But Lortar gathered his thoughts and resolutely continued forward. He checked every board and at the same time listened to the team. And suddenly, as he took the last step, the bridge beneath him creaked and he felt himself start to tilt.
– Hold on! – Shouted Burke, hearing the cracking. – We’re here, you can make it!
Engaged in teamwork, they supported each other. Lortar pulled out all his courage and, completing the penultimate step, remained standing on the bridge.
– I did it! – he shouted with relief when he finally reached the other side. – The bridge is stronger than I thought, and now it will be your turn!
Elfin and Burk, inspired by Lorthar’s decision, followed him. Elfin took a few steps first, following the magical momentum left on the bridge. Burk, supporting him, moved slightly behind him, like an experienced stage joker.
When all three of them reached the other side, they looked over with delighted smiles.
– We did it! – exclaimed Burke.
After they crossed the ravine, the team kept moving, confident in their abilities. The forest grew denser, and soon they were at the bank of the river, whose wide stream rushed swiftly, reflecting the sun’s rays. On the other bank they could see the hills and meadows that the heroes had only dreamed of traversing.
This time, however, they encountered a new difficulty: an old bridge stood on the river, the embodiment of a once majestic structure, now covered with rust and roots. Its railings were bent and several planks were almost completely rotted away.
– This bridge doesn’t look too secure,» Burke said, glancing toward the winding stream. – If we put ourselves out, it just might not hold.
– Still, we have no other choice,» Lorthar said, eyeing the bridge. – We can’t stay here much longer-the river is too dangerous, and we need to get to the other side as soon as possible.
Elfin furrowed his brows as he studied the bridge. His intuition told him that there might be magic lurking across the bridge, and the challenge ahead would require not only physical strength but also mental agility.
– Let’s test it,» he said. – I can try to use magic to strengthen this bridge and make it safer for us. But I need some time to concentrate.
– Very well,» Lorthar nodded in agreement. – In the meantime, Burke and I will walk across the bridge and see which sections seem most dangerous. If anything goes wrong, we’ll be back in time.
Elfin closed his eyes, concentrating to summon the power of nature. He felt the flow of magic coming from the river, and it made his concentration stronger. Lortar and Burk stepped onto the bridge, slowly following each step. The bridge made a cracking sound, and it startled them from time to time, but they tried to ignore it.
When they reached the middle of the bridge, it suddenly wobbled violently, and both of Lortar’s feet slipped on the slippery plank!
– Lortar! – Bourke shouted, grabbing his arm to keep him from falling. Lort’s heart beat faster, but grabbing the railing, he managed to keep his balance.
– It’s all right! – He shouted, trying to stay calm, though there was fear in his voice. – Just have to be more careful.
At this time, Elfin opened his eyes, seeing what was happening, and began to cast a spell. His hands glowed with green light as he channeled his power into the wooden structures of the bridge, strengthening them.
– Do not be afraid! – he shouted. – I’m doing it! Move slowly, and all will be well!
Finally, after several arduous minutes, our heroes reached the middle of the bridge, where it had been wobbling badly, but now looked much more stable thanks to Elfin’s efforts.
– We did it! – Lorthar said with relief when they finally reached the other side.
– But let’s not let our guard down,» Burke added, looking around cautiously. – We don’t know what other dangers we may encounter along the way.
After they had crossed the bridge, they stopped to catch their breath and look around. A beautiful clearing stretched out before them, flooded with sunlight, and it looked like there would be nothing but easy going ahead.
The day was slowly coming to an end, and the sun, as if shrouded in a cloak of fire, was beginning to disappear over the horizon. Lorthar, Elfin and Burk, feeling a surge of strength after successfully crossing the bridge, decided it was time to make camp in a cozy clearing near the river.
They built a small fire, gathered kindling and built a fire that lit up the dark corners of the forest with flames that leapt into flames. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, and soon the evening calm enveloped them in friendly company.
– This has been a wonderful adventure,» Burke said, taking a bite of meat. – I didn’t even know the old bridge could hold our weight!
– We were brave and resourceful,» Lorthar replied, leaning back and looking up at the starry sky. – The most important thing is to support each other.
Elfin, listening to the words of his friends, suddenly noticed that the stars began to fade. A dark cloud seemed to hang over their camp, and his heart clenched.
– Don’t you think something is wrong? – he asked, listening to the sounds of the forest. Suddenly everything was silent, as if nature had frozen in anticipation.
– Maybe it’s just the clouds,» Burke reassured him, though he was beginning to feel a little uneasy himself.
Before they could say a few more words, however, there was a muffled rumble among the trees, and lights flashed in the air. Shadows came out of the darkness, a group of mysterious figures dressed in dark robes that swept over them like predators over a pack of deer.
– Quickly! Take cover! – Lorthar shouted, rising to his feet. His heart was pounding frantically in his chest as they searched for cover.
Figures with bows and swords in their hands advanced toward them, making ominous whispers. They were night brigands who preyed on unsuspecting travelers. In a single movement they surrounded the camp, and soon the spacious clearing was filled with tension.
– Don’t panic!» Elfin tried to reassure his friends as he prepared to cast a defense spell. – I can create a magical shield to protect us!
– I need to distract them! – shouted Burk, grabbing his knife. – And you prepare the spell!
Lortar nodded, feeling adrenaline fill his body. He knew they had to act fast or they wouldn’t survive.
Grabbing his sword, he stepped to the forefront.
– You will not give up so easily! – He shouted, issuing his challenge to his opponents.
The brigands stopped and smiled with sinister faces.
– «Oh look, we have a hero here,» one of them grinned, tilting his head. – We’re here to get your stuff, and we’re not going to risk it just for the fun of it.
Elfin, despite the tension, was concentrating on his magic. He cast a spell, and a glow of energy began to appear around them as he created a protective shield. At that moment, however, Burk rushed into the fray, drawing the brigands’ attention back to himself.
– Hey, over here!» he shouted, delivering several blows with his knife that caused the brigands to hesitate.
Taking advantage of the confusion of his enemies, Elfin had time to complete the spell. From the dark surroundings, a translucent shield began to descend upon them, which held back arrow strikes and dangerous swings of swords.
– We have a chance! – he shouted. –