy slowly lowered his torch, showing he meant no harm.

"I've come a long way to find you," Clancy said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "The prophecy... it speaks of you. We need your help."

Fenrir tilted his head. "You're asking for trouble, Lorekeeper. I'm done fighting." He grunted, slowly lowering his head so he was nose-to-nose with Clancy.

Clancy stayed still, looking at Fenrir. "You have to fight!" He exclaimed.

"Get it through your pea-sized brain. There is nothing we can do." Fenrir snarled, snorting hot breath into Clancy's face.

"Fen?" Runeheart's voice came deeper from within the cave.

Fenrir slowly turned to look at Runeheart, and his gaze softened. "Rune..? You're alive?"

"We all are." Runeheart said, slowly padding towards him and giving him a gentle nuzzle.

Fenrir turned to Clancy. "You found them? All of them?"

Clancy nodded. "We need you Fenrir."

Fenrir grunted a bit, shaking out his pelt. "I suppose. I could use a bishop snack, after all." He let the way out of the cave, with Runeheart trotting behind him.

Clancy had fulfilled the prophecy.