Erick had remained between the roots of the tree to rest and wait till dawn. He had been tired out and didn't want to risk being attacked when in such a state. Although nothing major happened, he hadn't been able to rest. The forest was quite lively at nightly hours. Many inhabitants of the forest were terrifying creatures for normal humans.
Only when he saw the early lights of the sun did he emerge from the trees and walked in the general direction of the castle. Surely it would be easier that way to encounter some of the returning teams and tag along with them.
There were many farms and sheds surrounding the castle ground where people usually stayed during the day, tending their grain or livestock. Some were abandoned, some were still in use.
