The Cavas region is hilly and dry, with few signs of life. It has an earthy smell, and a chilly climate at this time of the year.
The only notable cities are on the northern coastline, and besides some small villages, nobody lives in this region. It has nothing to offer, no flat lands, no particularly fertile grounds, and more importantly no sailable rivers to make transport easier. It used to be more populated a few centuries ago, but due to the wars with the Arcana kingdom, at its time still in its infancy, most of the locals were displaced. But even before that, the Cavas region had never been a highly populated region. Yet some wood elves make their home in the forests, and criminals use it as a hide out particularly because of its remoteness.
It is still considered generally safe to travel, due to the sparse population few bandits find it worth their time to stalk the abandoned roads. Yet the odds were against Baldric and Kilian, and after a couple of days they are ambushed.
This isn't looking good Baldric.
Four elven archers surround the two, bows drawn ready to fire. The tallest one, presumably the leader speaks with them.
Those horses look healthy, we could use those. Step off them! Baldric and Kilian step of their horses, four to two with a range advantage; they don't stand much of a chance. The leader approaches them, but his walk looks unconfident and weak. Unexpectedly for a bandit.
You're really going to rob royal messengers? You know that if we don't show up on time they will send search parties to search the area right, you and your gang wouldn't stand a chance. This is supposed to be a safe route for communication. Kilian says.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
I don't care, we need anything we can get. The elven bandit scuffs at them.
All the more reason for you to care about these roads then, if you're that desperate you can't afford to lose control over this area. I'll tell you what, let's have a duel, if we win you escort us out of the Cavas region and then you can have our horses, if I lose you can have them right now. It's a win-win for you, these are royal messenger horses, they're bred for expert stamina and pace.
How do I know you're a real royal messenger and not just travelers? Everyone we rob says the same thing. No search parties ever show up around here, this place is a no-man's land. Baldric reveals a set of scrolls with gold imprinted noble seals pressed on them.
Alright alright, maybe you're the real deal. Look, we don't want any trouble around here, we're just looking to survive, I'll be honest with you, it's not as safe as you may have been led to believe. Most of my brethren slaughter any non-familiar passerbys. For some gold I'd be willing to guide you through these lands safely. By the way, the name's Foley.
Although it would be difficult to trust someone who just tried to rob you, he's only asking for gold now instead of their main transport, so this is a much better deal.
After about a week of travel they make it to the edges of the Cavas region and are nearing the borders of the Ocilon empire. Foley was a surprisingly good guide, they managed to arrive 3 days early and found plenty of fresh fruit and fish along the route. So Foley, why don't you join us in delivering our letter, then you can guide us again on the way back later. We'll pay you extra.
Foley considers the offer. He's been in the Cavas region for so long it'll be nice to leave it, plus he's with royal messengers, that will counteract all the negative attention he will likely draw as an elf.