He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He has faced the unthinkable, while she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, but she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
B...
All the way, Dan didn't speak to Elizabeth, and when she tried to diffuse the tension, he just gave her a gloomy look. Of course, he couldn't forget the exchange of glances between her and William. Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt for her thoughtless action. She didn't know why she had felt so compelled to look into William's eyes while others watched, especially Dan.
As they continued walking, Elizabeth stole glances at William. He led the horses and seemed lost in thought, but his posture was more relaxed than it had been in the village. His focus was on their destination—a mysterious place within the Whispering Glen or perhaps beyond it. The forest stretched before them, with magnificent mountains looming in the distance. She wondered what dangers could lurk in the forest and what secrets William might be hiding.
"So, since we're going to the Whispering Glen, can you tell us now why it's considered dangerous?" she asked William, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What strange things happen there?"
"Darkness approaches... But if you want to know, some think the forest is haunted," William replied, his tone unfazed.
"Oh... But you seem to know the way. You've been here before. What do you think? Is it haunted?" Elizabeth tried to keep pace with him as they approached the forest edge.
"Maybe," came his evasive reply.
"So, have you seen anything strange here?" Elizabeth persisted, her curiosity intensifying with each step deeper into the forest.
"Listen." William paused, letting the forest's silence envelop them. "If anything strange is going to happen, you'll see it for yourself. We need to find a place to stay overnight. The night will be cloudy, with no moonlight to guide us."
Ancient trees towered high above them, their trunks draped in long moss. Stones, also covered with moss, were scattered around as if arranged by a meticulous artist.
Compared to the forests they had ventured through, the Whispering Glen was similar, yet distinctly different. Its mysterious aura, rooted in antiquity, gave the trees an almost otherworldly quality. Twisted, some trees formed whimsical figures that stood in the shadows, as if they were guardians of ancient secrets.
Amid the mystery, harmony and abundance ruled in the forest. The Whispering Glen teemed with life, more than any other forest they had seen. Deer, hares, and other creatures roamed freely, their fear of humans diminished. The thriving wildlife made Elizabeth doubt: could a place so rich in life and beauty hide evil forces?
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As the last rays of sunlight began to fade, William led them to a small, hidden cave among the trees. A narrow passage opened into a spacious chamber. Nearby, William tethered the horses and set up their camp. Skillfully, he built a fire at the cave entrance with branches and twigs. Its warm flames lit up the area, and in the shifting light, shadows danced on the cavern walls, creating an eerie ambience.
Exhausted from her journey, Elizabeth sank to the ground, her body aching for rest, while William unpacked the food they had brought.
As she ate, Elizabeth thought about how to start a conversation to learn more from William about this mysterious place. "Isn't it fascinating? I've seen many animals here. Perhaps this place isn't as dangerous as people claim."
