The Hero's Revenge Pt.3

Deeper into the woods Fidan journeyed hearing the creaking of roots and branches all around him. The forest was coming alive changing ever-so slightly. The road twisting and shifting leading him into the jaws of the bloody willow tree. His breathing had become shallow in an effort to calm himself and his breath froze in the air on impact. A shiver went down his spine as the aura around him became colder and colder.

Before he knew it, he was standing before a beautiful and massive willow tree in the middle of a clearing. Bones scattered all around the roots of the tree, and tattered clothing, fur and skin littering the fresh bodies. He dismounted and unsheathed his sword ready for a fight.

As he creeped closer, he heard a rumbling laugh. The tree came to life and a face appeared in the middle of the tree. It stared directly at him and laughed, baring its sharp and jagged teeth. Then it spoke directly to him. “Well, well, well, what have the witches sent me now?’, he spoke aloud. “Smells like a delicious human to taste, and I am oh so hungry.” He sniffed one more time and then said “But you don’t smell of fear which begs the question why are you here?”

Fidan spoke back with his sword pointed at the willow tree. “I have come for your blood thistle monster, step aside and let me collect it in peace, or I will cut you down.” To which the tree gave a hearty laugh, “Ah brave hero, I have heard of your journey and any man who is hell-bent on revenge is a friend to us monsters. After all you are the truest expression of a monster more than anything.” “Present me with a gift and I will allow you to collect my blood thistle.”

Fidan pondered for a moment whether he could trust the tree, but alas he had no other choice. He returned to his saddle and pulled out his most prized possession; a horn from the demon. He carefully walked up to the tree and bowed to present his gift then spoke. “This is all I have from my heroic deeds and a constant reminder of my failure as a hero. I give it freely and I am glad to be rid of it. For where I go, I no longer need proof of the hero I once was.”

The monster replied “I accept your gift and look forward to the flow of chaos you will usher in, now take your prize monster.” Fidan plucked the blood thistle that the monster had extended to him, and bowed once more and hopped back in the saddle.

His next destination would be far more dangerous and the mountains are no place for humans. Frost giants, snow wolves and other monstrosities awaited him. He took the road north and headed into the snowy abyss.

It took him another week of traveling to reach the steppes of the Ugril Mountains and what he saw left him breathless. The snowy peaks of the mountain were truly a sight to behold and something few men ever see in their lifetime. He took the remaining day to gather supplies and hunt before going any further.

In the evening he made a campfire and cooked the meat from his hunt. He could hear the howls of the wolves in the distant and feel the steps of the frost giants deep in the mountains. He fell asleep watching the flames flicker and woke up to a simmering ember. He packed his saddle bags and led his horse through the mountain pass.

The earth trembled around him through the pass, and rocks fell off the cliffs above. He was freezing and fighting the arctic winds moving forward. But his heart was warm, burning with the desire for revenge. He reminded himself what awaited him at the end of his tasks and a smile appeared on his face. He embraced the cold, harsh weather of the mountain and set his eyes upon his prize.