Mounted by the Minotaur

  Ella Brooks

  Copyright © 2023 Ella Brooks

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13: 9781234567890

  ISBN-10: 1477123456

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Epilogue

  Thank you!

  Books By This Author

  Sneak Peak

  Chapter One

  “I need you to grasp the gravity of this moment,” the village elder implored, holding both of my hands with an intensity that belied the wrinkles and age spots that adorned them. “Our village, the very essence of our lives and legacy, faces certain doom if you do not succeed.”

  I met his gaze, searching the depths of his weary eyes. The village that cradled my earliest memories, my dreams, and my fears, was on the precipice of devastation. A malignant plague, one that was indiscriminate in its choice of victims - be it the vibrant youth, the robust adults, or the wise elderly - was mercilessly sweeping through our land. An apothecary, in a desperate quest to find a remedy, had theorized a potential cure. But this was no simple task; it demanded the retrieval of a rare herb, which to our dismay, grew only in the ominous expanse known as the Forbidden Forest.

  Feeling the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders, I responded, “I promise to return soon.” The small hall echoed my words as I looked around. The village council, once filled with life and purpose, was now a shadow of its former self. The sickness had not spared them either. Those who were present wore their anxieties like cloaks. Their eyes betrayed a haunting truth.

  Those eyes declared silently, She won't return. She is as good as dead.

  Breaking the unnerving silence, an elder, his face lined with the trials of time, warned, “The forest is home to entities beyond our understanding. Dark, unfathomable creatures lurk in its depths. Guard your ears from their deceptive whispers and let nothing deter you from your quest.” As if to emphasize the urgency, he was interrupted by a vicious coughing fit, making the few others present exchange worried glances.

  Recollections of my life prior to this pivotal moment flashed before me. Just days ago, I had been engrossed in arcane texts at the Wizarding Academy, immersing myself in the world of enchantments and spells. That world seemed distant now. An urgent message had disrupted my studies, bringing news of my father’s ailment. The council believed that my newfound knowledge from the academy would be instrumental in identifying and procuring the elusive herb. Many others, once connected to our village, had been summoned, but fear had paralyzed them, keeping them away. I was determined not to let fear dictate my actions.

  As I steeled myself to leave, my reflection in an ornate mirror caught my attention. Framed by beautifully carved patterns, the mirror showed a determined young woman ready to face the abyss. My wide-brimmed hat, often endearingly dubbed as a “witch's hat” by the village children, sat snugly atop my head. Waves of long, fiery red hair flowed down my back like a cascading waterfall. My robe, a testament to the arcane arts I studied, gracefully enveloped me, its dark fabric contrasting against my pale skin. Although it was designed for modesty, one could discern the strong physique underneath, sculpted by years of magical practice and physical training.

  Taking a deep breath, I turned away from the reflection. With every step toward the exit, my resolve solidified. The mission was perilous, the odds stacked against me, but I was driven by the love for my people, my father, and my village. The Forbidden Forest, with all its legends and monsters, was about to meet a determined witch, ready to defy the odds for a purpose greater than herself.

  The fate of my village rested in my hands. And I was not about to let it perish.

  Chapter Two

  From the venerated hall of the elders to the forest's menacing threshold was but a brief journey. Yet, every step taken on the rugged path from the village felt extended, drawn out by anticipation and anxiety. Jagged rocks jutted out, and treacherous crevices threatened to trip the unwary. It seemed as if the very earth beneath me was attempting to dissuade my passage, crying out in a voiceless plea, urging me to reconsider this perilous quest.

  The forest's reputation preceded it. Spanning a vast expanse, it was a world unto itself, a realm of shadows and tales that our ancestors whispered about around crackling fires. Each story was more haunting than the last, tales of heroes venturing in only to be consumed by its enigma, of eerie voices that lured wanderers deeper into its heart, and of mythical creatures that roamed its labyrinthine paths. Its foreboding nature had led to its proscription many years before my birth. It was a domain where light struggled to penetrate, and where the veil between reality and legend was at its thinnest.

  In my younger days, I recall listening, wide-eyed, to stories of people who dared to defy the forest's warnings. One such tale, closer to my heart than any other, was of a childhood friend. Our shared days of innocence were abruptly severed when, driven by a mix of youthful rebellion and curiosity, he ventured into the forest. The village mourned his loss, the pallor of sorrow shadowing our games for months. He had become one more chapter in the forest's dark anthology.

  Yet, today, I stood at the precipice of that same enigmatic world. Unlike those who ventured out of mere curiosity or bravado, I had a noble mission. Clutched in my hand was my staff, an extension of my very soul, carved with runes and brimming with latent energy. It resonated with the magical knowledge I had acquired over the years. This staff, combined with my trained magical prowess, would be my guiding light and protector in the treacherous terrain ahead.

  Failure? It wasn't an option. The fate of the village, of the ailing and suffering, rested heavily on my shoulders. The gravity of my task was palpable, and it propelled me forward with a fierce determination.

