Chapter 11 Awakening of The Fallen
The sun hung low in the sky as Elias set up his camp deep within the forest, the scent of damp earth and pine filling the air. He carefully arranged the items needed for the ritual, preparing to raise the hunter he had slain. Gathering the necessary components, he focused his energy, drawing upon the dark magic of his grimoire as he began to chant the incantation.
As the last word echoed in the stillness, the air shimmers around the corpse. The hunter's body convulsed for a moment before rising as a Draugr. Elias observed as the hunter stood, stiff and unyielding, lacking the higher intelligence that once defined him. There was an unsettling beauty in the simplicity of its mechanical obedience, a reminder of what had been lost.
He tested his newfound creation with simple commands. "Follow me," he instructed, and the Draugr complied, albeit with awkward, clumsy movements. It turned and stumbled slightly, demonstrating its lack of coordination. Elias chuckled lightly, appreciating the irony of his creation—once a skilled hunter, now an unthinking servant.
Realizing the need for caution, he commanded his zombie bird, a zombie that moved with a jerky, erratic motion, to scout the area around the nearby village. With a mental link established, he directed the zombie bird to search for secluded spots where the Draugr could hide until it was safe to move.
Moments later, the undead bird returned, conveying the image of a thicket nearby that appeared undisturbed and well-hidden. This would be the perfect place to stash the Draugr until he could safely return for it.
As he made his way to the hiding spot, Elias couldn't shake the ethical implications of his actions. The hunter had once lived a life filled with purpose, now reduced to a tool for his ambitions. A sense of conflict stirred within him—was this really what he wanted?
Upon reaching the thicket, he instructed the Draugr to stay put and guard the area. He carefully concealed it with foliage and branches, ensuring it remained out of sight. This spot was well-hidden, separate from the main forest paths, making it unlikely that anyone would stumble upon his Draugr.
With the Draugr secured, he pondered his next moves. The dangers lurking near the village and the potential for acquiring more useful corpses or resources weighed heavily on his mind. However, the recent appearance of bandits complicated everything, leaving him anxious about their intentions.
As night fell, an eerie quality enveloped the surroundings. Strange sounds echoed through the trees, raising the tension. Flicker remained alert, sensing any disturbance in the area, but there was no immediate threat nearby.
Elias felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The presence of the bandits in the vicinity was a significant setback, threatening his plans for acquiring more undead and risking exposure of his activities in the forest. He steeled himself for whatever danger might arise in the coming days, knowing that he must be prepared to adapt to the unfolding situation.