After leaving the trials of the Hidden Forest behind, Mamir walked on, guided by the map and the elven dagger in his hand. For days he followed the path until, at last, he reached a strange passage hidden among the towering trees. At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a tangle of trunks.
But when he lifted the dagger, its green veins glowed. The massive trees groaned and shifted aside, opening a secret road. Mamir's heartbeat quickened. This must be the path his mother once took.
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The Cave and the Dark One
The hidden road led him to a cavern buried deep between jagged cliffs. Cold air poured from its mouth, and black flames flickered on the walls inside.
From the shadows stepped forth a man-shaped creature—part smoke, part stone, with eyes black as coal.
— "The darkness of Ostomas has already marked you," it growled.
Mamir drew his blade and attacked, but every strike slid uselessly off its shifting form. His strength began to fail—until the elven dagger in his grip blazed with sudden light.
With one last cry, Mamir drove the dagger into the creature's chest. A scream tore through the cavern as the dark figure shattered into ash and vanished. Exhausted, Mamir pressed onward, deeper into the cave.
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The Well and the Guardian
At the heart of a vast chamber stood an ancient well. Beside it waited an old man with silver hair and long robes, his eyes filled with timeless patience.
— "So, you carry the elven dagger," the guardian spoke. "Then your blood is worthy to step into Elandur. Prove it—let a single drop fall into the well."
Mamir pressed the dagger's edge to his finger. A drop of blood struck the water. Instantly, the well erupted with light, its depths glowing as if the stars themselves were rising within.
The old man's expression darkened, though his voice remained calm.
— "Your journey begins here."
Before Mamir could react, the guardian thrust him forward. He stumbled and fell into the blazing waters. Cold engulfed him, and darkness closed over his mind.
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The Whisper of Elandur
When Mamir opened his eyes again, he stood in a forest unlike any other. Its colossal trees shimmered with radiant leaves, and flowers glowed across the ground. The air itself seemed alive with light.
Then, soft and melodic, a voice whispered in his ear:
— "Welcome to Elandur, son of Turok…"
Mamir's chest tightened with awe. For the first time, he felt both peace and dread—for his true journey had only just begun.
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