Storm approaches...
Adventurers supped on the food they had found in the bandits’ hideout and spent the night underground. On the next day they set off to continue their journey. The sun was high above when MOD_V4lkyrie shouted: “Look! A sandstorm is coming!” You and Orowa joined her on the top of a small hill and saw the enormous dark cloud, slowly moving in your direction.
“Quickly, back to the caravan” - the ghost shouted. - “Unroll the magic carpet we took from the bandits, we’ll fly over the storm!”
Fortunately, the carpet was quite large and everyone fit. There were gasps of both horror and excitement when the carpet rose into the air.
Orowa was doing everything he could, but for some reason the carpet didn’t want to rise higher than just above the raging storm. Strong winds were throwing the magical vehicle in all directions, while clouds of dust were blowing into the faces of the adventurers, making it impossible to see anything.
Just when you were beginning to think that maybe you’re going in circles above the storm, the visibility started to get better. The endless dunes were no longer there, you were flying over a forest.
“Uhh, guys? I think I’m losing control over this thing...” - said Orowa.
The carpet started losing altitude, slowly at first, but then faster and faster.
“We’re going down! Hold on!” - cried the ghost.
The carpet hit the ground with a loud bang. The adventurers were thrown in all directions.
Empty of passangers, the magical artefact rose into the air on its own and disappeared in the trees.
“Ghosts shouldn't fly through any means other than their own powers...” - complained Orowa, shaking dirt and leaves out of his sheets.
“Are you alright?” - asked an unfamiliar voice.
You looked around and saw a man standing under a nearby tree. He was wearing torn and dirty clothing and was leaning on a branch. You could also see several fresh wounds.
“Are YOU alright?” - you asked the stranger.
“Is it possible? Could you be the answer to my prayers?” - the man said, as if he hadn’t heard the question. - “My name’s Rudolf. You must help me, please!”
The rest of the adventurers started gathering around you.
“Sure, why not! We have a skilled field medic in our group.” - said Orowa.
“No! My wounds don’t matter. It is my family that need help! They’re in our hut, this way.” - Rudolf pointed with a trembling hand. - “The invaders… they are torturing them! I tried to do something, but they beat me up! Please, help us!”
Seeing the man’s desperation, you decided not to waste any more time and set off forward. When you reached the hut, you saw 6 men guarding the entrance. They were wearing brown hooded robes and wielding large daggers. Something flashed inside the building and you heard a scream of pain.
“Drop your weapons and let us pass and you’ll not be harmed.”- said Orowa
“You shall not enter.” - said one of the guards. - “Our master is busy.”
One of the mods raised a crossbow and fired. The quarrel hit the doorframe, mere centimeters away from the head of one of the guards.
The robed strangers looked thoroughly unimpressed.
“You can fire all the arrows you want. The dark powers will protect us. You shall not enter.”
Suddenly the door flew open and another man came out of the building. He also was wearing a brown hooded robe, but he was much taller than the guards and his eyes seemed to be glowing with a pale yellow light.
“What is the meaning of this insolence?” - he said - “Leave now, fools, or you shall suffer my wrath!”
“You’re outnumbered. Surrender immediately, and let us into the house.” - said Orowa.
In response, the robed man raised his hand. There was a sharp crack and a shimmering bolt of light flew straight at the ghost. Orowa yelped and jumped aside. His sheets caught fire and he started zooming left and right, frantically trying to put the flames out.
The adventurers charged forward. One of the cultists fell down with a spear in his chest. Another dropped his dagger with a hiss, hit by MOD_Yardly with an arrow. Two more arrows struck their leader, but the tall stranger seemed not to even notice. He raised his hand again and another lightning flew through the air. It hit the shield MOD_Rebus was holding and ripped it apart, leaving only charred bits of wood and metal. Your household guard concentrated on the dagger-wielding cultists and defeated them without much hassle, but their leader proved to be a much tougher opponent. Crackling streams of energy were swirling around him, striking anyone who came too close. Bowmen were trying to hit him with more arrows, but were forced to duck behind trees to avoid bolts of energy he was shooting at them from his hands.
Who is this terrifying foe?
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(You'll have to clean up the word order as well)