Arandor
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- What the hell is this?! - the minotaur erupted.
- A jinn? - suggested the beholder.
- Where have you ever seen dragon-jinns?! - the dwarf exclaimed indignantly.
- Iaa uih generally nie vidiel nikougda. Niu jwinns and niu draukons.
- Why did you make such a suggestion then? - the shorty continued.
- Nuo ano zhé vyleuzlo iz buitylke.
- Not everything that comes out of a bottle is a jinn, - Nikolai noted.
- Yes, you're right there, wizard, - Andrey agreed. - See, learn from him, beholder.
- Why do you call him a beholder? - the minotaur wondered. - He's a beholder, after all.
- Beholder is funnier, - Evgeny replied.
- You can keep arguing if you like, but I'm off, - said the raccoon and dashed away as fast as he could.
The others looked up, remembered the monster, and ran too. At least they tried to. The wizard, riding a centaur, ran in the opposite direction of the machine, where the raccoon had fled. The dwarf chased after them. The beholder was closest to the monster since he was sitting on a branch, so he immediately let go and fell onto a running cyclops who was chasing his friend. In a panic, the cyclops didn't realize what had fallen on him; shaking off the slimy creature with tentacles, he tossed it aside once more, but this time Vladislav landed right on the elf who was peeking out of the machine. They tumbled inside, causing the machine to shake and tilt, and from all these oscillations, the door slammed shut. Having lost sight of his friend, the cyclops grabbed an axe that had fallen from Vladislav's tentacle and struck the monster with it, but the blade passed right through, and then the dragon was seemingly sucked into the weapon. Suddenly the axe jerked and flew out of the cyclops's hands, attempting to strike him. But Evgeny once again demonstrated wonders of agility, and the axe hit a tree. It began to shake again, and black smoke reappeared, reforming into the figure of a dragon. Flying over the cyclops, it soared toward the minotaur who was standing on the path where the others had fled. Vladimir bravely faced the monster, standing his ground. And so the dragon approached at great speed; the minotaur was ready to feel the full power of the beast, but to his surprise, the monster flew right through him and kept going.
- Did you see that?! - Vladimir addressed Evgeny.
- Yeah, and it also tried to kill me with an axe.
- Indeed, you don't see that every day. Good thing it flew away.
- But it went after Andrey and the others! They need help!
- Don't worry, we'll help, - the minotaur tried to calm the cyclops. Then he wondered why he should even help some unknown creatures whom he barely knew. But he had given his word to Sergey, and that was a matter of honor, so he cast aside all thoughts and decided to stay.
- Hey, open the door, - came from inside the machine.
- Wait, we'll open it now, - Evgeny replied.
The two non-humans approached the machine and began to open it, but it wasn't that simple. Meanwhile, inside the machine, the beholder was inspecting the room, and his attention was drawn to a suit of iron armor.
- Chtuo euto? - he asked the elf.
- Hard to say. Externally it looks like armor, but in reality, it isn't. It's assembled quite differently; all parts are well-connected and secured, except for the helmet, which is easy to remove, - the elf poked at the armor and took off the helmet. - Look, there's a large opening here. Hmm, perhaps one could climb inside and control it; there are even some mechanisms here. Although they probably don't work anymore, so this thing will only serve as armor, but very strong armor, almost like a golem's body. Do you know what golems are?
- Nuet.
- Well, alright... Wait, I have an idea.
- Kaukaya?
- Come here. Now try to slip into the opening.
The beholder began actively climbing into the armor and, with difficulty, succeeded.
- It worked! How do you feel? Try moving your arms and legs.
- Vruode nuormallnuo, - the beholder distributed his tentacles two per limb. This way he was able to move in the armor.
With a screech, the door opened and the cyclops's head appeared.
- Come out.
- Just a moment, we're coming, - the elf replied and, taking the beholder by the hand, helped him get out.
- What have you done? - the minotaur asked, bewildered by Vladislav's appearance.
- Now the beholder has a sturdy body and can move normally on the ground.
- And why does he need that? He moved well through the trees. On them he is almost invulnerable and fast, but now he will walk with difficulty.
- Yes, but... uh....
- We don't have time to figure out who is the stupidest here, - the cyclops interrupted them. - Let's go.
-----
- Wait for me! - the dwarf shouted to the centaur and raccoon running ahead.
- So the monster can eat us too?! No way, we're already sacrificing you, - the centaur chuckled in response.
- Stop, we can't leave him, - the wizard felt sorry for the dwarf.
- Why do we need him?
- He may have tried to kill us, but he is still a living being.
- Gr-r-r, fine, - the centaur stopped and waited until the dwarf caught up with them.
- Phew, thank you.
- Enough chatting, - the centaur grabbed the dwarf by the arm and shoved him onto his back.
- Sorry for trying to kill you. I don't know why I decided to seek revenge at all. Those two weren't such good friends as to be avenged. Probably the main reason is still that this cyclops's name ends in "Y", just like mine. It irritates me.