  Upon reaching the forest's entrance, it wasn't a welcoming archway carved by man, but rather a natural formation – as if the forest itself decided who could or couldn't enter. Gnarled branches, old and wise from witnessing countless seasons, twisted and intertwined to form a portal. It was a gateway of dark, organic artistry that seemed to pulse with life. The spaces between the branches shimmered, hinting at the forest's otherworldly nature.

  Pausing for a moment, I took a deep breath, letting the cool, slightly damp air fill my lungs. I reached out with my senses, trying to get a feel of the forest's aura. It was ancient, mysterious, and indescribably vast. Mixed within were emotions – whispers of those who had entered before me and had never returned. Their tales intertwined with the very essence of the forest, a mosaic of joy, curiosity, despair, and hope.

  I tightened my grip on my staff, channeling my energy to cast a protective spell around me. A shimmering aura enveloped me, acting as a barrier against the unknown forces I was about to face.

  With a final glance back towards the village, thinking of the people depending on me and the elder's hopeful eyes, I stepped through the natural archway, embracing the path that fate had set for me. The forest's interior, though shrouded in darkness, was alive with sounds – the distant call of unknown creatures, the rustle of leaves, and the soft murmurs of streams. But, there was another layer of sounds, an almost inaudible whisper that I knew I had to guard against.

  As I ventured deeper into the forest, every step filled with purpose, I realized that this wasn't just a journey to find a cure but also a pilgrimage into the depths of my own soul, where fear and courage, doubt and determination, danced in delicate balance.

  Even as I pressed forward, the lure of what was behind tugged at me. Glancing back, I was taken aback by the vast distance that now separated me from the forest's entrance. Though I had taken but a few deliberate steps into its embrace, the boundary between the known and the unknown seemed to stretch endlessly. It was as if the forest played tricks with perception and distance, stretching time and space in ways the human mind could barely fathom. Another of its myriad enchantments, I surmised.

  Above, the canopy was dense and sprawling. Layers upon layers of leaves and intertwined branches formed an almost impenetrable barrier against the outside world. The sunlight that once generously illuminated the village and its surrounds found it challenging to pierce this verdant shield. As I delved deeper, the dimness intensified, enveloping me in an almost tangible embrace of twilight.

  I could feel the pressing darkness, urging me to yield to its obscurity. But, fortified by years of rigorous training and an unwavering determination, I raised my staff. Holding it close to my lips, I murmured incantations passed down through generations. These were words of power, imbued with the spirit of ancient mages. The staff responded to my call, its tip pulsating with magic that grew increasingly vivid. A radiant, almost ethereal light emanated from it, piercing the surrounding shadows. This illumination spell, basic yet profoundly effective, had been one of the first lessons in my magical education. Its importance now was paramount.

  However, the forest was not so easily tamed. As the light carved a path ahead, I couldn’t ignore the eerie manner in which the shadows danced and retreated just beyond its reach. It was as though the forest, sentient and willful, tried to wrestle and suppress the magical luminescence I had summoned. Every flicker and twist of the shadows hinted at an ancient battle between light and dark.

  Despite the looming uncertainty, I willed myself to move ahead. Yet, my thoughts inevitably drifted back to those who had ventured here before me. The village had, in its desperation, dispatched two robust and courageous men to traverse this very path. Neither had returned. The weight of their absence hung heavy on my mind. Were they lost in this maze of shadows and magic, or had they met a more grievous fate? If I were to stumble upon them, would I possess the strength to bear their bodies back, ensuring they received the hallowed rites they deserved? The gravity of such thoughts threatened to anchor my feet, but the mission's urgency propelled me onward.

  Shaking my head, I tried to dispel these grim contemplations. This journey was not just about the past or those who might have faltered; it was about the hope and future of an entire community. Recollections of the village's faces - the children, the elders, my family - fueled my determination. Their hope, their trust, resided in me, and I couldn't - wouldn't - let them down.

  With every step, the forest revealed more of its character. Whispering winds carried stories of ages past, while ancient trees stood as silent witnesses to both the wonders and tragedies that had transpired within this realm. The rhythm of my heart synchronized with the pulsating life all around, each heartbeat a testament to the connection between nature, magic, and humanity.

  As I ventured further, the challenges the forest presented were not just external but internal as well. This was a test of not only my magical prowess but my very spirit. It was a journey that would see me confront the depths of my own fears, aspirations, and destiny. With my staff's radiant light guiding the way and the village's hopes bolstering my spirit, I pressed forward into the enigmatic heart of the forest, ready to face whatever mysteries lay ahead.

  Chapter Three

  Time had become an enigma within this place. With the sun's rays ensnared by the thick canopy above, any concept of its passage was lost to me. Moments felt like eternities, and eternities felt like fleeting instants. The ever-present shadows that skittered and danced at the periphery of my vision warped my sense of distance and depth. Was I miles deep into this forest, or was the entrance just a stone's throw away? The forest's enchantment distorted reality, ensnaring the senses in its beguiling trap.

