The morning sun filtered weakly through the dense canopy as the group emerged from the forest. Their steps were heavy, their minds still haunted by the night's horrors, but relief flickered in their expressions as the forest thinned, and the valley stretched out before them.
A small town nestled in the distance, its simple buildings bordered by golden fields. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, promising warmth and, hopefully, answers.
"Finally," Jea muttered, her hand still resting on Yhan Yhan's mane for comfort. "I thought we'd never get out of that cursed place."
Mathea nodded, her glowing necklace dim in the morning light. "Let's head to that inn. We need food, rest, and information. We still don't know what's really happening here."
The group descended into the valley, their movements more relaxed now that the oppressive weight of the forest had lifted. The small inn, a rustic two-story building with a creaky wooden sign that read The Inn Of Spar, greeted them with the scent of fresh bread and the low hum of conversation from within.
Inside, the inn was modest but welcoming, with wooden beams overhead and a hearth crackling in the corner. A few townsfolk sat at tables, chatting quietly over mugs of steaming tea.
Mathea approached the innkeeper, a stout man with a friendly smile and a keen eye. "We'll need breakfast and a private corner to sit," she said, sliding a few coins across the counter.
"Of course, travelers," the innkeeper said, motioning toward a corner table. "I'll have the maid bring food right out."
As the group settled into the corner, Juan stood. "I'll take Yhan Yhan and pick up some supplies. We're low on food and basic items."
Mathea nodded. "Be quick and stay sharp. We don't know what else might be lurking."
Jea watched Juan and the lion leave, her stomach growling as the scent of freshly baked bread wafted past.
The door creaked open a short while later, and a figure stepped in, their hood pulled low. Athena's eyes widened as the person approached their table, lowering their hood to reveal a familiar face.
"Celestia?" Athena said, her voice a mix of surprise and caution.
Celestia smiled, her golden hair shimmering faintly in the inn's light. "It's been a long time, Athena."
"What are you doing here?" Athena asked, her tone sharp despite the warmth of the reunion.
"I've been looking for you," Celestia said, pulling out a chair. "Greenland Village was attacked. Warlock Jose and High Witch Eve. Your parents…" She hesitated, her expression grim. "They're missing."
Athena's face darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I don't care," she said coldly. "They sold me to the king months ago. As far as I'm concerned, they're no longer my family, and I'm not a Greenland witch anymore."
Celestia frowned, leaning forward. "I understand how you feel, but this isn't just about them. The village is in ruins. People need help. Your parents might know something about why this happened—where the elves are planning to strike next."
Before Athena could respond, the door opened again, and Juan walked in, carrying a sack of supplies. His face was pale, his expression tight with urgency.
"We have a problem," he said, his voice low.
Mathea sat up straighter. "What is it?"
Juan glanced at the others, then leaned in closer. "The townsfolk are whispering about a group of travelers matching our description. They say we were seen near the forest last night… and they think we're responsible for something that happened there. People are afraid. They're saying the forest spirits are angry."
Jea's eyes widened. "But we didn't do anything to the spirits!"
"Doesn't matter," Juan said grimly. "Fear spreads faster than truth. We need to be careful."
Mathea's expression hardened as she looked around the inn, her gaze sweeping over the other patrons. "We'll finish our breakfast, gather what we need, and leave quietly. The last thing we need is more trouble."
Athena's hand tightened into a fist, her anger at her parents warring with the growing unease of their precarious situation. "Celestia, if you want to help, then help us get out of here. We'll deal with Greenland when we're ready."
Celestia nodded, her expression serious. "Understood. But whatever happened in that forest might be bigger than we realize. You need to be prepared."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the past night's events still heavy on their minds. Whatever awaited them beyond the valley, it was clear their journey was far from over.
After finishing their breakfast at The Inn Of Spar, the group quietly dispersed through the small town, splitting up to gather information. Their priority was to find any trace of MJ, the witch rumored to have taken the magical flower from the Mountain of Magic.
Mathea, with her authoritative presence, led the questioning. Jea and Juan accompanied her, while Athena stayed back at the inn with Celestia, her frustration and lingering anger still palpable.
The townsfolk were hesitant to speak at first, their eyes darting around nervously as though the mere mention of MJ might summon trouble.
An elderly woman tending a small herb stand finally spoke up after Mathea offered a few coins. "The witch you're looking for… she's real," the woman said in a hushed tone. "She was here a few months ago. Asked about the mountain. Said she needed something from it—something powerful."
"What did she want with the flower?" Jea asked, her voice cautious.
The woman shook her head. "Didn't say. But you know what they say about that mountain. It's cursed. Anyone who takes from it… well, they pay a price."
"Where did she go?" Mathea pressed.
"She left for the forest," the woman said, her voice trembling. "But I heard rumors she never came back. Some say the spirits got her. Others say she's still out there… hiding."
Before they could ask more, a distant horn sounded, its eerie call echoing through the valley.
The group exchanged tense glances as the townsfolk around them froze, their faces paling.
"They're coming," someone whispered.
"Elves," muttered another, hurrying inside their home and slamming the door shut.
Mathea turned to Jea and Juan, her expression sharp. "We need to move. Now."
They regrouped with Athena and Celestia near the edge of town. Yhan Yhan growled low, sensing the tension in the air.
"What's happening?" Athena asked, her magic already crackling faintly at her fingertips.
"Elves," Mathea said. "Heading this way."
The group quickly slipped into the shadows of a nearby alley, crouching low as the sound of hooves and marching feet grew louder.
Moments later, a column of elven warriors appeared, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, their weapons sharp and deadly. At their head was a tall elf with a commanding presence, his silver hair tied back and his piercing green eyes scanning the town with cold precision.