- So what? Mine ends in "Y" too.
- Yes, but you aren't such an ugly freak.
- True enough.
- My name also ends in "Y", - the wizard chimed into the conversation.
- And mine, - added the raccoon.
- You have a name? - the dwarf wondered.
- Of course I do. How am I any worse than others?
- And what is your name?
- Sergey.
- What? Sergey? Like me? What are you making up here! I am Sergey. You stole my name and decided to call yourself that.
- No, I didn't. This is my name too.
- Little liar! Well, nothing, I'll deal with you later.
- M-m, - the raccoon stuck out his tongue in response.
- Where are we running? - Nikolai asked.
- I don't know, - Andrey replied, - I got distracted listening to this little folk talk.
After these words, the centaur changed from a run to a light step and continued on his way, peering ahead. They hadn't gone for even a minute when a rustle of leaves was heard behind them, a wind rose, and something black began to flicker between the trees.
- It's coming back! Run, Andrey, run! - the dwarf screamed.
The centaur bolted as fast as he could, struggling to dodge branches and various pits, puddles, and other obstacles. The dwarf took out his crossbow and shot at the dragon, which had almost caught up with them. As soon as the bolt reached the monster, it began to disappear, completely vanishing into the projectile, which turned around and flew in the opposite direction.
- It possessed the bolt, and now it's flying at us! Speed up! - Sergey shouted.
- I'm running as fast as I can.
- It's catching up! We won't shake it off! Turn, right now! - commanded the dwarf.
The centaur turned sharply to the side in that same second, and the bolt zoomed past, embedding itself in a tree. However, the centaur couldn't stay upright after such a maneuver and tumbled to the ground, and the others with him.
- Get up quickly, - the raccoon urged everyone.
- And where is the monster? Gone? - asked the wizard
- I don't know and I don't want to know! - replied the centaur.
- Wait, I'll get my bolt now, and then we'll run further, - the dwarf rose from the ground, approached the tree where the bolt was embedded, and pulled it out.
- Stop, you fool! Is it more precious than your life? - Andrey tried to stop the dwarf.
But it was too late; the tree stirred and wrapped its branches around the shorty. He began to scream and struggle.
- He needs help, quickly! - shouted the wizard.
- But how?! - the centaur wondered.
- I don't know, take something and hit the tree.
- Have you completely lost your mind, old man?
- Come here! - shouted the raccoon. - Look what I found.
The centaur approached the little animal and saw a human skeleton next to him, clutching a spear in its bony hand. The centaur grabbed the spear and rushed at the tree, delivering almost imperceptible blows, but they helped nonetheless. The tree began to emit black smoke, stopped moving, the branches returned to their original position, and the dwarf fell to the ground.
- Quick, climb up.
The dwarf jumped onto the centaur, then they picked up the wizard and the raccoon.
- Throw that bow away, we don't have any arrows anyway, - Andrey scolded the old man.
- No, it might come in handy, - he defended himself.
Behind them, the monster appeared again. It was getting closer and closer. The centaur knew he couldn't outrun it, but he didn't stop and moved forward with his last strength. Suddenly a silhouette appeared on the right, running parallel to the centaur and his friends.
- Over here, follow me! - shouted the stranger.
The centaur without hesitation turned off the path and rushed after the silhouette. Approaching him, he discerned a green creature riding a warg.
A goblin with long black hair raced on a gray warg, and behind him ran Andrey with his friends on his back. Somehow they managed to shake off the dragon, and they stopped. The place for respite was not entirely ordinary. Nearby were the ruins of an old crypt, and the place itself resembled a cemetery; many bones lay around.
- We have little time. So I'll explain once, - said the goblin.
- Thanks for the help. But who are you? - the centaur inquired.
- I am Ilya, a local shaman, - the goblin took a bone from his bag and began to gnaw on it, while telling them about the monster. - This black creature is an evil spirit of antiquity. It is very dangerous, and stopping it is almost impossible. Only mages succeeded, who locked it in a bottle. But I don't understand how it got into this machine and its owner. Yes, yes, I was watching you and I know everything.
- If it can't be stopped, then what should we do? - asked the wizard.
- Don't forget, I said it is ALMOST impossible to stop. This means that a small chance still exists for us.
- Fine, but what do we do? How do we realize this chance?
- We could try to lock it into some object. Or rather, lure it. You probably saw how it possessed objects, didn't you?
- Yes, and it also flew through them, - added the dwarf.
- That is why we need to find a vessel for this.
- Can it only penetrate inanimate objects?
- Not exactly, since it possessed trees. So most likely, it just cannot take control of living beings like you and me.
The raccoon looked at the goblin with hungry eyes.
- Want a bone? - the goblin addressed the little animal.
- Yes, - replied the latter.
- Here, gnaw on this, - Ilya gave his bone to the raccoon.
