Everyone gasped as they heard the voice, its ethereal tone sending shivers down their spines. "What do you seek?" The question hung in the air like a challenge, and the group's eyes darted around, searching for the source.
Before they could respond, another voice chimed in, its melodic quality contrasting with the first voice's eeriness.
"What do you want?" The group was frightened and surprised, their faces pale in the flickering torchlight. They stood speechless, unsure of how to react.
One person spoke out, breaking the silence. "We want to know how to pass this place." Audric's voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed a hint of fear.
The voice responded, "Ok, we will tell you... but for the exchange of something."
The group's anticipation was palpable as they waited for the voice to reveal what it wanted in return. "What?" Audric asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You will ask for a wish, then we will grant it," the voice replied, its tone dripping with an otherworldly allure.
The group exchanged skeptical glances. "That's it?" Kaden asked. "No, we will choose," the voice responded, its words hanging in the air like a challenge.
"The girl with the grey hair," the voice declared, its gaze settling on Sierra. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, the voice commanded,
"Make a wish."
Sierra gasped, her eyes darting around the group. Her companions looked at her with anticipation, their faces filled with expectation. She took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the statues surrounding them. Her decision was made.
"I wish that you all be freed," she said, her voice firm.
The group's reaction was mixed. Kaelyn whispered, "Freed? Are they trapped?" Her tone was laced with disappointment, as if she expected Sierra to ask for something more tangible.
Sierra could have asked for wealth, wisdom, anything! But she chose... that.
The voice let out an audible gasp, and the air began to shimmer. The statues started to glow, and their stone skin began to transform. They all watched in awe as a statue blinked, its eyes snapping into focus. The stone gave way to living flesh, and the statues began to stir.
The group gasped as they witnessed the transformation. A woman looked at her hands, her face filled with wonder. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "You could have wished for anything," she said, her voice trembling, "but you chose to free us. You have a heart of gold."
As the statues-turned-people explored their newfound freedom, the group watched in amazement. The woman approached Sierra, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"We have been trapped for a millennium," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Cursed to stand as statues, frozen in time. You have freed us, Sierra. May your heart remain as pure as your intentions."
The scene unfolded like a dream, with the newly freed individuals stumbling into their newfound lives. The group watched, mesmerized, as the statues discovered the world anew. Sierra's wish had set off a chain reaction, freeing not just the statues, but also the group's perception of what was possible.
Sierra's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as if to form words that wouldn't come. "You have made your wish," the woman declared.
"Now, let me reveal the path forward." Everyone held their breath, awaiting the answer.
"You are currently in House Atarah," the woman continued.
"Until you pass the Shadowgrove, you will still be in this house's region."
The group had heard of House Atarah before, but it was rarely discussed, perhaps due to the rumors of a curse.
As they observed the inhabitants of House Atarah, they noticed their traditional attire and strict adherence to orderliness.
Of course they would, they were once living in the old times. But even if they were,their strictness and orderliness seemed like it was thing you could never take away from them.
The house itself was a marvel of ancient architecture, with towering structures and an eerie yet lively atmosphere.
The architecture of the house was a testament to bygone eras, with towering spires and intricate carvings that seemed to whisper secrets to the wind.
The group explored the alluring and eerily calm city and it's people. They were captivated and awed by it's uniqueness.
The time had gone by and the woman who was touring them noticed this.
" Spend the night here, then continue your journey tomorrow." The woman said with a warm smile on her face.
The group threw knowing glances at each and their eyes agreed on a decision.
"No,we must proceed," Kaden said firmly. "we have wasted too much time."
With a courteous farewell, the guards escorted them into the woods.
"Be cautious," they warned. "This grove is very deadly and it takes skill and patience to know to pass. We would have provided a pegasus, but you declined our offer."
Yes! They would have just flown over the grove without having to walk through this place but there was no time, they had to get to their destination. Besides they wanted the people to have their first day back to themselves.
The grove had a dark water, branches that had thorns poked out the water. There was this wind that blew that was unnerving that made the person in the grove shudder with fear. The beautiful sky above, was a contrast to the grotesque place below.
As they ventured into the grove, the group moved cautiously, mindful of the grove.
As they moved further into the grove, it felt like they were walking eternally like the place had no end. It felt like they had been working for hours.
"Let's hurry, this place is taking too much time to pass." Audric suggested
" No." Kaden answered firmly, leaving no room for further suggestions.
" I was not asking for your permission."
Audric said then quickened his pace, and a loud groan echoed through the grove, sending crows flying.