As Rafe and Twilight continued their journey northward, they could feel their anticipation mounting. The possibility of finding a safe haven, even if only temporarily, was exhilarating.
As they walked, they couldn't help but wonder about the people who may have once lived in the abandoned camp. What happened to them? Were they killed by monsters or some other unknown threat? The thought sent shivers down their spines.
The landscape around them became more rugged and barren as they trekked further north. It seemed as if life had been stripped from the land, leaving nothing but rocky terrain and the occasional shrub.
Finally, after hours of hiking, they caught a glimpse of it in the distance. The fortress.
It was a formidable structure, made of large stone blocks that had withstood the test of time. The walls were tall and sturdy, with towers that jutted up toward the sky. The drawbridge was pulled up, indicating that the fortress was not currently inhabited.
The fortress was indeed enormous. Its walls towered above them, seeming almost impossible to scale. Rafe ran his hand over the rough stone, feeling the weight of history in every stone. It was a formidable structure, a testament to the skill and determination of those who had built it.
But there was something eerie about the place. Despite its size, it seemed entirely deserted. There was no movement on the battlements, no sounds of activity from within the walls. Even the gate stood open, as if welcoming them in.
Rafe hesitated before entering, his instincts telling him that something was not right. But he and Twilight had come too far to turn back now. They stepped through the gate and into the courtyard beyond.
It was empty, too. Not a soul in sight. The buildings that lined the walls were silent, their windows dark and empty. Even the stable was empty, the stalls barren and unkempt.
Twilight's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of life. Rafe followed her gaze, scanning every inch of the courtyard. But there was nothing. No footprints, no discarded food, no sign of recent activity.
It was as if the fortress had been abandoned for years.
They made their way through the empty streets, the silence oppressive around them. Rafe's footsteps echoed against the stone walls, a hollow sound that seemed to stretch on forever.
Finally, they came to the watchtower. It was small, but sturdy, and Rafe felt a sense of relief wash over him as they stepped inside. It was safe, at least, and they could rest for a while.
Twilight took first watch, perched atop the tower and scanning the empty courtyard below. Rafe settled in to rest, but his mind was too restless for sleep.
Would they ever find a way home? The fortress was just another glimmer of hope in his three year long journey that was squashed in an instant.
Another fruitless adventure. However, at least now he had someone to share this burden with. Another stranded.
Rafe sighed heavily, feeling the weight of their situation pressing down on him. He glanced up at Twilight, who was still keeping watch, and felt a pang of gratitude. He wasn't alone anymore.
"Twilight," he said softly, not wanting to startle her. "You ever think about if we'll ever make it back? If we'll ever make it back to the real world? I'm starting to think, what if we never...."
He trailed off.
Twilight turned to look at him, her expression thoughtful. "Of course I do," she said. "But we've made it this far haven't we? What, are you starting to think of giving up? I knew you were weak"
Rafe spat.
"As if. Just thinking. You could say I don't have the highest hopes at the moment...for obvious reasons"
He leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes and trying to push aside his worries.
As he sat there, he became aware of a faint sound in the distance. It was a low rumble, growing steadily louder.
"What's that?" Twilight asked, her voice tense.
Rafe stood up, his heart pounding. "Why the fuck would I know?"
They hurried down the stairs and out into the courtyard, just as a group of riders thundered into view. They were dressed in dark armor, with menacing weapons strapped to their belts.
Rafe drew his sword, ready to kill. But the riders didn't seem interested in attacking them. Instead, they rode straight for the fortress gate and disappeared inside.
Rafe and Twilight exchanged a wary glance. Who the hell?
"Let's follow" Twilight said.
Rafe nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. They made their way through the empty streets, following the sound of the riders' horses.
As they rounded a corner, they saw the riders gathered in the courtyard, speaking with a tall, imposing figure. He wore a long, dark cloak and carried a staff adorned with glowing crystals.
Rafe and Twilight hesitated for a moment, unsure if they should reveal themselves. But the tall figure turned and looked straight at them, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light.
"Who are you?" he called out.
Rafe and Twilight stepped forward, their weapons at the ready. "We're travelers," Rafe said. "We were just passing through."
The tall figure studied them for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "You look like you can handle yourselves," he said. "Perhaps we can be of use to one another."
Rafe and Twilight exchanged a skeptical glance. But they had nothing to lose at this point. They nodded, willing to hear him out.
The tall figure smiled, revealing sharp teeth. "Excellent," he said. "I am Erebos, and I am in need of brave souls like yourselves."
'Yeah, right. You mean you need some bait'
Rafe spat.
Still, he was incredibly skeptical. Just who are these bastards? They didn't look too dangerous, yet they were well-equipped. Plus, they seemed to have managed to get a few horse-like creatures. Of course, they weren't actual horses. Instead, they had a single eye and two horns.
"What exactly are you wanting to do like?"