- So, you said it cannot control our bodies... But what if it doesn't want to do that? - Nikolai suggested.
- What do you mean?
- That perhaps it is afraid to do so, as it won't be able to handle our spirit and we will be able to overcome it within our own body.
- Hmm, possibly. But that's just a guess.
- Yes, I know, but there are no other options.
- And what do you want to do, Nikolai? - the centaur asked.
- One of us needs to become bait, meaning a body into which this spirit could enter.
- But how? It won't possess us.
- Yes, that's why we need a basilisk.
- A basilisk? - everyone asked at once.
- Exactly. It will turn one of us into a statue, and then the spirit will possess the volunteer and remain in them forever.
- You're suggesting one of us die?! - the dwarf exclaimed indignantly.
- Not necessarily. We don't know what happens after petrification.
- That's exactly why we don't know. What if the creature dies immediately after petrification; in that case, it would be a meaningless death. Moreover, basilisks live in the stone forest, which is to the south, and we won't be able to reach it. The spirit will catch us faster, - Ilya countered.
- Yes, you're right, - the wizard sighed. - But there is another option...
- Hey, that's enough gnawing my bone. Give it back, - the goblin snatched the bone from the raccoon's teeth.
- Rr-r-r, - growled the fluffy one.
Suddenly the ground shook, began to crack, and skeletons started rising from the earth.
- WHAT THE HELL?! - exclaimed the dwarf.
- It's nearby! To the ruins, quickly, - the goblin shouted in a commanding tone.
Everyone rushed into a forced march at once. Along the way they fought off the skeletons that stood in their path.
- What's the plan now? - the dwarf asked nervously.
- We'll try to fight them off, - Andrey replied.
- With what? Look at our weapons: a spear, a crossbow, a spatula, a bone! You want to fight with that?
- It's better than nothing.
Everyone pressed against the wall of the crypt. The ruins were a dark-gray structure nearly two stories high. The door to the crypt was at the top, and stairs led there. Several columns stood around the perimeter and a gargoyle statue in front, under which the heroes happened to be standing.
- What is this? - shaking off small fragments, the centaur asked and looked up. From above, a gargoyle looked down at him, having already freed itself from its stone shackles and ready to attack.
- Above! - Andrey screamed and jumped aside.
The others followed his example, and only the old wizard failed to jump away in time, left alone with the living stone statue. It descended and hovered in the air before the mage, preparing to strike, but the elderly man's premature end was interrupted by a blow of terrible force that hit the gargoyle's head. The statue immediately shattered into pieces, and the black spirit flew out of it. In the place where the gargoyle had just been, the wizard saw a valiant creature in shining armor; in one hand he held a mace, and in the other a shield with an image of a snake.
With every new blow, bones and skull fragments flew into the air. Skeletons began to surround the brave warrior, but they were no match for him. Single-handedly, he was able to cut down all the undead. When the enemies were gone, the savior approached the others and greeted them.
- Greetings, friends. Something tells me that I appeared just in time.
- Understatement, esteemed gnoll, - replied the wizard.
- Allow me to introduce myself, Nikita.
- Nice to meet you, - the others replied, each stating their name.
- I see you have problems with dark forces...
- Yes, you're right. And we were just rushing to leave this place and lure the evil spirit into a trap, though we haven't thought of what kind yet, - the goblin explained.
- What do you mean you haven't? I told you I had an idea before these skeletons appeared, - the old man interrupted.
- Yes? And what is this idea?
- Magic. You haven't forgotten that I am a master of plant cultivation?
- No, of course not, how could one forget those tomatoes, - Andrey chuckled.
- Well then, do you remember that the dragon possessed trees?
- Well yes, and what about it?
- The fact is, I want to turn one of us into a tree so that the spirit possesses it and remains in it forever, or perhaps even perishes.
- What? Suicide suggestions again?! - the dwarf woke up.
- No, this method will not lead to death. At least not immediately, as a tree is also a living being and can house the spirit of one of us.
- Quite logical, - Ilya concluded.
- But we need to find an open space where there are no trees, so that the monster has no choice but to possess ours, - Nikolai continued.
- I know such a place! - exclaimed the goblin.
- Very good, let's go right now.
- If you allow me, I will accompany you and protect you on the way, - volunteered the gnoll.
- Thank you, that would be very kind of you, - thanked the mage.
The heroes walked without haste; after the blow from the mace, the monster had vanished and hadn't reappeared yet. The gnoll sat on a warg together with the goblin. The others rode the centaur.
- And where are you from and what are you doing here? - the dwarf inquired.
- I am from the Order of the Yellow Snake, which is in the north. I came to this forest on official business. I had some matter here; I was just returning from it when I saw a crowd of skeletons and you.
- Interesting. Maybe later you'll tell us about your order and what you do?
- Very well.
- Eh... - sighed the centaur.
- What is it? - asked the raccoon.
- Well, I'm wondering how Evgeny and the others are doing.
