Swords Will

Chapter Thirteen: Mapmakers lair

The morning sun painted the forest in shades of gold and green, casting dappled shadows over the campsite. Astrid's eyes blinked open, momentarily disoriented by the warm light streaming through the canopy. She squinted as the brightness filtered through the leaves and branches, and it took a moment for her to fully wake up.

As she lay there, she noticed Arthur's imposing figure approaching. He looked down at her and then over to Erlan, who was still fast asleep beside her. She couldn't help but appreciate the serenity that washed over Erlan's face in slumber. His features appeared peaceful, far removed from the worries and the challenges that the day would inevitably bring.

Astrid didn't want to wake him. In that quiet moment, she found herself captivated by the vulnerability of the man she had come to care for. His disheveled hair and the slight crease of his brow made him seem more real, more human. It was a stark contrast to the scheming, power-hungry world she had grown up in.

Turning her gaze back to Arthur, she greeted him with a nod and a faint smile. Her eyes were still locked on Erlan, her unspoken promise to protect him hanging in the air. She understood the weight of their journey and the enigmatic path that lay ahead, but for now, she cherished this peaceful moment in the embrace of the forest, letting Erlan continue to sleep undisturbed.

Erlan's eyes blinked open as he stretched and yawned, his body slowly awakening to the new day. The warmth of Astrid by his side was a comforting presence, and he offered her a sleepy, contented smile before letting out a long sigh. The forest canopy overhead was a mosaic of dappled sunlight, casting dancing shadows over their campsite.

As he looked over at Arthur, who was already up and bustling about the camp, a chuckle escaped the king's lips. With a wry grin, Arthur reminded them that it was time to start their day and continue their journey. Erlan nodded in agreement and began to rouse himself, sitting up in his bedroll. His tousled hair fell over his eyes, but his gaze was sharp, his determination unwavering.

Erlan and Astrid moved to get up and prepare for the day's challenges. There was a sense of purpose in the air as they knew they had to press on in their quest to find the Sword of Divinity. With a quick breakfast and some last-minute preparations, they readied themselves for the adventures that lay ahead in the beautiful yet treacherous Teutonian forest.

The forest enveloped them as they ventured deeper into Teutonia, the sounds of nature surrounding them. The trio rode along a winding path, the dappled sunlight casting intricate patterns on the forest floor. As they continued, the rustling of leaves and twigs underfoot began to reach their ears.

Erlan, Arthur, and Astrid slowed their horses to a leisurely pace, and as they rounded a bend in the trail, they caught sight of a group of people. These forest-dwellers were busy foraging for mushrooms, their baskets filled with an array of fungi of different shapes and sizes. The townsfolk, likely from the settlement they were heading towards, wore simple yet practical clothing suited for their woodland tasks.

The trio approached cautiously, not wanting to startle the foragers. Arthur, with his natural charm and ease in social situations, raised a hand in greeting and called out a friendly hello. The people, initially surprised by the sudden appearance of travelers, quickly gathered around, their eyes curious and wary.

Erlan, Astrid, and Arthur dismounted, creating a more approachable atmosphere. The foragers, led by a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, began to exchange pleasantries. They inquired about the travelers' purpose and offered a handful of mushrooms as a token of goodwill.

The trio explained their quest to find a specific location in the Teutonian forest. The forest-dwellers listened intently, their faces showing hints of recognition as the place was mentioned. They shared stories and legends, which hinted at the area the trio sought.