Ermis, Nik, and Silas departed from Roxandros as soon as the sun appeared in the sky. Accompanied by their trusty weapons, some supplies, and money, the three left for Xuthos. Traveling from Roxandros to Xuthos typically requires three nights, going through what people call the Silent Forest. The forest was rarely traversed by people, as another safer road was constructed between the two kingdoms. But it was still the quickest way to get to Xuthos.

Four hours into their travel, Ermis stopped the group. Silas, who had never participated in a mission outside of Roxandros, was clearly already on his last stretch. Almost along the way, Ermis and Nik hear Silas scolding. Ermis, as the leader, raised his hand and stopped the group.

[Ermis] “Let’s take a break. Set up a camp on that clearing. I will look around to make sure this place is safe for us.”

[Nik] “Yes, Capt.”

[Silas] “Finally. I felt like my legs were going to fall off from all the walking.”

Ermis leaves his team and explores this forest.

Nothing was out of the ordinary, until he noticed something. He heard the sound of a bell. Then he ran to the source of the sound. He sees a plant with a black horn-like flower swayed by the wind. Suddenly, he remembered the rare plant that Shaman once mentioned. It is called Silent Bower. He said that the petals of this plant are good for health and can be antidotes. Ermis uprooted the plant and put it in his pouch before returning to his team.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

[Ermis] “Are you ready to continue this adventure?”

[Nik & Silas] “Yes, Capt!”

When Silas packed their belongings and started to stand up, suddenly a strange sound came from behind the bushes.

[Silas] “W..w..what is that? G.. ghost?”

Silas saw a shadowy figure moving around the bushes nearby before running away.

Ermis immediately went after the shadow, as it could be someone spying on them. Nik and Silas also try to chase the shadow and split up. They keep chasing until they surround it successfully. They were shocked, the person behind the shadow was a young lady wearing a black hood.

[Young Lady] “P-Please don’t kill me! I-I-I just want to go home!”

[Ermis] “Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Ermis said in a soothing voice, trying to calm the young lady down. ”Don’t worry. We won’t hurt you. But.. why are you, a young lady, in this forest alone? It’s very dangerous.”

[Young Lady] “I…I get lost in this forest.”

Her face was lowered, and she looked at Ermis's every now and again.

[Ermis] “Don’t be afraid. We are just passing by. We are on the way to Boarreos.”

[Young Lady] “Boarreos??? I came from Boarreos. I followed a rabbit, and then I lost myself in this forest. May I join you, misters? I really, really want to go home. I miss my mom and dad.”

Ermis accepts the young lady, and they continue the journey together.