Chapter 111: The Shadow's Reach
The group left behind the complicated underground passages to find daylight as the sunrise appeared over the distance. The landscape's beauty suffered from the distant smoke rising from the jungle while the light illuminated it with gold and pink colors. A deep sorrow overwhelmed Natasha when she saw that the Dark Tide had started its attack on territories outside the walls.
"We need to regroup with the others," Natasha said, her voice firm despite the exhaustion weighing on her.
Alison responded with a simple nod while his eyes checked the vast distance. "Ira, how far is the rendezvous point?"
With her forehead creased Ira unfolded the map. The destination lies southwest at approximately half a day travelling distance. The team has a chance of reaching the rendezvous point before mid-afternoon provided they maintain high speed.
Under a stern expression Dren checked his armor straps for proper fit. "We'll need to move fast. The leading forces of the Dark Tide will continue their advance beyond the tunnels. The approach of this enemy force will unfold explosively throughout the region therefore we need to remain concealed to survive.
After a deep breath Natasha strengthened her determination. "Let's move. Time wasted now threatens the safety of additional people in this moment.
With the jungles dense plants offering concealment the team marched toward their destination. The heavy humidity together with an irregular terrain made the travel path difficult and time-consuming. The obstacles did not stop Natasha from keeping them moving ahead because of her unyielding determination.
During their passage through a thick forest area Alison took position next to her. He spoke with gentle tone while observing my silence.
Natasha checked her surrounding while guarding her face with her expression. "Just trying to focus. The risks involved in this situation demand that I stay focused because distractions could lead to failure.
"Alison said these words while keeping his gaze fixed on her face. This burden of yours no longer needs to be faced by yourself because you have our full support. We're in this together, remember?"
He received the slightest sign of kindness from her when she smiled. "I know. Thank you, Alison. For always having my back."
Ira lifted his hand as group leader to signal the group members should halt their advancement. She held an intense gaze while examining their surroundings before speaking her words with a whisper.
The golden energy from the Heart gave Natasha just enough light to see through the shadows while she brought out her sword. "What is it?"
He indicated the ground in front of them. Multiple feet had passed by this spot because the ground surface showed signs of trampled leaves and churned soil.
Dren bent to the ground to inspect the tracks in front of him. "Foot soldiers. At least a dozen, maybe more. The soldiers move toward the camp where we are going.
"The camp," Alison said, his voice tight. "They're heading for the camp."
The tension in Natasha's hands became stronger as she held her sword. We must reach the enemy forces ahead of their arrival to the camp. If they find our people…"
Without finishing her thought she let the heavy silence take over the air.
The group began moving faster with absolute silence as their main objective. The trail became more recent until they finally heard voices which indicated their presence. The team received an order from Natasha to organize into an ambush formation.
The dense vegetation allowed them to observe a group of Dark Tide soldiers. Under the scarce light of the canopy the soldiers appeared with their rough weapons reflecting strongly. The group leader stood at its center while wearing elaborate black armor with its metal plating shining in the dim light.
"They don't know we're here yet," Natasha whispered, her voice barely audible. "We take them by surprise. Alison, you and Dren take the left flank. Ira, cover us with magic. I'll lead the charge."
Alison gave a curt nod. "On your signal."
Natasha waited until the soldiers were close, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, with a fierce cry, she burst from the undergrowth, her sword slicing through the air.
The Dark Tide soldiers were caught off guard, their formation breaking as Natasha and her team descended upon them. The battle was chaotic, the clash of steel and the roar of magic filling the jungle.
Natasha moved with precision, her strikes empowered by the Heart of Light. She cut through the enemy ranks, her focus unshakable. Beside her, Alison fought with equal ferocity, his blade a blur as he held the line.
Ira unleashed a torrent of spells, her magic creating barriers to protect the group and unleashing devastating attacks on the enemy. Dren's axe swung in wide arcs, cutting down any soldier who dared approach.
The leader of the Dark Tide soldiers stepped forward, his armor radiating a dark energy that made the air around him feel heavy. He locked eyes with Natasha, a sinister grin spreading across his face.
You think you can stop us?" he taunted, his voice deep and mocking. "The Heart of Light won't save you. It will only delay the inevitable."
Natasha didn't respond. Instead, she charged, her sword meeting his in a blinding clash of light and dark energy. The force of their collision sent shockwaves through the jungle, and for a moment, it felt as though the very ground beneath them was shaking.
The two exchanged a flurry of blows, their movements a deadly dance of power and precision. Natasha could feel the weight of the Heart's energy in her strikes, but the Dark Tide leader was equally formidable, his attacks relentless.
"Natasha!" Alison shouted, stepping in to block a strike aimed at her side. Together, they pushed the leader back, their combined efforts forcing him to retreat.
Realizing he was outmatched, the leader snarled. "This isn't over. The Dark Tide will consume everything you hold dear."
With that, he disappeared into the shadows, his remaining soldiers scattering into the jungle
The group regrouped, their breaths heavy and their bodies battered but alive.
"That was too close," Dren said, wiping blood from his axe.
Natasha nodded, her expression grim. "They're getting bolder. This won't be the last time they try something like this."
Alison placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. "But we stopped them this time. And we'll stop them again."
Ira looked toward the horizon, her face pale. "We need to get to the camp. If the Dark Tide knows about it…"
"We won't let them destroy it," Natasha said firmly. "Let's move."
As they continued their journey, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that the Dark Tide was growing stronger, their reach extending further with each passing day. But she also knew that as long as she had her team by her side, she wouldn't give up.
The Heart of Light had chosen her for a reason, and she intended to see this fight through to the end.