Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Into the Deep Woods

The morning came with a thick fog settling over the forest, a veil of mist that muted the sounds of birds and wildlife. The air was damp and cool, but Kor felt invigorated. His body still ached from yesterday's grueling training, but his mind was sharper than ever. Yara's lessons had started to take root, and he knew he would need every bit of skill to survive what lay ahead.

They broke camp early, Yara leading the way with her usual quiet confidence. The deeper they went into the forest, the more the trees seemed to close in around them, their thick branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. The forest had grown darker, more foreboding, and Kor felt a sense of unease creeping into his chest.

"This part of the forest is dangerous," Yara said as they moved quietly between the trees. "Few venture this far, and even fewer return. There are creatures here that are best left undisturbed."

Kor nodded, gripping the hilt of his small knife tighter. He was still no match for Yara's swordsmanship, but he was growing more comfortable with his blade, more confident in his movements.

Yara stopped suddenly, raising a hand. "Quiet," she whispered, her eyes scanning the path ahead. Kor froze, listening carefully. The forest was eerily still, but there was something else—a faint rustling sound, like leaves being disturbed by something far larger than any animal he had encountered before.

"Stay close to me," Yara instructed, her voice barely above a whisper. She drew her sword, its sharp blade gleaming even in the dim light of the forest.

Kor nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. They moved forward cautiously, every step deliberate and silent. As they pushed through a thicket of bushes, the source of the noise came into view.

At first, Kor didn't understand what he was seeing. The creature was massive, standing at least seven feet tall, with dark, leathery skin and long, gnarled limbs. Its eyes glowed faintly in the gloom, and its mouth hung open, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth. It was unlike anything Kor had ever seen—some horrible amalgamation of beast and nightmare.

The creature hadn't noticed them yet, its attention focused on the carcass of a large animal it was feasting on. Blood dripped from its mouth as it tore into its prey, its movements slow but deliberate.

Yara motioned for Kor to stay back as she moved to the side, trying to get a better view. She was light on her feet, but the creature suddenly stopped, its head snapping up as it sniffed the air. A low growl rumbled from its throat.

Kor's breath caught in his throat. He could feel the tension rising in the air, his muscles ready to spring into action at any moment.

Yara's hand shot out, grabbing Kor's wrist and pulling him back behind a tree. "We don't engage," she whispered, her tone firm. "We can't win against that."

Kor's pulse was racing, but he nodded. The creature had now fully risen to its feet, sniffing the air again. For a tense moment, it seemed as though it might come their way. But then, with a snarl, it turned and lumbered deeper into the forest, disappearing into the fog.

Yara let out a quiet breath, her grip on her sword loosening. "That was a Vorrak," she explained quietly, once the creature was out of sight. "One of the many dangers that lurk in these woods. It's best we don't encounter it again."

Kor swallowed, still shaken by the sight of the creature. "What was it doing here?"

"Hunting, like all predators in the forest," Yara said. "But that's the least of our concerns. There are worse things that dwell in these woods, especially near the temple."

They continued their journey in silence, the encounter with the Vorrak serving as a grim reminder of the perils that lay ahead. Kor's mind was filled with questions—about the creature, the temple, and the secrets the forest held. But more than anything, his thoughts returned to his parents. What if they had encountered something like the Vorrak when they disappeared all those years ago?

As if sensing his thoughts, Yara spoke. "You've mentioned your parents before. What happened to them?"

Kor hesitated for a moment before answering. "They vanished when I was five. They went into the forest, looking for something, but they never came back. Everyone in the village thinks they're dead, but I don't believe that. I have to find them."

Yara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "It's possible they were searching for the same thing you are now."

"The temple?" Kor asked, his brow furrowing.

Yara nodded. "The temple holds many secrets. It's said to be a place of great power, but also great danger. If your parents were searching for answers, it's possible they ventured there."

Kor's chest tightened. His parents had never spoken of the temple to him, but he remembered bits and pieces from overheard conversations. They had been restless before they disappeared, always discussing things in hushed tones. Had they been searching for the same answers he sought now?

"I have to know what happened to them," Kor said, his voice firm with determination.

Yara stopped walking and turned to face him, her eyes piercing. "You need to understand something, Kor. The temple may give you answers, but it may also lead to more questions—questions that could change everything you think you know about your family."

Kor met her gaze, his resolve unwavering. "I'm ready for whatever I find."

Yara studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Then we'll continue. But remember—answers aren't always what you expect. Sometimes, they come with a price."

---

By midday, the forest had grown even more foreboding, the trees twisting into unnatural shapes, their branches like gnarled claws reaching for the sky. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the sound of their footsteps was muffled by the thick undergrowth.

They reached a riverbank, the water flowing swiftly over jagged rocks. Yara paused, scanning the area before turning to Kor. "We'll rest here for a while before we cross. The temple is on the other side, but we'll need to be at full strength when we arrive."

