Ben shined his torch down the dark tunnel.

  They had spent what seemed like hours going down a shaft that had appeared at the end of the chamber where the charred remains of the mine-roach queen rested. There wasn’t much flora or fauna apart from a few patches where only small glowing mushrooms grew. Ben wasn't sure if they had the magic factor but decided to leave them alone.

  As they continued pushing, the tunnel became thinner, and only one man could traverse it at a time. Thus, Alfred took the point with Ben sandwiched in the middle. After some time, it opened up and joined a larger tunnel.

  “What the heck is going on here?” Ben asked, shining the torch all around.

  The tunnel they had joined appeared chiseled to a smooth finish with not a sign of roughness.

  “This isn’t natural. The way it goes in a straight line makes me think powerful magic was used in its construction. Something like this would take all the Hollow Moon mages combined at least a hundred years to do this, depending on how far it keeps going.” Alfred explained.

  Jerry got down on the ground and used his torchlight to examine the ground. “It doesn't look like it’s been used long. Most of these tracks are small and wide when compared to ours. Two large sets went over that way, with one making a return journey around a month or two ago. Their shape resembles armored boots, similar to what the armored fairies used to wear.”

  Alfred turned around. “Fairies? Their magic could be behind all this madness with those neck leeches.”

  “I don’t think that’s the case.” Ben interrupted, shaking his head.

  Alfred and Jerry turned their heads simultaneously. Their inquisitive eyebrows shot up with looks on their faces indicating they wanted the beans to spill.

  “Alright, take it easy, lads.” Ben stepped back, raising his hands as if he was caught red-handed. “When Le’Vieux and I were at the proving grounds, there was an intense battle between a dark fairy and an infected one. Long story short, Le’Vieux joined in and worked with the normal one to defeat the infected one.”

  Alfred scrunched up his eyebrows as if confused. “I’m unsure why he worked with the dark fairy, as our people have been mortal enemies since we first set foot on this island, as Jerry can tell you from years of frontline experience in Feruswich.”

  “He probably had his reasons.” Jerry added, “You probably won't know this, but not all fairies wish harm to humans. Some tribes were against the other ones going to war with us and even acted as mediators during peace negotiations.” He turned to Ben before asking, “What happened after the battle?”

  “Well, the fairy ran like the wind back through the tunnel before it was blown to crap by Le’Vieux. I think the tracks here might belong to that fairy.” Ben explained.

  Jerry nodded before pointing in the direction where the single tracks returned. “There must be another opening that way. That’s where we need to go, as the other way probably leads to the proving of grounds. You never know. We might even come into contact with that fairy again and get some answers about what’s happening.”

  Alfred turned to face that way. “That sounds like a plan to me. Let’s see what we find there.”

  After a long stretch of straight and flat terrain before ascending an incline, a few other rough tunnels appeared, making Ben think it was good that Jerry had marked the one from where they had entered so they didn’t get lost.

  As they trudged on, an hour passed, and light began to pierce the darkness, some reflecting off the smooth surface. It wasn't long before they could see a large opening leading to the outside. The closer they got, the more intense the light became, with Ben almost squinting his eyes shut the moment he stepped out.

  It took a moment for Ben’s sight to refocus when he noticed they were standing on finely crafted slabs where four pillars held up a canopy. Looking ahead, he noticed a large untouched valley consisting of mostly meadowland.

  “Well, this is a little strange. Someone would put all that effort into building a perfect tunnel and this entrance for nothing to be here.” Ben stated.

  Jerry looked around and inspected the stonework craft. “This stonework has stood the test of time. This is older than both the humans and fairies. I think this could be an entrance, and the tunnel leads to someplace important if we go past the tunnel from which we entered.” He then turned and faced the valley below, “We’ve got a good vantage point here. I’m going to take a look around and see what I can find.”

  Jerry looked around while Alfred continued looking around the entrance to ensure no nasty surprises. Ben took a few moments to take a sip of water from a leather pouch that Har had given him before he set off.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Jerry cleared his throat while his sight was stuck ahead. “We’re not alone here. Many creatures are roaming this valley, and they all seem to be moving around with strange patterns like those infected soldiers. Some seem much larger than others, which could be challenging.”

  “Nothing the three of us shouldn’t be able to handle, right?” Alfred asked, motioning that way.

  “Maybe, but there’s also a fairy encampment on a hill just before these mountains begin,” Jerry added.

  Alfred was taken a little aback by that and scoffed. “Then I think the best course of action would be a calculated retreat.”

  “They only create encampments like that when surrounded by enemies. If we fight through the smaller creatures that are between us and them, some of them may have enough common sense to figure out we’re not enemies.” Jerry explained.

