Free Web NovelChapter 228: Vanaheim
The next morning, Wanda found herself at the edge of Elmar Forest, where the Royal Team’s first challenge would take place. The soft light of dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and orange as the sun slowly rose, heralding the start of a new day. ƒreewebɳovel.com
The forest before her was vast and imposing, the tall, ancient trees stretching their branches like protective arms, but also hiding secrets and dangers.
Wanda took a deep breath, feeling the fresh, damp morning air fill her lungs. Around her, the other candidates were also preparing, each focused on their own strategy. They exchanged furtive glances, sizing each other up, trying to predict who would be the biggest competitor.
The tension was almost palpable in the air, an invisible current that bound all of them together in a game of power and survival.
She adjusted the quiver on her back and once again checked the bow her father had given her, a longbow made of dark, polished wood, strong and flexible. It was a gift from when she had accomplished her first great feat as a hunter, and now it seemed fitting that she would use it in a challenge as great as this. In addition to the bow, Wanda carried a small bag with essential supplies: a sharp knife, ropes, and some protective talismans that Alexei had given her the night before.
"Elmar’s birds are cunning..." he had said. "And the Golden Canary is the most cunning of them all. But remember, the forest is both your ally and your enemy. Use it to your advantage."
The captain’s words echoed in her mind as she approached the starting line.
The Acting Regent, dressed in ceremonial robes, was already there, accompanied by guards and advisors. He watched the contestants with an impassive gaze, as if evaluating each one before they even began.
"May the gods be with you," he announced, his voice breaking the morning silence. "The challenge begins now."
At the signal, the contestants advanced toward the forest, each choosing a different path. Wanda hesitated for a moment, letting the others hurry ahead. She knew that speed was not the key to this challenge. Patience, cunning and the ability to adapt to the environment would be much more valuable.
Elmar’s forest was dense and alive, full of sounds and movements. The singing of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the distant murmur of a stream - all contributed to a natural symphony that was both beautiful and intimidating. The shadows of the trees danced on the ground as the sun rose higher in the sky, creating a play of light and dark that could easily deceive the senses. freewebnovel.cσ๓
Wanda moved cautiously, her steps light and quiet, her eyes alert for any sign of the Golden Canary. She knew that the creature was small, but shiny as gold, and that its song was unique, a melody that could enchant even the most hardened of ears. But she also knew that the bird was intelligent, a master of evasion who used the forest as an ally, moving with an almost preternatural agility.
Walking among the trees, Wanda began to feel the presence of the magic that permeated Elmar. The forest had an energy of its own, an ancient force that seemed to be watching her every move, testing any intruder who dared to enter its domain. She wasn’t alone - and she didn’t just mean the other candidates. There was something else in the forest, something that was always lurking, but never visible.
After some time, Wanda found a small clearing where the sunlight shone directly on a circle of tall grass and wild flowers. She paused, feeling that this would be a good place to reorient herself and perhaps, with luck, hear the song of the Golden Canary. She leaned against a nearby tree and closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on the sounds around her.
The wind rustled through the leaves, but there was no sign of the bird. Just a silence filled with anticipation.
Suddenly, a soft, almost imperceptible sound reached her ears. A song, delicate and melodious, like the sound of a distant harp. Wanda opened her eyes, her heart racing. She knew this was the sound she was looking for, the song of the Golden Canary.
Following the sound, she moved forward more cautiously, her feet almost floating over the soft forest floor. Each step was a dance between speed and precision, an attempt to move quickly without alerting her prey. The song became clearer as she approached, guiding her through a tangle of bushes and twisted trees.
Then, up ahead, she spotted a golden glow among the leaves. The golden canary was perched on a low branch, its small body radiating a soft light that contrasted with the greenery around it. The bird was even more beautiful than the stories said, with feathers that looked like they were made of pure gold and small, intelligent eyes that watched its surroundings carefully.
Wanda knew that she only had one chance. Taking a deep breath, she slowly drew an arrow from her quiver and placed it in the bow. She didn’t want to kill the bird - that would be against the rules - but she needed to immobilize it somehow, or at least scare it enough to get it within range.
She pulled on the bowstring, keeping her eyes on the canary. The bird was still singing, completely unaware of the impending danger. Wanda concentrated, sensing the right moment to release the arrow.
Suddenly, something moved in the shadows next to her. She was not alone. Another contender, hiding nearby, also had the canary in his sights. Wanda couldn’t see who it was, but she knew she was in a race against time.
Releasing the arrow, Wanda watched as it sliced through the air toward the canary. But at the last second, the bird stopped singing and soared into the sky, dodging with impossible grace. The arrow passed through where it had been and embedded itself in the tree behind.
The other candidate also sprang into action, stepping out of the shadows to try to catch the bird with a net. But the canary was too fast, moving between the trees in a series of erratic motions that made any attempt at capture difficult.
