Chapter 6: The Path Divides

After William's betrayal, a shadow fell over the company. They broke camp swiftly and rode hard all that day, as if putting distance between themselves and past shadows. Yet no one is outpacing the darkness now creeping into men's hearts.

That night by the fire, voices were raised in a heated argument. Richard, ever pushing our quest, yet now seeing it has cost a brother's soul! accused one knight, Sir Tristan. Some said to turn back before more were lost. But Richard would not be swayed.

Friends, grief, and doubt assail us, but we must stand fast, he urged. True, William chose a treacherous path, yet who can know what dire enchantments held sway? Our mission is too great to falter now. The kingdom relies on our perseverance. I say onwards at first light!

So it was that at dawn, a division formed—half the company chose to return home under Tristan's lead, while Richard and the loyal few pressed onward with Lady Sophia's guidance. May God watch over your journey, my friends. Farewell.

They parted ways with heavy hearts, with Richard wondering if he had asked too much of fragile mortal souls. That night, as he kept watch, Sophia crept beside him quietly. Friend, doubt not your cause or character. Darker powers seek to undermine our quest through sowing dissent. We must see past shadows in the light of Yeshua.

Her counsel eased his troubled mind, though peril seemed to multiply with each league they covered. What more trials lie in wait, and would fate test him again so sorely? He could only pray that the remaining knights found strength to persevere to the end, wherever their road might lead.

On the morn, a ghastly discovery awaited: one sentry lay slain in his blankets, throat slit near-clean through. Fresh tracks led away into the misty woods like a taunt. They broke camp with haste, following the trail winding into unknown terrors ahead. Whatever evil spirits guarded this land, they had declared open vendetta upon the quest and its bearers. Now the chase was truly joined.

That day, the mists thickened, threatening to swallow the company whole. Through filter veils of gray, they glimpsed strangeness—twisted trees like grasping hands, pools ink-black and fathomless. Richard spurred them ever onward, trusting in his steed, his sword, and the guiding light of faith in Yeshua. They would not be waylaid; whatever shadows lay in wait upon the quest's winding path.