The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the trees as Azazel, Kaela, and Shadow continued their journey toward the Land of Umbralin. Azazel's stomach grumbled, and he glanced over at Shadow, who trotted beside him, ears perked up for any signs of danger—or perhaps, like Azazel, any hint of a meal.
Kaela walked a little ahead, clutching her staff and humming a tune that drifted peacefully in the wind. Azazel quickened his pace to catch up, grinning. "What's that song you're humming?"
Kaela stopped mid-tune and looked at him, her eyes wide with mock horror. "You mean to say you don't know this legendary melody? It's called 'Ode to the Hungry Wanderer.'"
Azazel laughed. "I'd believe it, considering how much we've been thinking about food."
Just as he finished speaking, a strange, mouth-watering aroma drifted toward them on the breeze. It smelled savory, salty, and... earthy, with a hint of herbs. Shadow lifted his nose, sniffing eagerly, and Azazel's stomach growled even louder.
Kaela perked up, too. "Do you smell that?"
Azazel nodded. "Oh, I definitely smell that. Let's see what—or who—is cooking."
---
They followed the aroma deeper into the forest, where the trees parted to reveal a small clearing. In the center, an older man with wild gray hair and a wide-brimmed straw hat crouched over a bubbling pot hanging above a low fire. He wore simple, patched clothes and had a worn, weathered face that spoke of years spent living in the wilderness. Beside him, a small wooden table was laden with herbs, spices, and... frogs.
"Ah, travelers!" the old man called out, his voice warm and welcoming. "Come, come! You've caught me in the middle of preparing my famous frog stew."
Azazel and Kaela exchanged a look. The man's hospitality seemed genuine, but there was something slightly off about his wide grin. Nevertheless, Azazel's hunger won out. He stepped forward, grinning back.
"Thanks for the invite," Azazel said. "We're a bit lost, actually. Maybe you can help us find our way?"
The old man's eyes twinkled. "Lost, you say? Sit, sit! I'll share some stew, and we can chat." He gestured for them to sit on the large rocks that circled his campfire. Azazel and Kaela took a seat, with Shadow lying beside them, though he kept one eye on the old man.
"What's in the stew?" Kaela asked, her tone light but curious. "Besides frogs, I mean."
The old man chuckled. "Ah, a good question! I add wild herbs from the forest and a special mix of spices. It keeps the flavor interesting, you know." He stirred the pot, the wooden ladle swirling the contents around. Azazel tried not to think too much about the squishy, hopping things that made up most of the stew.
---
The old man ladled out some of the stew into wooden bowls and handed them to Azazel and Kaela. Shadow, sensing that the food wasn't for him, huffed and curled up a little closer to Azazel. The stew smelled rich and hearty, but Azazel couldn't help but notice the bits of frog legs poking out of the broth.
"Well," Kaela said, examining her bowl with a bemused expression, "here's to trying new things."
Azazel lifted his spoon, bracing himself. "Yeah... here's to adventure, I guess."
They both took a cautious sip. The stew was... surprisingly good. The meat was tender, and the herbs added a refreshing kick to the otherwise earthy flavor. Azazel let out a pleased sigh. "Not bad at all!"
Kaela chuckled. "I have to admit, I'm impressed. Who knew frog stew could be this good?"
The old man's grin widened. "It's an old recipe passed down in our village. Speaking of which, where are you two headed?"
Azazel swallowed another spoonful before responding. "We're trying to get to Hillfar Village. Do you know the way?"
The man's smile faltered, just for a split second, but he recovered so quickly that Azazel almost missed it. "Ah, Hillfar. Yes, yes, I know the way. It's not far from here, just follow the river upstream. But you should be careful. Strange things have been happening in these parts."
Kaela tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Strange things?"
The man glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers, then leaned in, lowering his voice. "Ever since Mizan's influence started spreading, the lands have been... changing. People say he's a protector, a good man, keeping the peace. But..."
Azazel felt his muscles tense. "But?"
The old man hesitated, then forced a smile. "But, who am I to say otherwise?" He laughed, but it was an uneasy sound. "Mizan's name carries weight, you see. Best not to talk ill of someone so powerful, even out here."
Azazel shared a look with Kaela. There was no denying that the man's behavior was suspicious. He seemed almost... afraid.
---
Azazel decided to press gently. "What do you really think of Mizan?" he asked. "You don't have to worry about us. We're just travelers, and we won't tell anyone."
The old man's eyes darted around again, and he lowered his voice even more. "It's not what I think... it's what we're all forced to say. Mizan isn't a simple protector; he's... well, he's dangerous. People in Hillfar Village are too afraid to speak openly. There are rumors that he can hear everything, even whispers carried on the wind."
Kaela's expression darkened. "That's... unsettling."
Azazel put down his bowl, his appetite fading slightly. "So, you're saying people are forced to speak well of him, even if it's a lie?"
The old man nodded, his smile gone. "Yes. We live under the shadow of his power. No one wants to be the one to say something he might hear."
Azazel's fists clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Thank you for telling us. We'll be careful."
The old man looked relieved. "Good. Now, eat up before your stew gets cold. It may be dangerous to talk, but a full stomach can still bring some comfort."
---
Kaela tried to lighten the mood. "Well, Azazel, I'm impressed. You've eaten two whole bowls of frog stew. Should I start calling you the Frog King?"
Azazel made a face. "Please don't. If I have to eat another frog leg, I might actually start hopping around like one."
Shadow gave a short bark that sounded suspiciously like a laugh, and Kaela burst into giggles. "Shadow agrees. You'd make a very handsome Frog King."
Azazel rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. "Great. Just what I need—another ridiculous title to add to my growing list."
The old man, sensing the lighter mood, chuckled. "I'll remember you as the Frog King of the Whispering Woods."
Azazel groaned dramatically. "See what you started, Kaela?"
Kaela smirked. "You're welcome."
---
As the sun began to set, Azazel, Kaela, and Shadow prepared to continue their journey. The old man pointed them toward the river, and Azazel thanked him for the meal and the directions. But as they walked away, a sense of unease settled over them.
Kaela broke the silence first. "That was... strange, wasn't it?"
Azazel nodded. "Yeah. He seemed genuinely scared to talk about Mizan. It's like this entire area is under some sort of... spell."
Shadow let out a low growl, sensing the tension. Azazel reached down and scratched the wolf's ears. "Don't worry, boy. We'll figure it out."
Kaela looked thoughtful. "If Mizan's power really reaches this far, we need to be careful. There's more to this than we realized."
Azazel glanced at her, determination hardening his features. "Then we'll have to be ready for anything. No more surprises."
Kaela gave him a sidelong look. "No more surprises? With you around, Azazel, surprises are pretty much guaranteed."
Azazel laughed, the sound echoing through the woods. "Fair enough. But let's just hope the next surprise isn't a pot of frog stew."
Kaela giggled, and even Shadow seemed to give a wolfish grin. Together, they pressed on, knowing that whatever lay ahead in Hillfar Village—and beyond—it would take all their strength and wit to face it. The shadows grew deeper, and the whispers of the forest seemed to hint at secrets yet to be revealed. But for now, they kept walking, with laughter still lingering in the air and the taste of frog stew still on their lips.