Fort carmine

The Carmine Fortress stood proudly, its dark stone walls contrasting with the starry night sky. The knights stationed there to protect the region were at ease that evening. But a strange wind blew, bringing with it an unsettling rumor that was spreading among the soldiers. The previous visit from the hero to resolve the situation had left a semblance of calm.

In the great hall of the fort, an urgent council had gathered. Two captains were present to give a general report on the fort's situation and its surroundings.

Captain Nasios, a man with a piercing gaze and silver hair, stood before a large wooden table. He had actively participated in the defense of the fort, just like his colleagues. They listened attentively to the messenger, who seemed out of breath after running for hours to arrive.

"Captain Nasios! Villagers from the surrounding areas are reporting sightings... Ghostly figures at night, dressed in armor like ours. They say these specters whisper strange words before disappearing into the shadows."

"We've also noticed that the regular contact we have with some villages has been cut off," Jorh added.

Nasios furrowed his brow and turned toward the other knight captains.

"Specters, you say? This isn't the first time we've heard such stories, but the rumors have always been unfounded. However... If the villagers are speaking of it, we must take it seriously. Moreover, if we've lost contact with some villages, who is ready to investigate?"

Jorh, a young knight, stood up energetically. There was a fire in his eyes, always ready to defend the honor of the knights. For him, patrolling was crucial, and he wanted everything to be done according to his vision. For that, he had no choice but to head to the village himself.

"I'll be part of the investigation team. We need to understand what's happening, and if there is a real danger, we must protect these villagers."

"Specters, huh? Maybe it's a setup. Maybe it's bandits in disguise, or villagers who are too frightened by the darkness."

"The doubt is legitimate, Sir Nasios. But this isn't the first time strange phenomena have occurred in the area. I want us to know exactly what's going on. Let me gather a team. We will leave at dawn."

Jorh flashed a confident smile.

"Alright, Captain. I'll prepare our men."

Captain Jorh then turned to the messenger, who was waiting anxiously.

"As for you, messenger, go back to the village immediately and make sure no one is in danger. Tell them we will come in the morning. Afterward, we will organize ourselves to sweep the area."

"At your command, Captain!" The messenger hurried out of the room.

The knights exchanged glances with a sense of concern. Some appeared tense, others curious, but they all knew they were embarking on a new mission, one that could become more dangerous than usual.

The next morning, a group of knights led by Jorh set out. They crossed dark forests, the sun's rays struggling to pierce through the thick branches. The silence among the knights was heavy with tension.

The morning had risen over Carmine Fortress, bathing the fort's walls in a golden light, but the atmosphere was far from peaceful. A cool breeze blew through the battlements, bringing with it the scent of damp earth and surrounding trees. Although the terrain in front of the fort was flat, beyond it lay a rocky area and on the other side, a small forest.

Inside, in the great hall, the knights were gathered around a massive table, listening attentively to the latest information provided by the messenger.

Captain Tennin, who had just returned from his mission, had caught wind of the situation. He stood at the end of the table, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze pierced each knight's face, scrutinizing their reactions. He knew that this mission would be delicate, that doubt could plant seeds of fear in the minds of the younger knights. But action was required, without hesitation.

"This is not just a rumor. The villagers are reporting sightings. Armored figures, dressed like us. If these events are as serious as they seem, we must leave immediately to investigate. This is why I need your support. Who will volunteer for this mission?"

The knights exchanged looks. The silence hung heavy in the room, but it didn't last long. After all, Jorh had already done everything necessary regarding this mission. He raised his hand with a determined gesture.

"Sir Tennin may not know this yet, but I have committed myself to completing this mission. I've selected those who will go. If there are any volunteers, they are free to join us. And if there are specters, it is our duty to uncover the truth. This is not a danger we can ignore."

Tennin, older and more experienced, nodded with a slightly skeptical look but a glimmer of respect in his eyes. He knew Jorh's diligence, but he also understood that every mission carried its risks.

"I'll go as well. But rest assured, we are not seeking a pointless battle with nonexistent specters. If this is all an illusion, we must be prepared to return."

"Very well. Sir Tennin, you will be one of the leaders. You will take care of analyzing the situation before any action is taken."

The knights nodded in agreement. Captain Nasios turned to Sir Kryan, a calmer knight, always pragmatic, but with a sharp sense of observation.

"Kryan, you will be responsible for coordinating movements once we're on site. You must keep an eye on every detail, nothing must escape your attention."

"Forgive me, Sir Tennin, but I cannot accept this request. We are understaffed; having two captains on the same mission is inefficient."

While Kryan presented his respects and acknowledged his orders, "At your command, Captain,"

Sir Tennin sighed.

"Prepare yourselves. We will leave in one hour, as soon as the team is ready. Sir Jorh, gather your men. You are heading to the village mentioned by the messenger.."

One hour later, in the courtyard of Carmine Fortress...

The horses were ready, their hooves striking the ground of the courtyard with a rhythmic sound.

The knights had equipped themselves, their armor gleaming under the first rays of the morning. The wind whistled through the stones, bringing a sense of anticipation.

Kryan approached Captain Jorh, his gaze determined.

"Everything is ready, Captain. The team is complete, and the horses are packed. We have everything we need for the investigation."

"Very well. We'll take the most direct route. Kryan, make sure no one lingers. We don't have time to waste."

Kryan, adjusting his sword, gestured for the men to line up, ready to depart. They mounted their steeds and set off, the sound of hooves echoing on the stone of the Fort.

The journey to the village was made in a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of horses stamping and birds flying away as they passed.

There were moments when whispers could be heard, but as soon as no one had anything to say, the silence fell back immediately.

The sky was cloudy, and the air carried a chill that kept everyone on edge. None of the knights spoke much; all were focused on their mission, each lost in their own thoughts.

As they moved away from Fort Carmine, the group plunged into the dark woods that bordered the road leading to the village. The trees were tall, their branches twisted like specters themselves, filtering the daylight. The wind blew harder, and a strange sensation gripped the air.

Jorh, though skeptical, could not ignore this feeling. A shiver ran down his spine.

"The air here feels... different. As if nature itself is on edge."

"We're approaching the village. If these specters really exist, we'll know soon enough."

"Stay vigilant, everyone. We don't know what awaits us."

"It's probably just a simple misperception. Nothing more."

"We'll see, but we must be prepared for anything."

The knights, led by Jorh, murmured among themselves.

When they reached the village, the inhabitants were nervous, whispering to each other, but not daring to speak openly. The village leader greeted them, visibly relieved by their presence.

The village nestled in a secluded valley, surrounded by wooded hills and overgrown farmland. The dwellings, small and modest, were scattered throughout winding cobblestone streets between the fields. The houses were made of local stone and wood, some having lost their luster over time. The thatched roofs, worn by the seasons, seemed to blend with the surrounding landscape, giving the village a mix of both picturesque and solitary charm.

The village was separated from the forest by a small stream that wound quietly, its crystal-clear water reflecting the sun's rays. However, despite this apparent beauty, a strange atmosphere hung over the village. The fresh breeze blowing down from the hilltops carried the scent of damp earth and vegetation, but also something indefinable, a lingering sense of unease.

At the village entrance, the villagers had gathered in the central square. Their eyes were fearful, and some of them whispered as they saw the knights approaching.