Chapter 21: The Dream Forest

Daemon and Lyana walked down the path, leaving their home behind and entering the vast expanse of the Forest. The sun was already at its zenith, and the golden rays filtered through the treetops, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the ground.

Daemon, riding Ghost, watched in amazement as the landscape changed around him. The plants and trees, growing taller and more leafy, seemed to whisper ancient secrets in the wind.

"It's an amazing place, right?" said Lyana, who was riding next to him on her mare, Shadow. "I had never seen anything like it."

Daemon nodded, unable to look away from the gigantic mushrooms that now dominated the landscape. Some of them were as tall as trees, with moss-covered hats and vines hanging like green curtains.

"This place is called the Dreaming Forest," Lyana explained, noting the fascination in Daemon's eyes. "These giant mushrooms are said to have healing properties. In ancient times, forest druids used them to prepare magical potions."

Daemon listened attentively as his horses moved slowly along the leaf-covered path. The atmosphere was filled with an earthy and fresh aroma, mixed with the sweetness of the wild flowers that grew among the roots of the mushrooms.

"Magical creatures live here too," Lyana continued. "Some say that the spirits of the forest protect this place, allowing only those with pure hearts to find it."

As they moved forward, Daemon couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the majesty of the forest. The combination of sunlight, dancing shadows, and vibrant greenery enveloped him in a sense of peace.

"It's amazing," Daemon said, finally finding his voice.

Lyana smiled, pleased to see her student so impressed. "This is just the beginning of our journey, Daemon. There are many more amazing places."

After an hour of riding in silence, enjoying the scenery, Lyana pointed ahead. "We're headed to Eleanor's town," she said. "It will take us two more days if we move fast."

Daemon looked at Lyana, curious. "What is the origin of her name?"

Lyana took a deep breath, as if preparing to tell an old legend. "Eleanor was named after an ancient heroine. She was said to be a peerless warrior, who protected these lands from a great evil hundreds of years ago. According to legend, Eleanor sacrificed herself to seal a powerful dark creature deep within. of the forest. Since then, the city has been named after him in honor of his bravery."

Daemon took in the story, feeling a deeper connection to the place. "It's a fascinating story," he commented.

The forest began to become clearer, and the path became more defined. It was evident that they were approaching the exit of the Dreaming Forest. As the sunlight intensified, Daemon could see a vast meadow stretching out before them.

"This place always makes me feel small," Lyana said, looking toward the horizon. "Nature has a way of reminding us how vast and wonderful the world is."

Daemon nodded, still processing everything he had seen and heard. His journey was just beginning, but he was already greatly amazed with how little he had seen.

As the sun began to descend in the sky, they found a clearing suitable for camping. They set up their tents and lit a small bonfire. The light from the fire cast dancing shadows on the surrounding trees, creating a cozy and mystical atmosphere.

"We will rest here for the night," Lyana said, taking supplies from her bag. "Early tomorrow we will continue towards Valeria."

Daemon nodded, grateful for the opportunity to rest and process the day's events. He sat by the fire, watching the stars begin to shine in the night sky, perhaps he would search for the old constellations of his old world or find new ones that he could name.

"It's beautiful," he murmured, feeling a deep peace.

Lyana smiled, sitting next to him. "Yes it is beautiful, Daemon. She was also looking at the stars"

They both fell silent afterwards, each immersed in his thoughts.

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Dakkar's point of view:

Thousands of miles away, on the Ice Continent, Dakkar stood atop an ancient, dilapidated tower. From there, he observed the horizon with cold, calculating eyes. He felt an unusual restlessness, a disturbance in the ancestral energies he controlled.

A while ago, he had felt a presence that was familiar to him, a vestige of an ancient power that he believed had disappeared forever. A barely perceptible flash of energy had crossed her consciousness. It was the sign of a monster that he himself had helped defeat centuries ago. This monster had been both a hero to many and a threat to others.

He had detected a hint of his presence once again, and if he threatened to resurface again, it could affect his plans.

He frowned, his mind remembering old battles, where his enemies had left him mortal wounds.

Initially, Dakar had plans to head directly to the city of Valeria. There, he sought to break one of the seals that kept the other calamities of the world imprisoned. The city of Valeria, with its history of heroism and sacrifice, held many secrets, and Dakkar, being an existence that lived for thousands of years, knew of them.

But now, with the disruption of that energy, he knew he had to change his priorities. He had outstanding accounts to settle with someone who resided in these lands. His gaze was fixed on the horizon: a black fortress, a castle that stood dark and threatening in the distance. That place held the secret of his next mission, an inevitable confrontation that could not be ignored.

"Time is running out," he muttered to himself. "Before I can proceed with my original plan, I must have that thing in my hands, I had to recover all its power as quickly as possible."

With renewed determination, Dakkar began heading towards the massive fortress. He could not afford distractions, but this matter could not be ignored.

While Daemon slept soundly, unaware of the future catastrophes that lay ahead.