The forest was unnervingly quiet as dawn broke. Mist clung to the ground in wispy tendrils, curling around the bases of ancient trees like ghostly vines. Shafts of pale sunlight pierced through the thick canopy above, illuminating the damp, uneven path ahead. It was the sort of setting that might have inspired poets or painters—except for the bickering duo trudging through it.
"This isn't the way north," Kael said, his voice flat but with an edge of exasperation.
Alticia spun around dramatically, her golden hair whipping in the air as she planted her staff in the dirt. "I'll have you know I have an impeccable sense of direction!"
Kael raised an eyebrow, gesturing at the moss-covered trees. "We passed that one twenty minutes ago."
She glanced at the tree in question, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Maybe the forest is enchanted," she mumbled, lifting her chin defiantly. "Shifting paths to confuse travelers and all that. You wouldn't understand—it's an elven thing."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, his sigh carrying the weight of a man who had seen far too much nonsense for one lifetime. "Enchanted, right. And I suppose the goblin we chased off last night enchanted itself straight back to its nest while we wandered in circles?"
Alticia waved him off, turning back to the path. "Details, details. The important thing is we're making progress."
Kael muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "In the wrong direction."
---
As the morning wore on, the dense forest began to thin. The ground grew rockier, the trees smaller and more scattered. By midday, they came upon a low ridge overlooking a shallow valley.
Kael crouched behind a bush, motioning for Alticia to do the same. She knelt down beside him, though her movements were anything but stealthy—her staff clattered against a rock, and she nearly lost her balance in the process.
"Quiet," he hissed, peering through the foliage.
"Why are we whispering?" she whispered back, her face a picture of oblivious curiosity.
He pointed down into the valley. A group of goblins—five this time—were gathered near a dilapidated wooden shack. They were armed with the same crude weapons as before, but these looked more organized, with one larger goblin barking orders at the rest.
Alticia's eyes lit up. "Perfect! A chance to prove myself again!"
Kael grabbed her wrist before she could stand. "Are you insane?" he whispered harshly. "That's five of them. You barely handled three."
"I handled three just fine," she shot back, yanking her arm free. "You're forgetting the part where my singing saved the day."
"Your singing didn't save anything. My crossbow did," Kael retorted.
She crossed her arms, pouting like a child denied dessert. "Well, I'm not just going to sit here while they plot their evil schemes. A hero takes action!"
Kael rubbed his temples. "Fine. But we do this my way. No singing, no speeches, no—"
But she was already on her feet, staff raised high. "♪ Oh, vile goblins, prepare to face your doom~ ♪"
Kael groaned.
---
The goblins froze at the sound of her voice, their heads snapping toward the ridge. For a moment, they looked genuinely confused, as though they couldn't comprehend what they were hearing. Then the leader let out a guttural roar, and the group sprang into action.
Alticia charged down the ridge, her staff held aloft like a warrior's blade. Behind her, Kael cursed under his breath before nocking a bolt into his crossbow and following her.
The goblins spread out, forming a loose line as they prepared to intercept her. One of them hurled a jagged spear, which she narrowly dodged by tripping over her own feet and tumbling to the ground.
"See? Even fate is on my side!" she declared, scrambling back to her feet.
Kael arrived just in time to take down the spear-thrower with a clean shot. "Fate has nothing to do with it!" he snapped, reloading his crossbow.
Alticia twirled her staff, taking an unnecessarily dramatic stance. "Now, witness the true power of my voice!"
Before Kael could stop her, she began to sing again.
"♪ Goblins, goblins, go away~ ♪"
Her voice hit a note so piercing that the nearest goblin dropped its weapon and clutched its ears, letting out a high-pitched wail. Another goblin staggered backward, its face contorted in pain.
Kael shot the remaining goblin before it could recover, then turned to glare at her. "Stop doing that! You're going to alert the whole forest!"
She looked genuinely offended. "That's the point! How else will they know I'm here to stop them?"
He didn't even dignify that with a response.
---
As the dust settled, Kael scanned the area for any signs of reinforcements. The shack the goblins had been guarding appeared empty, its wooden planks warped and rotting with age.
Alticia, meanwhile, was busy inspecting the goblin leader's weapon—a jagged blade crusted with rust and something she didn't want to think about.
"Why do goblins always have such terrible taste in weaponry?" she mused aloud.
"Probably because they spend less time talking and more time using them," Kael replied dryly, kicking one of the fallen goblins to make sure it was truly dead.
