6 Chapter 6 - The Forest... (1/2)

It had been a week since the team had departed from Ange. They'd already connected with the rocky road. They were now approaching Brundel, only a few days away from their destination.

They'd run out of food a while ago, and started hunting the local animals. The carriage slowed down as it approached a slight opening in the forest they were passing through. It was already night.

”Let's camp here Borgel. The place is a good opening for us.” said James.

”Indeed. Ann and Harry, can you two help me set up the tents?”

Harry and Ann had gotten off the carriage, helping Borgel carry the several tents they had to set up camp.

”Hey Griff! Come on. I'm going to test your new skills!”

”Eh! Coming!”

Griff grabbed his short-sword. James had given it as a gift to him. The duo started running in to the forest.

”You two are on cooking duty when you get back! You rascals!” screeched Borgel, seeing that the two were ditching the rest again.

Ann started laughing as she saw the two rush towards the forest, ignoring Borgel's cry.

”Ann, a little help?”

Ann turned to see Harry getting crushed under everything Borgel was giving him to carry. She laughed and moved towards him to help.

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”Sheesh Griff, you've really improved.”

”You really think so?”

”Yeah!”

James then pointed at Griff's legs with his blade.

”However, you still need to get faster. Like I said, you're low on endurance. Perhaps try changing that to an advantage? Make the enemy think your fast. Like someone who looks strong but is weak. Use intimidation.”

He then sheathed his sword, and hung his arm around Griff who was tired from the spar. The duo started walking back towards their camp. James turned to Griff and smiled.

”You'll make a great adventurer!”

Griff's eyes sparkled.

The duo continued walking, but suddenly James put his hand on Griff's mouth, whispering in his ear.

”Don't. Make. A. Sound.”

He pulled out his blade, but something was different. He did so with killer intent. Danger...

Griff slowly followed as James gestured him to move forward. They kept moving towards the large tree that they had marked before in order to remember the road back. James slowly turned right with Griff right behind him. Griff couldn't see his surroundings as it was dark. He tripped over something which he presumed to be a rock, and fell.

”Griff, psst, are you 'kay?”

”Yea. Fell over, that's it.”

Griff got up, and was about to walk away. However, just then the moon light illuminated their surroundings. Griff opened his mouth but James covered it just in time.

”Sorry little bro, just… bear with it for now.”

Griff nodded. His legs felt weak from what he had seen. They slowly started walking towards the carriage that wasn't too far away.

As they walked, thunder struck from behind them. Burning a couple of trees. The fire, as a result, illuminated the ground once more. Showing an unmoving body of a once cheerful and helpful man…

Borgel's head was severed and one could see the fear in his eyes, which were wide open with his tongue sticking out. His body looked marauded. Blood gushing out of what was presumed to be fresh wounds… A burning tree fell over his body… sending him up above.

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”Griff, sit there. Be. Quiet.”

James was gesturing towards the tent that was set up. James continued to walk towards the carriage to see where his companions were.

”J…ames”

James turned around, looking at a bloodied Harry lying on the ground, holding his chest. He had stab wounds… bite marks and much more. James kneeled near him.

”Brother… who did this?”

”Ban….dits. Took…Ann. Killed Bor…gel.”

Harry started coughing. In response, James gave him some water from his bag.

”Had wol..ves. Cloaked…”