The forest was alive with birdsong and the gentle hum of insects. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting patches of light on the ground where wildflowers bloomed between the trees. A young girl ran between the trunks, her laughter echoing through the air. Ciyera's dark hair bounced as she moved, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. She wore a simple green and brown dress that blended with the woods around her.
She stopped suddenly beside a bush, her face lighting up. "Sister! Look, cixonberries!" She reached for the ripe, red fruits, breathing in their spicy-sweet scent.
Miyera walked over at a slower pace, carrying a woven basket. She smiled at her younger sister's enthusiasm. "Good eye, Ciyera. Let's pick some for Mom. These should help her feel better."
The two girls worked together, filling the basket with berries. Every now and then, they'd eat one, enjoying the sweet, tangy burst of flavor. Ciyera giggled as the juice stained her fingers purple, and Miyera laughed along with her.
A short distance away, their uncle Ofero kept watch. His eyes swept the trees, looking for any sign of danger. He wore worn leather armor with a shield on his back—every inch the seasoned soldier. His hand rested on his sword hilt, ready to act at a moment's notice. He'd taken on the role of protector after the war claimed their father. Now, as they went deeper into the woods searching for medicine, his worry grew.
"Miyera, Ciyera! Don't go too far!" he called out, his voice firm but quiet. The forest looked peaceful, but he knew better than to trust appearances. Danger could be hiding anywhere.
"Okay, Uncle!" they called back in unison, though their attention stayed on the berries.
"Look! There's more over there," Ciyera pointed at another bush, practically bouncing with excitement. "Let's get them all so Mom gets better faster!"
Miyera chuckled and shook her head. "Easy there. We have plenty for today. Remember what Mom always says—we shouldn't be greedy. We need to share the forest with the animals too." She ruffled her sister's hair. "Besides, we don't want to upset any forest spirits, right?"
They both laughed. Ofero watched them with a small smile, feeling the fierce love he had for these two girls who'd already been through so much. Their father's death had hit them hard, and their mother's sickness weighed on everyone. But somehow, their spirits stayed bright, and Ofero was determined to keep them safe—no matter what.
He wiped sweat from his forehead and looked up at the sun, now high overhead. The heat pressed down on him, and the humid air stuck to his skin. The forest, once cool and welcoming, now felt heavy and oppressive.
We should head back soon, he thought. It's dangerous to stay out here too long.
These woods held more than just birds and flowers. Goblins roamed here, raiding villages at night for food and supplies. Wolves hunted in packs, and kobolds—small, vicious creatures—sometimes worked with goblins to cause trouble.
The silence had gone on too long, and Ofero felt his nerves prickling. He scanned the dense forest, alert for any movement. The girls' laughter had faded, leaving an unnatural quiet that made his skin crawl.
Goblins don't usually stay quiet when they gather, he thought, gripping his sword tighter. Unless they're planning something.
A cold shiver ran down his spine. The trees swayed slightly, but there was no wind. The forest, which had been buzzing with life moments ago, had gone completely silent. Even the flowers seemed to be wilting, their petals curling up.
Clouds drifted across the sky, blocking the sun. Shadows grew deeper across the forest floor, turning the peaceful woods into something darker and more threatening. Every instinct told Ofero something was wrong.
A faint rustle came from a nearby bush, breaking the suffocating silence. Ofero froze, his hand moving instinctively to his sword. His pulse quickened as he stepped carefully toward the sound.
Stay calm. He reached the bush and slashed through it in one quick motion.
A small squirrel squeaked in terror and darted out, its eyes wide with panic before it scrambled up a tree and disappeared.
Ofero let out a shaky breath, lowering his sword. "Just a squirrel," he muttered, feeling both relieved and foolish. He turned back toward his nieces, forcing a smile. "Come on, girls. Time to go. It's not safe here anymore."
But before he could take a step—
Thud!
Sharp, burning pain shot through his arm. Ofero gasped, his hand flying to his shoulder where an arrow stuck out of his flesh. His fingers touched the black feathers, and his heart sank. He knew those arrows. Goblins.
"Get down!" Ofero barked at his nieces.
Ignoring the pain, he ripped the arrow from his arm. Blood soaked his sleeve, but he couldn't focus on the wound. His eyes darted around, scanning the trees.
Then he saw them.
Several goblins emerged from the shadows, their ugly faces twisted into sneers. They crouched behind trees with bows drawn, ready to shoot again. Their green skin gleamed in the dim light, and their sharp, yellow teeth showed as they cackled with delight. Ragged clothes hung from their thin frames, and stolen trinkets clinked on their belts.
