50 Entering the Wolves' Den

The sun's rays illuminate the dirt road leading to Fletcher village, and the birds in the trees around sing cheerfully. Greenwood forest can be gloomy in the deeper parts, but it seems quite normal and even friendly on the outskirts of the village.

The thinner branches of the trees sway under a gentle breeze while squirrels, armadillos, and even small deer can be seen near the road on which Draven and Alicia now ride their black horses at full speed, making a lot of noise and leaving behind a cloud of dust.

Half a mile ahead, they see a group on horseback as well; their animals are clearly inferior, and they are traveling at a slow pace, but it is possible to see banners with noble insignias. Alicia grabs her large weapon in her hand, preparing for a fight. "They look like trouble."

"What? No!" Draven quickly signals for his sister to lower her weapon. "Why do you assume everyone is our enemy? They could just be lost travelers."