They rode for another two hours, slowing every so often. Ali suggested they make a few detours and run off the trails, and after the first hour they completely headed southeast regardless of where the trail led. Ali knew the trodden footpath would end soon sooner or later, it was better to fool their pursuers now. Assuming they were pursuing them, or if it was just a random band of...things. He didn't even know what they were until Mave confirmed his worst fear. They were trollocs. Beasts from the blight that preyed on children. "The Myrrdraal had to have scouts!" Mave called to Ali. "Do you think they were simply patrolling and didn't know who we were?" "We will need to hope." she replied, and they pressed further into the large cedars and oaks as the trees soon began to tower over them like mountains, and a low mist began to spread through the hilly region. As his fear of the Trollocs dissipated, Ali gained a new fear as they traveled further within and they slowed their horses. It had begun to be difficult to see where they rode if they kept up a swift pace, and once the excitement was done, they found themselves in the Forest of Shadows. The Great Blackwood, some called it. A primeval, impenetrable forest that no one entered, save for crazed lunatics like those bloody hunters of the horn. It was said that there was vast treasures to be found in the deep of this dark, claustrophobic wood. But many came back empty handed, and those that didn't, didn't come back at all. "We'll need to travel east after tomorrow," Ali said, far too loudly for his liking. The forest held a weight to it, and though he knew great birds lived here, he imagined they were too high up to make much noise on the forest floor. Here would only be great beasts and large game, other than perhaps the occasional fox or raccoon. "Why?" Mave asked as they cantered into a small clearing near a copse of tightly gathered trees, their roots so gnarled and interwoven, it was hard to tell which root was to which tree. This seemed as good of a spot as any to halt for the night. Dismounting, Ali took the bow and led his horse over to the tree to tie its reins. "Because south of here, between us and Ghealdan, is a river that is uncrossable. Or so the peddlers say when they visit. The water is too deep and rough." He helped her tend to the mule, and they began to gather sticks up to make a fire. Luckily, they were in a small, enclosed space in the woods. Whatever was out there, be it more trollocs or other creatures, they would be hard to spot even with a fire. "Where are you going?" Mave asked him, As Ali strung his new bow. "I'll grab us some dinner like I promised. A man has to keep his word." He replied simply. Though it was true, it was a clear indication of the typical obdurate Two Rivers thinking. Single minded until the very end. Mave shook her head. "We have food. You shouldn't go out alone." she said. "We need to keep our rations for later, and someone needs to watch the horses. I'll be back soon, I promise." He replied, and off he went into the treeline. [@Penny]