- Don't worry. They're surely alive and well; besides, they have the minotaur with them, and he's a tough guy.
- I hope so...
The group traveled a bit further, and then their malicious acquaintance appeared, starting the chase once again.
- Come on, push harder! - Sergey shouted.
- Just a little more, we'll be there soon, - the goblin cheered everyone up.
And then it appeared: a large glade in the center of the dark and swampy forest. This place looked magical against the backdrop of the surrounding area. Light-green grass, flowers, a small lake in the middle. The group headed toward it.
- That's it, we're here. What now? - Andrey urged.
- Right, I need a little time to turn a creature into a tree.
- We haven't decided who will be that one! - the dwarf replied nervously.
- Ah yes... - remembered the mage, then added. - Any volunteers?
Silence fell. No one wanted to turn into a tree.
- I could, of course, - began the gnoll, - but they are expecting me at the order with a report...
- I understand, - replied the mage. - Fine, then I'll do it myself. Protect me while I recite the spell. And if it doesn't work, I hope you can stop it some other way.
- We'll try, - the centaur said sadly.
- That's it, I'm starting, - the wizard gave the command and began to cast.
The others stood around Nikolai and watched what was happening, shouting farewell words to the wizard:
- We will always remember you!
- I am very glad that I met you!
- Sorry for wanting to rob you!
- Thanks for everything!
- It was an honor for me to know you!
Gradually the old man's body began to change and grow. Shoots began to appear from his hands, and others from those, then branches started growing from his entire body. After a minute, a large tree stood before the heroes, barely different from others. But a strange energy could be felt within it. It was hard to put into words the sensations of those who were near it. Everyone stood and looked at their friend. At that moment, the spirit appeared. It flew around the tree and dove into it, instantly possessing it. The trap worked, and the monster's reaction was immediate. Something unimaginable began to happen to the tree. It shook; light and smoke emanated from it. After a few minutes, this ended and everything returned to normal. Sergey approached the tree and knocked on the trunk.
- Hey!
The dwarf got scared and immediately jumped back.
- Nikolai? - asked the centaur.
- What? - replied the tree.
The amazement of the wizard's comrades knew no bounds. Everyone immediately approached their wooden friend.
- Is it you?
- Uh-huh.
- You're alive?!
- Seems so.
- Uh... how is that possible?
- Apparently, it is. I told you that a tree is also a living being. I am an improved version of a tree that can think and talk.
- And where is the spirit?
- I think it perished. At least, I don't feel it. We fought for this body, and I won.
- This... this... Fantastic! - the gnoll continued to marvel.
- Indeed, such a thing is hard even to imagine, yet I see it with my own eyes, - the goblin supported him.
- Hey, look who's coming! - exclaimed the raccoon, pointing toward the forest.
- Evgeny! - the centaur shouted joyfully.
In response, the cyclops waved his hand. Following him appeared the elf, then the minotaur and the beholder, for whom even heavy armor didn't prevent tracking the centaur's group. It seemed that for a master of tracking, there were no obstacles. The friends met at the tree and all were very glad that Nikolai survived, even if in the body of a tree. At least the black spirit will not bother them anymore.
Returning home, Alexander the elf began to go to the teleportation machine every day and try to repair it. He was helped in this by Vladislav the beholder, who continued to wear the armor.
Ilya the goblin remained in the dark forest, guarding it and helping travelers who happened to wander into it. Sergey the raccoon liked the forest because it was quiet and peaceful. He decided that he would be better off here than in the animal forest.
Seeing no point in returning home where he was not loved, Sergey the dwarf decided to join the Order of the Yellow Snake and set off north with Nikita the gnoll. Vladimir the minotaur went with them, hoping that they could help him remove his curse there.
Andrey the centaur and Evgeny the cyclops returned to their home. They continued to live an ordinary life, going fishing on Thursdays, joking about old animals, dreaming of jewels, and occasionally visiting a solitary tree by the lake in the middle of the dark forest.
THE END.
Appearance of creatures:
centaur from 3
cyclops from 3/4
dwarf from 4
beholder from 3
minotaur from 3/4
goblin on warg from 3
all creatures without upgrade!
upgraded gnoll from 3, but in iron armor and with different weapons
description of elf and wizard in the story
raccoon from real life
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About the downsides:
The characters are not very developed and their individual traits are poorly highlighted; that is, they are weakly thought out and similar to each other to some extent. This happened because I was improvising as I wrote, without thinking about details. Instead, I should have sat down and thought, coming up with characteristics for each, both in personality and communication. True, this would have increased the size of the story, but it would have become more interesting. But no matter, it was intended as a parody anyway, although the story turned out quite decent. And it's a pity that the humor, which was already scarce, disappeared completely toward the end and only seriousness remained. Alright, enough about the downsides. Personally, I liked some characters, certain plot details and situations. It was interesting to write, and I hope it was pleasant for you to read. That is all.
