Chapter 44 Trials of the Forest

The emerald light that emanated from the Huntress had vanished, leaving the clearing in an oppressive darkness. The skeletal trees seemed to leer mockingly, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers clawing at the fading light. The whispers, now a cacophony of taunts and warnings, filled Friesland's head, threatening to drown out reason. "We have to follow her," Miller declared, his voice tight with tension. "She pointed the way." Davies, his weathered face etched with concern, scanned the dense foliage surrounding the ruined temple. "It's a death trap in there. Thorns, hidden pitfalls, not to mention whatever else the Huntress has set loose." Friesland knew Davies was right, but they had no choice. The lunar eclipse loomed closer with each passing hour, and the fate of world hung in the balance. Taking a deep breath, he forced the whispers from his mind and focused on the task at hand. "Davies," he said, his voice firm, "can you track her path?" The seasoned tracker crouc