After a long trek they arrive at Pinella pass. But they are early, Misanthria is likely still a few days of travel away. They set up camp not far from the road and start preparing to cook some food. Foley and Zad are foraging for anything edible, some fresh vegetables or fruits would really add to the flavour up their usual meals consisting of dried fruits and salted meats.

  You know Zad, we should try to find a wild animal, some fresh meat would be delicious. I'm sure Baldric would be eternally grateful to us.

  Well good luck finding any, this place is barren, only plants live here.

  Zad, come over here, look at that.

  What, you found animals?

  Sort of. He points in the distance.

  Four shadowy figures dressed in dark clothing are moving through the woods, avoiding the main path.

  They're carrying weapons and likely serve the Arcana kingdom.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  We need to tell the others about this, it's possible they're scouting the safety for Misanthria, or something else, whatever it is, it can't be good.

  Agreed. Let's head back.

  They rush back to their camp and inform the others.

  We should ambush them, we can't have them risk alerting Misanthria and sabotaging our plans.

  What about the food? Baldric says.

  We will eat later, we have to go now.

  I'll stay here, my fighting days are over, Abbarang says. He used to be a sword fighter like Kilian but since he lost his arm his sword skills have been lackluster, possibly because of the lack of an arm.

  I'll just do some foraging in the meantime.

  They walk to the road and wait in some bushes.

  As they are discussing their plans, Foley notices some shadowy figures in the distance.

  We have to attack once they get close enough! Kilian whispers.

  As they draw closer they all jump out from the bushes, and strike down the first melee fighter, carrying double swords.

  The other scouts panic and run away. They give chase.

  After a short distance they make it to a temple of light. Its yellow and white coloured stones stand out amongst the forest. It is partly overgrown with weeds and veins. It has likely been abandoned for a long time. The scouts rush inside.