Chronicle of Forgotten Legends. Thunder Ax. Akop Nagabedyan

and each spell paved their way to freedom.

      Soon a real battle broke out, and though the enemy was numerous, the power of unity and friendship was on their side.

      – We can do this! – shouted Lorthar, raising his sword above his head, and with each new stroke he felt his strength grow.

      Elfin, continuing to focus on his magic, summoned swirls of energy, fending off attacks and sending back blows in return. Burk, with his agility and quickness, did his best to stay in the fight, diverting the attention of the brigands and protecting his friends.

      After a few tense minutes of things that seemed like an eternity, at last they were able to gain the upper hand. The bandits, realizing that resistance was futile, began to retreat into the shadows of the forest, leaving the group alone.

      Finally, in the silence of the night, only the ominous whispers of the departing enemies remained, and their hearts beat calmly again.

      – We did it! – exhaled Burke, falling to the ground, trying to regain his breath.

      – Yes! We did it! – Elfin and Lorthar said at the same time, and smiles slowly began to appear on their faces.

      – But we can’t relax,» Lorthar reminded him, looking around. – The night might hide even more dangers.

      After a tense night and an encounter with bandits, Lorthar, Elfin, and Burke packed up their belongings again and continued on their way. Exhausted but determined, they traveled deep into the woods, which they were told lead to their next challenge, the mysterious Forest of Spirits.

      When they entered the forest, the atmosphere immediately changed. Rays of light shone through the foliage of the trees, creating mesmerizing patterns on the ground. The silence that enveloped the forest was pervaded by light whispers, as if nature itself was sharing its secrets with them.

      – Sounds like someone is inviting us in,» Burke remarked, stopping and listening to the whispering wind.

      – Be careful,» Elfin warned. – It could be the magic of the forest. Nature spirits can take many forms, and they are not always benevolent.

      As they traveled further, the forest became more and more mysterious. Suddenly, they came upon a small clearing where a majestic statue made of roots and leaves stood among the trees. In the center was a brilliant sphere of light that pulsed quietly.

      – This must be the Spirit Tree we were told about,» Lorthar said with admiration. – We must get closer.

      But just as they took a step forward, voices came from the forest, and figures began to manifest-the spirits of the forest. They were ghostly beings, writhing from light and shadow, with faces that changed shapes. Each spirit reflected the emotions, feelings, and wisdoms of the forest.

      – Rascals! Why have you come to our forest? – One of them asked, her voice gentle but pouring anger.

      – «We sought comfort and help,» Elfin replied, trying to keep his composure. – «We mean no harm.

      – You bring confusion,» another spirit uttered, swirling in the air. – Your actions could cause destruction in this place.

      Lortar, realizing the situation was escalating, slowly stepped forward, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

      – We are but travelers,» he said. – We did not come here with bad intentions. We only seek truth and protection from a power we cannot control.

      Suddenly the spirits gathered in a circle around them, and in the midst of that circle arose an old, wise entity, the Spirit of the Forest. Her form was magnificent: a mixture of colors, light and greens, with eyes full of ancient wisdom.

      – What are you looking for, young seekers? – The Spirit asked. – And what are you willing to give in return?

      Elfin, realizing that this was their chance, spoke up:

      – We want to learn to protect our world from evil, from those who pursue their selfish goals. We are willing to fight this evil and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

      The Spirit of the Forest thought for a moment, then spoke:

      – To gain your power, you will have to pass a test. The Forest will ask you for more than mere courage. Prepare yourselves for tests of spirit and mind.

      Suddenly darkness enveloped the clearing, and visions – their own fears and doubts – surrounded them. They each saw their own image, reflecting their worst flaws and phobias.

      – No! It’s not! – Burke exclaimed, hearing his own voice calling him to give up.

      – You can get lost in your fears, or you can learn to deal with them,» said the Forest Spirit. – This is your test.

      The guards of the forest began to slowly approach them, filling the air with a thick fog. Elfin closed his eyes and focused on his senses, summoning his magic.

      – I am not afraid! – he shouted, tearing through the fog. – I will not let fear take over!

      Lortar bent down and grabbed his sword, feeling his confidence grow.

      – We have each other! We are not alone,» he added, unraveling his own fear.

      Burk, remembering all the battles they had been through together, exclaimed:

      – Fear is only an exaggeration of the mind! We can deal with it!

      As soon as they joined forces, the fog cleared and their inner images became vulnerable to their courage. The spirits that had previously constricted them now began to bounce around, recreating a spirit of unity.

      – You have overcome the first test! – The Forest Spirit proclaimed, his voice filling the space.