Crescent Grove was a verdant expanse covering the slopes of the wide hill upon which the town of Adylle was built, resembling a crescent moon, encircling the entire southern wing and half of the western and eastern wings like a protective barrier. The densely wooded grove offered strategic advantages for defending the town, but also had its drawbacks. The locals regarded it as an inseparable part of the town, and from a bird's-eye view, it was the only lush, forested area in the region, amid vast and colorful plains.
As he strolled amidst the towering cypresses, lush plane trees, majestic firs, and ancient willows, Paliborn inhaled the cool, forest air, relishing its distinct essence. "Breathe in, Eli, this untainted air is like nothing else, an indispensable scent. The tranquility of the unbridled woods is priceless," he said, savoring the moment.
"You're such a poetic halfling," Allendra giggled.
"Listen to the music of the forest, the sparrows, and nightingales singing melodies in a forgotten language," Paliborn said, continuing his reverie.
Allendra scanned the forest, her eyes darting back and forth in search of their elusive quarry. "Where are they?" she asked, frustration lacing her tone.
Paliborn's eyes twinkled mischievously as he raised his finger and pointed towards a nearby pine tree. "They're all around us. But look closely," he whispered. "Do you see that kingfisher perched on the third branch to your left? Its wings are blue as the deepest sea, far from its home in Smyrnia."
Allendra's gaze followed his outstretched finger, and she gasped in awe at the bird's exquisite beauty and its effortless freedom. "I wish I could be like them," she murmured, her voice tinged with wistfulness.
"How so?" Paliborn probed gently.
"I wish I could soar high in the sky, unfettered by worries or responsibilities," Allendra replied, her eyes still fixed on the bird.
Paliborn's face softened with empathy. "But you're only five and a half years old. You have your whole life ahead of you, filled with infinite possibilities," he reassured her.
Allendra's expression darkened, and her voice trembled with emotion. "But we're living in exile, Pal. You don't have to hide it from me. I know that my aunt was punished by the wise man for something she did. But why? Why is she suffering so much? Isn't her punishment enough?"
Paliborn furrowed his brow, pondering Allendra's questions. He understood her thirst for knowledge, but the answers she sought were shrouded in secrecy. "Your aunt is not in exile, my dear. She and the wise Sandman are trying to protect you both from danger," he explained, hoping to ease her worries.
"But why do we have to run away? I want to know what's going on. I know we are hiding from someone. How can I flee from something I know nothing about? And why won't Sarcastic answer my questions? My aunt forbids me from asking, but how am I supposed to learn if I can't ask the right questions? The books I read don't offer the answers I seek." Allendra persisted.
Paliborn grimaced, knowing how frustrating it must be for the smart girl to be left in the dark. "You have a right to know," he said firmly. "Sandman has his reasons for keeping things hidden. However, I will speak with him and try to get some answers for you. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise."
Allendra's eyes lit up with hope, and Paliborn felt a sense of relief. "Now, let's find our bunny," he said, changing the subject.
Together they scoured the forest floor, searching for signs of their hunt. The ground sloped downward, and the rustling of fallen pine leaves underfoot echoed through the trees. The warm spring evening was alive with the chirping of crickets and the flickering of fireflies. As they made their way deeper into the forest, Paliborn couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Danger lurked in these woods, and he knew that they needed to be cautious.
"I want to catch a firefly!" cried Allendra, rarely showing real signs of that she is only a kid and began to run after the glowing insects.
Paliborn and Allendra had long abandoned their original purpose, swept away by the thrill of the firefly chase. For Allendra, it was without a doubt the happiest day of her life. But now, the little girl was panting for breath. They had finally reached the foot of the hill, where the land stretched out flat. There, they stumbled upon a babbling brook of pure, crystal-clear water. They quenched their thirst with its life-giving elixir. Surrounding the spring were clusters of rocks.
