Ford blinked at the bizarre sight that opened up in the middle of a mature, dense forest.
Lavender covered most of the clearing ahead. There were no trees in a wide, perfect circle. It was nearly eerie how perfectly round the clearing was, with not a tree branch nor root breaching what seemed like an invisible barrier.
"Let's go. There." Mia pointed to the far side. The scent of the lavender rose like incense through the air as the horses walked across it, slowing their pace and breathing heavily.
They had been pushed hard on the way here.
"Are we safe?" Seth asked his daughter as he looked around. "What is this place?"
"I have no idea," Mia gulped. "I was looking for the safest place to spend the night."
Ford was only half-listening, his eyes focused on the crisp waterfall flowing out of the top of a cliff the height of two men.