- A jinn? - suggested the beholder.
- Where have you ever seen dragon-jinns?! - the dwarf exclaimed indignantly.
- Iaa uih generally nie vidiel nikougda. Niu jwinns and niu draukons.
- Why did you make such a suggestion then? - the shorty continued.
- Nuo ano zhé vyleuzlo iz buitylke.
- Not everything that comes out of a bottle is a jinn, - Nikolai noted.
- Yes, you're right there, wizard, - Andrey agreed. - See, learn from him, beholder.
- Why do you call him a beholder? - the minotaur wondered. - He's a beholder, after all.
- Beholder is funnier, - Evgeny replied.
- You can keep arguing if you like, but I'm off, - said the raccoon and dashed away as fast as he could.
The others looked up, remembered the monster, and ran too. At least they tried to. The wizard, riding a centaur, ran in the opposite direction of the machine, where the raccoon had fled. The dwarf chased after them. The beholder was closest to the monster since he was sitting on a branch, so he immediately let go and fell onto a running cyclops who was chasing his friend. In a panic, the cyclops didn't realize what had fallen on him; shaking off the slimy creature with tentacles, he tossed it aside once more, but this time Vladislav landed right on the elf who was peeking out of the machine. They tumbled inside, causing the machine to shake and tilt, and from all these oscillations, the door slammed shut. Having lost sight of his friend, the cyclops grabbed an axe that had fallen from Vladislav's tentacle and struck the monster with it, but the blade passed right through, and then the dragon was seemingly sucked into the weapon. Suddenly the axe jerked and flew out of the cyclops's hands, attempting to strike him. But Evgeny once again demonstrated wonders of agility, and the axe hit a tree. It began to shake again, and black smoke reappeared, reforming into the figure of a dragon. Flying over the cyclops, it soared toward the minotaur who was standing on the path where the others had fled. Vladimir bravely faced the monster, standing his ground. And so the dragon approached at great speed; the minotaur was ready to feel the full power of the beast, but to his surprise, the monster flew right through him and kept going.
- Did you see that?! - Vladimir addressed Evgeny.
- Yeah, and it also tried to kill me with an axe.
- Indeed, you don't see that every day. Good thing it flew away.
- But it went after Andrey and the others! They need help!
- Don't worry, we'll help, - the minotaur tried to calm the cyclops. Then he wondered why he should even help some unknown creatures whom he barely knew. But he had given his word to Sergey, and that was a matter of honor, so he cast aside all thoughts and decided to stay.
- Hey, open the door, - came from inside the machine.
- Wait, we'll open it now, - Evgeny replied.
The two non-humans approached the machine and began to open it, but it wasn't that simple. Meanwhile, inside the machine, the beholder was inspecting the room, and his attention was drawn to a suit of iron armor.
- Chtuo euto? - he asked the elf.
- Hard to say. Externally it looks like armor, but in reality, it isn't. It's assembled quite differently; all parts are well-connected and secured, except for the helmet, which is easy to remove, - the elf poked at the armor and took off the helmet. - Look, there's a large opening here. Hmm, perhaps one could climb inside and control it; there are even some mechanisms here. Although they probably don't work anymore, so this thing will only serve as armor, but very strong armor, almost like a golem's body. Do you know what golems are?
- Nuet.
- Well, alright... Wait, I have an idea.
- Kaukaya?
- Come here. Now try to slip into the opening.
The beholder began actively climbing into the armor and, with difficulty, succeeded.
- It worked! How do you feel? Try moving your arms and legs.
- Vruode nuormallnuo, - the beholder distributed his tentacles two per limb. This way he was able to move in the armor.
With a screech, the door opened and the cyclops's head appeared.
- Come out.
- Just a moment, we're coming, - the elf replied and, taking the beholder by the hand, helped him get out.
- What have you done? - the minotaur asked, bewildered by Vladislav's appearance.
- Now the beholder has a sturdy body and can move normally on the ground.
- And why does he need that? He moved well through the trees. On them he is almost invulnerable and fast, but now he will walk with difficulty.
- Yes, but... uh....
- We don't have time to figure out who is the stupidest here, - the cyclops interrupted them. - Let's go.
-----
- Wait for me! - the dwarf shouted to the centaur and raccoon running ahead.
- So the monster can eat us too?! No way, we're already sacrificing you, - the centaur chuckled in response.
- Stop, we can't leave him, - the wizard felt sorry for the dwarf.
- Why do we need him?
- He may have tried to kill us, but he is still a living being.
- Gr-r-r, fine, - the centaur stopped and waited until the dwarf caught up with them.
- Phew, thank you.
- Enough chatting, - the centaur grabbed the dwarf by the arm and shoved him onto his back.
- Sorry for trying to kill you. I don't know why I decided to seek revenge at all. Those two weren't such good friends as to be avenged. Probably the main reason is still that this cyclops's name ends in "Y", just like mine. It irritates me.