She ignored him, her attention shifting to the shack. "Do you think they were hiding something in there? Treasure, maybe? Or a secret goblin map?"
Kael sighed. "More likely another goblin or two waiting to ambush us."
She waved a hand dismissively. "You're so paranoid."
"Paranoia keeps you alive."
Ignoring his warning, she marched toward the shack, her staff tapping against the ground with each determined step. Kael followed reluctantly, muttering something under his breath about reckless elves.
When they reached the shack, Alticia pushed the door open with the tip of her staff. The interior was dark and musty, with broken furniture scattered across the floor. A crude pile of straw in the corner suggested it had been used as a makeshift sleeping area.
"Well, this is underwhelming," she said, wrinkling her nose at the smell.
Kael stepped inside, his crossbow at the ready. "Underwhelming is better than deadly."
She poked around the room, her excitement fading as it became clear there was nothing of interest. "Not even a shiny trinket," she muttered.
Kael glanced at her, shaking his head. "Let's move. The longer we stay here, the more likely something will find us."
She sighed dramatically but followed him out of the shack. As they stepped back into the clearing, she couldn't resist one last comment. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be my sidekick, you're awfully bossy."
Kael snorted. "Sidekick? If anything, I'm the babysitter."
---
As Alticia and Kael stepped out of the shack, the forest around them seemed eerily still. The air was heavy, and even the birds had fallen silent.
Kael stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing. He tilted his head slightly, scanning the tree line. "Do you hear that?"
Alticia paused mid-step, her staff dangling loosely in one hand. "Hear what? The sound of our stunning victory?"
Kael held up a hand to silence her, his sharp gaze locked on the shadows between the trees. "No. Footsteps. Heavy ones."
Before she could respond, the bushes nearby erupted with movement. A goblin twice the size of the ones they had just defeated barreled into the clearing. Its green skin was streaked with scars, and it wielded a massive club that looked like it had been fashioned from a tree trunk.
Alticia froze, her jaw dropping. "That's... not normal goblin-sized."
"Exactly," Kael muttered, unslinging his crossbow.
The oversized goblin roared, the sound deep and guttural, before charging straight at them.
Kael fired, but the bolt only grazed the creature's arm. It didn't even slow down. "Move!" he barked, grabbing Alticia's arm and yanking her out of the way just as the goblin's club smashed into the ground where she had been standing.
She stumbled but quickly regained her footing, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement. "Alright, big guy. Let's see how you like this!"
She raised her staff and began to sing, her voice hitting a note so high it made Kael wince.
"♪ O mighty beast, be still and despair~ ♪"
The goblin winced, shaking its head as if trying to clear its ears. For a moment, it seemed like the song was working. Then it let out another roar and charged again.
Kael cursed under his breath, diving to the side to avoid the club's swing. "That's not working!" he snapped.
"It just needs more time!" Alticia argued, her voice cracking as she dodged another swing.
Kael didn't waste any more words. He reloaded his crossbow, aiming for the goblin's exposed neck. This time, the bolt hit its mark. The creature let out a choked growl, staggering back before collapsing with a thunderous crash.
Alticia stood frozen, staring at the fallen goblin. "Hah! See? I told you it was working!"
Kael gave her a flat look. "It wasn't your singing. It was my bolt."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Details. What matters is the team effort."
Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Let's just get out of here before more of them show up."
---
As they continued through the forest, Alticia's mood seemed unaffected by the near-death experience. If anything, she looked even more confident than before.
"Admit it," she said, grinning up at Kael. "You're impressed by my skills."
"Impressed isn't the word I'd use," he replied dryly, keeping his eyes on the path ahead.
"Well, you should be," she continued, ignoring his tone. "Not everyone can wield the power of music like I can."
"Not everyone should," Kael muttered under his breath.
Alticia stopped walking, planting her staff in the ground with a dramatic flourish. "You're just jealous because you don't have an ounce of creativity in that grumpy, crossbow-wielding soul of yours."
Kael stopped as well, turning to face her. "Creativity doesn't keep you alive. Being smart does."
"I am smart," she shot back.
"You tried to sing at a goblin twice your size."
"And it worked!"
"It didn't."
Alticia opened her mouth to argue further, but the sound of rustling leaves cut her off. Both of them turned sharply toward the source of the noise.
Kael raised his crossbow, his body tensing. "Stay behind me," he said quietly.
For once, Alticia obeyed without argument, gripping her staff tightly as she peered over his shoulder.
