Chapter 10: Shadows of the Past
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A Grim Warning
As Garv made his way through the forest, the morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. Though the battle was over, a sense of unease lingered. The shattered fragments of the Kal Khanjar had vanished, and Garv couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't truly destroyed.
He reached a small clearing and sat down to catch his breath. Closing his eyes, he focused on regaining his energy. But just as he began to meditate, a chilling voice echoed in his mind.
"You may have defeated the dark ape, but this is far from over. The shadows have claimed your name, Garv."
Garv's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. The voice felt ancient, malevolent. He quickly scanned the area, but there was no one in sight.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the dread creeping in.
The voice chuckled. "A mere pawn in a greater game. You've only scratched the surface of what lies ahead. Beware, for your true enemy watches from the darkness."
And then, silence.
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The Village of Ashgrove
Garv continued his journey, eventually arriving at Ashgrove, a small village nestled between the hills. Smoke curled from the chimneys, and the faint hum of villagers going about their day provided a stark contrast to the battle he had just endured.
An elderly woman tending to her garden noticed him and called out, "Traveler! You look weary. Come, rest a while."
Grateful for the kindness, Garv approached. "Thank you, ma'am. I've been on the road for some time."
As she led him to a bench, her eyes flickered to the faint cut on his cheek. "You've seen trouble," she remarked.
Garv nodded. "It's been a rough journey."
She hesitated, then leaned closer. "There's been talk of dark creatures near the old temple ruins. Some say the shadows are alive. You'd do well to steer clear of that place."
Garv's interest piqued. "The temple ruins? What do you know about them?"
The woman shook her head. "Only that it's cursed. Travelers who go there never return. It's best left alone."
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An Unwelcome Arrival
As Garv rested, the village's peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of galloping hooves. A group of riders, clad in dark armor, stormed into the square. Villagers scattered in fear as the leader, a towering figure with a jagged scar across his face, dismounted.
"Listen up!" the man bellowed. "We're searching for a man—young, dark-haired, wielding magic. Have any of you seen him?"
Garv tensed, recognizing the description as his own. He glanced around, noticing a small group of children hiding nearby. One of them, a boy no older than ten, was staring at him wide-eyed.
The boy whispered, "It's you, isn't it?"
Garv placed a finger to his lips. "Stay quiet," he mouthed.
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A Sudden Decision
The armored men began searching the village, kicking down doors and interrogating anyone they found. Garv knew he couldn't risk a fight here; the villagers would be caught in the crossfire.
As the men approached the bench where he sat, Garv whispered a spell under his breath. A gust of wind swirled around him, carrying the faint scent of pine, and he vanished into the shadows.
The leader of the group cursed. "Find him! He's here somewhere!"
From his hiding spot, Garv watched as the men spread out. He needed to draw them away from the village. Summoning his courage, he stepped into the open, just far enough for the soldiers to spot him.
"There he is!" one of them shouted.
Garv turned and bolted toward the forest, the soldiers hot on his heels.
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The Forest Chase
The dense trees provided cover, but the soldiers were relentless. Garv darted between trunks, leaping over roots and ducking under branches. He could hear their shouts growing louder, the sound of their swords clanging against their armor.
Finally, he reached a narrow gorge with a rushing river below. Trapped, he turned to face his pursuers.
"You've got nowhere to run!" the scarred leader sneered, drawing his blade.
Garv smiled faintly. "Who said I was running?"
With a wave of his hand, he summoned a wall of fire, cutting off the soldiers' advance. The flames roared, forcing them to step back. But Garv knew it wouldn't hold for long.
He stepped to the edge of the gorge and looked down at the river. "Time to take a leap of faith," he muttered, and with that, he jumped.
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A New Ally
The icy water engulfed him, dragging him downstream. Struggling to stay afloat, he finally managed to grab onto a low-hanging branch and pull himself to shore.
As he lay on the riverbank, catching his breath, he heard footsteps approaching. He tensed, preparing for another fight, but instead, a calm voice greeted him.
"You've had quite the adventure, haven't you?"
Looking up, Garv saw a figure cloaked in white, their face obscured. The stranger extended a hand.
"Come with me," they said. "There's much you need to learn."
Garv hesitated, then took the hand. Whoever this was, they seemed to know more about the dangers he faced than he did.
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To Be Continued...
Who is this mysterious figure? What secrets lie within the cursed temple ruins? And who is the true enemy watching Garv from the shadows? Stay tuned for the next chapter!