- So what? Mine ends in "Y" too.
- Yes, but you aren't such an ugly freak.
- True enough.
- My name also ends in "Y", - the wizard chimed into the conversation.
- And mine, - added the raccoon.
- You have a name? - the dwarf wondered.
- Of course I do. How am I any worse than others?
- And what is your name?
- Sergey.
- What? Sergey? Like me? What are you making up here! I am Sergey. You stole my name and decided to call yourself that.
- No, I didn't. This is my name too.
- Little liar! Well, nothing, I'll deal with you later.
- M-m, - the raccoon stuck out his tongue in response.
- Where are we running? - Nikolai asked.
- I don't know, - Andrey replied, - I got distracted listening to this little folk talk.
After these words, the centaur changed from a run to a light step and continued on his way, peering ahead. They hadn't gone for even a minute when a rustle of leaves was heard behind them, a wind rose, and something black began to flicker between the trees.
- It's coming back! Run, Andrey, run! - the dwarf screamed.
The centaur bolted as fast as he could, struggling to dodge branches and various pits, puddles, and other obstacles. The dwarf took out his crossbow and shot at the dragon, which had almost caught up with them. As soon as the bolt reached the monster, it began to disappear, completely vanishing into the projectile, which turned around and flew in the opposite direction.
- It possessed the bolt, and now it's flying at us! Speed up! - Sergey shouted.
- I'm running as fast as I can.
- It's catching up! We won't shake it off! Turn, right now! - commanded the dwarf.
The centaur turned sharply to the side in that same second, and the bolt zoomed past, embedding itself in a tree. However, the centaur couldn't stay upright after such a maneuver and tumbled to the ground, and the others with him.
- Get up quickly, - the raccoon urged everyone.
- And where is the monster? Gone? - asked the wizard
- I don't know and I don't want to know! - replied the centaur.
- Wait, I'll get my bolt now, and then we'll run further, - the dwarf rose from the ground, approached the tree where the bolt was embedded, and pulled it out.
- Stop, you fool! Is it more precious than your life? - Andrey tried to stop the dwarf.
But it was too late; the tree stirred and wrapped its branches around the shorty. He began to scream and struggle.
- He needs help, quickly! - shouted the wizard.
- But how?! - the centaur wondered.
- I don't know, take something and hit the tree.
- Have you completely lost your mind, old man?
- Come here! - shouted the raccoon. - Look what I found.
The centaur approached the little animal and saw a human skeleton next to him, clutching a spear in its bony hand. The centaur grabbed the spear and rushed at the tree, delivering almost imperceptible blows, but they helped nonetheless. The tree began to emit black smoke, stopped moving, the branches returned to their original position, and the dwarf fell to the ground.
- Quick, climb up.
The dwarf jumped onto the centaur, then they picked up the wizard and the raccoon.
- Throw that bow away, we don't have any arrows anyway, - Andrey scolded the old man.
- No, it might come in handy, - he defended himself.
Behind them, the monster appeared again. It was getting closer and closer. The centaur knew he couldn't outrun it, but he didn't stop and moved forward with his last strength. Suddenly a silhouette appeared on the right, running parallel to the centaur and his friends.
- Over here, follow me! - shouted the stranger.
The centaur without hesitation turned off the path and rushed after the silhouette. Approaching him, he discerned a green creature riding a warg.
A goblin with long black hair raced on a gray warg, and behind him ran Andrey with his friends on his back. Somehow they managed to shake off the dragon, and they stopped. The place for respite was not entirely ordinary. Nearby were the ruins of an old crypt, and the place itself resembled a cemetery; many bones lay around.
- We have little time. So I'll explain once, - said the goblin.
- Thanks for the help. But who are you? - the centaur inquired.
- I am Ilya, a local shaman, - the goblin took a bone from his bag and began to gnaw on it, while telling them about the monster. - This black creature is an evil spirit of antiquity. It is very dangerous, and stopping it is almost impossible. Only mages succeeded, who locked it in a bottle. But I don't understand how it got into this machine and its owner. Yes, yes, I was watching you and I know everything.
- If it can't be stopped, then what should we do? - asked the wizard.
- Don't forget, I said it is ALMOST impossible to stop. This means that a small chance still exists for us.
- Fine, but what do we do? How do we realize this chance?
- We could try to lock it into some object. Or rather, lure it. You probably saw how it possessed objects, didn't you?
- Yes, and it also flew through them, - added the dwarf.
- That is why we need to find a vessel for this.
- Can it only penetrate inanimate objects?
- Not exactly, since it possessed trees. So most likely, it just cannot take control of living beings like you and me.
The raccoon looked at the goblin with hungry eyes.
- Want a bone? - the goblin addressed the little animal.
- Yes, - replied the latter.
- Here, gnaw on this, - Ilya gave his bone to the raccoon.
- So, you said it cannot control our bodies... But what if it doesn't want to do that? - Nikolai suggested.