A figure stepped out from the trees, but it wasn't a goblin. It was a woman, cloaked in dark green, her face partially obscured by a hood. She carried a staff much like Alticia's, though hers was adorned with intricate carvings and glowing faintly with a soft blue light.
Kael lowered his crossbow slightly, though his grip remained firm. "Who are you?"
The woman didn't answer immediately. She studied them both in silence, her gaze lingering on Alticia. Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but firm. "You're far from safety. What brings you this deep into the forest?"
Alticia stepped forward, puffing out her chest. "We're on a heroic mission to stop the goblin menace!"
Kael groaned softly. "We're just passing through," he corrected, giving Alticia a warning glance.
The woman's lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile. "A noble cause," she said, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But you won't last long out here without guidance."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "And you're offering, just like that?"
"Let's just say I have an interest in seeing how far your... unique talents can take you," the woman replied, her gaze shifting back to Alticia.
Alticia beamed. "See? Someone recognizes my greatness!"
Kael muttered under his breath, "Or your insanity."
The woman extended a hand. "Call me Elenya. If you're serious about facing the goblins, you'll need more than luck and... enthusiasm."
Alticia took her hand without hesitation. "Welcome to the team, Elenya!"
Kael sighed heavily. "Great. Another one."
---
With their new companion in tow, the trio set off deeper into the forest. The dynamic between them shifted quickly—Elenya seemed to have endless patience for Alticia's antics, even offering occasional advice on how to "refine" her bardic talents.
Kael, meanwhile, kept his distance, muttering about how two reckless elves were worse than one. But despite his grumbling, he couldn't deny that having a magic user on their side might prove useful.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the forest began to change. The trees grew taller, their bark darker and gnarled. The air grew colder, and an unsettling stillness settled over the path.
Alticia, undeterred, began humming softly to herself. Elenya walked beside her, occasionally glancing at Kael, who brought up the rear.
"We'll reach the goblin stronghold by tomorrow," Elenya said, her voice quiet.
Kael nodded. "Good. The sooner we deal with this, the better."
Alticia twirled her staff, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Tomorrow, the goblins will learn the true power of—"
"Don't say it," Kael interrupted, his tone weary.
"...my music!"
Kael groaned. Elenya chuckled softly.
And so, the journey continued.
---
Night fell quickly, and the forest transformed into a different world. The towering trees cast long, skeletal shadows across the ground, and the air grew thick with an unsettling stillness. Kael moved with practiced silence, his crossbow ready in his hands. Elenya followed a few steps behind him, her glowing staff casting a faint blue light that barely illuminated the path.
At the back of the group, Alticia hummed softly to herself, the notes occasionally breaking the eerie quiet.
Kael stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. "Enough."
Alticia blinked, her humming cutting off mid-note. "What? I'm just keeping morale up."
"You're also letting every creature in the forest know exactly where we are," he said, his voice low but firm. "This isn't a parade."
She pouted but fell silent.
Elenya stepped up beside Kael, her voice calm. "It's understandable. Fear often manifests as noise."
"I'm not afraid," Alticia protested, planting her staff in the dirt with unnecessary force. "I just think silence is boring."
Kael glanced at her over his shoulder. "You'll find the sound of goblin blades less boring, I promise."
---
The trio moved cautiously through the forest, the dim glow of Elenya's staff barely cutting through the thick darkness. Alticia trailed behind, her confidence noticeably quieter than before. The earlier battles had left her robe smeared with dirt, and her staff, once a symbol of her "bardic power," now felt heavier in her hands.
Elenya walked beside her, her voice soft but firm. "Your enthusiasm is admirable, but Kael is right. These woods aren't kind to noise."
Alticia shot her a sidelong glance, brushing a stray leaf from her hair. "You're both so serious. It's like you've never heard of keeping spirits high."
Kael, a few paces ahead, snorted. "Spirits don't stay high when they're dead."
The elf huffed, crossing her arms. "For someone who's always frowning, you sure know how to kill a mood."
Kael didn't look back. "Killing's a specialty of mine. Moods are just a bonus."
Elenya chuckled softly, though her gaze remained on the path ahead. "Alticia, tell me—how did you become a bard?"
Alticia perked up at the question, a smile returning to her face. "Ah, an excellent inquiry! It all began with my innate talent for music." She twirled her staff dramatically, narrowly missing a branch overhead. "As a child, I sang in the meadows, serenading the deer and rabbits. They were... deeply moved by my voice."
Kael muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Moved to run away."
"I heard that!" Alticia snapped, glaring at the back of his head.
