Unity

Chapter 7 - The Test

Trist's POV:

We walked as one, our group slowly making their way through the dense forest. Much fallen flora obscured our path, however with both Darkblood and Nari now working together again, clearing the fallen debris was a much easier feat. The fallen trees were concerning, however, since they were not at all sparse. Many of the thick trunks had been carved with rugged talons. Something extremely large had dug into the coarse wood, the weak, flaking bark ripped away like torn paper.

These Shakivrah, Nari had called them, were beasts born from darkness, sent to kill our race by a forgotten deity, a deity other than the Five Divines we believed in. A god of shadows, that controlled all those living below. It was a terrifying prospect; and what forms these beasts came in were still unbeknown to us. We'd been approached by several hellhound-like beasts, however the marks in the trees indicated that Shakivrah came in other, much larger forms as well. We'd have to keep a look out for any commotion; an encounter with a group of them sounded more like suicide than a fight.

Do not trust Nari. She is an outsider; just as Darkblood is. Refrain from speaking to them.

My eyes widened at the familiar voice, my head spinning with a sense of unease, however what I saw was none other than the path we'd already trodden. I let out a heavy breath, eyes darting over the surrounds. What on earth was that? I'd heard the voice before; it was the voice in my head, directing my thoughts. But these thoughts seemed to be speaking to me. They weren't my thoughts in the slightest.

"Something the matter, Trist?" Degranté eyed me with concerned eyes, and I glanced briefly at Nari, before shaking my head in denial. Wherever the voice had come from, they had no need to worry. I didn't trust any of the people in this group. To some extent, yes, but when it came to my life and survival, the only thing I trusted was myself and my instincts.

April called us ahead, since we were slowing down substantially. I jogged to keep up with the energetic group. Despite my initial concern, travelling with this group seemed to be much more interesting than staying in Sagacity. I'd found a significant amount of loot on my way here as well, despite the odd and slightly disgusted looks I'd gotten from the group. There was a rather fine pocket watch I'd obtained, attached by a short gold chain. I'd removed the watch and threaded my ring onto the thin length of gold, the rectangular black stone now rested in the crevice of my collarbone. I felt stronger, having the ring close to me. When that child had stolen it from me back in Sagacity, I'd almost doubled over with nausea. It was strange; we were somewhat connected, in a way.

When the beasts had attacked Darkblood's otherworldly form, I felt the stone throb. A somewhat startled heartbeat, heating up with an intense, yet unnaturally placid fire, as if the flickering heat was contained within the gemstone's confines. I'd begun to believe it was nothing, since it had happened only once before, however, the ring was beginning to raise my concern. I didn't know where it had come from; after waking one morning, just before the ongoing hell had reached our town, I'd found it on my finger, the intricate band adorned with an elaborate design of a wild storm, lightning and wind wrapped around the curl of silver. It was a gorgeous ring, but its presence was just as strengthening and familiar as it was ominous.

When you reach the next clearing, there will be a choice. Oppose Nari at all costs.

I froze, pulling a knife from my belt, holding it out in preparation for attack, every small movement of flora making me twitch. Yet, just as before, nothing came. There was no threat. Now, not only was this voice talking to me, it was predicting the future.

What in the Five Divines...?

April froze, noticing my alarm, looking back at me with a frown.
"Is something wrong? You're awfully on edge today, Trist. Did you hear something?" She said, running a hand through her loose brunette locks. Nari and Darkblood eyed me with curiosity, Nari bent down, whispering something in Darkblood's ear. He nodded, weak eyes glued to mine.