Chapter 3 – The Erda's Call
The village had barely awakened under the pale light of dawn. Smoke spiraled lazily from chimneys, and the faint clatter of morning chores echoed through the streets. Marcus and Elena moved quietly along the cobblestones, their packs ready for what they thought would be a routine expedition — gathering food from the edges of the forest. Though they appeared to be in their fifties, centuries of magic had tempered their bodies and honed their senses to a razor's edge. Every step, every motion carried the assurance of lifetimes lived.
But today, the air felt different. A subtle tension hung over the village, like the calm before a storm. Whispers spread quickly: Eryndra, the Erda of the village, had called for a gathering.
By mid-morning, the central square was filled. Villagers, hunters, and magical practitioners alike gathered, eyes fixed on their leader. Eryndra stood tall, her robes shimmering faintly as sunlight struck the embroidered threads. Her gaze swept over the crowd with a piercing intensity that silenced even the murmuring.
"Friends, guardians, and those who walk in the ways of magic," she began, her voice ringing clear. "The forest grows restless. I have felt it, and my scouts report unusual occurrences at its edges. A disturbance has formed, one we cannot ignore."
A hush fell. Even the bravest hunters exchanged uneasy glances.
Eryndra's tone sharpened. "I call upon those strong in skill and spirit, those who understand the forest's secrets, to step forward. We must investigate and ensure the safety of our village. No ordinary expedition will suffice."
Marcus and Elena exchanged a glance. Though the villagers admired their mastery and longevity, today they were being called upon for duty in a way that transcended routine. They stepped forward, acknowledging the weight of responsibility.
Eryndra's gaze rested on them, a mixture of respect and urgency. "You two," she said, "enter the forest. Sense the source of this disturbance, report back, and protect the village from what may come."
The crowd parted as Marcus and Elena moved toward the forest's edge. Even the usual morning bustle felt muted, as though the village itself held its breath.
The forest awaited.
As they crossed into its dense shadows, the first signs of the disturbance became apparent. The air was heavier, filled with a subtle hum that seemed to vibrate through the ground. Leaves trembled though the wind lay still, and faint whispers seemed to drift along the roots and rocks.
Marcus crouched slightly, scanning the undergrowth. "Do you feel that?"
Elena's eyes were wide, taking in the shimmering light that seemed to bend around the trees, shadows twisting unnaturally. "Yes… something is forming here. Something powerful."
Deeper into the forest, the energy grew, subtle but undeniable. Every creature, every rustle of foliage, seemed to respond to an unseen presence. This was no ordinary forest anomaly — it was a stirring of magic, a life force taking shape.
Marcus tightened his grip on his bow. "We proceed carefully. The forest has begun to speak."
Elena nodded, feeling the pulse of energy in the earth beneath her boots. Together, they pressed onward, guided by skill, experience, and centuries of honed instinct. The forest had shifted from familiar hunting grounds to a proving ground of power and patience.
Ahead, the disturbance deepened, a soft glow coalescing in the shadowed distance. The being forming within the forest had not yet fully revealed itself, but its presence was undeniable — vast, potent, and alive.
Marcus and Elena exchanged one last glance before stepping further into the growing pulse of magical energy. The Erda's call had set them on this path, and the forest — ancient, patient, and formidable — awaited their first move