After the day's events Endermon slipped off to sleep rather quickly. Shiloh laid there with her, just listening to her breathe. She could have stayed there just observing her, but she had stuff to do, so she kissed Endermon's forehead and slipped out unnoticed.

When Endermon woke up alone yet again, she was disappointed. She had hoped that just once Shiloh would stay, but how things were currently that would never happen. Getting up for the day, she woke up the other two as well. They cleaned up the cabin as best as they could, left some extra wood for the fireplace and began putting on their armor.

Once they were ready, they got on their horses and rose off. They figured that they could find or make food later. Even Dresden was silent or at least more subdued. They rode until they saw a directional sign. It said beach on the left, another town to the right. They went left and kept their eyes open for any signs of where they were supposed to go. They followed the road until it turned into sand.

The trees changed and they could smell salt on the air. However it would be a while until they got to the next town or village. They found themselves stopping for water breaks far more often than they would like, and began looking for a remedy.

They found a roadside stand that was selling beverages and other things. They bought some drinks and sat down at a table to drink and enjoy the cool liquid. They were trying to keep to themselves, but wearing armor and their general appearance made them stand out anyway.

A hooded figure kept inching closer and closer with everyone getting antsy and suspicious. Finally the figure coughed and a piece of paper appeared on the table. When they turned to inspect it, the figure disappeared. Alone again, they looked at the note. It said look for the fruit stand next to a rock that looked like a seashell.

Gathering their packs and horses, Endermon asked the wildlife for help and soon they were on their way. Soon enough Endermon's horse started pawing at the ground and when she looked at their surroundings, saw the fruit stand right away. They went up to it with nervous anticipation.

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But something was off about it. There was an undercurrent of rot coming from the stand, even though all the fruit looked amazing. The horses reared up and told Endermon that they would go no further. Endermon calmed them down, and when she was about to decide which one of them would stay with the horses, the driver showed up and said he'd stay.

Grateful that he volunteered, she said they would explore and be back hopefully soon. If not then at least tell Shiloh which direction they went. The man nodded solemnly and pointed at a path behind the stand that was barely noticeable. He figured they'd get answers at least.

Seeing no other options, they grabbed only the necessities and headed down the trail. Endermon took up position at the front of the line, to talk to the animals and get information from the plants. Rutus was behind her and kept her hand firmly on her axe. Dresden took up residence at the back of the line for protection and since he could become any animal, he could as a last defense get them out of there.

It didn't take long for the path to become trees and underbrush on the right, and rocks and boulders on the left. They followed the path until the trees made way to sand and water, and the rocks started to get bigger and rougher.

They were glad it was low tide because the path as it were was slippery in places. There was not much path left so they turned to the rocks for answers. They saw a huge rock formation with the gnarled roots of a tree long past blooming, but it's roots left a maze of places one could climb. So they did.

Using her plant and wildlife communication, Endermon found or made the strongest path upward. She waited at the top for the other two to arrive. Rutus made it up quickly and Dresden's feet slipped a time or two and cursing was heard from below. Glancing down, Endermon reinforced the roots to make it easier for Dresden to ascend.