After countless hours of travelling with the merchant, the scenery finally changed. As I gazed around, the sea of trees turned bald. The weeds on the ground also died out and turned into crisps without having the season of fall. We were on top of a hill of some sort, but the view remained the same.
No animals wandered in the vicinity, especially monsters that could attack us. I expected that something or someone would greet our figures since this was our vulnerable time. But as time passed by, nobody emerged behind the bushes.
"We are here," the dragonewt announced, and placed me down on the ground.
"Where exactly are we, merchant?" I asked, and looked around. "There's nothing but sticks and stones in this area. I think we're lost if you'd ask me."
The merchant said nothing and continued motioning his fingers forward. I followed his signs and trundled onward, doubting something would change.
