Before they set off, the village elder, an ancient woman named Safiya, approached Jude. She handed him a small, intricately carved talisman. "This will protect you from the spirits that guard the valley," she said. "Use it wisely."
Jude thanked her and placed the talisman around his neck. With a final look at the village, the team set off towards the Valley of Echoes.
The journey was arduous. The path was rugged, and the jungle thick with undergrowth. The air grew cooler as they ascended into the hills, and the sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy. The group moved cautiously, aware of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows.
As they approached the entrance to the valley, a sense of foreboding settled over them. The valley was shrouded in mist, and the air was thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.
Kesi, leading the way, held up a hand. "We're close. Stay alert."
