Ivan and Lorson arrived at the forest where their quest had originally begun. They halted as Ivan confirmed they had lost their pursuers.
"Now what? Do you know the way to the Venai kingdom?" Lorson inquired.
"I don't, but I know someone who might," Ivan replied.
"Come, Hexthorn," Ivan's voice rang out through the evening cold.
Vines sprouted from the ground, merging to shape Hexthorn, who knelt before Ivan.
"Yes, master," Hexthorn acknowledged.
"Have you discovered anything?" Ivan inquired.
"I acquired the Venai kingdom's location from soldiers at a military base near the outskirts of the Gunzal kingdom. They also mentioned that Venai appears to lack sufficient forces, and the soldiers are puzzled by the king's reluctance to attack," Hexthorn reported.
"Interesting. What about Venai's power status?" Ivan pressed.
