The hidden path narrowed as we approached the heart of the pass, cliffs rising sharply on both sides, the mist curling like ghostly fingers around jagged rocks. The spiral on the map indicated a critical landmark ahead, but the path looked impossibly guarded. A low rumble vibrated through the ground, soft at first, then growing into a deafening thrum.
I froze, crouching behind a rock, hand gripping Alex's small shoulder. "Alex… stay quiet," I whispered, straining my ears.
A massive shape emerged from the mist—a colossal ox, its hide mottled dark gray, horns curved like crescent moons, and eyes glowing faintly as if aware of intruders. It pawed the earth, steam rising from its flaring nostrils. The map's spiral had led us here intentionally. This was no ordinary creature—it was a guardian, stationed by nature itself or some ancient warning my father knew of.
Alex gasped softly, and I tightened my hold on him. "It's… it's huge," he whispered, voice trembling.
"Yes," I said, my mind racing. "And very angry."
The beast sniffed the air, its massive head swinging toward us. I froze, calculating every possible move. Then, with a terrifying snort, it charged.
"Alex!" I shouted, grabbing him and diving to the side as the ox barreled past. The ground shook beneath its hooves, rocks skittering in all directions. My chest pounded, adrenaline surging as I realized just how close we had come to death.
Alex screamed, a high, terrified wail, and the sound carried far into the valley. My stomach dropped. The echo had reached more than just the beast—the distant, muffled clang of metal and shouting confirmed my fear: Randy's scouts were closing in, drawn by Alex's scream.
"We're not safe yet," I whispered, helping Alex to his feet. "We have to move—and fast."
But the ox had blocked the only visible path forward. Retreating wasn't an option; the cliff behind us was sheer, and Randy's forces were closing. I had seconds to act. My mind raced through possibilities. Force the beast back? Risk injury. Attempt to dodge every charge indefinitely? Impossible. Then the idea struck me—a plan relying on cunning, not strength.
I whispered to Alex, "Stay behind me, and follow my lead. Watch closely."
I grabbed a small rock and tossed it near the ox, not to harm it, but to draw its attention. It snorted, pawing the ground furiously. Then I dropped to the side and let out a sharp yell, drawing its gaze toward me. The ox's massive head swung, nostrils flaring, and it charged again—this time deliberately following me.
I darted in a wide arc, weaving between rocks, leading the ox past jagged terrain. Behind us, the faint clatter of Randy's men grew louder as they approached, cautious but determined. The scream, the commotion, and my maneuvers had drawn both enemy and beast into a deadly convergence.
I thought fast, analyzing the terrain and the beasts' behavior. If I could guide the ox toward Randy's men while keeping Alex safe, the beast would clear the way for us. Timing would be everything.
"Alex! Run!" I shouted, motioning to the narrow path the ox had been guarding. Alex hesitated, fear flashing in his eyes, but I couldn't wait. The ox's attention was on me; the scouts were still approaching. "Now, Alex! Through the path!"
He bolted, small but determined, rushing along the path I had memorized from the map, toward the treasure's direction. My heart twisted with worry and relief as he disappeared into the mist.
The ox charged past me again, and this time, I led it directly toward Randy's scouts, whose armor glinted in the dim light. They hadn't anticipated a beast, nor a human using it strategically. The ox collided with them, tossing one man aside like a rag doll. Panic erupted among the others as the beast's sheer size and fury threw them into confusion. I ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding another charge, heart hammering.
From my vantage point, I could see Alex safely gaining distance, the narrow path guiding him further from danger. The ox, now enraged and entangled with Randy's men, had inadvertently cleared the guarded route, creating an opening that only careful observation and timing could have achieved.
Finally, the valley fell silent once more, save for the distant cries of the scouts and the low, tired breathing of the beast as it turned away, retreating into the mist. I sank to my knees, chest heaving, adrenaline slowly ebbing. The spiral clue had led us not just along a path, but toward a trial designed to test wit, courage, and strategy.
I looked ahead along the narrow path Alex had taken. Through the mist, I could barely make out his small figure, determined and unwavering. My lips curved into a grim smile. The treasure's path was proving dangerous, yes, but with cunning, courage, and the spiral guiding us, we could overcome even the deadliest obstacles.
I whispered to myself, gripping the map tightly. "Step by step, spiral by spiral… we move closer. And nothing—not beast, not men, not fear—will stop us from reclaiming what's ours."
The mist swirled around me, hiding both the danger behind and the path ahead. For the first time since the massacre, I felt the faint spark of hope ignite into determination. Alex was safe, the treasure's path was opening, and the first true test had been survived.
The road ahead promised more trials, but we had proven—strategy, courage, and clever thinking could turn even the deadliest enemy into an ally of chance. And we were ready.