As they advanced in the forest, the trees looked wilder with their branches intertwined to form a roof of leaves over their heads. Soon there was no path to follow and Ray led them with a spell he casted right before leaving the village.
They were led by the mage and commander Thornwood who provided support and protection for them, followed by two of the guards that came with them earlier from the castle. Right after them came tIris and her maid who, under no circumstance, would let her lady venture in the woods without her. Not for the first time, Iris was moved by Mary's unwavering loyalty. Closing the line followed Sir Marco with the rest of the guards who accompanied her into the village.
