The morning fog shrouded the Swan Lake in the early dawn. The sun still stayed behind the distant mountains, and the air too was dampened and cold.
Occasionally, aquatic birds skidded over the surface of the lake; their sharp beaks took away the fat fishes from the water, and then the birds flew to a nearby tree branch or back to their nests to enjoy the meal. If one were to listen carefully, the sound of the birds swallowing could even be heard.
There were bonfires near the lake, and the light from the flames passed through the fog to illuminate the Swan Hill Castle not far away. Walking from the castle to the lake required only climbing over a small hillside, and these flames were just below the slopes. Countless knights moved slowly through the scenery of the flames and the fog, as though they were exercising precautionary measures. However, they appeared more like they were scouting.
