Scouts

Azgore, Cilian, and Benjamin. The last three remaining. They wait for a few minutes, then Azgore shouts out loud with his magic enhancing his volume.

“JOHNATHAN! GUNVIL! IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, GIVE ME A SIGN!” Azgore says

Nothing came. They waited for another few minutes and no sign was shown nor given.

“What? It’s only been a few minutes. They shouldn’t have gone that far!” Benjamin exclaims

“Perhaps they sprinted?” Cilian asks

“My enhanced screaming should still be heard, especially in a quiet place like this. Anyways, we know once we enter. We’d have traveled miles already, shall we go?” Azgore asks the two

Cilian nods, followed by Benjamin’s nervous nod. Azgore takes the lead and enters the forest with both Cilian and Benjamin right behind him. They become engulfed in a mist, yet they still continue to move forward until they reach outside. Before them stands a statue of a guard from the kingdom of Icy Vale. The guard had his arms cut out, and his facial expression was screaming. But the uniform was, without a doubt, a guard from Icy Vale. There are others statues as well around them, on the ground and all broken to pieces. Cilian moves closer to inspect them.

“Well… we now know what’s happened to the scout team” Cilian says

“Well dang, seems like something did happen to the scouts that were sent” Benjamin says

“Honestly though, I don’t see how people turning into statues is possible” Azgore states

“I know of a monster that used to exist before the Gotriku came into existence, it was pretty common. Snake women that are able to turn people into stone with one look” Cilian replies

“Right… Seems like one of those monsters I don’t want to encounter, have you encountered one Cilian?” Ben asks

“No, I’ve only read them when I was doing reading about different kinds of monsters” Cilian answers

“Now’s not the time for talking. Seems like we got company” Azgore says

They didn’t notice it, but they have been surrounded. Multiple statues stood around them, behind trees. They all kept their distance. All of the statues looked like elf statues.

“Have they been here? I don’t think I wanna see inanimate objects move…” Benjamin says

“Then we’re gonna have to keep moving. Just be on guard. I have a bad feeling about these statues” Azgore says

The three of them continue moving, following a path that’s less covered by snow. After some time of walking, they find a cottage. There’s a lot of elf statues standing around the cottage. Benjamin hesitated in passing through, but Azgore boldly went for it, ignoring the fact that the statues may attack. Cilian waited for Benjamin to follow before going with them.

“You think this place’s safe?” Benjamin asks

“Of course not, but we must venture nevertheless” Cilian replies

Fortunately, for Benjamin’s small body. Cilian picks him up and sets Benjamin on his shoulders then follows behind Azgore. They both enter the cottage. First thing they noticed was a picture of a female elf dressed in white with whitet hair and purple eyes. In the picture were other dark elves with typical dark elf features, being dark skinned, shining eyes and silver hair. The three checked out the cottage. There’s a table and couches and chairs. Two doors leading to different rooms, must be the bedrooms. In the main room they were in. There is a well dressed man seated on the couch. Having golden blonde hair and a black jacket on him. He drinks his tea, and on the table is 3 other teacups as if expecting he would have visitors.

“Make yourselves at home. I’ve been waiting for your arrival” the man says

Azgore goes and sits down in front of him. The rest followed sitting on where there is space.

“We’re here from-”

“Yes, yes I know. From Icy Vale. Here to investigate the area, correct?” the man interrupts Azgore

“How much do you know?” Cilian asks

“Enough. One question I’d like to ask though. Who is this person?” the man asks

He shows an orb and the orb reveals two people walking on a clearing in the forest. From the orb, they can see a lot of statues surrounding them hiding in the forest, but dare not to approach. In fact, the statues move away when the two move closer to them. Benjamin and Azgore take a closer look at who they are.

“Why would you want to know who they are?” Azgore asks

“This item is really good for stalking, where’d you get such a tool? Why are you looking at our friends through your orb thing?” Benjamin asks

“Something wild is going on here, like all the statues in the area. Yet they seem to be afraid of one of them” the man replies

“So the statues animated? Wait, then this cottage….” Benjamin says

“Indeed Benjamin, we’ve been surrounded” Cilian confirms

“Wait! What do we do now?! I don’t want to die yet!!” Benjamin exclaims

The orb shows both Denila and Adelgeld walking towards the direction of a tower. The man keeps the orb back preventing them from seeing anything more.

“Before we continue, let’s go with the introductions. I am Anthony Heusch. Do not worry about the statues outside, I’ve made sure that they won’t be hostile when near my cottage” Anthony says

“Cilian, one of the Frost Knights of Icy Vale. We are also the royal knights” Cilian says

“Azgore Vanro… Ex-Military Officer” Azgore introduces himself

“Benjamin Bardborn, born a bard” Benjamin introduces himself

“There must be something you want from us, I doubt you’d just let us walk straight in” Azgore says

“Indeed, I do find your team quite an interesting one” Anthony answers then sips his tea

“Oh why so?” Benjamin asks

“No one has really been this far before. The scouts did venture in, but they all died too quickly. Same goes for the other hunters that got lost. Only your group has been far, especially the girl and the mage that I showed in the orb” Anthony answers

“They both are intune with magic after all. They should be able to break any barrier you’ve placed” Azgore answers

“I see. Normally my barrier prevents others from going to the tower, and instead straight to their death. But it seems that someone here must also be quite unique to be able to resist the barrier and find themselves here” Anthony says

“What is your end goal here Anthony?” Azgore asks

“To follow my master’s wish. She wants me to take over Icy Vale, I shall follow her command” Anthony answers

Cilian grabs the hilt of his sword then pulls it out revealing the blade of enhanced ice, immediately standing up. He points the blade at Anthony.

“There’s no room for talking now. Your life ends here” Cilian says

“Now now, killing doesn’t have to be part of this!” Benjamin exclaims

Benjamin readies shortsword. Azgore sees what’s happening and grabs a handle, which extends into an axe.

“If we’re fighting here, then whatever happens here won’t be our fault, Anthony” Azgore says

“Are you sure you’d want to fight me?” Anthony asks, his voice sounding deeper and darker, with an aura of bloodlust from his voice

Anthony’s hair can be seen turning messy, and his eyes turning red. A gem grows out from his forehead. Still seated he drank the last bit of his tea then stood up.

“This is the point of no return!” Anthony says