Chapter 4 Chapitre 4

The massive figure approached, its red eyes piercing the darkness. Victor and Luc, with tense muscles, they were ready for any eventuality. Heart beating at everything break, Victor stared at the creature, trying to discern its intentions. Suddenly, a voice soft, almost melodious, was heard.

"Don't be afraid. »

The creature stopped abruptly, and the mist seemed to clear around it, revealing a woman in a white dress, her silver hair flowing like silver threads under the light of the moon. Victor and Luc exchanged a surprised look but lowered their weapons.

"My name is Mélisande," she said with a soothing smile. "I'm here to help you.

»

Victor was still suspicious. "How can we be sure that you are not sent by Morgane? »

Mélisande shook her head gently. "Morgane and I have a common past, but

I am here of my own accord. I have heard of your quest, and I wish you offer my help. »

Luc approached, intrigued. "What do you know about our quest? »

"More than you think," she replied. "I know the locations of the others talismans and how to get them. But first you need to prepare correctly. The road is long and fraught with dangers. »Victor felt a glimmer of hope rise within him. " Alright. What should we do? »

Mélisande sat near the fire, her presence bringing comforting warmth. " You must gather supplies, weapons and magical protections. And you you need to prepare yourself mentally. This quest will require more than strength physical. »

Victor nodded. "We will begin preparations tomorrow. »

When morning came, Victor and Luc immediately got to work. They started with inventory their supplies and make a list of what they would need. Mélisande, knowing the secrets of the forest, gave them valuable advice on plants medicinal and protective herbs.

"Take these berries," she said, showing them a bush. "They strengthen the resistance to poison. »

Victor picked them carefully, adding them to their provisions. "Thank you, Mélisande. Your help is precious. »

She smiles. "We must help each other if we want to defeat Morgana. »

After gathering enough food, they headed towards the village to obtain weapons. The local blacksmith, a sturdy man named Guillaume, greeted with a broad smile.

"Victor, what can I do for you? » asked Guillaume, wiping his hands covered in soot.

"We need reinforced blades and guards," Victor explained. " We let's go in search of talismans to break the curse. »Guillaume nodded, admiring. "You are brave. I will prepare for you what he you need. »

While Guillaume worked on their weapons, Victor and Luc went to the village healer, an old woman named Agnes, known for her potions and her miraculous ointments.

"Agnes, we need healing and protection potions," Luc said. " We let's go in search of talismans. »

Agnes looked at them with piercing eyes. "You are on a dangerous road, my

boys. But I will help you wholeheartedly. »

She prepared several vials, each containing colored liquids. "This potion of

Healing is powerful, but use it sparingly. And this is a potion of

protection against curses. »

Victor and Luc thanked her warmly, aware of the value of potions of Agnes. Back at Guillaume's house, they collected their new weapons:

swords and daggers, their blades glinting with a bluish glow.

"These blades are impregnated with silver," explained Guillaume. "They will be effective against the creatures of the night. »

Victor tested the balance of his sword and nodded, satisfied. " Perfect.

Thank you, Guillaume.

»

With their supplies, weapons and potions ready, Victor and Luc returned to Victor's house.

to organize their departure. Mélisande was waiting for them, sitting quietly near the fire."You did a good job," she said when she saw them enter. "But there is still one point crucial. »

Victor frowned. " Which ? »

Mélisande took a deep breath. "You need to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually. The quest will not only be a test of physical strength, but also mental resilience. »

She took a small parchment from her pocket. "This scroll contains incantations of

protection. Recite them every morning and evening. They will help you keep your mind clear and your heart brave. »

Victor took the parchment gratefully. "Thank you, Mélisande. We will follow your advice. »

The night before their departure, Victor stayed awake for a long time, meditating on the road that took them was waiting. He knew this quest would be the greatest test of his life, but he was determined to succeed.

The next morning, they got up at dawn, ready to leave. Mélisande gave them a last blessing before watching them disappear into the forest.

"Be careful," she whispered, watching them walk away. "And don't forget: True strength comes from within. »

Victor and Luc advanced through the forest, their senses on alert. The presence of

Mélisande and the advice of the villagers gave them a feeling of security, but they knew that unknown dangers awaited them.

As they walked, Victor remembered the stories Elvira told. The quest of Alaric, the missing warrior, often returned to his thoughts. He wondered what could have happened to him and how they could avoid falling into the same traps.Luc, for his part, was thinking about the trials to come. He knew that each talisman would be protected by riddles and trials, and he wondered if they would be up to the task.

After several hours of walking, they reached a new clearing where they decided to take a break. Sitting near a stream, they discussed their next destination: the valley where the second talisman was located.

"Mélisande said that this valley was protected by tests of courage and heart

», Victor reminded. "We have to be ready for anything. »

Luke nodded. "We must also be wary of Morgana's traps. She will do everything to stop us. »

As they were resting, the sound of footsteps caught their attention. Victor stood up hurriedly, his sword in his hand. A figure emerged from the trees, a man dressed in rags, his eyes wild with terror.

"Help me!" » the man shouted as he ran towards them. "She's behind me!" She's going to kill me!

»

Victor and Luc exchanged a worried look. "Who is behind you? » asked Victor.

The man panted, casting panicked glances around him. "Morgana! She cursed me!

She turned me into a monster! »

Victor lowered his weapon, understanding that this man was another cursed one. "Calm down. We are here to break the curse. »

The man fell to his knees, tears of despair streaming down his cheeks. "I can't don't continue like this. Help me, I beg you. »Luc came closer and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will do everything we can possible to help you. But first, tell us what you know. »

The man, named Thomas, told his story. He had been a peasant living in the edge of the forest when he crossed paths with Morgane. She had cursed him, condemning him to transform into a creature every full moon night.

"She told me I had to serve her to break the curse," Thomas explained. "

But

I couldn't. So, she hunted me down, forcing me to flee for my life. »

Victor listened attentively, his suspicions confirmed. "We must hurry up. Morgana doesn't want us to succeed in this quest. She will do anything to prevent us from doing so. »

Thomas looked at them hopefully. "Can I come with you?" Maybe together we can defeat Morgana. »

Victor and Luc exchanged a look. "Of course," said Luc. "We will be stronger together. »

The group resumed their walk, now accompanied by Thomas. They knew that each step brought them closer to their objective, but also to the dangers that awaited them.

As they moved forward, Victor felt a renewed determination. There

The presence of Thomas, another victim of Morgane, strengthened her resolve to break the curse.

Night fell quickly, and they decided to camp in a small cave that they found. They lit a fire and discussed their next step."Tomorrow we will enter the valley," Victor said, examining their map. " We must be ready for trials. »

Luke nodded. "And for Morgana's traps." She knows we are here, and she will try to stop us. »

Thomas, still shaken, nodded. "I will do my best to help you. I want me free from this curse as much as you. »

Victor clenched his sword, feeling the heat of the fire warming his tired body. " We we will succeed. Together. »

As they fell asleep, a strange noise echoed through the night. A shadow passed sneaking past the entrance to the cave. Victor opened his eyes, his instincts alert. He knew that they were not alone, and that the real challenge of their quest came from to start .