The night deepened around them, and the road became narrower, flanked by ancient trees that bowed like silent witnesses to their flight. Their breath mingled with the mist that crept along the forest floor, and the only sound was the rhythm of hooves and the quiet rustle of leaves in the wind.
Eventually, the path opened up to a small clearing, lit faintly by the silver sheen of moonlight. A stream murmured nearby, winding lazily around mossy stones, and just ahead stood an old stone cottage abandoned, but still whole, nestled at the edge of the woods as if waiting for them.
Kaelith pulled his horse to a stop and glanced around. "Here," he said softly. "Let's rest here."
