The darkness of night was settling in as the adventurers ventured into the dark forest, the mist settling in thickly amongst the trees. It was eerily silent, the only sound being the echoing crunch of twigs and leaves beneath the adventurers' feet as they treaded further and further into the mysterious depths of the woods.
The wind rustles through the air, carrying with it a chill that gave a foreboding omen of something sinister waiting in the dark woods. Vylen could feel the dread slowly inching up his spine, but he held back the fear as he and his comrades trudged deeper and deeper. He knew that this dark forest was where Minataur Mephutus resides, and he had to stop him from plaguing the land with the plague of immortality before it was too late.
The forest seemed to have a mind of its own, as if it wanted them to reconsider their foolishness of entering this sacred land. Trees towered over them like a sentinel ready to protect the otherworldly forces housed within it and the darkness seemed to cling to them like a cold, damp mist.
At the front of the group, Vylen led the way with Makt, his raven familiar, perched proudly on his shoulder. With a telepathic bond, they could communicate with one another and give each other courage as they ventured further into the forest. Thorne, a skilled archer with a bow that could never miss, walked by Vylen's side, while Zephyr the rogue, Rook the bard, Eira the healer, and Kaela the warrior followed.
Makt, the raven familiar of Vylen, kept a careful eye on the path, vigilantly searching for any hidden danger. With telepathic bond between him and his master, Makt was keenly aware of the danger that lurked in the darkness. Vylen felt the uneasy bond throbbing in his chest, and he payed Makt's warnings deeply.
The five were no strangers to danger, yet the sinister aura of the forest seemed to chill their blood. None of them spoke as they made their way gingerly through the overgrowth of vines and trees that had all been warped and corrupted by an unseen force.
Suddenly, a loud taunt bellowed from the darkness, echoing around them. 'venite ad me inimici mei,' (come to me my enemies) It spoke in a language Vylen recognised as Latin.
'It speaks Latin!' Rook exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear.
Vylen watched as everyone's faces around him became pale as they mentally searched for the words to confront the minataur. Taking a deep breath, Vylen stepped forward with a confident raise of his chin.
Vylen bolted up, taking a step forward with courage. 'Minotaur Mephtus, I am here with my comrades to defeat you!' he declared with a booming tone, hoping to mask his underlying fear with courage.
'Quid majus quam ruis lacessere telis ?? principium et finis venite ad vos viri fortes et feminae.' asked Minataur Mephutus in Latin. (what is greater than you rushing to attack me with your weapons? the beginning and the end come to you strong men and women.)
'Gloria tibi? Puto te tam stulta et stulta,'
(glory to you? i think you are so silly and foolish ) Minotaur Mepthius voiced, his tone full of disdain.
Vylen and the others felt the ground beneath them shake as they heard the deep menacing laughter of the mighty beast.
Kaela stepped forward, unleashing a shield's might and wielding her blade as she roared in defiance. 'You shall witness our might and you shall regret your words!'
Kaela summoned all her courage and shouted a reply.
"Vincimus!"
(let's win)
Thorne stepped up, undeterred. He drew his bow and pointed it towards Mephtus with a firm grip. 'Stand aside, or be cut down,' he threatened confidently.
Thorne notched an arrow and Eira readied herself for any healing duties that may be necessary for her team. Zephyr kept himself hidden, his eyes scanning the area for any weak spots in the minotaur's defences.
The minotaur let out a thunderous roar, filling the area with the sound of might before thundering towards them. Makt took flight in order to gain a better overview of the battle.
The raven, Makt, watched silently, softly cawing in a gentle, whisper's message: "Be brave and know that friendship and courage shall conquer all evil."
The next few moments were a flurry of steel and arrows and healing and relentless assault from the minotaur. But it was clear that the minotaur was quickly being overwhelmed by the brave and determined fellowship.
Eventually, with one final might swing of Kaela's blade, the minotaur let out a scream of agony before crumbling to the ground, defeated.
The fellowship let out a might cheer, feeling the weight of their battle finally lifted. Vylen felt proud looking around at his companions, and thankful for the power of Makt's telepathic bond.
Makt, who had been keeping a careful eye on the battle from above, felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched the battle come to an end. As he flew away, carrying with him the message of victory, he left behind with Vylen and his comrades a reminder of the importance of unwavering courage in the face of even the darkest of enemies.
Though they had triumphed, Vylen's heart was heavy. The dark forest had taken its toll and as they left, Vylen whispered to Makt, "We must remember, only in the darkness can we find the courage necessary to face our fears."
Makt flapped his wings softly in agreement and then flew ahead, lighting the path to freedom with the moonlight that glimmered in his eyes.