Roads Less Traveled

As the squeaky wheels of the carriage rolled down the calm dirt road, a group of rag-tag adventurers could be seen sitting in the back of the cart, which was seemingly driving itself. 

The group consisted of a young human boy, a young woman of elven descent, a decadent-looking Jeralik, and a feisty-looking red-haired fire sprite. The four traveling companions sat in the back of the cart, happily chatting and discussing what sounded like utter nonsense to anyone eavesdropping on the conversation. 

In truth, any magically astute spy could notice the small dome of wind magic surrounding the cart, seemingly scrambling the sounds coming from the conversation, instead making it sound as if they were happily chatting and laughing about honey bread and dire wolves. 

Yet, their peaceful journey was soon to be interrupted, as a group of hooded and cloaked figures had meticulously surrounded the slow-moving carriage from all sides, ready to strike at a moment's notice.