The road had stretched to that of a large corridor. Gargantuan trees planted on both sides acted as pillars supporting the ceiling of tightly woven sticks. The barrier prevented sunlight from entering, but moonlight mushrooms, scattered across the landscape, illuminated Cavern. Gray Wood's structure included many rules, one forbade outside elements. To survive, inhabitants must use their environment; otherwise, a gust of wind would destroy anything it considered harmful. No one knew the source, but all would follow its order.
As the name stated, the Schnee sanctuary was one of the last remaining hubs of protection granted after the deaths of many who perished after the Gray Plague. People said that the Schnee lost 80% of their people by the end of that month when the plague was rampant. Of course, the percentage could have been an exaggeration; the island was large, and chances are they could have gone into hiding.
Gray Wood had always existed; it was only after the King's deal that its properties were changed, and an entirely additional element was introduced to the world. It changed what was killing anything that didn't fit into its rules. That included the giants of Vamir's crossing, as well as the bodies of their infants who couldn't make the journey to their homeland. Splayed across the ground were large mounds that erupted from the ground like mountains spreading across the flat land. Centuries of growth hid the bones of a once-great species, unable to reproduce after the loss of their sun. The only proof of their existence was the strange flowers that grew from their resting place, yellow pelted and alive; instead of the sky, it grew facing the ground.
"Can you believe I've seen one alive before?" Rum asked, smiling as they passed the infant giant's grave.
"It was impossible to tell how old they were, even as they climbed up from the ground, they stood taller than any tree, building, or mountain." Elizabeth didn't know why, but she felt sadness coming from her voice, and as she looked down at the elevated ground, she began to feel the same way.
"The years haven't been kind to them," Rum said, brushing her hand on a part of the ground that stood up. "Or maybe I'm misremembering them".
As much as she felt pity for the giants, she had other worries, and as they closed in on their first obstacle, Elizabeth had to make sure of their destination. Throughout it all, she still hadn't figured out Rum's intentions, which only elevated her doubts with her next question.
"Why are we going to the sanctuary, Rum?"
"I told you already, I wanted to show you something".
"I'm not going any further until you tell me why exactly we need to go to the Schnee's Sanctuary".
The two of them stopped and looked at each other, realizing that each had something to hide but neither wanted to share what it was. That was only until the whispers coming from the forests dissipated and the forest became completely still.
Rum stared at the path ahead as a wave of leaves began falling. Beginning on only a small section of the path, it moved around, pulling loose sticks with it, the invisible assailant. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to find the cause of the disturbance and what its intention was there.
"What's a Brehlam doing here?" Elizabeth whispered, taking one step back.
"It's not supposed to," Rum said, following in her stride.
BREHLAM LEVEL 3 DANGER
INVISIBLE BEAST SEEKING ITS OWN SHADOW
IF ENCOUNTERED, PREVENT YOUR SHADOW FROM APPEARING.
IMMEDIATELY SEEK MOONLIGHT MUSHROOMS
She looked for the nearest stalk and pointed. Rum nodded and slowly pressed their boots into the grass. It was only a few feet away, but any wrong move could send the beast hurling at them. The falling leaves were getting closer, but they weren't erratic. It didn't know they were there.
TO BECOME INVISIBLE, THEY NEED TO CLOSE THEIR EYES. THIS IS WHEN THEY ARE AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE. USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PREPARE YOURSELF.
IF YOU SEE THEIR BODY, CHANCES ARE THEY SEE YOURS TOO.
PROTECT YOUR SHADOW
With a graceless fall, they stumbled inside the moonlight mushrooms and breathed a sigh of relief. Taking their time to bring back their composure, they took deep breaths and looked back where the Brehlam remained. Leaves continued to rain down, even if it knew where they were, it was useless against the set rules. Their pickiness about who their host was, in this situation, the one who was in the most danger was…
Elizabeth looked over at Rum, who refused to look away from the spot where leaves continued to drop.
Inhabiting a creature with higher knowledge was their one directive; in this situation, it was without a doubt Rum. Though its irregular behavior didn't help any notes Elizabeth had read about them. From all reports, they weren't supposed to be out yet; the three-month winter was still two months away. What was going on?.
The only thing I can think of is that the hole might be affecting them, but even then, that's not much of an explanation. Still, that doesn't help our situation now…
As long as they were under the stalk, they were safe, for a time at least. This wasn't supposed to be a long trip; in a battle of attrition, they would undoubtedly lose the game. There wasn't any time to rest.
"Hey, Rum", Elizabeth nudged Rum's shoulder. "Let's save this trip for another day". Even with her plea, Rum refused to turn away from where the monster remained, straining her eyes so long they were trembling. Is she angry?
"Something's preventing us from going", Rum said, slamming her fist into the ground.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked.
"This isn't supposed to happen; there's no reason for one to be here". She turned back, pacing around the small enclosure of light. " You've read about them, you know this isn't normal".
"Sure, but the forest is unpredictable, isn't it?".
Rum stopped for a moment and pointed toward the ceiling, where the leaves continued to fall.
"This has never happened." Somehow, Rum's pale skin had taken an even duller tone, almost transparent.
"These things are as old as the giants, older than this forest; they were here from the beginning… ", Rum's eyes furrowed as she turned her attention back to the monster.
"I'm not letting this stop us".
Rum reached into her cloak's pocket and grabbed a small pouch. Grabbing Elizabeth's hand, she put the pouch in her palm.
"What did Shane teach you about combat?".
"To avoid it at all costs," Elizabeth said, making Rum chuckle.
"Good, good, that's exactly what will get us through this".