Ofero gritted his teeth as rage and adrenaline surged through him. "Miyera, Ciyera—run!" he shouted, putting himself between the goblins and his nieces. He raised his sword, preparing for the next attack. His arm throbbed where the arrow had hit, but he couldn't slow down. Not now. Not with the girls so close.
The goblins cackled louder, clearly enjoying his pain. One of them nocked another arrow, taking aim. Ofero lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air. The goblin yelped, barely dodging the blow, but Ofero's attack threw them off balance.
"Run to the carriage!" he ordered, glancing at his nieces. Miyera grabbed Ciyera's hand, her face pale with fear, but she nodded firmly.
Ofero swung his sword in a wide arc, forcing the goblins to fall back, but more appeared, slipping out from behind trees like shadows. Their eyes gleamed with cruel intent, circling him like predators waiting to strike.
He couldn't keep this up much longer.
Another arrow whistled past his head, barely missing. Ofero cursed under his breath and swung at the nearest goblin, his blade cutting deep into the creature's side. The goblin screamed in pain, blood splattering the ground. For a moment, the others hesitated, but then they advanced again with cruel determination, bows drawn for another volley.
Ofero backed up slowly, his mind racing. He needed an escape—a way to hold them off long enough for the girls to reach safety. But the goblins kept coming, more emerging from the shadows with every passing second. His arm throbbed where the arrow had pierced it, poison making his muscles numb. His breathing came in short, ragged gasps.
Eight... no, nine of them now. Too many.
"Go! Now! Get to the carriage!" Ofero shouted, parrying a crude spear thrust. The goblin wielding it snarled, showing rotted teeth. Ofero's counter-attack opened its throat, but two more took its place immediately.
Miyera grabbed Ciyera's trembling hand. "Come on!" she urged, but Ciyera stumbled, her legs shaking with terror.
"I can't... Uncle Ofero—"
"He'll be fine! We have to go!" Miyera pulled harder, half-dragging her sister toward the carriage.
Ofero heard their voices behind him and felt his heart clench. They're too slow. The goblins will catch them. He roared and launched himself at three goblins blocking the path to the carriage, his sword spinning in deadly arcs. One went down screaming, clutching its severed arm. Another stumbled back with a deep gash across its chest.
"Uncle!" Ciyera screamed as a goblin arrow grazed Ofero's cheek, drawing blood.
"Don't look back! Keep running!" He spun and drove his sword through the archer's chest, but the effort left him exposed. A club smashed into his ribs, sending him staggering.
The girls finally reached the carriage. Miyera practically threw Ciyera into the back before scrambling up herself. "Uncle! Come on!"
With one last desperate strike that sent two goblins diving for cover, Ofero broke away and sprinted for the carriage. His legs felt like lead, the poison making every step a struggle. He could hear the goblins regrouping behind him, their howls of rage growing closer.
He vaulted into the driver's seat just as a spear whistled past his ear. "Hold on tight!" he shouted, grabbing the reins with blood-slicked hands. The horse reared in panic as arrows started flying again.
"Hyah!" Ofero cracked the reins, and the horse bolted forward like it had been struck by lightning. The carriage lurched violently, wheels bouncing over roots and rocks. Behind them, the goblins' shrieks rose to a fever pitch.
"They're following us!" Miyera called out, her voice tight with fear. She had her arms wrapped protectively around Ciyera, who was sobbing into her shoulder.
Ofero risked a glance back and cursed. At least six goblins were giving chase, their lean bodies moving through the forest with unnatural speed. They leaped over fallen logs and dodged between trees like they were born to hunt in these woods.
"Faster, damn it!" He whipped the reins again, urging the horse to greater speed. The animal was already foam-flecked and panting, but it pushed harder.
An arrow struck the side of the carriage with a solid thunk, making both girls scream. Another whistled between the wheel spokes. The goblins were getting closer, their crude weapons glinting in the dappled sunlight.
The poison... getting worse. Ofero's vision started to blur, and his left arm was completely numb now. He could barely feel the reins in his grip. The forest path twisted ahead, and he almost missed a sharp turn that would have sent them careening into the trees.
"Uncle Ofero?" Miyera's voice sounded far away, even though she was right behind him. "You don't look good..."
"I'm fine," he lied through gritted teeth. Just need to get them to safety. Just a little farther.
But the poison was spreading faster now. His heart hammered irregularly, and cold sweat poured down his face despite the heat. The reins felt slippery in his failing grip.