- What do you mean?
- That perhaps it is afraid to do so, as it won't be able to handle our spirit and we will be able to overcome it within our own body.
- Hmm, possibly. But that's just a guess.
- Yes, I know, but there are no other options.
- And what do you want to do, Nikolai? - the centaur asked.
- One of us needs to become bait, meaning a body into which this spirit could enter.
- But how? It won't possess us.
- Yes, that's why we need a basilisk.
- A basilisk? - everyone asked at once.
- Exactly. It will turn one of us into a statue, and then the spirit will possess the volunteer and remain in them forever.
- You're suggesting one of us die?! - the dwarf exclaimed indignantly.
- Not necessarily. We don't know what happens after petrification.
- That's exactly why we don't know. What if the creature dies immediately after petrification; in that case, it would be a meaningless death. Moreover, basilisks live in the stone forest, which is to the south, and we won't be able to reach it. The spirit will catch us faster, - Ilya countered.
- Yes, you're right, - the wizard sighed. - But there is another option...
- Hey, that's enough gnawing my bone. Give it back, - the goblin snatched the bone from the raccoon's teeth.
- Rr-r-r, - growled the fluffy one.
Suddenly the ground shook, began to crack, and skeletons started rising from the earth.
- WHAT THE HELL?! - exclaimed the dwarf.
- It's nearby! To the ruins, quickly, - the goblin shouted in a commanding tone.
Everyone rushed into a forced march at once. Along the way they fought off the skeletons that stood in their path.
- What's the plan now? - the dwarf asked nervously.
- We'll try to fight them off, - Andrey replied.
- With what? Look at our weapons: a spear, a crossbow, a spatula, a bone! You want to fight with that?
- It's better than nothing.
Everyone pressed against the wall of the crypt. The ruins were a dark-gray structure nearly two stories high. The door to the crypt was at the top, and stairs led there. Several columns stood around the perimeter and a gargoyle statue in front, under which the heroes happened to be standing.
- What is this? - shaking off small fragments, the centaur asked and looked up. From above, a gargoyle looked down at him, having already freed itself from its stone shackles and ready to attack.
- Above! - Andrey screamed and jumped aside.
The others followed his example, and only the old wizard failed to jump away in time, left alone with the living stone statue. It descended and hovered in the air before the mage, preparing to strike, but the elderly man's premature end was interrupted by a blow of terrible force that hit the gargoyle's head. The statue immediately shattered into pieces, and the black spirit flew out of it. In the place where the gargoyle had just been, the wizard saw a valiant creature in shining armor; in one hand he held a mace, and in the other a shield with an image of a snake.
With every new blow, bones and skull fragments flew into the air. Skeletons began to surround the brave warrior, but they were no match for him. Single-handedly, he was able to cut down all the undead. When the enemies were gone, the savior approached the others and greeted them.
- Greetings, friends. Something tells me that I appeared just in time.
- Understatement, esteemed gnoll, - replied the wizard.
- Allow me to introduce myself, Nikita.
- Nice to meet you, - the others replied, each stating their name.
- I see you have problems with dark forces...
- Yes, you're right. And we were just rushing to leave this place and lure the evil spirit into a trap, though we haven't thought of what kind yet, - the goblin explained.
- What do you mean you haven't? I told you I had an idea before these skeletons appeared, - the old man interrupted.
- Yes? And what is this idea?
- Magic. You haven't forgotten that I am a master of plant cultivation?
- No, of course not, how could one forget those tomatoes, - Andrey chuckled.
- Well then, do you remember that the dragon possessed trees?
- Well yes, and what about it?
- The fact is, I want to turn one of us into a tree so that the spirit possesses it and remains in it forever, or perhaps even perishes.
- What? Suicide suggestions again?! - the dwarf woke up.
- No, this method will not lead to death. At least not immediately, as a tree is also a living being and can house the spirit of one of us.
- Quite logical, - Ilya concluded.
- But we need to find an open space where there are no trees, so that the monster has no choice but to possess ours, - Nikolai continued.
- I know such a place! - exclaimed the goblin.
- Very good, let's go right now.
- If you allow me, I will accompany you and protect you on the way, - volunteered the gnoll.
- Thank you, that would be very kind of you, - thanked the mage.
The heroes walked without haste; after the blow from the mace, the monster had vanished and hadn't reappeared yet. The gnoll sat on a warg together with the goblin. The others rode the centaur.
- And where are you from and what are you doing here? - the dwarf inquired.
- I am from the Order of the Yellow Snake, which is in the north. I came to this forest on official business. I had some matter here; I was just returning from it when I saw a crowd of skeletons and you.
- Interesting. Maybe later you'll tell us about your order and what you do?
- Very well.
- Eh... - sighed the centaur.
- What is it? - asked the raccoon.
- Well, I'm wondering how Evgeny and the others are doing.
