The two were Knights of the Skull. A secretive order known for their ferocity and unwavering endurance in a fight. With those swords, it looked as if they could deal a large amount of damage as well. Emilio's words were not heeded, at least at first. The two seemed to not move for a good ten seconds, and it was hard to tell where their eyes were within the slits of their great helms. Wēlanandaz warning broke the silence, and not a moment later did the two suddenly move. An eerie palor would fall over most who saw them suddenly move, as it looked as possible as two statues that decided they were tired of standing still. 

"Follow us." One said. Which one was hard to tell, but the two didn't seem to wait for you to gather your thoughts of explain any of the things Emilio asked. 

Mercifully, the ground was far less broken and hilly now. It seemed to be almost a straight shot forward, though the trees and thickets were ever reaching and prominent around them, sometimes twigs/leaves clinging to Emilio's robes or Wēlanandaz's beard. The donkey seemed at ease at least, though if they were to try and get nearer the Knights, the donkey seemed oddly reluctant. 

Around half an hour later, the Knights would suddenly halt and split apart to allow your cart to pass. As you near the two, the trees give way to a stout stone wall looming out of the forested path, earthworks having separated the wall from the forest by about a dozen feet. Before you is a large wooden gateway, already slowly opening for the two of you to enter. The men atop the wall don't seem to be Knights of the Skull, or at least full fledged members. However the two would certainly see a few of them training in a small yard left of the gate, clinging to the side of the keep that shot into the sky. 

Olderin's Refuge, if this truly was the place, seemed to be a lowly built castle settlement, with two large walls sweeping over the landscape like a snake trying to push its form outwards. The keep, and the backgate the two now entered, was within the inner wall. The outer wall faced the north where the greater blackwood was located. As they entered, they saw two important aristocrats (judging by their clothing) speaking to one another near the training Knights, and a few squires and servants carrying horses to the stables across the way. Perhaps they would be better served finding work on the outer settlement?
[@Tony Pajamas][@Jb]