Chapter 3 Chapitre 3

The terrifying howl that echoed in the night shook Victor and Luc. They exchanged a look heavy with consequences, knowing that each minute brought them closer to

next full moon and the inevitable transformation of Luc.

Elvira straightened up, her face serious. "You must leave now. Talismans do not will not be easy to find, and time is running out. »

Victor nodded. "We understand. Thanks for your help, Elvira. We will do everything to succeed. »

The old witch held out a trembling hand towards them. "Take this," she said to them.

offering a small leather bag. "Inside you will find herbs and stones that will protect you against some of the dangers of the forest. Use them wisely. »

Victor took the bag and thanked Elvira. They gathered their things and, after telling the goodbye to the witch, set off, leaving the clearing and the mist behind them mystical.

The first rays of dawn were peeking through the trees as they reached a narrow path leading to the mountains. Victor turned towards Luc, determined. " We must prove that these legends are false. If we find the talismans and the artifact, we may be able to break this curse once and for all. »

Luc nodded, but a shadow of doubt crossed his eyes. "What if... what if legends are true, Victor? What if we can't break this curse? »Victor placed a reassuring hand on Luc's shoulder. "We have to try, Luc. For you, for the village, and for all those who suffer because of this curse. We don't we can't give up. »

They continued their march, their determination pushing them forward despite the fatigue. The path climbed higher and higher, leading them to altitudes where the air became cooler and the trees rarer. They knew that their first destination was an ancient sanctuary hidden in the mountains, where, according to Elvira, the first talisman.

The path was difficult, strewn with stones and treacherous roots. Every step required effort and attention. But Victor and Luc moved forward with tenacity unwavering, refusing to let obstacles stop them.

At the end of the day, they reached a small cave where they decided to spend the night.

As they prepared a fire, Luc broke the silence. "Victor, I want to thank you. You could have left me alone with this curse, but you chose to help me. »

Victor smiled, his eyes reflecting the light of the flames. "We are friends,

Luc. And I

I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to help you. We are together in this quest. »

They ate in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The night was cold and clear, the stars shining brightly above their heads. As they prepared to sleeping, Luc murmured: "We must be ready for anything, Victor. Morgane won't leave us can't complete this quest without trying to stop us. »

Victor nodded, aware of the danger. "We will remain vigilant. We cannot not allow ourselves to fail. »

The next day, they woke up with the first light of dawn and resumed their walk. The mountain was getting steeper and steeper, and each step required more of effort. But they continued, carried by their determination and their hope.Around noon, they finally reached the shrine, an ancient stone structure embedded in the mountain. The place was surrounded by an aura of mystery and power. Of the ancient symbols were carved on the walls, telling stories long forgotten a long time.

Victor and Luc entered cautiously, their senses on alert. Inside, the air was cool and charged with a strange energy. They moved slowly, their footsteps echoing on the ground of stone.

In the center of the sanctuary was an altar on which rested a small wooden talisman.

money. It glowed faintly, as if imbued with ancient magic. Victor approached and reached out to take it, but an invisible force pushed him away.

"There is a test to pass," said Luc, remembering Elvira's words. "We must prove our worth. »

Suddenly, the walls of the shrine shook, and a deep voice echoed through the air. "

Only those who are pure of heart and determined in their quest can take this talisman. Show your courage and determination. »

Victor looked at Luc, determined. " We need to. For you, for the village. »

They moved forward together, ready to face the ordeal. Suddenly, an ethereal form appeared before them, a creature made of light and shadow. She observed them a moment before speaking.

"To obtain the talisman, you must show your bravery and wisdom. YOU must answer three questions, and each incorrect answer will bring you closer to the hazard. Are you ready? »

Victor and Luc exchanged a look, then nodded at the same time. " We We're ready," Victor said in a firm voice.The creature asked the first question. "What is stronger than fear and more precious than gold? »

Victor thought for a moment before answering. "Courage. »

The creature nodded, and a golden light briefly enveloped them. " You have well answered. »

The second question followed immediately. "What unites hearts and breaks darkest curses? »

Luc answered this time. "Love. »

The creature nodded again. " Correct. »

Finally, the third question. "What persists even after the end of time and survives any destruction? »

Victor and Luc were thinking intently. Then Victor said in a sure voice: "Hope. »

The creature smiled and disappeared into a bright light. The energy around the altar faded, allowing Victor to take the silver talisman. When he lifted it, a comforting warmth invades him, like a promise of protection.

"We made it," Luc said, a smile spreading across his face. "We have the first talisman. »

Victor squeezed the talisman in his hand, feeling its power. "We still have

a lot to do, but it's a good start. »They left the sanctuary, their morale boosted by their success. They knew that the road would still be long and perilous, but they were ready to face all challenges to break the curse.

In the evening, while they camped near a stream, Victor thought about the legends and stories that had shaped their quest. Perhaps these ancient stories contained

more truth than he had ever imagined.

"Luke, you spoke of another descendant of Elias, Alaric. What do you know about him? » asked Victor sitting by the fire.

Luke sighed. "Alaric was a great warrior, strong and brave. He dedicated his life to searching for solution to break the curse. He found clues to the location of talismans and the artifact, but he disappeared before he could recover them. Some say that Morgana herself framed him. »

Victor frowned. "We must learn from his mistakes. If Morgane succeeded in capture him, she could try to stop us in the same way. »

Luke nodded. "Yes, we must remain on guard. But I believe that we can succeed where he failed. We already got a talisman, it's a good one beginning. »

They discussed the next steps in their quest, planning their route to the next talisman. According to Elvira, he was in a remote valley, protected by a series puzzles and traps.

"It won't be easy," said Luc, "but I believe we have the strength and the determination to get there. »

Victor nodded. "We must believe in ourselves and in our quest. We don't We can't let fear stop us. »That night, as they fell asleep under the stars, a strange noise echoed in the darkness. Victor sat up, his senses alert. "Did you hear that? »

Luc stood up as well, peering into the darkness. "Yes, something is coming. »

They stood up cautiously, their weapons ready. A cracking of a branch resounds, followed by a dull growl. A massive figure emerged from the darkness, its eyes brilliant

'a reddish glow.

Victor clenched his sword, ready to defend himself. "We have to stay calm. »

The creature approached, its heavy footsteps echoing through the night.

Victor and Luc stood ready, knowing that their quest had just taken an even more dangerous turn.