Elenya hid a smile behind her hand. "And what made you choose adventuring?"
"Destiny, of course!" Alticia declared, throwing her arms wide. "I'm meant to inspire the masses, to turn the tide of battle with my melodies. The world needs a bard like me!"
Kael stopped abruptly, causing Elenya to bump into him. He crouched low, raising a hand to silence them.
"What is it now?" Alticia whispered, leaning forward.
"Tracks," Kael said, his voice barely audible. He pointed to the ground, where a series of clawed footprints were pressed into the soft dirt. "Fresh."
Alticia squinted at the prints. "They look... goblin-y."
Kael glanced up at her, his expression unreadable. "Goblin-y isn't a word. But yes, they are."
---
The group huddled together in a small grove, the trees around them forming a natural barricade. Kael knelt on the ground, drawing a crude map in the dirt with the tip of his knife.
"There's a clearing up ahead," he explained, his voice low but steady. "Looks like a meeting point. These tracks lead straight to it."
Elenya studied the map, her glowing staff casting long shadows over the markings. "How many do you think?"
"Hard to say," Kael admitted. "More than we've faced so far."
Alticia crouched beside them, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Then we'll need a plan. Something bold. Something... musical."
Kael groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "For the love of—no singing."
"It worked before!" Alticia argued, her voice rising slightly.
"Barely," he shot back. "And only because I was there to pick up the pieces."
Elenya raised a hand, her tone placating. "Perhaps there's a middle ground. A distraction, perhaps, to draw them into the open."
Alticia's eyes lit up. "Yes! I can sing to lure them out!"
Kael looked like he was physically restraining himself from saying something unkind. "Fine," he said finally, through gritted teeth. "But the moment things go south, you stop. Understood?"
"Understood!" Alticia replied cheerfully, clearly not understanding at all.
---
The clearing was a rough circle of dirt and stone, surrounded by dense underbrush. In the center, a group of goblins milled about, their guttural voices rising and falling in chaotic rhythm. At least eight of them were visible, including one larger goblin wearing a crude crown of bones.
From their hiding spot, Kael adjusted the sights on his crossbow. "That's the leader. If we take him out first, the rest might scatter."
Alticia peeked over the bush, her staff clutched tightly. "Or," she whispered, "we could confuse them with a rousing ballad."
Kael ignored her, nodding to Elenya. "Ready?"
The mage raised her staff, the faint glow intensifying as she whispered an incantation. Tendrils of light spiraled outward, forming a shimmering barrier around the group. "Ready."
Kael turned to Alticia. "Just... try not to die."
Alticia grinned. "I'm practically invincible!"
Kael muttered something under his breath, then fired the first shot. The bolt struck the goblin leader square in the chest, knocking it back with a guttural cry.
The clearing erupted into chaos. Goblins screeched and scrambled, their weapons raised as they searched for the source of the attack.
Alticia leapt to her feet, raising her staff high. "♪ Fear not, for justice is here~ ♪"
Her voice cut through the din like a blade, sharp and discordant. The goblins froze, their faces contorted in pain. One dropped its club and fell to its knees, clutching its ears.
Kael stared at her, half-impressed and half-horrified. "I can't believe that's actually working."
"It's always worked!" Alticia declared, spinning her staff like a baton.
The goblins began to recover, their anger redoubling. They charged toward the group, their guttural cries shaking the trees.
"Time for Plan B!" Kael shouted, firing another bolt.
"What's Plan B?" Alticia asked, panic creeping into her voice.
"Don't die!"
---
By the time the dust settled, the goblins lay scattered across the clearing. Kael wiped the sweat from his brow, his crossbow dangling at his side. Elenya leaned against her staff, her breathing slightly labored from the magic she had expended.
Alticia, on the other hand, was beaming. "See? Another victory for the power of song!"
Kael gave her a flat look. "If by 'song,' you mean sheer luck and the fact that goblins have terrible hearing, then sure."
Elenya chuckled softly, her gaze shifting between the two. "Luck or not, we're still alive. That's worth celebrating."
Alticia twirled her staff, her confidence fully restored. "Exactly! And tomorrow, we'll face even greater challenges!"
Kael sighed heavily, already regretting every decision that had led him to this moment.
---
Nightfall had fully descended by the time the group found a suitable spot to rest. Kael chose a small grove surrounded by dense underbrush, its natural barriers providing some semblance of security. A makeshift fire crackled in the center, its light flickering across the tired faces of the trio.