Kor nodded, feeling the fatigue in his legs from the long journey. He sat down on a large rock near the edge of the river, watching the water rush by. His thoughts drifted to the red gem in his pocket, its warmth a constant reminder of the strange power it seemed to hold.

Yara, sensing his distraction, sat beside him. "That gem you carry—it's not just any ordinary stone, is it?"

Kor hesitated, then shook his head. "I don't think so. I found it in my family's paddy field, buried under the soil. It feels... alive, somehow."

Yara raised an eyebrow. "Alive?"

Kor nodded. "It pulses with warmth, almost like it's connected to something. I don't know what it means, but I feel like it's important."

Yara's gaze lingered on the gem for a moment before she spoke. "There are many legends about the temple, about relics that hold great power. If that gem is connected to the temple, it could be the key to unlocking whatever secrets lie within."

Kor looked down at the gem in his hand, its surface glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest. "Do you think it could help me find my parents?"

Yara's expression softened slightly. "Perhaps. But remember, power like that comes with consequences. Be careful with it, Kor. It could lead you to the answers you seek, or it could lead you down a path you never intended to take."

Kor clenched the gem in his hand, feeling its warmth seep into his skin. He didn't know what the gem's true purpose was, but he was willing to take the risk. He had come too far to turn back now.

---

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the forest, Yara and Kor prepared to cross the river. The current was strong, but Yara had scouted a shallow area where the rocks formed a natural bridge.

"We'll move quickly," Yara said, stepping onto the first rock. "The water is cold, and we don't want to linger in the open for too long."

Kor followed her lead, carefully stepping from rock to rock, his heart pounding as the cold spray from the river hit his legs. They were halfway across when Kor suddenly felt a strange vibration in the air, a low hum that resonated through his bones.

He stopped, looking around in confusion. "Do you hear that?"

Yara froze, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the forest on the other side of the river. "Yes. Something's coming."

Kor's heart raced as he felt the air grow heavier, the hum intensifying. Whatever was approaching, it was powerful. Yara drew her sword, her muscles tense as she prepared for whatever was about to emerge from the shadows of the forest.

Suddenly, the trees on the other side of the river parted, and from the darkness stepped a figure unlike any they had encountered before.

As Kor and Yara prepared to leave, the presence of someone approaching made them both freeze. From the shadows, a tall figure emerged, walking with steady, confident steps. Her face was partially obscured by a dark cloak, but her piercing eyes locked onto Kor's.

Kor instinctively reached for his knife, but Yara stepped forward, sword raised defensively. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

The woman halted a few feet away, her expression calm. She didn't appear threatened by Yara's blade, nor did she show any sign of hostility. "My name is Talia," she said simply, her voice cool and controlled. "That's all you need to know for now."

Yara didn't lower her sword, suspicion written all over her face. "Why are you here?"

Talia smiled faintly but offered no more information than her name. "You seek something," she said, her sharp gaze now focused entirely on Kor. "Something that will require more than just the skills you currently possess."

Kor's heart pounded as the woman's words hit deeper than he expected. She spoke as if she already knew of his journey, his desire to find his parents. But how?

"What do you mean?" Kor asked, frowning.

Talia turned her head slightly, her smile never quite leaving her lips. "I've been watching," she said vaguely. "You have potential, but you need more than just bravery. You'll need strength and discipline if you hope to survive."

Kor stood straighter, his curiosity growing, but there was a guardedness about Talia, as if she would only reveal what she deemed necessary. He could tell there was more she knew, but she wasn't going to offer it easily.

"What do you want from us?" Yara demanded, her tone still cautious.

Talia's eyes flicked to Yara before returning to Kor. "I don't want anything," she replied evenly. "But if you want to continue on your path, boy, you'll need training. I could help with that."

Kor felt a surge of hope. "You'll train me?"

Talia studied him for a moment longer, as if weighing his worth. "Perhaps," she said finally, her smile fading. "But first, you must prove yourself."

Kor felt a chill of anticipation. "What do I have to do?"

Talia glanced toward the denser part of the forest, her gaze turning serious. "There's a beast in these woods. You will hunt it, kill it, and return with its head. Only then will I know if you're ready."

Yara's grip on her sword tightened, her eyes narrowing. "You're sending him to his death."

Talia's smile returned, colder now. "If he's not ready, then yes. But if he survives, he'll learn something valuable." She gave Kor a final, unreadable look before stepping back into the shadows. "I'll be waiting."

---

Kor moved deeper into the valley, the weight of Talia's challenge heavy on his shoulders. As he ventured further into the dark woods, her words echoed in his mind.

Kor ventured deeper into the dense forest, where the light barely filtered through the canopy above. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, each step feeling heavier as the weight of the task ahead settled in. Yara followed behind him, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

"Are you sure about this?" Yara asked, her voice low but urgent.

