Entry #13

Halo
by SzélsõFa


The forest proved dense, not because of much undergrowth – for it was a pine forest. A dark one. Hail fastened his clutch on the sword. No sign of enemies, though. Not yet.

Hail knew this forest all too well to not allow himself being careless and wonder around like a blindfolded lover, with a lady in his dreams…

Hail no longer had pictures of ladies waving listlessly from a balcony in his mind.

Win this time. Defeat *him* this time. Get through the forest without getting hurt this time. THEN can you dream about ladies.

And Hail knew the way through too much. Perhaps this road was the only thing he knew almost everything about. Behold, the path bends beyond that giant grey rock. Okay, clear. What, no footmarks? There should be some marks just around here. I remember. This is the place I was defeated last time. I died. But now, I am stronger and I have something else in my sack. Purchased at the last level.

Hail wheeled his eyes to no avail. Where are they? Hidden there, aren’t you?

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Ouch, the back of my head. Forward with that precious weapon! Aim and shoot!

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Finally, the light. Oh, how soothing it is! I’m out this time. I am saved.

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With motionless eyes staring right into the lamp’s halo, here lay Hail, calm and reassured. The horrid visions of *him* and the enchanted forest have gone. Forever? His mind was not to tell anymore.