Alticia sat cross-legged near the fire, plucking at the strings of a small lyre she had produced from her pack. The notes were surprisingly soft and soothing, a stark contrast to the chaotic singing she had unleashed earlier.
Kael leaned against a tree, his arms crossed as he watched her with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance. "Didn't know you could play something without making it sound like a dying cat."
Alticia shot him a glare but didn't stop playing. "I'm multi-talented. Unlike some people."
Elenya sat nearby, her staff resting across her lap. She smiled faintly, her gaze shifting between the two. "You play beautifully, Alticia. Why don't you sing to match?"
Alticia straightened, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Finally, someone who appreciates true art!" She plucked a dramatic chord, opening her mouth to sing—
"Don't," Kael interrupted, his tone sharp.
She deflated slightly, but the mischievous glint in her eye remained. "Fine. No singing. For now."
Elenya chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You two make quite the pair."
Kael snorted. "We're not a pair. I'm just making sure she doesn't get herself killed."
"And I'm making sure he learns how to have fun," Alticia quipped, plucking another cheerful tune.
Kael sighed, his gaze shifting to the fire. "Let's just get through tonight without any more surprises."
---
The fire had burned low when the first noise broke the silence. It was faint, a rustling in the underbrush, but it was enough to jolt Kael awake. He reached for his crossbow, his movements slow and deliberate as he scanned the darkness beyond the firelight.
Alticia stirred, rubbing her eyes. "What is it now?" she whispered, her voice groggy.
Kael held up a hand, his eyes narrowing. "Quiet."
Elenya was already awake, her staff glowing faintly as she rose to her feet. "Something's out there," she murmured.
Before Kael could respond, a shadow darted through the trees, too quick to identify. Alticia gasped, gripping her staff tightly. "Is it a goblin?"
Kael shook his head. "Too big."
The rustling grew louder, closer. Kael motioned for the others to stay behind him, his crossbow trained on the dark.
Then, with a burst of movement, the creature emerged—a massive wolf, its fur matted and its eyes glowing an unnatural red.
Alticia took a step back, her grip on her staff trembling. "That's not a normal wolf."
Kael fired, the bolt striking the wolf's shoulder. It snarled in pain but didn't falter, its focus locked on the group.
"Stay back!" Kael shouted, reloading quickly.
Elenya raised her staff, her voice steady as she began to chant. The glowing orb at the tip of her staff pulsed, sending a burst of light toward the wolf. The creature howled, momentarily blinded.
Alticia, her fear giving way to determination, stepped forward. "Alright, big guy. Let's see how you handle a bard's fury!"
Kael groaned. "This is not the time—"
"♪ Wolf of darkness, tremble at my might~ ♪"
The wolf let out a high-pitched whine, its ears flattening against its head. It turned and bolted back into the forest, disappearing into the shadows.
Alticia turned to the others, a triumphant grin on her face. "See? My singing works!"
Kael stared at her, his expression somewhere between disbelief and exhaustion. "Or it just couldn't handle the noise."
Elenya chuckled softly, lowering her staff. "Either way, it's gone. That's what matters."
Kael muttered something under his breath but didn't argue further.
---
When dawn broke, the group resumed their journey. The forest was less oppressive in the daylight, though the tension from the night before lingered. Kael led the way, his crossbow always within reach, while Elenya walked beside Alticia, engaging her in quiet conversation.
"So," Elenya began, her tone light, "have you always wanted to be a bard?"
Alticia nodded enthusiastically. "Ever since I was little! Music has always been my calling. It's a gift, you know."
Kael, walking ahead, muttered, "Some would call it a curse."
Alticia ignored him, continuing, "And I'm not just any bard. I'm destined to be legendary!"
Elenya smiled. "You certainly have the passion for it. But have you considered... refining your craft?"
Alticia frowned slightly. "What do you mean? My craft is perfect."
Kael snorted. "If by 'perfect,' you mean terrifying every living creature in a five-mile radius, then sure."
Alticia huffed, crossing her arms. "You're just jealous because I'm more memorable than you."
Kael glanced back at her, raising an eyebrow. "Memorable isn't always a good thing."
Elenya chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Perhaps we should focus on the task ahead."
---
By mid-afternoon, the group reached the edge of a dense thicket. Beyond it, the faint sound of guttural voices and clinking metal drifted through the air. Kael held up a hand, signaling the others to stop.
"Goblin camp," he said quietly, crouching low.
Alticia peered through the foliage, her eyes widening. "There must be dozens of them!"
Elenya nodded, her expression serious. "This won't be easy."
