Act VIII.
Redemption
The leader stepped slowly through the territory of the sacred Grove, looking around. This was where the tree of life grew and where the heart of the forest resided. He had almost reached it when a forest spirit appeared before him in human form.
- Stop while you still can, - the spirit insisted.
- No! - the wolf replied categorically, - It is unfair that you alone have access to it. We all have the right to use it.
- I do not use it; I protect it.
- Protect it? From whom? From those who live in the forest?
- From them and from strangers. You do not know what its use can lead to, and even less will you be able to master the power that lies within it.
- From strangers? From those who kill our friends and neighbors? Apparently, you are not doing a very good job with your duties if you cannot protect even them, so the heart would be better kept by someone else. And there is no need to protect it from us; we wish no evil upon the forest.
- You may not wish it, but you could very well bring it about, and therefore the heart remains with me, - the spirit stated firmly and, taking the heart, pressed it to his chest, beginning the ritual of absorption.
- I won't let you do that! - the leader shouted and struck his opponent's wooden chest with a paw.
From the pain, the spirit emitted a sound more like the howling of wind during a blizzard than a scream.
- Leave it! - demanded the elf, aiming at the wolf who was trying to pull the heart from the forest spirit's chest.
- No way, it is already mine, I can feel it.
The elf said nothing more and fired, then once again, but the leader gripped the heart tightly, not even thinking of letting go. As the archer began to notch a third arrow, he suddenly felt someone's gaze upon him, full of hatred and malice. He only managed to turn and see a female silhouette, after which he immediately collapsed to the ground. Taking advantage of the situation, the leader tore the heart from the spirit's chest with a powerful jerk, causing the latter to fall to his knees.
- Thank you for distracting him, - the Warlock said with a smirk.
- You?! - the leader growled. - Get out while you still can.
- Don't, she will kill you, - the spirit uttered, grabbing the wolf by the paw and trying to stand up.
- Are you threatening me? - the woman laughed. - I am not afraid of you or your threats.
- And you should be, - the wolf said with complete determination in his voice.
At the moment when the leader was ready to pounce on the Sorceress, the spirit clung to him and prevented him from carrying out his intention. Noticing the movement from the wolf, the woman attempted to preempt her enemy with a sharp motion of her hand. The last thing she saw was the last protector of the forest holding up a paw clutching the forest heart in an attempt to protect himself and the forest spirit from dark magic. This was followed by a blinding flash and an energy explosion that caused almost no damage to the sacred Grove but knocked those present back with a shockwave. The Warlock flew straight toward the tree of life, hitting it with her head. This was enough to finally quiet her.
*Not far from the Grove*The Risen tried to free himself from his shackles, but he failed; the magic of the forest was too strong. Reaching the sword lying nearby also seemed impossible, and so he could only wait.
- You? - he heard a voice from the darkness. - I recognized you; you were here last time as well.
The former Knight raised his head in an attempt to make out the stranger.
- Did you not perish? - she asked.
The prisoner did not answer.
- What happened to you? Were you touched by dark magic? - the female voice continued to ask questions. - Yes, that's it, I can feel it now, - the guardian said in a peaceful tone, stepping closer.
The Risen hurried to turn away; he did not want anyone to look at him in such a state. It was enough for him that he considered himself a vile creature who deserved only death, yet could not bring it to an end.
- Do not be afraid, - the queen of the forest said gently.
The paladin lowered his head, but the girl stepped even closer and, gently touching his cheek with her palm, added, - I will help you, but in return, I ask that you help me.
City defeated. Living:
14.
Ethiopian wolf jackal -
Драккошка19.
Proboscis monkey -
SiverfaleDead:
1.
Père David's deer -
Pepp2.
Snow leopard -
Героист3.
Pink pigeon -
Dagr4.
Loggerhead -
MyHighness5.
California condor -
Небо6.
Sea otter -
KindShaman7.
Brazilian river dolphin -
Morning8.
Okapi -
Мастер9.
Red wolf -
Мент10.
Hawaiian duck -
Fragment11.
Mountain tapir -
Вишмастер12.
Goliath frog -
Ple-Sen13.
Indri -
Vall d'Emeroll 15.
Addax -
Гур16.
Spotted pouch mouse -
Нефела17.
Okinawan salamander -
Alexeagle18.
Giant panda -
Мона20.
Blue whale -
Нэйра ДрейкTo be continued...