- Don't worry. They're surely alive and well; besides, they have the minotaur with them, and he's a tough guy.
- I hope so...
The group traveled a bit further, and then their malicious acquaintance appeared, starting the chase once again.
- Come on, push harder! - Sergey shouted.
- Just a little more, we'll be there soon, - the goblin cheered everyone up.
And then it appeared: a large glade in the center of the dark and swampy forest. This place looked magical against the backdrop of the surrounding area. Light-green grass, flowers, a small lake in the middle. The group headed toward it.
- That's it, we're here. What now? - Andrey urged.
- Right, I need a little time to turn a creature into a tree.
- We haven't decided who will be that one! - the dwarf replied nervously.
- Ah yes... - remembered the mage, then added. - Any volunteers?
Silence fell. No one wanted to turn into a tree.
- I could, of course, - began the gnoll, - but they are expecting me at the order with a report...
- I understand, - replied the mage. - Fine, then I'll do it myself. Protect me while I recite the spell. And if it doesn't work, I hope you can stop it some other way.
- We'll try, - the centaur said sadly.
- That's it, I'm starting, - the wizard gave the command and began to cast.
The others stood around Nikolai and watched what was happening, shouting farewell words to the wizard:
- We will always remember you!
- I am very glad that I met you!
- Sorry for wanting to rob you!
- Thanks for everything!
- It was an honor for me to know you!
Gradually the old man's body began to change and grow. Shoots began to appear from his hands, and others from those, then branches started growing from his entire body. After a minute, a large tree stood before the heroes, barely different from others. But a strange energy could be felt within it. It was hard to put into words the sensations of those who were near it. Everyone stood and looked at their friend. At that moment, the spirit appeared. It flew around the tree and dove into it, instantly possessing it. The trap worked, and the monster's reaction was immediate. Something unimaginable began to happen to the tree. It shook; light and smoke emanated from it. After a few minutes, this ended and everything returned to normal. Sergey approached the tree and knocked on the trunk.
- Hey!
The dwarf got scared and immediately jumped back.
- Nikolai? - asked the centaur.
- What? - replied the tree.
The amazement of the wizard's comrades knew no bounds. Everyone immediately approached their wooden friend.
- Is it you?
- Uh-huh.
- You're alive?!
- Seems so.
- Uh... how is that possible?
- Apparently, it is. I told you that a tree is also a living being. I am an improved version of a tree that can think and talk.
- And where is the spirit?
- I think it perished. At least, I don't feel it. We fought for this body, and I won.
- This... this... Fantastic! - the gnoll continued to marvel.
- Indeed, such a thing is hard even to imagine, yet I see it with my own eyes, - the goblin supported him.
- Hey, look who's coming! - exclaimed the raccoon, pointing toward the forest.
- Evgeny! - the centaur shouted joyfully.
In response, the cyclops waved his hand. Following him appeared the elf, then the minotaur and the beholder, for whom even heavy armor didn't prevent tracking the centaur's group. It seemed that for a master of tracking, there were no obstacles. The friends met at the tree and all were very glad that Nikolai survived, even if in the body of a tree. At least the black spirit will not bother them anymore.
Returning home, Alexander the elf began to go to the teleportation machine every day and try to repair it. He was helped in this by Vladislav the beholder, who continued to wear the armor.
Ilya the goblin remained in the dark forest, guarding it and helping travelers who happened to wander into it. Sergey the raccoon liked the forest because it was quiet and peaceful. He decided that he would be better off here than in the animal forest.
Seeing no point in returning home where he was not loved, Sergey the dwarf decided to join the Order of the Yellow Snake and set off north with Nikita the gnoll. Vladimir the minotaur went with them, hoping that they could help him remove his curse there.
Andrey the centaur and Evgeny the cyclops returned to their home. They continued to live an ordinary life, going fishing on Thursdays, joking about old animals, dreaming of jewels, and occasionally visiting a solitary tree by the lake in the middle of the dark forest.
THE END.
Appearance of creatures:
centaur from 3
cyclops from 3/4
dwarf from 4
beholder from 3
minotaur from 3/4
goblin on warg from 3
all creatures without upgrade!
upgraded gnoll from 3, but in iron armor and with different weapons
description of elf and wizard in the story
raccoon from real life
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About the downsides:
The characters are not very developed and their individual traits are poorly highlighted; that is, they are weakly thought out and similar to each other to some extent. This happened because I was improvising as I wrote, without thinking about details. Instead, I should have sat down and thought, coming up with characteristics for each, both in personality and communication. True, this would have increased the size of the story, but it would have become more interesting. But no matter, it was intended as a parody anyway, although the story turned out quite decent. And it's a pity that the humor, which was already scarce, disappeared completely toward the end and only seriousness remained. Alright, enough about the downsides. Personally, I liked some characters, certain plot details and situations. It was interesting to write, and I hope it was pleasant for you to read. That is all.
Be strong. Believe