Kael studied the camp, his mind racing. "We'll need a plan. Something quick and decisive."
Alticia grinned, twirling her staff. "Or we could charge in, singing all the way!"
Kael sighed heavily. "Why do I even try?"
---
Alticia crouched next to Kael, her staff clutched tightly in her hands. The goblin camp sprawled before them, a chaotic arrangement of crude tents, rusted weapon racks, and a central fire pit that billowed smoke into the afternoon sky. At least fifteen goblins milled about, some sharpening their weapons while others argued loudly over scraps of food.
Kael scanned the scene, his expression grim. "We need to take out their leader. Without him, the rest might scatter."
Alticia leaned closer, squinting at the goblins. "How do we know which one's the leader? They all look like... well, goblins."
Elenya tilted her staff slightly, the faint glow illuminating her sharp features. "Look for the one with the biggest weapon or the most decoration. Goblins like to flaunt their power."
Kael pointed to a larger goblin sitting near the fire. Its rusted helmet was adorned with feathers and bones, and it clutched a jagged sword that seemed too heavy for its hunched frame.
"There. That's him," Kael said. "We take him out, then create enough chaos to force the others to retreat."
Alticia straightened, gripping her staff with renewed determination. "Perfect. I'll distract them with a song while you two—"
Kael clamped a hand over her mouth before she could finish. "No singing. Not yet."
She glared at him, her muffled protests making Elenya stifle a laugh.
---
Kael took the lead, moving silently through the underbrush. His movements were precise, every step carefully placed to avoid snapping twigs or rustling leaves. Behind him, Elenya followed with equal grace, her staff held close to her chest.
Alticia, however, was a different story.
Her boots crunched against the dirt, her staff bumped against tree trunks, and at one point, she tripped over a root and nearly face-planted into a bush.
Kael stopped abruptly, turning to glare at her. "Can you not?" he hissed.
She raised her hands defensively. "Stealth isn't exactly my strong suit."
"Clearly," Kael muttered, turning back toward the camp.
When they reached the edge of the clearing, Kael motioned for them to stop. "We're close enough. Elenya, be ready to cast something if things go south. Alticia, stay here and—"
"I'm not staying here!" Alticia interrupted, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm part of this team!"
"You're part of the noise," Kael shot back. "Just don't get in the way."
Alticia huffed but stayed where she was, though her fingers drummed impatiently against her staff.
---
Kael took the first shot, his bolt flying through the air and striking the goblin leader square in the chest. The creature let out a strangled cry, toppling backward into the fire pit.
The camp erupted into chaos. Goblins shouted and scrambled, grabbing weapons and looking for the source of the attack.
Elenya stepped forward, her staff glowing as she muttered an incantation. A burst of light shot from the staff, striking a cluster of goblins and sending them sprawling.
Alticia, unable to contain herself any longer, leapt into the clearing with a flourish. "♪ Goblins beware, justice is here~ ♪"
The goblins froze, their ears flattening as her voice rang out. One of them dropped its spear and clutched its head, while another tripped over its own feet in an attempt to flee.
Kael groaned, firing another bolt. "Every time..."
Alticia twirled her staff, grinning as more goblins began to retreat. "See? They can't handle my power!"
Elenya raised an eyebrow, her voice calm. "I think they just can't handle the pitch."
"Details," Alticia replied, waving a hand dismissively.
---
Despite the chaos, a few goblins rallied and charged toward the trio. Kael reloaded quickly, taking down two before they could close the distance.
Elenya raised her staff, summoning a shimmering barrier that deflected an incoming arrow. "We can't stay here much longer," she said.
Alticia nodded, her confidence faltering as more goblins emerged from the tents. "Time for a strategic retreat?"
Kael snorted. "Finally, something we agree on."
The group moved quickly, dodging between trees as the remaining goblins gave chase. Alticia's breathing grew ragged, her earlier bravado replaced with genuine fear.
"Next time," she gasped, "we come up with a better plan!"
Kael glanced at her, his expression deadpan. "You mean I come up with a better plan."
Elenya chuckled softly, though her focus remained on keeping the goblins at bay with bursts of light.
When they finally lost their pursuers, the trio collapsed against a fallen log, their chests heaving as they caught their breath.
"Well," Alticia said between gasps, "that went... almost perfectly."
Kael shot her a withering look. "If by 'perfectly,' you mean barely surviving, then sure."
Elenya smiled faintly, shaking her head. "At least we learned something."
Alticia perked up. "That I'm a natural leader?"
