The Garden Of?
Chapter eleven:
The Encounter of a Giant:
The forest was quiet that morning, almost too quiet. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting mottled patterns on the ground that shifted as the wind moved the leaves. My horse trudged along the narrow path, hooves slipping slightly on the damp earth. I gripped my sword tight, feeling the familiar hum of Aether flow pulse through my hands, mingling with the whispers of the spirits around me. My hair was wet from the morning dew, sticking to my forehead, and a thin layer of sweat already dampened my shirt. Every step through Crest Forest felt heavier today, like the trees themselves were watching me, waiting for something to happen.
I kept scanning the underbrush, every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig setting my senses on edge. My heart pounded in my chest, but I reminded myself to stay calm. This forest was alive—filled with beauty, yes, but also danger. I had trained my whole life for moments like this, but the reality was different. I had never faced something truly monstrous. Never something that could crush me with one blow or tear through the forest like a storm. And yet, as my gaze moved forward, I saw it.
The ground shook first, subtly at first, then with a thundering vibration that made my teeth chatter. A low, guttural growl rolled through the trees, echoing off the trunks. I froze, gripping my sword tighter. My heart raced faster, sweat now running down my temples, dampening the edges of my hair. Then I saw it—a giant, taller than any tree nearby, its bark-like skin glistening with moisture, eyes glowing molten gold. Its massive fists clenched and unclenched as it roared, the sound vibrating in my chest. My breath caught, but I forced myself to focus.
I felt the spirits around me shift, restless, warning me. I called on them quietly, feeling them swirl around me, lending me speed, strength, and focus. I swallowed hard, knuckles white on my sword, and reminded myself of everything my parents had taught me. My father's discipline, my mother's calm guidance, my own secret mastery of Aethersteel and Spirit Flow—they were all tools I had to use now.
The giant charged, each step making the ground quake. I rolled to the side instinctively as its fist slammed where I had been standing. The wind from the blow blew my hair into my face, wet and sticking, and I spat out a mouthful of dust. My pulse thundered in my ears, adrenaline coursing through every vein. I launched myself forward, spirits guiding me as I sliced at the giant's legs. My sword pierced the bark-like hide, leaving shallow marks that shimmered faintly with Aether, but the creature barely flinched. I needed more.
It swung again, faster than I expected, and I barely ducked in time. My shirt clung to my back with sweat, my palms slippery on the hilt, and my heart jumped with every motion. I called on Spirit Flow, channeling energy through my body, letting it enhance every strike. I ran up its arm, leaping onto its shoulder, teeth gritting as rough bark scraped my palms. My legs pumped hard, pushing against the giant's trembling skin as I struck at its glowing eyes with all the strength I could muster.
It roared, swinging wildly, and I barely dodged again, feeling my breath come in ragged gasps. My sword hummed in my hands, glowing with combined Aether and Spirit energy. I focused, letting my mind sync with the flow, predicting its movements almost instinctively. Each strike landed more effectively, my muscles aching, my back slick with sweat, but I could feel progress. The giant's roars became slower, less controlled, and finally, with one synchronized strike—I plunged the sword deep into its chest. The creature staggered, staggering back, then collapsed with a crash that shook the ground. I jumped down, chest heaving, hands trembling as the spirits swirled around me, quiet now.
I sank to my knees, letting my sword rest on the ground, sweat dripping into my eyes, hair plastered to my face. My chest burned, my arms trembled, but a fierce exhilaration ran through me. I had fought a true monster—and I had won. My heart still raced, but I felt alive in a way I had never felt before. The forest was quiet now, almost reverent, as if acknowledging what had just happened. I breathed deeply, feeling my body recover gradually, and let the spirits fade, sensing their approval.
I sat by the fallen giant for a long time, examining it, trying to understand its strength. My fingers itched from gripping my sword so tightly, muscles sore from dodging and striking. I thought of Rufius, imagining him running through Tern, playing mischief and learning in his own small ways. I hoped he would grow strong too, and the thought made me smile faintly despite the exhaustion. My parents came to mind, their voices echoing in my mind: "Trust yourself, Leif," "Use your heart and courage," "Be disciplined, but always careful." All those lessons had come together today in the heat of battle.
Night fell, and I made camp near a stream a few paces away from where the giant had collapsed. My hair was still wet, sticking to my forehead and neck, my body sore, muscles twitching with fatigue. I cleaned my sword slowly, feeling the weight of everything I had done settle on me. I ate some of the rations Ferexia had packed, every bite tasting like home. Even through exhaustion, I felt a quiet pride—I had survived, I had tested myself, and I had learned more than I could have in months of ordinary training.
The next two days passed slowly. I walked cautiously through the rest of Crest, keeping my senses sharp. My muscles ached, my body still recovering, and every rustle in the underbrush made my heart leap. Yet I moved with confidence now, more aware of the forest's patterns, more attuned to the spirits and the Aether. I stopped to rest near clearings, watching birds, deer, and the small animals that moved carefully around me. I cleaned my sword frequently, tested my Spirit Flow, and let the Aether flow through me, feeling stronger with each passing hour.
By the end of the second day after the fight, I had grown accustomed to my own limits and my own strength. My body was tired, yes, but my mind was sharper. I reflected on the battle over and over, thinking about what I had done well and what I could improve. My heart still raced when I imagined facing another creature of that size, but I felt ready for anything. I had survived Crest Forest, faced a monster, and come out stronger, wiser, and more in control of my abilities than ever before.
By the end of the second day after the fight, my body ached and my muscles still trembled from the battle, but I felt sharper, stronger, and more in control than ever. The forest seemed quieter now, almost respectful of what had happened, and the spirits hovered near me, calm and steady. I decided to take a small break by a stream that wound gently through a sunlit clearing. The water glimmered like scattered crystals, moving swiftly over smooth stones, and I could see tiny fish darting in the shallow edges. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten properly in a while.
I knelt beside the stream, running my fingers through the cold water, and felt the chill bite my skin. The fish moved fast, silver bodies flashing as they twisted and turned. I picked up a small, sturdy branch from the bank, sharpening one end with a stone I carried, and fashioned a simple spear. I held it steady, waiting, heart thumping quietly, sweat still drying on my damp hair from the previous day. One larger fish lingered near a rock, unaware of me. I crouched low, every sense alert, and in a swift motion, thrust the spear. The fish flopped wildly in my hands, slippery and alive, but I grinned and held it tight.
I made a small fire on the bank, smoke curling lazily into the forest air. Cleaning the fish carefully with a sharp stone, I skewered it over the flames, the smell mixing with wet earth, moss, and pine. I sat cross-legged, watching the flames dance, my sword resting beside me, and took my first bite. The fish was hot, tender, and tasted of everything—the forest, the stream, and the freedom of traveling alone. I chewed slowly, savoring each bite, feeling strength returning to my limbs, and smiled. Even after danger, there was peace in the simple things. I leaned back, watching the water ripple and the sunlight shimmer, spirits hovering quietly, and felt ready for whatever lay ahead on the path to the Royal Capital.