Page 106 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Raine groaned beside her. “She’s a terrifying wood nymph in a terrifying swamp and we get to go talk to her.”

“Um… is that why everyone’s dressed for battle?” she asked, attempting a joke.

“Precisely,” said Thorne. “Nelida is a seer. And while she is odd…” He glanced at Raine. “She isn’t that bad, and she’ll provide us with the answers we seek.”

Pulling herself together, Ava responded, “Okay, then. When do we leave?”

“Immediately,” replied Thorne.

“But what about breakfast?” asked Raine and Quinn in unison.

“Food has been packed for us. We must leave now to get there and back before dark.”

“This is a good place to rest,”said Casimir as the group walked through the woods, gesturing to a couple of fallen logs. Surrounded by trees, Ava looked around at the dense forest, birds chirping merrily in the early morning sunlight as the sound of a small stream babbled nearby.

They had been walking through the forests of the kingdom for about an hour. Before leaving, the staff outfitted them all with small satchels containing food and water and Ava was starving as she sat on a lichen covered log and opened a package from her bag containing bread, cured meats and cheeses.

Raine plopped down next to her. “Finally, breakfast,” he said as he opened his own food.

They ate silently for a few moments before she asked the group, “So where exactly, does this wood nymph live?”

“The Whispering Bog,” said Thorne. “We’re still an hour away.”

“Wow, that’s not an ominous name at all,” she mumbled, taking a bite of bread.

“You have no idea,” said Raine.

She looked at him. “So, I take it you’re scared of her?”

He scoffed. “I’m not scared. I just… she gives me the creeps.”

Quinn laughed from the log she was seated upon next to Thorne. “You’re a liar.”

Ava looked between all of them, waiting for an explanation.

Thorne spoke up. “The first time we ventured into The Whispering Bog, we were young. There were rumors about the wood nymph who could tell you your future and, feeling brave, we desired to see what it was like.”

“I told them it was a terrible idea,” said Jorrar before taking a sip of water.

Thorne nodded. “He did. But we snuck out and went anyway, against everyone’s wishes. We made it to the swamp, to her tree, but the moment she emerged Raine turned and ran all the way back to Mosshaven.”

Casimir chuckled. “He had nightmares for months after that.”

Raine shrugged. “Like I said, she’s creepy.”

“Don’t worry,” Ava said to Raine. “I’ll protect you from the mean old swamp witch.”

Raine smiled. “Why thank you, dainty human.”

Quinn looked at her. “Can you fight? Do you even know how to use a dagger?”

Ava’s shoulders slumped. “No. I took some classes to learn how to defend myself when I was younger, but they don’t teach you how to use weapons.”

“That’s useless,” said Quinn.

“I’m pretty good with a bow and arrow though,” she added. “I was on an archery team when I was in my twenties and won a lot of competitions.”

“See?” said Raine as he playfully patted Ava’s head. “She’ll come in handy after all. Besides, she killed that helwraith.”

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