UNFINISHED TALES OF GASNAR: BOOK 1 - THE CLICHÉ FOREST OF DARKNESS

IV - A (Almost) Lone Wolf

The druid's eyes opened slowly. His first sight was of an elderly man, yet with a respectable air. His garments were old and torn, with a large greenish cloak, and he had a white beard that gave him an even more sage-like appearance. For a moment, the druid thought he might be dead and that this was heaven, limbo, or perhaps even hell. However, upon closer inspection, he realized he was in a small, old wooden cabin filled with various herbs, potions, and other interesting items.

– That was quite a fall, young one. You were lucky to survive. I am Tarûk, the healer. No need to tell me who you are, adventurer, for I know everything that happens in this forest, which I call my home – said the man.

Still a bit groggy, strangely, Alain managed to mumble a few words:

– My ti-tiger... Wh-where is he?

– Don't worry, he is safe and sound resting outside the cabin. Besides him, I also found this backpack, but it seems its owner wasn't as fortunate... – replied the healer, showing Gordin's backpack. – But now, rest. It was an impressive fall from the Wild River waterfall. Many wouldn't have survived. I'd say today is your lucky day.

Without paying much attention to the wise man, Alain got up and prepared his things to leave, saying:

– Th-thank you very much, bu-but I need to go! I ha-have a bi-bi-big mission and ca-can't waste time here.

– Alright, but I'll go with you, as the young nymph Marin Moonlight asked me to take care of you in gratitude for saving her life before – replied the healer.

The druid left the cabin somewhat suspicious, but his fears quickly dissipated when he noticed the beautiful animal standing before him, majestic. It was Egona, the nymph's mare. Tarûk continued:

– She also left this gift so we can get to your destination more quickly: the Mountain of Shadows in the Dark Forest, home to the terrible being that controls this entire forest. And if there's anyone who knows the whereabouts of what you seek, it's the one in the mountain.

Without further ado, Alain whistled for his tiger and mounted the mare, along with the healer. The tiger quickly rose from a shadow under one of the trees and joined its owner. Tarûk handed Gordin's backpack to Alain and thought it best to start the journey immediately. Otherwise, they would waste too much time there, conversing, due to the druid's speech problem.

Although Alain was very grateful to his savior, he remained silent. So, they rode off towards the mountain in the center of the forest. Along the way, Alain remembered that many said that the mountain was home to an ancient green dragon with countless treasures.

They rode through the Dark Forest for a long time, and if it weren't for the healer, the druid would have been lost, perhaps forever. After a while, Alain noticed the sudden change in weather through the humidity in the air. Soon, he saw the forest gradually opening into a new clearing, where four roads converged. One of them led to the ascent of a small hill. Soon, Alain, Tarûk, and their animals were walking through an open forest that didn't live up to the Dark Forest's reputation. This was a sign that they were climbing the hill towards the Mountain of Shadows. Still thinking about what they heard, the druid remembered that this was the lair of the ancient green dragon with the unpronounceable name, Szarghshyyyk'stohrkkksgharsh, better known as Szar. Despite the danger ahead, Alain continued his brave and foolish quest, even knowing that death was the certain end for trying to face such a terrible dragon that only his druidic wisdom allowed him to know. As they walked, small drops began to fall from the sky, and soon they were all soaked by the heavy rain that had begun. The drops became larger and colder, but this didn't stop the young druid from continuing until a point forced him to stop. Strangely, the old forest witch and the nymph, the former owner of the druid's mount, were there. The lady lay on the hard forest floor, pale-faced, while the nymph tried unsuccessfully to ease her pain. Upon the group's arrival, the nymph said:

– She is very wounded. She was attacked by a venomous carnivorous plant that only grows here in the Dark Forest. As you can see, druid, even those accustomed to this forest are not free from its dangers!

Alain was intrigued by how the old lady had reached that point before him, but he thought it wasn't the most appropriate time for questions. Meanwhile, Tarûk dismounted and went to the lady's aid. After a brief diagnosis, he said:

– I can save her, but unfortunately, my healing herbs and instruments are in my cabin. I believe that by the time I go and come back, it might be too late.

Seeing the man who saved his life, the woman of his dreams, and an elderly lady on the verge of death standing there in the rain, Alain decided to dismount the mare, handing her over to the healer, and said:

– Ta-take the la-la-dy to the ca-ca-ca-bin!

So, the druid let the healer take the lady to the cabin using the swift mare, while he stayed in the rain with the beautiful and young nymph, Marin Moonlight. Alain and Marin intertwined in a strong and fiery kiss (which would receive a black label if this work were a film). Shortly after the delicious contact, Marin pulled away and said:

– You passed the test, my noble and young beloved. Now head to the Mountain of Shadows to meet Szar. However, wait for your companions at the cave entrance, as this dragon is incredibly dangerous.

– No-nothing doing, I'll go in there alone and finish the dra-dragon on my own. I just ask you one thing: please take care of my animal companion. I do-do-not want anything bad to happen to him... – replied the druid, convinced of his ability, while the tiger felt that his owner was abandoning him.

– The choice is yours – said the nymph and called the tiger to her side. – I hope you manage to destroy the axe. So, we meet in better days...

Once again, the nymph disappeared into the mists left by the dissipating rain. The druid thought aloud:

– Ag-ag-again! No-now that I thought we-we were going to stay to-together...

Only now did Alain, the mystic, realize that he was in a kind of clearing, connecting four paths. The lone hero set off, head down, climbing the hill towards the mountain, his thoughts in disarray. After a few minutes of walking, he began to miss his faithful animal companion. His tiger had always been by his side for whatever he needed. Now, the druid was truly alone. But in the face of danger, he preferred it that way.

Already annoyed by the endless ascent, he spotted someone, short and stout, standing at the top of the hill. Alain quickened his pace and realized that a dwarf dressed as a monk was in front of the cave entrance, at the foot of the famous Mountain of Shadows. It resembled Gordin but carried no dwarf axes and had no beard. His face was unfriendly, and he stood there like a statue in front of the cave.

– Wh-who are you? I ne-need to enter this cave, and you won't stop me! – said the druid. However, he received no response...