  Alfred shrugged. “I hope you’re right about them, and they’ll be able to provide with the answers we’re looking for. We should leave our supplies here for safekeeping and move before we lose the daylight. Our primary goal should be to make contact with the fairies and avoid getting into any battles with the creatures till we know more.”

  “Defence only. Alright, fair enough,” Jerry stated before putting his sack inside the cave where it couldn't be seen.

  Alfred and Ben followed suit. The three of them got their weapons ready and began walking.

  They had traveled across the meadows, staying close to the mountains. They had to traverse over some hills and cliffs before the meadows shifted to bushes and a small conifer forest that rose to the sides of the mountains.

  They weren't far from the encampment when Jerry saw movement ahead and motioned the danger.

  Ben stopped in his tracks and crouched behind a thick tree trunk as Alfred followed suit.

  Jerry crouched ahead, stopping near the two before whispering. “There’s a pack of mountain wolves ahead. Their movements are unnatural, and it seems they might have a den from how they are huddled around a central point. It also explains why there’s no other type of creature around here.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re scared of a few wolves? Those bloodhounds are probably more of a challenge.” Alfred muttered.

  “You’re right; Bloodhounds can be a thorn in our sides sometimes, but these creatures seem to be acting more intelligent. A few of them have already alerted the others and seem to face this way in a huddled formation. A couple of them are sniffing around, trying to find us. I wouldn't underestimate them if I were you.”

  “That means we can say farewell to the surprise factor.” Alfred paused momentarily and thought deeply before continuing, “Ben and I should defeat the closer ones. As the others dash to join in, you should provide suppressing fire atop one of these trees to slow them down.”

  Jerry shrugged. “The two of you love making me climb things, don't you?” He then started climbing and stood on a sturdy branch before giving a thumbs-up.

  “Time to make our move,” Alfred commanded. A rush of magic surrounded his body. It shimmered and flowed to his shoulder before extending outward like some phantom arm. He removed his sword from its sheath. Glancing at Ben, he waited.

  Ben got up and put his magic into action, shifting it to cover his body and weapon. He put it in a state where he could activate it when needed. He gripped the handle of the hammer tight before giving Alfred a nod.

  Ben followed Alfred as they rushed out of the tree cover, weapons blazing. Alfred hopped to the closest wolf and came down with a slashing motion. Its body almost tore in half while the other nearby wolf snarled and ran to help its buddy.

  Ben used his magic to shoot ahead with superhuman speed. As the wolf neared, he stepped in the way and shifted the magic from his legs to the hammer above his head. He swung it down with ferocity before the sounds of crunching bones were followed by a splatter of blood.

  With the closest two taken care of, Jerry had already started shooting arrows, which whistled through the tree trunks. A few of the wolves were taken out with well-aimed headshots and got in the way of the ones behind who stumbled over their bodies.

  Alfred and Ben charged their weapons before leaping ahead at those not affected by the roadblock. Once they were out of order, they dealt with the remaining ones with some well-aimed slashes and whacks.

  [+75 XP]

  Alfred looked around before glancing at Jerry. “Are we done?”

  Jerry gave a thumbs-up before getting back down. “It shouldn’t take us long to get there from here.”

  Ben squinted ahead.

  The encampment was located at the peak of a hill overlooking the valley, like an ancient hill fort. It was constructed from wooden palisades pushed into the ground and dug out. At the bottom, thinner elongated stakes stuck out, ready to impale anything that approached. A large gate stood in the middle where wooden planks had been placed to form a bridge, and two large platforms had been built directly behind it.

  A few armored fairies stood there staring below at their unexpected visitors before one sounded a horn. The fairy watchmen raised their bows and readied arrows whose tips radiated a purple glow.

  Jerry gulped before clearing his throat. “I think we should stop here and try to look friendly. No sudden movements, please. Those arrows are enchanted to follow their targets and explode more angrily than the fire ones I use.”

  The gate swung open as a group of armored fairies marched out in formation. They stomped over the bridge and formed a line before buzzing their wings and removing their short swords. They looked ready to leap forward to strike when, down the middle, another one walked ahead, taking its time to observe the humans ahead.

  Jerry scratched his head. “Damn it. We might have royally messed up coming here. Those are not just any kind of fairy but ones with enough power to destroy an entire company of our knights on their own. The best of the best. Even Le’Vieux and Hauxwell would have issues fighting them.”

  Alfred turned to Jerry and whispered, “That means we don’t stand a chance. How are we going to play this out?”

  “Hey,” Ben interrupted before they both turned to face him. “That one at the front leading them is the one who fought alongside Le’Vieux. It might recognize me from there, so I will try communicating with it.”

  Alfred let out a chuckle before shaking his head in disbelief. “I wish you good luck with that endeavor. There’s probably two fairies in the entire world who understand our language.”