Holy Remedy

Prologue

At the mid-13th century, the Magyars took the challenge of rebuilding their Kingdom of Hungary, which was devastated by the Mongols invasions. However, not all had altruistic intentions. Someone authoritative and influential, fixed his gaze on the Carpathian Mountains. He found the perfect way to increase his power without arousing suspicion. With intelligence and cunning, he did anything possible to achieve it, no matter the consequences.

To the northeast of Hungary, a lush forest hugged the Bükk Mountains. Two figures mounted on horseback were heading towards the woods. As they entered, the trees' shadows slowly began to wrap them. They tried to stay on the roads, but the vegetation increasingly made more difficult the passing of their horses. Green became the only color that would serve them company from now on.

The Sun descended in the heavens; slowly but surely, allowing the darkness to take hold over them. The birdsong decreased its frequency, giving welcome to the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife.

"We have spent four days touring the mountains, and now this accursed forest; Ignác, my senses are starting to falter" said a complaining voice while breathing heavily; looking at the sides, with a nervous attitude.

"Don't curse Gáspár. I must remind you that we are in Bükk" said a hoarse voice. "This are sacred mountains, according to the legend. Few people has come as deeply as we are. So I need you to keep your sanity" added with a jocular tone; he made fun of his young companion.

"I'm trying my friend" said Gáspár doing his best to calm down, without realizing the other knight's tone. "It's getting dark, we need a place to set up a camp".

"I agree" replied Ignác.

The main road into the forest came to an abrupt end. They had to dismount their horses to be able to move forward. After a few minutes, they found a small clear in the woods, perfect for set up a camp. "I doubt that we can find a better place" Ignác said.

They tied their horses to some trees, and began to unpack the materials to set up a shelter. "Do you think it's true what they say in Eger about this forest?" asked Gáspár, while digging some holes in the ground for the tent's support.

"People say a lot of stupid things" replied the older knight. "These stories about ghosts, apparitions and guardian spirits of the forest, are nothing more than tales made up by women to keep their children safe".

"The real danger lies in the living, not the dead. However, we must be cautious, I don't like this assignment much" he added while gathering wood to make a small fire.

"I hope so. You are more experienced and have seen more combat than I have" said Gáspár respectfully to his partner. "Is it true what they say about the Mongols that invaded our kingdom? They devour the bodies of those killed in battle?" asked the young man while placing the tent's fabrics.

"I've heard those rumors from some survivors of the battle fields. Personally I didn't witness such barbarity, but..."

Ignác's response was interrupted by a noise that came from the trees. Something hovered near them, leaves and small branches on the ground creaked; it seemed to be steps in the darkness. The night animals stopped emitting sounds; only the campfire's crackling was present.

The knights' senses were at their maximum perception. They came close to execute a defensive posture. The scarce light didn't allowed them to see beyond a few meters. Both unsheathed their swords, while searching for a possible threat in the forest. They looked in all directions, but they couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"Who goes there?" asked Ignác with authority. He listened again footsteps in the darkness, but this time closer, and behind them. They immediately turned in the direction of the sound, but were unable to discern anything among the vegetation.