Behind them, the goblins had closed to within twenty yards. One of them, a particularly large specimen with a longbow, drew back for another shot.
Not the girls. Please, not the girls.
The arrow flew true, but Ofero managed to jerk the carriage to the left at the last second. The shaft skittered off the wooden side instead of punching through.
"That was too close," Miyera whispered, her face pale as bone.
Ofero tried to respond, but the words wouldn't come. His tongue felt thick and clumsy. The poison was reaching his brain now, making everything feel distant and strange. The forest blurred into green smears on either side of the path.
Can't... can't hold on much longer.
Another arrow, this one aimed higher. It struck the horse in the hindquarters, and the animal screamed in pain and terror. Suddenly, they were no longer following the path. The wounded horse veered sharply to the right, crashing through underbrush and small saplings.
"Hold on!" Ofero tried to shout, but it came out as barely a croak.
The girls were thrown against the side of the carriage as it tilted dangerously. Ciyera's scream was cut short as they hit a large root and went airborne for a terrifying moment.
Then everything went wrong at once.
A massive oak tree loomed ahead, too close to avoid. The horse tried to turn, but its injured leg gave out. The animal went down hard, and the carriage's momentum carried it forward, the wooden tongue snapping like a twig.
Ofero felt himself flying through the air, the reins finally torn from his nerveless fingers. He hit the ground hard, rolling through ferns and thorny bushes before slamming against a boulder that knocked the wind from his lungs.
The carriage flipped end over end, wheels spinning uselessly in the air. Miyera's scream echoed through the forest as she and Ciyera were thrown clear, tumbling across the forest floor in a tangle of arms and legs and torn fabric.
For a moment, the world was utterly silent except for the settling creaks of the broken carriage and the horse's labored breathing.
Then the goblins' triumphant howls reached them, still distant but getting closer with every passing second.
Miyera groaned, tasting blood where she'd bitten her tongue. Her whole body ached, and her dress was torn in several places. Beside her, Ciyera was curled in a ball, sobbing quietly.
"Ciyera? Are you hurt?" Miyera forced herself to sit up, ignoring the sharp pain in her ribs.
"My arm..." Ciyera whimpered, cradling her left arm against her chest. It didn't look broken, but a nasty scrape ran from her elbow to her wrist.
Miyera looked around frantically. The carriage lay on its side about ten feet away, one wheel still spinning slowly. Their basket of cixonberries was scattered across the ground, the precious fruit trampled and ruined. And Uncle Ofero...
He was lying motionless near a large boulder, blood trickling from a gash on his forehead. His sword lay just out of reach, and his breathing was so shallow she could barely see his chest moving.
"Uncle Ofero!" Ciyera started to get up, but Miyera grabbed her good arm.
"Wait," she whispered urgently. "Listen."
The sound that had been haunting them was getting closer—the harsh, gleeful laughter of goblins crashing through the underbrush. They could hear branches snapping and the thud of feet on the forest floor.
"We have to run," Miyera said, her voice shaking. She helped Ciyera to her feet, both girls swaying slightly from their injuries.
But before they could take more than a few steps, a goblin burst through the bushes directly in front of them. This one was different from the others—taller, with intricate symbols carved into his green skin. The markings glowed with a faint brown light that pulsed like a heartbeat.
"Well, well," the goblin said, his voice smoother and more intelligent than the crude grunts they'd heard from the others. "What do we have here? Two little birds with broken wings."
More goblins emerged from the trees around them, forming a loose circle. But they kept their distance from the marked one, clearly showing deference.
"Jooloo found something good, yes?" one of the smaller goblins cackled. "King will be pleased!"
Jooloo—apparently the marked goblin's name—raised a clawed hand for silence. His eyes never left the two girls, studying them like a predator deciding which part to bite first.
"Indeed," he said slowly. "Very good. Young, healthy, strong enough to work but small enough to control." His smile revealed sharp, yellowed teeth. "The slave markets always pay well for human children."
Ciyera whimpered and pressed closer to her sister. Miyera wrapped her arms around the younger girl, her mind racing. Uncle Ofero had taught them some basic self-defense, but against this many enemies...
"Please," she said, surprised by how steady her voice sounded. "We don't have anything valuable. Just let us go, and we won't tell anyone we saw you."
Jooloo laughed, a sound like grinding stone. "Oh, little bird, but you ARE something valuable. Very valuable indeed."
He raised his hand, and the symbols on his arm began to glow brighter. "Now, let's make sure you don't fly away."
"Kiekiekik! Where you going, little girls?" he sneered. His arms were covered with strange symbols that glowed with a faint, sinister light.