Paliborn clambered up the boulders and dazzled Allendra with a display of acrobatics. He leapt from one boulder to another, somersaulting in mid-air and gracefully landing on the next one, even walking on his hands over the challenging terrain. The young girl couldn't help but admit that the halfling outdid the acrobat they had watched a few hours ago, and she gave him a standing ovation.
But the day was swiftly coming to an end, and as the sun's final red beams faded into darkness, the night fell upon them like a blanket. No moon graced the sky, and the stars were the only source of light.
Suddenly, as if summoned by some dark force, shadows twisted and writhed, encircling the little girl with a malevolent aura. The astute hafling perceived the encroaching shadows and cast a quick glance at Allendra, who was suddenly shrinking away, pulling the hood of her robe over her face as if trying to hide from the ominous darkness. From his vantage point atop the boulder, Paliborn could see the shadows swirling around her like a tightening noose. He was about to issue a warning when Allendra, heedless of the danger, spoke up.
"Let's go, Pal. I think a rabbit went up that slope over yonder," she said, setting off up the hill again.
Silently observing her for a while, Paliborn waited with bated breath, hoping she'd turn around. But Allendra was already hastening ahead, and the shadows continued their chase, widening the circle and receding ever so slightly. Pal drew a deep breath and kept his distance, keeping a watchful eye on the girl and the shadows' erratic movements. The child was racing up the hill with an unwavering determination, heedless of the thorny brambles that snagged at her clothing. As though reaching the top of the hill would solve everything. She gasped, shuddering with exhaustion, and stumbled now and again, yet still, she didn't cry out to the halfling for help.
"I think, Pal..." She halted her words to gulp down air. "The rabbit's burrow..." "...is atop the knoll..." Another breath. "...beside the ancient willow tree."
"I'm with you, Elia. Fear not. I'm right here, tracking your every move. We'll catch it soon."
"Don't call me Elia!" The girl shrieked, her voice piercing the air. "It's Allendra! I hate Elia!"
"Okay, Allendra. My apologies. We're nearly there, just a bit more to go."
Paliborn cautiously drew his dagger, holding it at the ready as if it could fend off the shadowy creatures.
"Reveal yourselves, you cowardly shades! I've fought you before, and I can do it again. It's been some time, but I'll figure out a way." The halfling murmured, his voice low and steady. "In the past, we had enchanted weapons, of course." He sighed, reminiscing about bygone days.
The steep slope had finally dropped, and they arrived at the ancient willow tree Allendra had mentioned. Exhausted, the girl knelt, thorns and sharp branches piercing her skin as she struggled to catch her breath. Her ragged breaths became quicker and quicker, and she began whispering something unintelligible. The halfling strained to hear, but the words sounded like grunts and slurs, rising in tempo like the relentless beat of a full leather drum.
Then, as if the forest had silenced itself to reveal the truth, Paliborn realized what he was hearing: the pounding of Allendra's heart. It was as if the girl was on the brink of bursting like a balloon, and Paliborn was torn between wanting to rush to her aid and hesitating, unsure of what to do as the encroaching shadows closed in.
But just as the darkness threatened to swallow her whole, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air, its superhuman shrill so powerful that even the birds took flight and the trees shook. With no time to evade, Paliborn covered his ears in agony as the shockwave blasted through him, the diameter of its effect shockingly vast. His insides quivered, as if trying to avoid the invisible blow, and he doubled over, trying not to vomit.
After a brief moment, the little girl rose as if nothing had happened. She beamed at the halfling and gestured behind him. "Behold, my dear friend, the rabbit we've been seeking."
Paliborn shifted his weight, struggling to turn around. He gazed at the lifeless rabbit in the brush. The hapless creature had perished with its eyes agape, likely due to a heart seizure. The halfling scrutinized his surroundings for any lingering traces of the eerie shadows from before, but found none. The night was unremarkable, illuminated by the same anemic starlight as always. Paliborn Quickhand let out a long, deep breath. He collapsed where he was, his insides aching and his ears still ringing. At least the familiar sounds of the forest, its peerless tranquility, had returned. He drew in a slow breath to facilitate healing.