The goblin's battle cry was a mix of guttural sounds, and its voice carried a sharp edge of maliciousness. "Kill the human and the elf!" it screeched, rallying its companions.Xander swiftly retreated a few steps, his injured hand clutching his sword. He glanced at the goblin that was now advancing towards him with a manic glint in its eyes. Atheria was beside him, her stance defensive, as she kept a watchful eye on their surroundings."If one goblin is here, there will be more," Atheria warned, her voice tinged with urgency.Xander nodded grimly. "Goblins don't work alone. They're pack creatures," he confirmed, his gaze locked on the approaching goblin.As the goblin drew closer, Xander couldn't help but comment, "You know, I'm surprised by how ugly you guys manage to be every time I see you."The goblin's eyes blazed with fury at Xander's words, and it bared its sharp, yellowed teeth. "I'll cut off your tongue for insulting us, human!" it growled, its grip on the crude blade tighten
Atheria watched in shock as Xander's transformation took hold. His movements were no longer human; he moved with an uncanny speed and agility that defied the limitations of his previous self. It was as if a primal force had been unleashed within him, guided by the dark presence of Bloodhound.Bloodhound's voice echoed in Xander's mind, his instructions clear and commanding. "Dodge left!" Bloodhound's voice urged, and Xander's body responded almost before he consciously registered the command. He gracefully sidestepped a swinging goblin blade that would have otherwise struck him."Strike now!" Bloodhound's guidance was unwavering, and Xander's arm shot out like a viper, his dagger finding its mark in the chest of a goblin who had foolishly left itself exposed. The goblin let out a guttural cry as its life force ebbed away.Atheria was both mesmerized and horrified by the fluidity of Xander's movements. It was a dance of death choreographed by Bloodhound, a sinister partnership that tur
Xander's frustration was palpable as he watched the man walk away, leaving them to face the harsh reality of the situation."Damn it," Xander cursed under his breath, his frustration echoing through the air. In a surge of anger, he lashed out and struck a nearby tree, the impact ringing out in the stillness of the moment.Atheria stood by him, her expression a mixture of empathy and determination. "We need to find Zory," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the challenges they faced.Xander's eyes flickered to Atheria, a mix of irritation and resignation in his gaze. "It's like the universe is dead set against me finding a cure," he muttered, his frustration evident."Zory is the only one I know who can help us," Atheria reminded him, her words carrying a sense of urgency. She was well aware that there was no known cure for his condition, but she had to keep up the façade for now, playing on his desire to save himself.Xander let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping. "Finding her m
Amidst the crowd, Atheria's voice held authority as she began to weave tales of the Lone Dragon's heroic exploits. "He stood alone against the raging wyrm in the Cursed Woods, its fiery breath no match for his unyielding spirit. Remember the village of Alden? When darkness loomed, he lit the way, quelling the evil that haunted those very streets."Bloodhound's cynical tone cut through within Xander's mind, "She's a master of deceit."Xander, however, was lost in Atheria's words, finding himself taken aback by the truth in her stories. "It doesn't sound like a lie," he mumbled.As Atheria spoke, the villagers' expressions shifted from skepticism to rapt attention. They exchanged glances, slowly beginning to believe in the tales of the Lone Dragon's bravery."He forged through the Blighted Marshes, where the poisoned air threatened even the strongest of us. Remember the lost expedition? His courage brought them back from the edge of despair," Atheria's voice rang clear, and the villager
A day later, Bloodhound wrought havoc upon the mage hunters and the duke, leaving their lifeless forms strewn in his wake. The fallen duke's body was brought to his grand castle by his loyal soldiers. Inside a dimly lit marble chamber, an elderly man awaited, his weary gaze fixed upon the duke's covered form."My lord, Lady Celina is on her way," a soldier adorned in crimson armor informed the aged man, whose bald head bore the weight of countless responsibilities.The door swung open, revealing Lady Celina, a vision of elegance in her regal blue gown that contrasted her golden hair and hazel eyes. Flanked by two heavily armored guards and a young woman with brown hair, she stepped into the room."Lady Celina," the elderly man greeted, bowing with a mixture of sorrow and concern."Is this him?" Celina inquired, her voice tinged with an undercurrent of heaviness."Yes, Lady Celina," the old man replied."Show me his face. I wish to see him," Celina's request was calm yet carried a prof
On the other side of the Duchy of Krovian, Keeran walked down a corridor adorned with lavish decorations. The floor was graced with an intricately designed expensive rug, while the walls boasted a collection of ornate paintings and softly glowing orbs that cast a warm light upon the scene.As he reached a mahogany door, its surface intricately etched with delicate designs, Keeran's hand moved slowly to open it. The door swung open to reveal Velrian and another elderly figure seated within the room. "Lord William," Keeran greeted the old man with a respectful bow. The old man sat regally behind a table of gleaming gold, his attire mirroring the richness of his surroundings. His eyes emanated an air of calm wisdom as his gray hair was neatly combed."Please, take a seat," William replied, gesturing towards a chair beside Velrian."Is everything in order for the upcoming funeral?" William inquired, his gaze attentive."Theo's family is en route to Krovian. The funeral is scheduled for t
Under the moon's light, Xander and Atheria rode atop Crazy Jack, their journey illuminated by the silvery glow. The dirt path stretched out before them, bordered by swaying silver grass that added an enchanting quality to the scenery.Suddenly, their focus shifted as they spotted a carriage approaching from a distance. The driver seemed oblivious to their presence due to the darkness and distance."Quick, into the grass," Xander whispered urgently, swiftly dismounting and disappearing into the tall blades. "Sit boy," Atheria gently said. Crazy Jack seemed to comprehend Atheria's whispered command and obediently settled down in the grass."She is good with animals I see," Bloodhound commented within Xander's thoughts."That's why you like her I guess, because you are an animal too," Xander replied in a whispering tone.The carriage drew nearer, its pace leisurely as torches cast dancing shadows around it. The driver, hidden beneath a bamboo hat and nondescript brown robes, seemed unaw
Inside the carriage, Xander's heart raced as he felt it come to a halt. He strained his ears to catch snippets of conversation happening outside. He could hear Toya's voice and the excited chatter of the goblins who accompanied him."They say it's the finest ale they've ever tasted," Toya's voice carried a mix of confidence and anticipation."About time we got a decent shipment," a goblin at the gate responded, his excitement palpable."Open it, open it!" another goblin chimed in eagerly."Hold on, Is that really necessery?" Toya's voice took on a cautious tone. "We just have to make sure it's all there. Chief's orders." a goblin said.Xander clenched his fists inside the carriage, his anxiety rising. The goblins' voices echoed around him, making him feel like time was running out. He glanced at the barrels around him, hoping they would be convincing enough."Damn it," Bloodhound hissed within Xander's mind. Xander's heart skipped a beat as the goblins continued their conversation.