Before Miyera could react, the goblin slammed his palm into the ground. A deep rumble shook the earth beneath their feet. His symbols flared to life, sending brown light into the soil. The ground cracked and heaved, rising up to form walls of dirt and stone, trapping the girls in a makeshift prison. They pounded on the walls, but the thick earth muffled their cries.
The goblin cackled, stepping back to admire his work. "Lucky me! Two healthy young girls! My king will reward me well!" He rubbed his hands together gleefully.
But then a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air. The goblin spun around, eyes wide with shock.
"KUAGGH!"
Ofero stood there, bloodied but alive, his eyes burning with fury. The goblins had wounded him, poisoned him, but they hadn't broken him.
"You bastards! How dare you touch my nieces!" Ofero roared.
In his desperation, Ofero had found a cixonberry that had rolled free from the overturned carriage. He remembered how the fruit helped his sister recover from fever, and without hesitation, he bit into it. The spicy juice trickled down his chin as the berry's healing properties began neutralizing the poison in his veins, dulling the pain. He felt his strength slowly returning, a burning resolve igniting in his chest.
With a battle cry that echoed through the forest, Ofero charged at the goblins, sword raised high. The memory of his dead brother and the thought of his trapped nieces fueled every step. He swung with fury, cutting down the nearest goblin with a brutal strike. Blood splattered across his armor as the goblin collapsed, a gurgling scream escaping its lips.
But Jooloo, the Essentor, stood calmly in the shadows, watching with a twisted smile. Unlike the other goblins, Jooloo was no ordinary creature. He could control the earth itself, bending it to his will. His arms glowed with brown light, the symbols on his skin flaring as he summoned his power.
"Worthless idiots! Losing to a human without essence? Pathetic!" Jooloo spat, disgusted by his comrades' failure. His eyes gleamed with malice as he prepared to step in.
The bloodied soldier continued his assault, cutting through another goblin, but his victory was short-lived. Jooloo's hand shot out, the earthen symbols on his skin blazing with inner fire. With a flick of his wrist, the ground itself responded to his will. A sharp spike of rock burst forth, radiating the same muddy brown essence. Instead of aiming directly at his target, the Essentor sent the spike crashing into the earth nearby.
BOOM!
The impact was devastating, sending shockwaves of dirt and stone exploding outward like a earthen grenade. He was caught completely off guard, his body hurled backward by the raw force. The veteran warrior crashed into a tree trunk, blood spilling from his mouth as agony wracked his frame. Gasping for breath, he clutched his chest, struggling to rise.
"That's what you get for messing with me! Jooloo, future goblin king!" the Essentor sneered, earth essence swirling around his remaining hand to form another spike. "Any last words, worthless human?"
Through gritted teeth, the fallen protector managed to spit out, "How did a monster like you awaken essence? Where'd you get an essence stone?!"
Jooloo grinned, savoring the look of pain and confusion on his enemy's face. "Why should you care? You're about to die. But fine, I'll tell you. It was a gift from our god's servant! He came to our tribe a month ago with essence stones, said it was a sign of our god's favor. Told us to prepare for a great war." His voice dripped with cruelty. "And just between us—after this, we're hitting your village. Imagine the women and children screaming as we drag them away! Hahaha!"
The other goblins joined his laughter, their cruel voices filling the forest.
His blood boiled with helpless fury. "Shut up! You worthless vermin! Don't laugh at my prey!" Jooloo barked at his comrades. "Only I get to do that! Now move and watch the girls!"
The sight of his nieces' terrified faces, trapped by the Essentor's earthen prison, fanned the flames of rage within the wounded uncle. His eyes burned with pure hatred.
"You..."
"Let's end this!" Jooloo raised his hand, brown essence coiling around the spike as he prepared to hurl it.
A cold voice cut through the air, stopping Jooloo in his tracks. "Yeah... let's end this."
Slash!
"What—?!"
Before Jooloo could react, a sword flashed through the air, cutting his hand clean off. The earth spike clattered to the ground. He screamed in agony, clutching his bleeding stump. But his scream was cut short when a dagger plunged into his skull, followed by a sword through his back. Blood sprayed as the weapons were pulled free, and Jooloo's lifeless body collapsed to the forest floor.
Through his blurry vision, Ofero saw a figure emerging from behind the fallen goblin—a pale young man with white hair, wearing leather armor and holding bloodied weapons. Ofero recognized the hair color immediately, but before he could speak, the world faded to black. His body went limp as consciousness slipped away, the name of his savior lingering on his lips.
"Art—..."