Guto and Frøya safely reached the rocks beside the train tracks.
"How can we possibly make it back to the city?" Guto inquired.
Frøya grimaced, struggling to rise. "We can't. It's too far, and we're both too wounded."
Guto offered his assistance, helping her to her feet. "So, what's our plan, then?"
Frøya looked around and hesitated before saying, "I think I recognize this forest."
***
1535
23:34 PM
In a dense forest with towering trees and peculiarly shaped rocks, the moonlight struggled to pierce through the thick canopy of leaves. Frøya, dressed in a worn, tattered black robe, perched atop a tree, gazing at a small village below. Her expression shifted to one of concern as she took in the unusual appearance of the villagers.
The men in the village were all remarkably tall, each standing at least 200 centimeters, yet their builds were slender. They sported jet-black, spiky, wavy hair that pointed skyward, and their skin had taken on a rich brown hue. The women, too, shared similar height and slender figures, with ebony hair flowing in wavy locks.
'I'd better remain concealed. I'm not sure I can trust them.'
***
Frøya recognized her surroundings and spoke, "Ah, I knew this place seemed familiar."
Guto asked, "Do you know where we are?"
"Yes, it's the forest with those strange rocks. I explored this place when I was little. There's a small village deep within the forest, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. They might be dangerous." Frøya mentioned, her strength waning as she began to lean into Guto's arms.
"Ugh, sorry. I guess that battle really drained all my energy." she admitted, attempting to stay awake.
"It's going to be alright. I'll find a way out of this, I promise!" Guto assured Frøya.
With her energy drained and her body weakened, Frøya surrendered to her profound fatigue and slipped into unconsciousness.
Guto, carrying the unconscious Frøya, trekked through the forest, his senses tingling with the unshakeable sensation of being observed.
"Why do I have this constant feeling that something is watching me in here?" he contemplated.
After about ten minutes of walking, Guto discovered the entrance to the village.
"It seems deserted. Could everyone have left?" he wondered.
Worn cobblestone paths snaked through the village, guiding explorers past quaint thatched-roof cottages nestled closely together.
Guto's attention was drawn to a tall, slender man.
"What brings you here, child?" the man inquired.
"I'm sorry, sir, but we really need some help. We're running from mercenaries who tried to ens..." Guto's words were abruptly interrupted by the man.
"It's alright. Come with me, and we can talk privately. You can leave your friend with the person standing right behind you."
Glancing over his shoulder, Guto saw a massive figure behind him.
"Don't worry, he may look intimidating, but he's actually quite friendly."
With some hesitation, Guto handed the unconscious Frøya to the man.
Guto and the man made their way through the village until they reached a larger house that stood out from the others. Upon entering, the man gestured for Guto to sit.
"Here, please, have a seat."
They both sat, positioning themselves apart.
"As I was saying, sir, we were fleeing from some mer..." Guto's words were once again cut short by the man.
"Don't lie, child. I know no one was trying to enslave you. Just look at your clothing, it may be torn, but it's still of considerable value. So, tell me, why are you here?"
"I apologize, sir, but we merely need a place to rest for a few days before we'll be on our way."
"Hmm. Alright, but you need to understand I can't simply let you stay here for free."
"We don't have any money."
"I'm not interested in money."
"Then what can we give you?"
"I have a nearby mine. Some of my people used to go there for coal and minerals to benefit the village. However, one day, they didn't return. I need you to go there and find out what's happened. You do that, and you can stay here for a while."
"Of course, I'll do that, but I'd like to ask for a few days to rest and recover first."
"That's reasonable. You have two days to rest. My name is Dastan, and I'm the village chief."
"I'm Édmir, and my friend is Ella," Guto introduced.
"It's a pleasure, Édmir. Follow me, and I'll show you where you'll be staying."