  The luminance from my staff, though unwavering, now had competition. The ambient murmurings and whispers, once just a soft undertone beneath the forest's natural soundtrack, had grown brazen. These voices, both tempting and sinister, spoke of desires both carnal and profound. They seduced with promises of untapped power, unbridled passions, and unparalleled treasures. It was as if the forest itself was a living entity, testing my resolve, trying to lead me astray from my noble quest with tantalizing lures.

  Tales of those rare souls who had ventured into the forest and managed to emerge were etched in my mind. Their eyes, haunted with memories, had recounted experiences of encounters with beings that defied reason and understanding—entities borne of nightmares, shaped by the forest's enigmatic energy. These tales were not just of monsters with fangs and claws but of ethereal spirits and phantoms that preyed on one's psyche, feeding off emotions and fears. The very lifeblood of this forest seemed infused with a malevolent force, turning even the most innocent creatures into shadows of their former selves.

  Yet, despite the mounting odds, my determination only grew. With every step, every pulse of my heart, I could feel my purpose solidifying. The ground beneath my boots, though treacherous, served as a reminder of the tangible goal of my journey. I was in search of a singular herb, as elusive as it was vital—a plant with petals as red as the finest rubies, its slender stem standing as a testament to nature's fragile beauty. Its image, committed to memory, was said to be the very embodiment of elegance and grace.

  In bygone eras, this herb had flourished in meadows and fields, basking in the sunlight. However, humanity's insatiable greed had rendered it near extinct. Overharvesting and a lack of reverence for nature had driven it from its native lands, forcing it to take refuge in the depths of this very forest. Here, shielded by the forest's formidable reputation, it had managed to escape the hands of those who would exploit its healing properties without thought for tomorrow.

  I pressed on, the staff's glow my guiding beacon. Each stride, though fraught with danger, took me closer to my quarry. The path ahead was uncertain, with the forest's enigmatic magic ever present. But, the village's hopes and the image of that resplendent herb fueled my determination. Every whisper that sought to dissuade me, every shadow that threatened to engulf me, was met with renewed vigor.

  The stillness of the forest was suddenly shattered by the distinct snap of a twig. Every muscle in my body tensed, my breath held momentarily as I sought the source of the sound. Swiftly pivoting on my heel, I moved my staff to cast its radiant light over the nearby shadows. The first thing that caught my attention was an open mouth teeming with sharp, glistening fangs, shimmering ominously in the half-light.

  As the creature advanced further into the light's ambit, its form became clearer. A colossal black wolf, its stature and build unlike any I had ever witnessed. Its fur, once possibly a glorious mantle, now appeared riddled with disease and decay, mangy patches revealing the scarred skin beneath. But it was the eyes that held me transfixed; they were a fierce, glowing red, as vivid as the setting sun. Each eye carried a tale of malevolence, hunger, and something more – a tortured sentience.

  Holding my staff firmly, every ounce of my being was flooded with adrenaline. The space between the wolf and me crackled with tension. Every growl it emitted, every measured step it took, seemed to ratchet up the strain a notch higher. There was an unspoken dialogue in our standoff; two beings evaluating each other, sizing up intentions and capabilities.

  "Stay back," I declared, injecting as much authority and determination into my voice as I could muster. With a thrusting gesture, I pointed my staff toward the menacing creature, hoping it would heed the warning.

  In reply, the wolf snapped its jaws, a chilling sound that echoed through the forest. Its muscles visibly tensed, legs coiled like springs, the posture of a predator ready to pounce. That split second felt suspended in time, the world seemingly holding its breath in anticipation of the impending clash.

  Without warning, the wolf lunged, its powerful legs propelling it forward with astonishing speed. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to dilate. Drawing upon the arcane knowledge I had acquired over the years, I whispered an incantation of protection. The staff, resonating with my intent, released a surge of energy, manifesting as a gleaming shield in the space between the wolf and me.

  The resultant collision was thunderous. As the wolf hurtled towards me, it met the force of the shield head-on. The energy barrier repelled the creature with such potency that it was flung aside, its considerable bulk crashing into the dense underbrush mere feet away. The quiet that ensued was punctuated only by the creature's labored breathing and the pounding of my heart.

  The sense of triumph that bubbled within me was ephemeral, swiftly replaced by a surge of alarm as the unmistakable sound of jaws snapping echoed through the dense forest. I pivoted sharply to find not one, but two more wolves emerging from the shadows. The wolf I had so recently repelled now regained its footing, joining its brethren, their combined gaze fixed intently upon me.

  The realization was like a punch to the gut. The initial wolf's assault had merely been a diversion, a strategy employed to divert my attention and leave me vulnerable. The cunning displayed by these creatures was uncanny, almost sentient. Each wolf bore the same markings of disease and malice, their blood-red eyes glinting with anticipation.

  As I confronted the trio, doubt crept in. My shield spell was undeniably formidable, but its efficacy against a coordinated attack by three such beasts was questionable. Their aura exuded menace, and for a moment, the weight of my predicament threatened to consume me.

 

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