Kael groaned, leaning back against the log. "That I need a stronger crossbow."
---
As the adrenaline began to fade, the trio settled into a tense silence. The forest around them was eerily still, the distant sounds of goblin chatter having finally faded into nothingness. Kael leaned against the fallen log, inspecting his crossbow with a frown.
Alticia, sitting cross-legged on the ground, propped her staff against her shoulder and glanced between her companions. "Well, I think we can all agree that went... mostly according to plan."
Kael's head snapped up, his expression incredulous. "According to plan? We were chased halfway across the forest!"
Alticia shrugged, her golden hair swaying with the motion. "But we scared them off, didn't we? That's a win in my book."
Elenya chuckled softly, her staff glowing faintly in the dim light. "She's not entirely wrong. The goblins won't regroup anytime soon."
Kael shook his head, muttering, "You're both insane."
Alticia grinned, clearly taking that as a compliment. "Thank you!"
He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "We need to come up with a real strategy next time. One that doesn't involve you screaming at the enemy."
Alticia gasped, pressing a hand to her chest in mock offense. "Screaming? That was singing! You clearly have no appreciation for the arts."
"Clearly," Kael muttered, turning his attention back to his crossbow.
Elenya glanced between the two, a small smile playing on her lips. "I think what Kael means is that we need a balance. A combination of his precision, my magic, and... your unique talents."
Alticia beamed. "Finally, someone who gets it!"
Kael rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.
---
As they prepared to move again, Elenya paused, her brow furrowing as she scanned the ground nearby. She crouched down, brushing aside a pile of leaves to reveal a strange symbol carved into the earth.
"What is it?" Alticia asked, leaning over her shoulder.
Elenya traced the lines of the symbol with her finger, her voice thoughtful. "A marker. Goblin shamans use these to communicate. It's crude, but it looks like it's meant to direct their forces."
Kael stepped closer, his expression darkening. "Direct them where?"
Elenya rose to her feet, her staff glowing brighter. "Toward something—or someone. If we follow these markers, we might find the source of their aggression."
Alticia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, what you're saying is... we're on the brink of an epic discovery!"
Kael folded his arms, frowning. "Or walking straight into a trap."
Alticia waved him off. "Details, details. The important thing is we're moving forward!"
Elenya nodded, her tone serious. "If we want to stop the goblin raids for good, we'll need to find out what—or who—is behind this."
Kael sighed, already regretting the decision. "Fine. But if this gets us killed, I'm blaming both of you."
---
As the group followed the goblin markers deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, and the trees seemed to twist unnaturally. The once-familiar woods felt alien, their shadows stretching unnervingly across the path.
Kael led the way, his crossbow at the ready. Elenya followed close behind, her glowing staff lighting the path. Alticia trailed at the back, humming quietly to herself despite Kael's earlier warnings.
"Can you stop that?" Kael snapped, glancing over his shoulder.
Alticia rolled her eyes. "You're so uptight. A little music never hurt anyone."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Tell that to the goblins who ran off covering their ears."
Elenya intervened, her voice calm. "Enough, both of you. If we're going to survive this, we need to work together."
Kael muttered something under his breath but fell silent.
Alticia pouted but didn't argue. Instead, she focused on the path ahead, her grip on her staff tightening. Despite her bravado, the eerie atmosphere was beginning to wear on her.
---
Hours later, the markers led them to the base of a steep hill. A narrow cave entrance loomed ahead, its jagged edges framed by gnarled roots. The air around it was damp and cold, carrying the faint stench of decay.
Kael crouched near the entrance, inspecting the ground. "Tracks. Lots of them. This is where they've been gathering."
Elenya stepped forward, her expression grim. "There's dark magic here. I can feel it."
Alticia shivered, her earlier enthusiasm fading. "So, what's the plan? Do we... just walk in?"
Kael shot her a look. "That's your plan. Mine involves staying alive."
Elenya raised her staff, the glow intensifying. "Whatever's inside, we need to face it together."
Kael sighed, standing. "Fine. But no singing."
Alticia opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it, nodding reluctantly.
---
The cave was narrow and oppressive, its walls slick with moisture. The faint sound of dripping water echoed through the darkness, accompanied by the occasional scuttling of unseen creatures.
Elenya led the way, her staff casting a steady glow. Kael followed close behind, his crossbow loaded and ready. Alticia brought up the rear, her footsteps unusually quiet.
As they moved deeper, the air grew colder, and the stench of decay intensified. Alticia wrinkled her nose, covering her face with her sleeve. "Ugh. What died in here?"
