Chapter 12 – The Breadcrumb Trail
The Forest of the Forsaken whispered. Not with words, but with the snapping of branches in the distance, leaves brushing against each other like voices that had forgotten their language. Cael advanced with caution, each step heavy as if the ground itself were trying to hold him back. Beside him, the black-armored knight followed in absolute silence, like a living shadow.
Suddenly, he stopped.
Cael turned. "What is it?"
The knight knelt and picked something up from the ground. A small piece of dry bread, covered in dirt and dampness.
"Food," he murmured, lifting it between his gloved fingers.
Cael frowned, incredulous. "Are you messing with me?"
The knight stared at him. "It is whole."
"It's a crumb in the middle of a cursed forest, brother! And you find that inviting?"
Technically, it's bread. In practical terms? It's a trap with yeast.
Cael let out a loud sigh. "Drop it. Seriously. These crumbs lead straight to Dorothy's house. She looks like a nice little old lady, but... well, let's just say she has a certain taste for... unsuspecting visitors."
The knight remained silent for a second before dropping the crumb. It hit the ground with a dry sound, like a warning no one heard—except for Cael.
"You know the way," the knight said, resuming his walk.
Take note: the game protagonist listens to advice. A rare event. Almost a miracle.
They continued along the twisted trail, avoiding the bits of bread that stretched out like an infantile invitation. A sweet scent began to rise in the air, dense and alluring, like freshly baked cake and hot tea. But Cael felt his stomach turn with every step.
"Do you smell that?" he murmured. "Smell of home... smell of death."
And then, the house appeared among the trees. Small, cozy at first glance, with windows lit by a soft light and a chimney puffing out blue smoke. The trail of crumbs ended there, like a whispered laugh in the forest.
Cael stopped a few steps from the crooked fence.
"Entering is a choice. Leaving... that's another story."
The knight watched in silence, then nodded.
"We enter. Carefully."
Ah, the good old "I know it's a trap but I'm going in anyway." I smell a brilliant plan.
Cael tightened his grip on his sword hilt.
"I just want to see if I can break the script this time."
And together, they crossed the gate of the witch's house.