Change of plans

Chapter 50

As they ate, James broke the silence. "Kali, you said that Kia and Mary knew you when you confronted Uber. Are you sure they didn't follow you when you left the forest?"

Kali shook her head. "I don't think so," she replied. "We were too quick. We were more focused on escaping the forest and warning the Queen. I doubt they could have kept up."

"Still, we should keep a close watch tonight," Peter added. "Just in case."

The group nodded in agreement, their gazes scanning the surrounding darkness.

The hours passed slowly, and as the moon rose high in the sky, the group's exhaustion began to catch up with them. One by one, they drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that their watchful comrades were keeping them safe.

But just as the night seemed calm, a rustling sound broke the stillness. Askit, who was on watch, tensed and reached for his weapon.

"What was that?" Sam whispered, her eyes wide.

Askit shushed her and motioned for her to stay low. They watched and listened, waiting for the sound to repeat itself.

The hours crawled by, but the rustling sound did not return, and eventually, the group allowed themselves to relax. They continued on their journey for three more days, moving stealthily through the forest, avoiding all unnecessary contact.

As they journeyed, their thoughts turned to the unknown challenges that awaited them. They knew that the Shadows would be waiting, ready to strike. But they also knew that they couldn't let fear hold them back.

"We're almost there," James said, consulting the map. "Just beyond those trees lies the entrance to the Shadow's stronghold."

"Wait," Peter said suddenly, his voice taut with urgency. "We're going the wrong way. The Stone of Avalon is our only hope against the Shadows. Without it, we won't stand a chance."

James frowned, uncertainty flickering across his features. "Are you sure? I thought the Shadows would have the Stone."

Peter shook his head. "No, the Stone is hidden. Remember what the Queen told us? The Stone was hidden by ancient magic, and only the Chosen One can retrieve it. If we want to defeat the Shadows once and for all, we need to find the Stone."

James nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed in consideration. "You're right, Peter. Going back to the Gate of Hell is too risky. Even if we manage to avoid the demons, we'll be too exposed to the Shadows. We need another plan."

Alec spoke up then, his face creased with concentration. "Maybe we could try a different approach. If the Stone is hidden by magic, maybe we could track down a powerful mage or a sorceress to help us."

"That's not a bad idea," James agreed, his mind racing. "We could try the Witchwood.

"The Witchwood is our best bet," James said with a decisive nod. "If anyone can help us find the Stone, it's the witches of the Witchwood."

"But they won't just help anyone," Sam interjected, her brow furrowed with concern. "The Witchwood is a place of powerful magic, and the witches guard their secrets closely. We need to find a way to gain their trust."

Alec stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What if we offer them something in return? Maybe a favor of our own, or a token of our sincerity."

The group pondered this idea for a moment, considering their limited resources. Finally, Sam spoke up.

"What if we offer them the Sword of Heaven?" she suggested. "It was a gift from the Queen, and it's imbued with powerful magic. It might be enough to gain their trust."

James nodded, intrigued by the idea. "It's worth a shot," he said. "If the witches see that we're willing to offer up such a valuable prize, it might show them that we're serious about finding the Stone."

With a plan in place, the group set off for the Witchwood, the Sword of Heaven carefully wrapped and secured in their pack.

As they journeyed deeper into the heart of the forest, the air around them seemed to crackle with energy. The trees were draped in thick, almost impenetrable foliage, and strange, ethereal lights flickered in the shadows.

Finally, they reached a small clearing, where a small stone cottage stood, its door ajar.

"We're here," James whispered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

The group cautiously approached the cottage, each of them scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. James reached out and knocked on the door, the sound echoing hollowly through the clearing.

After a moment, a figure emerged from the darkness of the cottage. She was tall and slender, her hair as silver as moonlight and her eyes the color of emeralds.

"Who dares to disturb my peace?" she demanded, her voice low and melodic.

"We come in peace, Great Witch," James said, dropping to one knee and bowing his head.

Before James could finish his words, two dark figures appeared from the shadows, blades glinting in the moonlight. Alec and Sam leapt into action, blocking the strikes and pushing back against the attackers.

"It's Kia and Mary!" Sam shouted, her eyes blazing with fury. "Traitors!"

James and the others joined the fray, blades clashing and spells crackling in the air. They fought valiantly, pushing back against their attackers with all their might.

As they fought, the Great Witch watched with narrowed eyes, her expression impassive.

Finally, with a deft move, James managed to disarm Kia, sending her weapon flying through the air. She stumbled back, eyes flashing with rage.

"You can't win," she hissed, her voice like a viper's. "The Shadows will consume this world, and you will be nothing but dust in the wind."

"We'll see about that," Alec replied, stepping forward with his blade at the ready. "Your betrayal will be your downfall."

But just as Alec was about to strike, a powerful force knocked him and the others to the ground. The Great Witch had joined the fray, her magic more powerful than anything they had encountered before.

"Enough!" she commanded, her voice echoing through the forest. "I will tolerate no more bloodshed in my domain."

The combatants froze, their weapons stilled in their hands. The Great Witch turned her piercing gaze to Kia and Mary.

"You have betrayed the trust of your companions and disrupted the peace of the Witchwood," she said, her voice like a blade.