Kael didn't look back. "Probably a lot of things. Try not to join them."
They turned a corner and found themselves in a larger chamber. The floor was littered with bones, and crude symbols were painted on the walls in what looked alarmingly like blood.
Elenya's grip on her staff tightened. "This isn't just a goblin hideout. It's a ritual site."
Alticia's eyes widened. "Ritual for what?"
Before anyone could answer, a guttural voice echoed through the chamber.
"Outsidersss... you dare disturb the sacred ground?"
A figure stepped into the light—a goblin shaman, its gnarled staff crackling with dark energy. Its glowing red eyes fixed on the trio, a twisted grin spreading across its face.
Kael raised his crossbow, his voice low. "Here we go."
---
The shaman raised its staff high, the dark energy crackling like distant thunder. The symbols on the walls began to glow faintly, their red hue casting eerie shadows across the chamber.
Alticia took a step back, clutching her staff tightly. "Okay, that's definitely not normal goblin behavior."
Kael didn't waste time with words. He fired a bolt straight at the shaman, but the projectile stopped mid-air, disintegrating into a puff of black smoke.
"Well, that's new," he muttered, reloading quickly.
Elenya stepped forward, her glowing staff countering the shaman's dark aura. "It's channeling something powerful. We need to break its focus."
Alticia straightened, a grin spreading across her face. "I know just the thing!"
Kael turned to her, eyes wide. "Don't you dare—"
"♪ Oh shaman of darkness, your powers are weak~ ♪"
The shaman let out an ear-piercing screech, its free hand clutching at its head as Alticia's voice echoed through the chamber. The glowing symbols flickered erratically, and the goblin stumbled back a step.
Kael and Elenya exchanged a quick glance.
"She's... actually helping," Elenya murmured, surprised.
Kael sighed, his expression somewhere between disbelief and resignation. "I hate that this is working."
The shaman regained its composure, snarling as it slammed its staff into the ground. A shockwave of dark energy rippled through the chamber, sending Alticia tumbling backward.
Elenya acted quickly, raising her staff to create a protective barrier around them. "We need to finish this now!"
Kael nodded, raising his crossbow. "Cover me."
---
As Kael took aim, Alticia scrambled to her feet, coughing as she waved away the dust. "That was rude!" she shouted, pointing her staff at the shaman.
The goblin let out another guttural roar, summoning small, shadowy creatures from the darkness. They skittered toward the trio, their glowing eyes reflecting the shaman's malevolence.
"More friends? Oh, how lovely," Alticia muttered, raising her staff defensively.
Elenya stepped forward, her voice steady as she chanted another spell. A wave of light shot from her staff, disintegrating the smaller creatures before they could reach them.
Kael used the opening to fire another bolt, this time aiming for the shaman's staff. The projectile struck true, shattering the wooden implement in a burst of dark energy. The symbols on the walls flickered once more before fading completely.
The shaman let out a final, pitiful screech before collapsing in a heap.
Alticia lowered her staff, breathing heavily. "Well, that wasn't so bad."
Kael shot her a glare. "Not bad? You nearly got us killed!"
"But I didn't," she countered, grinning. "And you have to admit, my singing saved the day."
Kael groaned, turning away. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
Elenya chuckled softly, stepping between them. "What's important is that we succeeded. The goblins won't recover from this loss easily."
Alticia beamed, twirling her staff. "Exactly! Another victory for the bardic arts!"
Kael muttered something under his breath, but his lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile.
---
As the trio exited the cave, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the forest floor. The air felt lighter, as if the darkness that had plagued the area had finally lifted.
Kael paused at the cave's entrance, glancing back at the darkened chamber. "This wasn't just a random goblin attack. Someone—or something—gave them power."
Elenya nodded, her expression thoughtful. "The symbols in the cave... they weren't just goblin runes. They were part of a larger ritual. One meant to summon something far worse."
Alticia frowned, tapping her staff against the ground. "So, what you're saying is... this was just the beginning?"
Kael sighed. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
Elenya placed a hand on Alticia's shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "If we're to face what's coming, we'll need to prepare. This was a warning."
Alticia puffed out her chest, her confidence undeterred. "Well, then it's a good thing you have me on your side!"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Because nothing strikes fear into the hearts of evil like off-key singing."
Alticia ignored him, marching forward with renewed determination. "Onward! The world awaits its heroes!"
Kael and Elenya exchanged a glance before following her, both silently bracing themselves for whatever chaos awaited them next.