Kor paused, looking back at her. He wasn't entirely sure, but something about Talia had sparked a fire in him. He didn't just want to pass the test; he needed to prove to himself that he was capable of more. If he couldn't even handle this challenge, how could he hope to find his parents?

"I have to do this," Kor said, determination tightening his voice. "I need to be stronger. I won't find my parents if I'm not ready for what's out there."

Yara frowned, clearly still uncertain, but she nodded. "Just don't take unnecessary risks," she muttered. "We don't know what's lurking out here."

As they continued forward, the forest grew eerily quiet. The usual rustling of leaves and chirping of birds had disappeared, replaced by a heavy silence that pressed in on them from all sides. Kor felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as they walked, a creeping sense of unease settling in.

Suddenly, a low growl reverberated through the trees, making both of them stop in their tracks.

"There," Yara whispered, pointing ahead.

Kor's eyes followed her direction, and he saw movement in the shadows. A massive, dark shape shifted between the trees. The beast was larger than anything Kor had ever seen before, its eyes glowing a fierce, unnatural red.

"That's it," Kor breathed, gripping the hilt of his knife.

The creature stepped fully into view, revealing its thick, matted fur and long, deadly claws. Its teeth were bared in a snarl, and it watched Kor and Yara with predatory intent. It was clear the beast was sizing them up, preparing to strike.

"Stay back," Kor whispered to Yara. He knew this was his trial, and while Yara had been by his side through everything so far, this was a test he had to face alone.

"Kor—" Yara began, but he shook his head.

"I need to do this," he said, his voice firm.

The beast let out a thunderous roar and charged. Kor barely had time to dodge to the side as its claws slashed through the space he had just occupied. His heart raced, but his mind remained clear. He couldn't win with brute strength alone.

He watched the way the creature moved—powerful, but not agile. It relied on its overwhelming force to crush its opponents, but it wasn't invincible.

Kor darted behind a tree, using the dense woods to his advantage. The creature snarled in frustration as it tried to follow, its massive body crashing through branches. Kor circled around it, staying low and keeping his movements unpredictable.

The beast lunged again, this time grazing Kor's arm. The sharp pain made him grit his teeth, but he didn't let it slow him down. He slashed back with his knife, catching the creature in its flank. It howled in pain, but it wasn't enough to bring it down.

"Come on, think," Kor muttered to himself. He needed to end this quickly.

The beast turned, snarling, and prepared for another charge. Kor realized he had to take a risk if he wanted to win.

He crouched low, pretending to stumble. The creature took the bait, rushing forward with reckless speed. At the last moment, Kor dove to the side, rolling to his feet and driving his knife deep into the creature's neck.

The beast let out one final roar before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

Kor stood there, panting, his hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline. He had done it. The beast lay dead at his feet.

Yara rushed forward, relief flooding her face as she saw that Kor was unharmed, save for the cut on his arm. "You're crazy," she muttered, but there was a hint of pride in her voice. "But you did it."

Kor nodded, still catching his breath. "Let's get this back to Talia," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

---

When they returned to the clearing, Talia was waiting, leaning casually against a tree as if she had known all along that they would succeed. She glanced at the beast's head, then at Kor, her expression unreadable.

"You managed to survive," she said, her tone neutral, but Kor could hear the faintest trace of approval.

"I did what you asked," Kor said, standing tall despite his exhaustion. "Now will you train me?"

Talia studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. "You've proven yourself capable," she said. "But understand this—what I teach you won't just be about fighting. Strength is important, yes, but it won't be enough. If you truly want to find what you're looking for, you'll need to master more than just your sword."

Kor's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Talia didn't answer directly. "You'll see," she said cryptically. "For now, rest. We start your training tomorrow."

As Talia turned and began to walk away, Kor called out, "Why are you helping me? What do you get out of this?"

Talia paused but didn't turn around. "I have my reasons," she said softly, her voice carrying an edge of mystery. "You'll understand in time."

And with that, she disappeared into the forest, leaving Kor with more questions than answers.

---

That night, as Kor sat by the fire with Yara, the weight of his journey pressed heavily on him. The red gem in his pocket pulsed faintly, a constant reminder of the path he had chosen. He was closer to finding his parents, but the road ahead was still uncertain.

"I don't trust her," Yara said suddenly, her eyes fixed on the flames.

Kor didn't answer immediately. He wasn't sure he trusted Talia either, but he knew one thing—if she could help him become stronger, if she could help him find his parents, then he had no choice but to follow this path.

"I have to do this, Yara," Kor said quietly. "I need to know what happened to them."

Yara sighed, her expression softening. "I know. Just… be careful."

Kor nodded. Tomorrow, his training would begin, and with it, he would take one step closer to uncovering the truth.

End of Chapter 7