Onward through the woods
It has been a day and a half since leaving, Elmwood. The sun was just passed the high noon mark as the three travelers walk along the forest trail. The trail is more like a single lane road being as it is the width of a horse's ass so carts can readily traverse it. Bearson, Aegis and Thodora carry their packs with tools and food.
Along the trail are some felled trees so the three decide to take a break for some food since it is another couple of hours until they reach the next village. They open their packs, share the food each has and laugh about assorted things when Bearson feels a stabbing pain on his calf.
"what the hell,"he yells smacking at his leg.
The beetle was injured in the blow and on the ground chittering.
"Damn Bugs," he says as he pulls his dagger from his belt; squashing the beetle under the hilt.
Aegis and Thodora each receive painful bites as hundreds of beetles flow out of the logs making loud chattering noises. The travelers jump up and each stomp the beetles near them as some of the bugs take flight to attack them. With arms flailing wildly, they fight off the bugs. Aegis quickly moves away, motioning his hands and chanting. The air turns frosty cold, freezing the beetles in flight and they drop to the ground, dead. Any left alive on the ground quickly run for the safety of the logs.
"It seems our respite has come to an end perhaps we should continue on before it gets dark," Aegis says.
Thodora picks up her pack, reaches inside and grabs an unlabeled jar. She tosses it to Bearson," restorative gel. Your bites aren't looking too good."
"Thanks," he says catching the jar.
Once the salve is applied and everything in order, they continue along the trail. After walking for a couple of hours, they see buildings and people milling about. They get checked into an inn for the night.
The next morning, Bearson wakes to find that Aegis and Thodora have left their rooms . Once downstairs, he is wondering where everyone is and why it is so quiet. There is no one in the common area. He walks to the door and looks up at he sky just as Aegis is coming towards him.
"Can everyone still be sleeping?", he asks," it is mid-morning."
"we were wondering the same thing," Aegis replies.
Thodora pushes the hood back on her cloak and seems to appear out of nowhere," until I saw the town sign, Welcome to MorgenMuffel."