Tears of Ashes En-Us

Chapter 9: The Way of the Forest

After leaving Eldoria, Eldric and Lira followed a trail that led to the forest. The trees were tall and dense, creating a canopy that filtered out the sunlight, making the environment look a little darker. As they walked, tension and anticipation grew between them.

After a few hours, they came across a makeshift camp next to the trail. There were signs that someone had been there recently, and the two approached cautiously, hiding among the trees.

"What do you think happened here?" Lira whispered, examining the remains of a still-smoldering fire and some scattered belongings.

"It could be that the bandits we're looking for have taken refuge here," Eldric replied, his gaze sharpened. "We need to be careful. We will investigate."

Cautiously, the two moved towards the camp, where they found a few items left behind: damaged weapons, a torn cloak, and, most alarmingly, a notebook with notes about the caravans that had been attacked. Eldric took the notebook and began to read, realizing that the bandits were planning a new attack soon.

Suddenly, a noise a few meters away from them made Eldric's heart race. A group of five armed men, visibly tired and dirty, entered the camp, arguing loudly.

"We need to get out of here before anyone finds us. The last attack did not go as we expected. That boy who ran away may be after us!" one of them shouted.

Eldric and Lira looked at each other, understanding that they had found what they were looking for, but also that confrontation was imminent. They needed to act fast.

"Let's use the advantage of the terrain," Eldric whispered. "I'll distract them, and you can catch one of them with your bow."

"Understood," Lira replied, picking up his bow and preparing an arrow.

Eldric came out of his hiding place and shouted at the bandits, "Hey, you cowards! Are you attacking caravans, but can't face a real warrior?"

The bandits turned around, surprised, and Eldric seized the opportunity. He launched himself towards them, brandishing his axe, while Lira fired an arrow accurately, hitting one of the bandits in the shoulder.

The fight began. Eldric attacked with force and speed, his power of Vérium manifesting in the form of dark energy that enveloped his blade, making his blows even more devastating. With every move, he felt his anger and desire for revenge intensify, fueling his power.

Meanwhile, Lira moved among the trees, her agility allowing her to dodge the bandits' attacks while firing arrows. She concentrated, aiming at vital points, incapacitating enemies one by one.

The combat was intense and fast. Eldric took down one of the bandits with a precise blow, while Lira fired another arrow, hitting a second man who was trying to flank Eldric. But the fight was not without challenges. One of the strongest bandits charged forward, staring at Eldric with a cruel smile.

"You don't stand a chance against us!" he shouted, brandishing a longsword.

Eldric braced himself for the confrontation, his heart pounding in his ears. The man attacked with impressive fury, and Eldric had to use all his agility to dodge and counterattack. The impact of his blows was fierce, but the bandit was resistant.

As the fight intensified, Eldric felt a surge of dark energy within him, awakening a new ability of the Vorium. He screamed, unleashing a wave of power that pushed the bandit back, throwing him off balance. The opportunity presented itself and Eldric launched himself forward, delivering a mortal blow.

With the last bandit defeated, Eldric and Lira took a deep breath, adrenaline still coursing through their veins. The sense of victory was powerful, but there was a weight about them, the memory of what they were about to face.

"We did it," Lira said, with an exhausted smile. "But that was only part of what will come. We need to be better prepared for what is to come."

"Yes," Eldric agreed, looking at the notebook they found. "Now we know what they plan. We need to return to the guild and prepare. We cannot let more caravans be attacked."

With the notebook in hand, they began the walk back to the guild. But as they advanced along the trail, a shrill scream cut through the air, followed by sounds of struggle and screams of despair. Eldric and Lira exchanged glances, realizing that the battle was not over yet.

"It's a caravan!" Eldric exclaimed, running toward the sound. Lira followed him closely, his heart racing.

When they arrived at the scene, they found a caravan of merchants surrounded by a group of bandits, the same ones they had faced earlier. People were struggling, but the outnumbered was clear.

"We need to help them!" Lira shouted, already preparing his bow.

"Let's do it," Eldric replied, determined.

They threw themselves into battle, Lyra firing arrows as Eldric charged forward with his axe, delivering deadly blows. The fighting was fierce, but with the experience gained from the previous battle, they were more coordinated. Eldric used his power of Vérium again, creating waves of energy that threw enemies off balance, while Lira moved quickly, attacking with surgical precision.

The fight was intense, but the determination and courage of Eldric and Lira proved decisive. After a few minutes of fierce combat, they managed to defeat the bandits and save the caravan.

The merchants, grateful, approached. "Thank you! I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here," one of the caravan leaders said, relieved.

"We found a notebook with their plans," Eldric explained, holding the notebook. "We need to take this back to the guild. They are planning to attack more caravans."

"Then we must prepare," said the leader, looking at the road that stretched out before them. "If you can help us get to the guild, we will be indebted to you."

"Of course," Lira replied. "Let's go together."

With this new alliance, Eldric and Lira joined the caravan, continuing their journey to the guild, now not only as adventurers, but as defenders of those who could not protect themselves.