Page 32 of Cursed By Gold

I sigh and stare at my reflection. Doubts creep into my mind. Can I do what is necessary to win? Or will my conscience hold me back? I cannot afford failure now. Too much is at stake.

Squaring my shoulders, I leave my room to meet the others for the forest challenge. Whatever threats arise, I will face them head-on. Rose's disapproval means nothing. I have come too far to turn back now.

This challenge will be different. I refuse to walk away empty-handed again. I will find what is hidden in those caves and move up the rankings. Failure is not an option

***

I sift through my bag, ensuring each item is in place. The flask of water, the coil of rope, a small dagger, and a bag of nuts and dried meat nestle securely inside. I grab a sturdy stick, testing its weight and balance. It will serve as my makeshift staff to probe for traps.

Satisfied, I make my way to where Rose and the other competitors have gathered at the forest's edge. The woman who interviewed me stands before us, her presence commanding attention.

"You have all proven yourselves capable survivors," she begins, her voice carrying over the assembled group. "For your next trial, you will enter the catacombs deep below the castle."

Excited murmurs ripple through the crowd at this announcement. As I stand there, the weight of the challenge settles in. The catacombs—ancient tunnels that have swallowed many who dared to enter. My thoughts drift to the tales I've heard about the labyrinthine passages, filled with traps and guarded secrets. I imagine the darkness closing in, the air thick with the scent of decay and history.

Each shadow could hide a threat, each turn a potential trap. The unknown dangers lurking within those stone walls, the possibility of encountering something—or someone—left behind, sends a shiver down my spine. But alongside the fear, excitement bubbles up. This is what I have trained for, the kind of challenge that sets my heart racing. The adrenaline begins to surge, a mixture of fear and thrill. This is my chance to prove myself, to showcase my skills and bravery.

The challenge ahead is not just a test of survival, but of wit and courage. I glance at Rose, who appears equally resolute and excited.

The woman continues, "You will navigate the catacombs to find an artifact. Those artifacts will decide who you are teamedup with on the next challenge. Remember that this challenge has no rules."

A grim smile touches her lips. "The catacombs are dangerous and unforgiving. It's not that simple though. You will have to find the entrances in the forest first. Not all who enter will escape unscathed. The trials have truly begun."

My gaze sweeps the crowd, sizing up the competitors. I see Darius watching me. He offers a small smile and nod of the head which I return. A young noblewoman stands off to the side, nervously twisting her hands. She looks pale and delicate, likely unprepared for the danger ahead.

Two muscular knights glare at the other competitors, cracking their knuckles menacingly. They seem eager for a chance to show their strength and ruthlessness.

An older man wearing a healer's cloak looks around warily. His wisdom and experience could prove invaluable to any team.

As I watch the others, the woman's words echo in my mind. A mage standing beside the woman mutters a few words and sparks appear above us in the air signaling the trial has officially begun.

Rose joins me, and we head out into the forest together, choosing to move away from the rest of the competitors.

The forest quickly envelops us in its embrace. Tall trees stretch their limbs overhead, their dense canopy allowing only slivers of sunlight to pierce through. Shadows dance and shift on the forest floor, creating an ever-changing mosaic of light and dark. The usual chorus of birds and rustling leaves is conspicuously absent, replaced by an eerie silence that hangs heavy in the air, sending a shiver down my spine.

We walk in silence, our footsteps muffled by the thick layer of leaves and moss underfoot. The forest feels unnaturally still, as if holding its breath in anticipation. My eyes scan the undergrowth for any sign of the cave entrance while I use my staff to probethe ground before each step. The vibrant greens of the foliage seem muted, the usual whispers of the forest replaced by an oppressive quiet. The air is cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and decaying leaves.

I listen intently for any disturbance that could signal a trap but hear nothing except for Rose's footsteps and my own. The occasional rustle of leaves or snap of a twig underfoot feels jarring against the otherwise silent backdrop. Every now and then, a gust of wind stirs the branches, creating ghostly whispers that seem to echo our movements. The forest, though not inherently frightening, exudes an unsettling calm, as if it is aware of the trials that lie ahead and is watching silently.

The path ahead winds and twists, each turn revealing more of the forest's secrets. The ground is uneven, with roots snaking across the path like hidden tripwires. The deeper we venture, the more the forest seems to close in around us, the trees standing like silent sentinels guarding ancient secrets. My heart races not just from the exertion but from the palpable tension that the forest exudes. The stillness makes every small sound—every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves—feel amplified, a constant reminder of the challenges that await

I stop to get my bearings, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves fills my nostrils. Underneath, I detect something metallic and acrid that makes my stomach turn. I open my eyes and glance at Rose. She seems oblivious but on edge, surveying our surroundings carefully.

As we continue onward, a distant shout pierces the silence. Without thinking, I quicken my pace, Rose following suit. I can hear the sounds of battle now—metal clashing against metal and cries of pain. Whatever fight is underway, we want no part of it.

We push through thick bushes and low-hanging branches, the undergrowth seeming to fight our progress. Finally, I spot a darkcave opening ahead. Just as we reach it, a blast of frigid air rushes out to meet us. I shiver and exchange a grim look with Rose. Whatever lies ahead, it won't be easy.

I turn to Rose, "We should check in there."

She eyes the dark opening warily. "Something doesn't feel right."

I roll my eyes. "We won't find any artifacts by standing here. I don't imagine that catacombs are the most welcoming of environments anyway"

"Wouldn't you think the entrance would be more grand?"

"I don't imagine the entrance in the forest would be the one they regularly use. Instead, it's probably something that seems completely natural."

"Like a cave. You're right," Rose groans.

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