The Death Bridge

As the days passed, Raven grew more and more restless.

She spent her days training with the two men and at nights learning, along with Brongr, everything that Axil could teach them about magic. But through everything, her restlessness wouldn't go away. The day she dreaded was coming closer and closer and she didn't know what she had to do.

The choice she had to make.

The fate of the trapped souls or the fate of the kingdom.

And she had to choose. No matter how much she thought, she had to choose. There was no escape from the weight on her shoulders.

The dreaded day finally came.

Raven lied in her bed, eyes wide open. The shack was still shrouded in the darkness of the early morning and she stared into it. Her heartbeat was fast and her thoughts rushed around in her mind.

"There is no other way. I must give the sword to the creature – to Beastie"

Accusing thoughts grabbed her attention.

How could she give in to the creature's request? How could she possibly forget everything that her mother asked of her? To betray her trust, her hope?

"You must find a way to save the forest, to save us all, she said. She said that to me. She gave me a task. And I've ignored it. Forgotten it. How could I? She wanted me to find the sword. She showed me where. But I…", her thoughts trailed off as a frown appeared between her brows. "She showed me", she whispered to herself. "She showed me what to look for. Not where. I don't need to know where. She said that it'll call to me when the time is right. And that time is now! Of course. Why didn't I see it sooner? My magic was always just…a feeling. But now, it surfaced. The sword is calling me…"

She smiled softly. "I need to find that sword", she thought.

'A light is coming from the east, Ljósauki.'

Raven felt the blood leave her face.

'It is time to give me your answer.'

Raven frowned. 'It is still dark. The day hadn't yet dawned'

'Oh, but it has. Come out from that petty little shack of yours and see for yourself'

Raven glanced around as she searched her mind. 'How can you be here? How is it that you can leave the swamp?'

'Irrelevant. Meet me at the bridge. Let's get this business done before your companions complicate's things.'

And then the creature's voice in her mind disappeared.

She jolted upright. "Careful Raven… you don't want to wake them… "

She carefully climbed out of her bed and retrieved her weapons. She carefully took Axil's bag and removed the scrolls. She quickly filled the bag with supplies and slung the strap over her shoulder. She looked at the two sleeping men, illuminated by the soft light of dawn. The memory of her nightmare still fresh in her mind. "I'm sorry, guys. I can't let you come with me. I have found a way to make up for so long ago… and I know that neither of you would let me do this alone. But if you come with me, I fear my dream could become a reality. Beastie would kill you both. And I can't lose you…"

She slowly walked until she stood between them. "Somehow, you both became important. More than I wanted."

She kneeled down beside Brongr and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. He g.r.o.a.n.e.d softly and turned around on his side, his back to her. Raven suppressed a giggle.

She moved over to the white-haired man's side. She silently stared at his sleeping face for a few moments. "Forgive me", she whispered. She bent down and pressed her lips ever so slightly against his for a fleeting moment.

She quickly stood up and left the shack.

The creature was waiting for her. Raven slowly approached it, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

"So, Ljósauki…what is your choice?"

Raven took a deep breath and returned the creature's gaze. "I'll bring the sword to you."

"I knew you wouldn't disappoint. I'll be waiting here."

Raven stayed silent as the creature stood aside and gestured to the bridge. She sighed and moved passed the creature, giving it one last glare. She turned her gaze toward the bridge. When she reached the beginning of the bridge, she hesitated. "If those things come back, I'm going to be in trouble ". She took a deep breath and took a step, her hand never leaving the sword by her side. She took another step, and another, and another. She walked across the bridge, trying to push the memories aside.

She finally reached the gate. Raven stared at it. There was no water flowing along with the twisted roots anymore and the entire gate looked brittle. "What happened to you? ", Raven whispered. She reached out to the roots and softly touched them. They felt cold under her touch and Raven frowned.

Suddenly, the roots withdrew themselves from each other and parted to the sides. Raven jerked her hand back and watched as the gate opened with a soft rumble and cracking roots. She stared at the open gate and then her eyes looked past, gliding across the gloomy swamp. She walked forward and stepped down from the bridge, her boots sinking into the muddy ground. She glanced down and sighed.

With a loud rumble, the gate closed behind her and Raven turned around, watching as the roots intertwine with each other. Her eyes moved towards the creature. He was still standing in the same spot as before, and Raven could see his grin. "I'll wipe that stupid grin off of your face soon enough", she thought to herself before she turned around and walked further into the swamp.

***

Light spilled through the crevices and into the shack.

Brongr slowly opened his eyes. He yawned and rolled over on his back. He slowly sat up and yawned again. He turned his head to the side and looked at the white-haired man who was still fast asleep. He chuckled and stood up. His eyes rested on the empty bed for a few moments before he stretched and turned to face the sleeping Axil. He kicked at his legs.

"Wakie, wakie", he said in a sweet voice. When Axil didn't open his eyes, Brongr sighed and glanced around the shack. His eyes fell on the bucket of water on the table. He walked over and filled a bowl with the water. He returned to the white-haired man and held the bowl over his head.

"I said, wakie, wakie", he said before pouring the water over Axil's face. The latter jerked upright and sputtered.

"There's a good lad."

Axil glared up at Brongr. "Have you lost your mind?"

Brongr chuckled. "Come on lad. Raven beat us tae it. She's already up", he said and walked towards the table. He placed the bowl down and turned around to face Axil. He frowned. "How is it 'at ye, th' light sleeper, didnae wake up, forcin' me tae turn tae ulterior methods?"

Axil glared at Brongr as he stood up. "You'll pay for that", he said in a low voice.

Brongr laughed and left the shack. Axil sat down on the floor and held his head in his hand, feeling a slight headache pulsing. He sighed.

Suddenly the door of the shack opened and Brongr entered, his face filled with worry. Axil looked up and frowned.

"What is wrong?"

"I don't know, lad. Somethin' is off. The fire isn't burnin' an' Raven isn't 'ere."

"Maybe she went hunting or something."

Brongr sighed and sat down on the bed. "Perhaps yer right.

Axil's eyes rested on the table absentmindedly. Brongr's frown deepened, the worry never fading from his eyes.

"I still feel 'at somethin' is wrong, lad. I think we should look for 'er. Whit do ye say?"

Axil suddenly jumped up and rushed over to the table.

"Whit-"

"She took my bag..." He chuckled in disbelief. "She…took my bag."

"Whit? Why would she take yer bag?"

Axil walked over to the bed and sat down beside Brongr, pinching the space between his brows. "Because it's enchanted. I told her about it when I taught her about enchantments."

Brongr frowned. "Why would she need an enchanted bag?"

Silence filled the shack. Suddenly realisation dawned upon them and the same thought crossed their minds.

"She crossed the bridge!", they said in unison, disbelief written all over their faces.