The forest path stretched ahead, winding like a lazy serpent between towering trees and damp undergrowth. For the past few days, Luke, Ilyrana, and Vartha had continued their journey southward, threading their way through thickets and roots, the cart wheels occasionally jostled by uneven terrain. The road hadn't changed much since they crossed the bridge—it remained narrow, wild, and only partially tamed by the passage of old wheels and hooves.
They hadn't seen another traveller since leaving the cave ledge behind. No traders, no caravans. Just the quiet hush of the forest, broken only by birdsong, the rustle of wind, and Vartha's heavy, deliberate paws on the softened dirt.
Luke glanced at the map once more, brow furrowed.
"Should be close now," he muttered under his breath. "The paved road... if we keep heading this way, it has to connect soon."
