The Prince squared his shoulders, his grip tightening on his sword. "Then we will take it by force," he said.
The Guardian laughed again. "You may try," he said. "But you will not succeed. The Forest is ancient and powerful, and it will not be tamed."
The Prince raised his sword, his eyes blazing with determination. "We will see about that," he said.
The Sorceress stepped forward, her hand on the Prince's shoulder. "Wait," she said. "There may be another way."
The Guardian's voice boomed through the chamber once more. "Speak, Sorceress," he said.
The Sorceress turned to the Prince. "We cannot fight the Forest," she said. "But we can ask for its help."
The Prince lowered his sword, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?" he asked.
The Sorceress closed her eyes and began to chant, her voice low and melodious. The air around them shimmered, and a faint green light filled the chamber.
