-------------------------------
Near river of nightmares, we can see another group of crenhearts walking on land, trampling on vegetation and eating whatever wildlife they come across. Surprisingly this place has high vegetation and big trees. Perfect for some nocturnal hunters to watch and scavenge the remains.
Some are bold enough to snatch the dead creatures from the jaws of crenhearts. These birds with big wings and beaks stronger than sharpened bones are terrors of the night. They are called "Night Demons" or "Oshu" by the locals of this area. Their victims are usually small creatures and their offsprings, but they can also kill larger creatures with teamwork.
Suddenly one of the crenheart is ambushed by a black tiger. With claws strong enough to dig through their scales it starts to pounce on its belly, slashing through inards and biting the fresh meat.
The crenheart winces and cries in pain, alerting the others. Three crenheart bolt in the direction of battle only to get entangled in vines and tree roots.
The crenheart at the front manages to bite through the roots and attacks the black tiger.
Unfortunately it is stopped by another crenheart who leaps toward it from the bushes. Both of them tumble in order to bite the other. Watching them fight are the "Oshu" and some humanoid creatures from the trees. One of them has a wooden staff and seems to be concentrating on something.
"I can't stop them for more than 5 minutes Erlos, prepare to engage."
Says the creature with staff.
"Attack!!"
Yells a burly one with twin swords and an eyepatch.
Behind him two more of them start to growl and increase in size, one of them gains claws and brown fur while the other gains white fur and big fangs.
They transform into a 'Grizzly bear' and 'Sliver wolf'.
The sudden change in weight and size causes the branches of the tree to swing and all three leap forward towards the remaining entangled crenhearts.
Below, the crenhearts are struggling as the roots force them to lay on their backs. One of the crenhearts rolls it's body and breaks free from the hold. It watches three creatures coming towards it and tries to retreat. Unfortunately there is no retreat as the Silver wolf blocks it's path while the one eyed creature slashes it in the back.
It's scales are useless as the swords glow with a blue glow and melt through its body like a knife through cooked meat. The crenheart is cut into two and stops moving. Other crenhearts shake voilently while watching this. But with the restraining roots, they are unable to escape.
The bear slashes it's claws towards the soft scales of the stomach and impales the crenheart. The other one gets pounced on by the wolf while it's legs are hacked off by the twin swords. In a few minutes all crenhearts are dead except the one which was with the humanoid creatures.
Moonlight illuminates the creatures and they revert back to their original form. They have long ears, pale skin, armour made of wood and clothes of matching colour with the vegetation. These are "Wood Elves" a sub species of 'elves'. They are shapeshifters, while the one eyed could be a warrior.
[POV Erlos]
"Well done everyone, another successful fight against those crazy ones."
"Specially you Pilriha, your timing with the trap was excellent."
"Gather the bodies, we need to burn them before they infect other creatures."
With these words everyone starts collecting the limbs and bodies of these crenhearts.
'The number of infected has increased by a lot since last year.'
'Damn those Urks lurking in deep waters, they have destroyed the natural system now.'
These crenhearts were amphibian species but the infection fills their gills with mucus and makes them crazy.
'Before, at most one or two came with some level of sanity. But now, there will always be insane and crazy ones coming to kill everything.'
I watch as a pile is made in front of me consisting of dead crenhearts.
With a heavy heart I go forward, my sword starts to emit heat and I swing it towards the pile. Yellow flames erupt from my sword and rush forwards. In a span of minutes, the crenhearts become bones.
"May Mother watch over you and guide your soul."
We all pray together while watching the remains.
I go forward and with the help of Silva, we put the remaining bones inside the pit of soil.
'These will become nourishment for new life and the cycle will go on naturally.'
With our mission today successful we start walking towards our hometown , 'Vorgholm'.
'Nothing to be annoyed of, it's just one moon away and with our whole party uninjured we will be there in no time.'
My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Silva from behind.
"Sir Erloss....
I don't feel so good"
'Ugh damn it'.
-------------------------------