3 rd Chapter: Nature's Blessing

I was getting a bit too drowsy, so I had to stop in the middle of the forest to dock my horse and rest against a tree. I took deep breaths, hoping that no one would be seeing me here. The forest was surprisingly peaceful and all I could hear were the various sounds of insects. Minutes later, I fell into a deep slumber. But before that, I heard stomping of a pair of large feet. I just thought it came from my horse and just slept.

Upon waking up, I heard my horse whining and yanking on the string that held it in place. This alarmed me, so I immediately stood up and checked him. "What's wrong?" I asked. He was directly looking at barely visible path. It didn't follow the main path to exit the forest, so I suppose that leads to some small isolated civilization or a sacred place. Filled with all the curiosity needed for me to check it out, I untangled the string on the tree and followed the path with my horse following me. There were faint voices coming in play as I went further until I saw figures. I stopped dead in my tracks as my horse whinnied. I quickly hushed him down and led him away from conflict. I hid behind a bush and watched three lads harass a small boy. They were badmouthing him awfully. But if there were children here, that means there is a village nearby. With a kind heart, I revealed myself and protected the small boy. Unfortunately, I saw the three lads smirk and transform into a large sinister creature.

"W-what?!" I exclaimed, looking at how large it was. I turned my head to the small boy an saw that he also was a demon too. Turns out, I became the victim here. I tried several of my magic superpowers, but that didn't affect them even the slightest. These creatures must be part of a powerful kind. I fell to the ground, looking at the demons in horror. I tried getting away, but they always block wherever I go. They laughed very loud as I attempted every corner of the open area.

"This... This can't be," I mumbled while a drop of sweat rolled down my forehead. I guess I underestimated the Land of Dawn, after all. I closed my eyes, hoping that this was all a nightmare. When I opened them, the demons were knocked out by vines that came from the ground.

"Huh?"

A large green creature arrives and defeats the demons. I sighed in relief as the green treelike creature approaches me. "Thank you," I huffed. "Not a problem. It's actually my job to destroy conflicts." he said. A smile grew on my face and I stood up from where I was lying. "Recently, a lot of trouble had been visible in the Land of Dawn." he continued. I nodded in return, trying not to think about the previous situation I got into.

"By the way, my name is Belerick." he introduced.

"Oh, nice to meet you, Belerick. I'm Guinevere." I greeted.

"It's nice to meet you, too." he replies.

This conversation's getting awkward for me. In fact, greeting with a tree is what every fairytale looked like. "Where were you supposed to go, Guinevere?" Belerick asks. "I just left home to find my brother, Lancelot," I replied, "Do you happen to know where he went?" Belerick shook his head, "I'm afraid not."

After I heard he didn't know where Lancelot is, I sighed and lowered my head. Of course, this quest isn't going to be that quick and easy. But even one clue where he went must be helpful.

"Anyway, thank you, Belerick. I'm off to find him, now." I just smiled and walked towards my horse, mounting him. "It was nice seeing you, Guinevere. Be careful on your way." Belerick waves as I waved back at him and finally continued my way out the forest. I was glad I met Belerick. If it wasn't for him, I'd be lying dead on the grass.

If there could be anyone like him in the Land of Dawn, then they'd be a huge number of them.

'Soon...'

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